Developing land or repurposing existing structures can be profitable. It can also be frustrating, confusing and expensive. Before undertaking any development project, the developer must assemble a strong “team” of professionals. Usually, the team is comprised of: Site engineer Traffic engineer Architect Land Use Attorney Wetlands expert/engineer Depending upon unique circumstances, other specialties may be hired....
Client AlertsIt is Not an Early April Fools’ Joke: Give Your Employees the Required Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Notice TODAY
March 30, 2018
By Alicia J. Samolis and Michael A. Gamboli The Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (the “Act”) goes into effect on Sunday, April 1st, 2018. The Act, which applies to all Massachusetts employers with six or more employees, requires employers to provide pregnant workers or workers with pregnancy-related conditions with reasonable accommodations and protection from discrimination...
Businesses often have misconceptions when it comes to intellectual property issues. Here are a few questions and answers on topics about which clients often ask us for advice: Q: The Name is available at the Secretary of State’s Office, so it’s OK to use, right? A: Not always. Federal and common law trademark rights supersede...
Client AlertsEmployment & LaborWhy Your Company Will Be in Violation of the Massachusetts Equal Pay Law on July 1st – And How to Fix It
March 28, 2018
By Alicia J. Samolis and Michael A. Gamboli As described in our prior publications, an Act to Establish Pay Equity in Massachusetts (the “Equal Pay Law”) will go into effect on July 1, 2018. In basic terms, the Equal Pay Law requires Massachusetts employers to pay the same compensation to men and women performing “comparable” work. The Equal Pay...
Client AlertsAn Epic Win for Employers Across the Nation: What Employers Should Do To Avail Themselves of the Benefits of the New U.S. Supreme Court Decision
March 24, 2018
By Alicia J. Samolis and Michael A. Gamboli In a 5-4 decision this week, the Supreme Court ruled in Epic Systems v. Lewis that class action waivers in employer/employee arbitration agreements are as lawful and enforceable as any other contract (read the decision here). The Court’s decision rejects prior positions taken by the National Labor Relations Board...
Client AlertsEmployment & LaborProposed Rhode Island Sick Leave Regulations Fail to Provide Clarity and Will Increase Employer Headaches if Finalized
March 14, 2018
By Alicia J. Samolis and Michael A. Gamboli The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) has finally released its proposed regulations, 260-RICR-30-05-5 regarding the Rhode Island Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act (the “Sick Leave Law”). As we alerted you in October, the text of the Sick Leave Law – which will require employers with 18...
#METOO MOVEMENT Perhaps no social awareness story has generated more publicity in recent memory than the #METOO movement. In January, PS&H Employment Lawyer, Michael Gamboli joined Juli Parker, Assistant Dean of Students, Director of the Center for Women, Gender & Sexuality at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and Andre Silva, a Representative from the Massachusetts...
According to The Global Risks Report 2018 by the World Economic Forum, 64 percent of all malicious phishing emails sent in 2017 contained malware. Colin A. Coleman, a partner at Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP in Providence, chairs the firm’s Cyber Liability and Data Security division. He spoke with Providence Business News about the importance...
Client AlertsCraft Brewery Licensing in Rhode Island
January 18, 2018
Overview – A Three-Part Process Opening a craft beer brewery in Rhode Island requires interactions with three separate regulatory bodies; local towns and cities issue building, zoning and other local permits and retail liquor licenses, the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau (“TTB”) issues the federal brewery “basic permit”, and the Rhode Island Department...
Client AlertsCorporate & BusinessIntellectual PropertyCyber Insurance – Some Questions to Ask
January 15, 2018
Reports of large-scale data breaches, hacking and cyber attacks appear in the media almost daily. The recent Equifax breach alone has exposed sensitive personal information of over 143 million Americans. Phishing and ransomware attacks are also on the rise. Phishing attacks are used to steal user data, such as bank account or social security numbers...
