Insights
Client Alerts
Oregon Requires Arbitration and “Flow-Down” Provisions to Adhere to Ordinary Rules of Contract Interpretation
The Court of Appeals of Oregon has rendered a decision which merits notice by construction subcontractors regarding the enforcement of arbitration provisions and the way contracts are worded. (Eugene Water …
Sears Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
In the early morning hours of October 15, 2018, Sears Holding Corp. and various related entities filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District …
Sweeping Changes to Harassment Laws in California
Recently, Leech Tishman Partner Philip A. Toomey wrote about significant legislative measures that were approved by Governor Brown in response to the #MeToo movement. In particular, Senate Bill No. 1300 …
USPTO Announces Extension of The After Final Consideration Pilot 2.0
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) announced recently that its After Final Consideration Pilot 2.0 (“AFCP 2.0”) has been extended through September 30, 2019. Under the current patent …
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Expands Permissible Uses for 529 Plans
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which was recently enacted by Congress, expands permissible uses for 529 plans for education. 529 plans, which allow cash contributions to a tax-advantaged …
Governor Brown Approves Legislation Intended to Protect and Support Women, Children and Working Families Across California
In this session, the California Legislature sent to the Governor for approval 1,217 separate bills. The Governor had until September 30, 2018 to approve or veto the proposed legislation. By …
California Labor Code Update: Employees Have Right to Receive a Copy of Their Pay Statements from Employer
On September 17, 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation that is declaratory of Section 226 of the California Labor Code. Labor Code Section 226 currently requires, among other things, …
Walmart Not Liable for Sexual Assault of Employee on Co-employee
On September 27, 2018, a California court of appeal held an employer is not an absolute guarantor of the safety of all persons with whom its employees may have incidental …
Ohio Supreme Court Now Requires Real Estate Broker License for Landmen Negotiating Leases / Filing Claims for Compensation
On September 25, 2018, the Ohio Supreme Court rendered its opinion in Dundics v. Eric Petroleum Corp., Slip Opinion No. 2018-Ohio-3826, and ruled that oil and gas land professionals who …
With New Federal Fiscal Year Beginning on October 1, Tips for H-1B Employers and Cap-Gap Students
The new federal fiscal year begins on October 1, 2018, and those with approved H-1B petitions will be starting their employment under their new H-1B status at that time. Employers …