The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is delving deeper into the issue of greenwashing – a trend that has seen an influx with the rise in consumer awareness about climate change and the implications of the goods and services they purchase. There is a growing market for products flaunting their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) consciousness….
In a significant move that aligns with global sustainability trends, the UK government announced on August 2, 2023 that it plans to establish company sustainability disclosure standards. The proposed standards will be in place by July 2024, with the aim of enhancing the comparability and value of reported information for investors. This initiative demonstrates the…
The False Claims Act (FCA), a Civil War-era statute, has seen significant developments in recent times. This act, once chiefly associated with dealing with defense and other government contractors, now extends its scope far beyond those particular sectors due to a series of amendments. Enforced by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and qui tam…
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) concluded its 56th session in Vienna, Austria on July 25, 2023. This influential conference brought together legal scholars and practitioners from around the globe to discuss and shape the future of international trade law. According to the information provided by legal updates publisher JD Supra, numerous…
Bill C-13, otherwise known as An Act to amend the Official Languages Act, was given Royal Assent on June 20, 2023, establishing a significant legal reform for Québec’s employees. The act will enforce the use of French as a working language for workers in federally regulated private businesses. While the exact commencement date is yet…
The recent report by Law360 brings forth fascinating insights into the current state of legal employment. According to the report, law graduates of 2022 secured employment at a higher rate than any other class dating back to 1987. This serves as an encouraging sign for both aspiring lawyers and law schools, suggesting a promising market…
In the ever-evolving legal landscape, advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become significant contributors to the efficacy of legal work. An interesting development in this field has been the introduction of AI programs like ChatGPT or GPT-4 to facilitate legal tasks. What’s noteworthy here is that the dependability of these AI tools is…
The Inflation Reduction Act, commonly known as the IRA, has instigated several tax credit incentives that pertain to considerable investments in energy projects. A key credit among these is the section 48C investment tax credit, also known as the 48C Credit. Initially offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this tax credit…
In a recent court ruling by the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas, partial relief was granted to the Texas Bankers Association, Rio Bank, and the American Bankers Association (ABA) from compliance with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Final Rule. More known as the “Small Business Lending Rule Under the Equal Credit…
The topic of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Management Directive 715 (MD-715) is both important and complex. Government agencies must rigorously prepare their annual filings for the EEOC MD-715, in conjunction with their regular self-assessments to locate and remove any potential barriers obstructing equal employment opportunity. This process has taken on even greater significance following…
In the continually evolving world of digital finance, Non-Fungible Tokens or NFTs have become a hot topic for debate – particularly in tax law. Many legal professionals, especially those associated with significant corporations and law firms, are grappling with the complex and uncharted tax issues surrounding these unique cryptocurrency assets. For those unacquainted, NFTs are…
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”), which took effect on June 27, 2023, has significant implications for covered employers, including law firms and corporations. The legislation mandates that employers provide “reasonable accommodations” for the clearly defined restrictions of an employee with regards to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless such accommodation causes “undue hardship”…
As legal professionals around the globe reflect on the first year of the Biden Administration, they must take into account the changes implemented in enforcement guidance and policy. These changes pertain not only to criminal self-disclosures but also the deference to state regulators. In a published report found on JD Supra , it becomes clear…
In a recent ruling by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), staking rewards from certain cryptocurrencies are to be considered taxable income. This extends to taxpayers using a cash method of accounting who receive additional units of a cryptocurrency because of their staking activities. Under the new guidelines, these taxpayers must now include the fair market…
On July 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) granted a further extension for U.S. persons’ right to pursue action against collateral backing the Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., more commonly known as PdVSA’s defaulted 2020 8.5% bonds. This decision was facilitated through General License (GL) 5L, a part…
Amid a debate about the true commitment of top law firms to correcting performance issues among younger members of their teams, CEO Bryan Parker of Legal Innovators suggests timing couldn’t be better for an enlightened approach. The Legal Innovators, a diversity-oriented talent startup launched four years ago, is focusing on bolstering the performance of Big…
The Canadian federal government has officially published a template to guide employers in the preparation of mandatory employment statement. This follows changes to the Canada Labour Code and its regulations that were implemented on July 9, 2023. These amendments necessitate federal Crown corporations and federally-regulated employers operating within the private sector to provide a written…
In a development that merits significant attention amongst corporate legal professionals, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has altered federal labor law in a move that favors employees. Notably, this recent reversal pertains to the NLRB’s method for executing the legality of neutral workplace rules under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). This decision, as…
The US Department of the Treasury-led Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) recently released its annual report for calendar year 2022, providing valuable insights into CFIUS’ review process. It also offers detailed statistics relating to covered foreign transactions that were filed in the preceding year. The full report can be accessed here….
A recent survey conducted by Pontera reveals a marked inclination among financial advisors towards 401(k)s in contrast to Individual Retirement Account (IRA) rollovers – a preference that ought to be considered against the backdrop of corporate financial decision-making practices. The survey’s findings are elucidated in an article written by Ary Rosenbaum from The Rosenbaum Law…
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has initiated a lawsuit against a home care provider on grounds of alleged race and national origin discrimination. The lawsuit revolves around allegations that the provider unlawfully adjusted work assignments to satisfy its clients’ preferences. According to the brief, the home care provider allegedly fell in line with…
The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) recently proposed a rule carrying significant revisions to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. This move is part of a broader implementation of amendments directed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, and reflects the Biden administration’s priorities surrounding climate change and environmental justice. This proposed rule,…
In early June, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), known as “the Board,” proposed comprehensive amendments that could potentially result in a substantial shift in auditor responsibilities. The proposed changes concern how auditors take into account noncompliance with laws and regulations. According to a summary from JD Supra, these modifications could represent a pivotal…
The realm of corporate governance has been rife with key developments as of August 2023. In this summary, we will review and analyze the most notable movements, with a particular focus on their impact on corporations and law firms in the United Kingdom. For legal professionals seeking to stay abreast of such developments, clear and…
In a move that has left many legal professionals scratching their heads, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled that workplace rules could potentially be deemed unlawful if employees or unions claim that they are. This sweeping statement, now embedded in U.S labor law, comes with the potential for numerous ramifications and has sparked…