As previously reported, in May 2016, the Department of Labor issued a “Final Rule” that significantly changes employer overtime pay obligations under federal law. Specifically, the Final Rule increases the minimum salary threshold for an employee to qualify for a “white-collar” overtime exemption from $455 per week (or $23,660 per year) to $913 per week...
By Eugene G. Bernardo II No one can deny the U.S. Senate’s authority in the judicial nominating process. However, something terribly wrong has happened as that majestic body has aggrandized and distorted its role in excess of our founders’ intent. If the rule of law is to survive in its traditional form, the judicial confirmation...
Client AlertsReal EstateReal Estate Ownership: Rhode Island
November 19, 2016
Real Estate Ownership: Rhode Island
CannabisClient AlertsOpportunities and Risks – How Will the New Massachusetts Recreational Marijuana Law Affect You and Your Business?
November 9, 2016
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Massachusetts law will create unique opportunities and risks for businesses in light of marijuana still being an illegal controlled substance under federal law. Bill Moorman highlights some of the challenges for those looking to invest in and operate companies that will grow, process and sell marijuana, as well as...
Client AlertsOpportunities and Risks – How Will the New Massachusetts Recreational Marijuana Law Affect You and Your Business?
November 9, 2016
If you are interested in being kept up-to-date on the issues impacting this industry, please provide your contact information here. On November 8, Massachusetts voters cast their ballots in favor of Question 4, beginning the process by which businesses and individuals may legally grow, sell and possess marijuana for recreational purposes in Massachusetts. The Regulation and Taxation...
Client AlertsGot A Priority Bankruptcy Claim? Nothing To Worry About Then, Right? Wrong.
November 3, 2016
It is a fundamental rule of bankruptcy that the claims of junior creditors cannot be satisfied until the claims of more senior creditors are paid in full, absent the senior creditors’ consent. In a chapter 7 liquidation case, 11 U.S.C. § 507 establishes a priority scheme which mandates that certain claims, such as for wages,...
Client AlertsEmployment & LaborLooming Effective Dates for New OSHA Recordkeeping Rule: Is Your Company Ready for Public Shaming for Workplace Injuries and OSHA’s Unfettered Oversight of Retaliation Protections?
November 1, 2016
By Alicia J. Samolis Earlier this year the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (“OSHA”) published a new rule that attempts to shame employers into lowering workplace injuries and gives OSHA much broader discretion to regulate retaliation by employers. The rule’s new requirements take effect in the coming months. Changes to OSHA’s Recordkeeping Requirements Require Employers...
Client AlertsReal EstateJudge upholds approval of redevelopment for extended-stay hotel
October 27, 2016
The Providence Zoning Board of Review’s decision to approve master and preliminary plans for an extended-stay hotel was not arbitrary, capricious or clearly erroneous, a Superior Court judge has ruled. Neighbors of the proposed redevelopment in Providence objected to the project, arguing that it was incorrectly zoned as an extended-stay hotel when it more accurately...
Client AlertsCommercial & Public FinanceLawyer: 1st Circuit answers ‘unique question of law’ in redistricting case A quick word with … Normand Benoit
October 20, 2016
Fallout from the city of Cranston’s 2012 redistricting plan, which included 3,433 prison inmates in one voting ward’s population count, evolved into a legal fight that ultimately reached the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Last month, in Davidson, et al. v. City of Cranston, Rhode Island, a 1st Circuit panel reversed U.S. District Court...
Client AlertsCorporate & BusinessIntellectual PropertyProtecting Your Intellectual Property Rights When Buying or Selling Your Agency
October 18, 2016
Every agency today owns valuable intellectual property (IP) which should be protected. Unfortunately, the day-to-day rigors of running a successful business typically push IP protection to the bottom of the to-do list. But if you are selling or buying an agency, IP protection issues quickly become part of the due diligence review process. For sellers,...
