On August 2, 2023, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) issued a final ruling that has significant implications for the world of small business financing. This ruling curbs certain individuals and entities from engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices (UDAAP) when offering or providing commercial financing or other financial…
In recent years, California has been taking measures to ensure transparency and fairness in their lending industry, specifically in relation to small businesses, nonprofits and family farms. Governor Newsom signed AB 1864 into law three years ago, giving the Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) the authority to define what counts as unfair, deceptive,…
Interest on federal student loans will start accruing again in a few days, with payments set to restart in October. Borrowers face a choice between standard repayment plans that offer a fixed timeline for full balance repayment, forbearance, or an income driven repayment (IDR) plan where monthly payments are determined based on income. These include…
Popular Austrian crystal and jewelry firm, Swarovski, announced Stephan Mechnig as its new Chief Legal and Compliance Officer effective from October 1st. This appointment follows the company’s recent shift from a family-managed to a family-owned business. This transition was marked last year, when former McKinsey & Co. executive Alexis Nasard was picked out as the…
Expecting mothers in the workforce may anticipate smoother sailing ahead as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) comes into operation. The PWFA is set to provide substantial protections to employees and applicants who experience known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Crucially, employers are now mandated to provide reasonable accommodations, unless such…
The state of Oregon is poised to roll out its Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program soon, which is expected to greatly impact both employers and employees. As a legal professional, it’s crucial to understand the workings of this new program in order to advise clients adequately. According to a recent report by law…
When it comes to mounting a compelling trial argument, establishing a clear and focused theme is crucial yet often overlooked. This maxim has been increasingly explored by legal professionals, crystallized in Robert Tyson’s piece “Every Trial Argument Needs a Theme: Here’s Why & How to Create One” on JD Supra. In his analysis, Tyson asserts…
In a volatile economy, corporate restructures, mergers, and acquisitions are increasingly common occurrences. As this tendency rises, a range of employment-related matters comes into sharp focus and warrants thorough examination prior to a business transaction. Principally, these considerations revolve around the target company’s obligations and liabilities tied to employment, which, given the transaction’s structure, may…
One of the most recent developments within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a matter of significant interest to legal professionals, involves the careful choice of language by the EPA’s Assistant Administrator, Uhlmann. Specifically, Uhlmann employed the word “if” in the context of the potential designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances. This tenderly…
The COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating impact has led to a wave of personal injury claims from families of those severely affected by the disease. These claims, particularly cases involving employees supposedly acquiring COVID while on the job, are often brought before state courts. However, according to Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP, these claims may not…
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently published numerous revisions to its Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, often referred to as the Handbook. Some key amendments have been flagged that might impact legal processes and professionals within the biggest corporations and law firms. The revisions include notably the removal of exemptions…
The enduring debate surrounding women’s struggle to maintain both a family and career is well-known. However, this perspective may not address the real issue at stake. The topic has sparked countless discussions and debates to which I have actively contributed. For most of my adult life, I’ve found the discourse to be frustratingly superficial and…
In a remarkable display of philanthropy, Parker S. Kennedy, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Chapman University, has made a donation of $15 million to the university’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law. This generous gift is one of the largest in the institution’s history. The Kennedy name holds significant prominence at the Fowler…
In a recent and rather unusual case, the court has upheld an order nullifying a marriage between an uncle and his niece. The case, Allebach v. Gollub, began when a dispute over a will led to the declaration that the uncle’s marriage to his second wife – who was also his niece – was in…
In a recent turn of events, the White House announced the introduction of the SAVE Plan on August 22. As reported by JDSupra recently, this initiative represents an income-driven repayment plan designed to calculate payment requisites predicated on a borrower’s income and family size rather than the remaining balance of the loan. The proposal brings…
More than four years since the enactment of Oregon’s Paid Family Medical Leave Act into law, paid leave benefits are set to be available to Oregon employees starting September 3, 2023. This development marks a significant milestone in the state’s labor rights history. With applications for benefits, toolkits, and quick start guides now accessible on…
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s legal troubles are burgeoning at a time when the race for the 2024 presidential election is gaining momentum. According to Bloomberg, Trump, who is preparing for another bid for the White House, potentially faces as many as six criminal and civil cases in the coming year. These cases include lawsuits…
Legal heavyweights White & Case and Nishimura & Asahi have been serving as counsel in a significant transaction in the corporate world – the unsolicited takeover bid for Tokyo-listed marine construction firm, Toyo Construction, by investment company Yamauchu-No.10 Family Office. One of the largest investment firms in Japan, Yamauchu-No.10 manages approximately $1.5 billion in assets…
38-year-old Burmese hip-hop artist Byu Har has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for purportedly criticizing the military leadership in Myanmar. His verdict was revealed by a family member who shared the information with the Associated Press. Har’s arrest on May 24 followed a live-stream on Facebook in which he referred to the current…
The Supreme Court of the Netherlands has ruled that Palestinians cannot proceed with a lawsuit against Israeli military officers for their alleged involvement in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip in 2014. The lawsuit is directed toward Benny Gantz, former military veteran and subsequent politician, and Amir Eshel, former Chief of Air Staff, who are…
A Maryland federal judge denied on Thursday a request from parents to ‘opt-out’ their children from LGBTQ+ history and topics education. The case, Mahmoud v. McKnight, involved three families with elementary-aged children who objected on religious grounds to the use of storybooks featuring LGBTQ+ characters in the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) system. The lawsuit…
Famed actor Alec Baldwin has repeatedly found himself in the midst of legal battles, and this time, he’s back in court on defamation charges. A defamation suit, seeking $25 million in damages, has been revived for a family that has unsuccessfully attempted to sue Baldwin multiple times before. Naturally, with such a high sum on…
The lull of late summer often brings with it a shift in focus. As businesses move into the last quarter of the year, the specter of year-end tax planning starts to loom large. But did you know that now might be the perfect time to consider another form of planning: gift giving? While gift-giving may…
Despite the substantial amount of reading required in day-to-day legal work, some lawyers struggle to find the same enjoyment in reading outside of work, according to a recent editorial on Above The Law. Before entering the law profession, many found joy in novels and various non-fiction topics, relishing the opportunities to delve into an intriguing…
The melodies of Rick Ross have often intertwined with lavish descriptors of life, carving an upmarket rap niche that leaves even the likes of Robin Leach intrigued. Behind the smooth flow and luxury imagery is a web of legal narratives, stories, and lessons that have emerged from Ross’s journey as a rapper and entrepreneur. These…