By James P. McGlone Earlier this year, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was indicted in an Alabama federal court on charges of wire fraud, false statements, and conspiracy. The superseding indictment filed on June 2, 2026, sets forth grand jury allegations of a scheme in which the SPLC “fund[ed] the leaders and organizers of...
By Travis J. McDermott Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is transforming the legal industry by automating many routine tasks, shifting billing models, and forcing courts to establish new rules on privacy and the use of AI tools. While AI is not yet “replacing lawyers,” it can already empower legal professionals to work more efficiently, shifting their focus...
By Alexander “Sasha” Meyer As military servicemembers transition to life as a civilian, they are met with a variety of personal and financial challenges. To meet those challenges, the Department of Veterans Affairs (“V.A.”) provides those who served with numerous benefits – namely healthcare, insurance, tuition assistance, home loans, and employment resources. While those benefits...
By Allison L. Fleet and Kelley J. Decena Effective June 28, 2026, Rhode Island officially adopted regulations implementing the state’s new Non-Owner Occupied Residential Property Tax, commonly referred to as the “Taylor Swift Tax.” Beginning with the tax year commencing July 1, 2026, the tax, which is in addition to property taxes owners already pay...
By Jordan A. Walsh Charitable solicitation registration is an often-overlooked aspect of nonprofit compliance. While organizations typically focus on maintaining their tax-exempt status, corporate governance, and fundraising initiatives, they should also understand the charitable solicitation laws of each state in which they seek donations. Because these laws are governed primarily at the state level, registration...
By Hannah Y. Amadei Your name and brand communicate trust to donors, partners, and communities. That trust is goodwill, built over time, and is directly tied to how effectively you can raise funds, attract volunteers, and deliver programs. If another group starts using a confusingly similar name or even misuses yours, the trust you have...
By Elizabeth O. Manchester and Kelley J. Decena Nonprofits that prepare early are better positioned to access credit quickly when needs arise. Lenders move faster and negotiate more favorably when an organization’s governance, regulatory, and financial house is in order. The following steps help ensure your nonprofit is “lender-ready” on short notice. First, maintain accurate...
By Michael A. Gamboli, Alicia J. Samolis, and Kevin J. Keenan On April 27, 2026, a Suffolk Superior Court jury returned what is believed to be the first verdict in Massachusetts validating a retaliation claim under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFMLA), G.L. c. 175M. In Boyle v. Wayfair, the jury awarded...
By Russell J. Stein At the start of every year my social media algorithms are often inundated with ads for “tax strategists” and ways to decrease your taxes. New this year (at least to me) are posts providing “advice” on how to minimize income tax withholding from wages. Employers (and employees) should be forewarned that...
By Lawrence J. Sheh, Alicia J. Samolis, Michael A. Gamboli, and Madeline M. Ursini On October 22, 2025, in Nunez v. Syncsort Incorporated, et al., the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed the decision of the Massachusetts appellate court holding retention and change-of-control bonuses are not considered wages under the Massachusetts Wage Act. The decision provides important...
