Firm Insights

EPA finalized a rule that aims to improve transparency and establish consistent procedures for the issuance of agency guidance documents… The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized a rule that aims to improve transparency and establish consistent procedures for the issuance of agency guidance documents. The Final Rule was drafted in response to President Donald […]

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has increased most of its patent fees, with the changes taking effect on October 2, 2020. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has increased most of its patent fees, with the changes taking effect on October 2, 2020. The fees have increased between 4 percent and 25 […]

The Department of Labor (DOL) wants to make it easier for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors… The Department of Labor (DOL) wants to make it easier for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors. The DOL’s recently published rule proposal establishes a new framework for determining when employers may legally classify workers as […]

While the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on many existing businesses, it has also created new opportunities for budding entrepreneurs... While the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on many existing businesses, it has also created new opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. As social distancing, remote learning, and telecommuting have become the new normal, many online businesses are […]

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a warning to trademark owners about an ongoing email scam involving correspondence that purports to be from the USPTO... The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a warning to trademark owners about an ongoing email scam involving correspondence that purports to be from the […]

The perfect storm of COVID-19 and the flu is expected to descend on New York and New Jersey this fall... The perfect storm of COVID-19 and the flu is expected to descend on New York and New Jersey this fall. Employers understandably want to take all reasonable precautions to keep their workers safe. But can […]

NJDOE recently issued guidance on educator evaluations for the 2020-2021 school year… The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) recently issued guidance on educator evaluations for the 2020-2021 school year. The guidance reflects the new and challenging circumstances teachers, administrators, and students are facing this year, including hybrid and remote learning. “For educators and students […]

If you haven’t yet updated your contracts to address COVID-19, time is of the essence... If you haven’t yet updated your contracts to address COVID-19, time is of the essence. The ongoing pandemic has created a wide range of unique issues that can impact the parties’ respective rights and responsibilities. For instance, do your contracts […]

The EEOC recently released new guidance regarding opioid addiction and employment… Although COVID-19 remains a top compliance concern for New York and New Jersey employers, it’s important to remember that regulators continue to address a wide range of other issues. On August 5, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released new guidance regarding opioid addiction and […]

The NJDEP and Office of the Attorney General (OAG) recently filed 12 new environmental enforcement actions… The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Office of the Attorney General (OAG) recently filed 12 new environmental enforcement actions involving alleged contamination in minority and lower-income communities. The suits are the latest in a series of […]

While many offices are reopening, not all workers are comfortable returning to work right now... While many offices are reopening, not all workers are comfortable returning to work right now. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued guidance regarding when employers will be required to grant telework accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act […]

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently issued the first of its kind guidance describing its enforcement approach to enforcing the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently issued the first of its kind guidance describing its enforcement approach to enforcing the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). According to FinCEN, the objective […]