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Teleworking and an Employer’s Woes of Record Keeping
/in General, Insight Labor and Employment /by Dave RheaIn this era of Covid-19, many employees who have never had the opportunity to telework are now, out of necessity, teleworking. This creates many challenges for employers – and none is more important than the employer’s obligation to exercise reasonable diligence in tracking teleworking employees’ hours of work. The Wage and Hour Division of the […]
New York Federal Court invalidates department of labor FFCRA regulations creating potential nationwide ramifications
/in General, Insight Labor and Employment /by Dave RheaBy Phoebe B. Mitchell On August 3, 2020, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York invalidated multiple Department of Labor (DOL) regulations interpreting the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Congress’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The FFCRA provides paid leave to employees unable to work during the coronavirus crisis. […]
Does COVID-19 constitute a material adverse effect?
/in Insight Mergers and Acquisitions /by Nathan HatcherGavel to Gavel appears in The Journal Record. This column was originally published in The Journal Record on August 6, 2020. By Phillips Murrah Attorney Travis E. Harrison In addition to a vast human toll, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on businesses, markets and supply chains. With infections still spreading, businesses have suffered cash and liquidity constraints and […]
What is the status of evictions and foreclosures in Oklahoma amidst the COVID 19 pandemic?
/in Insight Real Estate Litigation, Bankruptcy and Restructuring, Real Estate Transactions /by Dave RheaBy Gretchen M. Latham In March 2020, the State Supreme Court entered an Order extending statutory deadlines, which included an extension of any answer deadline on pending civil cases. For foreclosure actions, that means many borrowers were given additional time to reply to a Petition in Foreclosure. However, even though the State Supreme Court subsequently […]
Equine Estate Planning: What if your horses outlive you?
/in Insight Private Wealth, Estate Planning and Business Succession /by Nathan HatcherThe following column was originally published in OklahomaHorses Magazine’s July/August 2020 issue. By Phillips Murrah Attorney Kendra M. Norman It is not an easy topic of discussion, but as a horse owner, it is important to consider the care of your horses after your passing. To ensure proper care and management, it is imperative to […]
ALERT: Supreme Court ruling impacts property and title rights across large portion of Oklahoma
/in General, Insight Real Estate Litigation, Real Estate Transactions, Oil and Natural Gas Title Examination, Oil and Natural Gas Transactions, Tax Law /by Dave RheaThe outcome of Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling could have far-reaching implications for the State of Oklahoma and its citizens as it relates to property rights and land titles, taxation, and other matters involving tribal affairs.
Efficiency programs help reduce energy load, costs
/in Insight Energy and Natural Resources Practice /by Nathan HatcherThe following column was originally published in The Journal Record on June 30, 2020. By Phillips Murrah Attorney C. Eric Davis Summer’s here. That means warmer weather – and higher electric bills. However, there are ways to reduce your energy usage and save money. And chances are your utility company already has programs in place […]
Texas Lawyer: Mid-Market Strategy to Achieve Cost Reductions that Clients Seek
/in General, Insight /by Dave Rhea[TEXAS LAWYER] Providing experienced, mid-market shareholders at a lower billing rate improves efficiency, enhances value and achieves cost reductions that clients seek.
Supreme Court Rules Title VII Protects Gay and Transgender Employees
/in General, Insight Labor and Employment /by Dave RheaToday, the Supreme Court clarified that “[a]n individual’s homosexuality or transgender status is not relevant to employment decisions” and that “[a]n employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law.”
SB 1928: Key changes to ABLE laws make curbside sales and delivery of alcohol permanent
/in General, Insight Franchise Law /by Dave Rhea[ALCOHOL SALES] The passage of Senate Bill 1928 in the last days of the session effectively made the ABLE Commission’s previous directives about curbside sales and delivery of alcohol permanent.
Governor Signs S.B. 300 Providing Immunity for Physicians, Hospitals and Other Providers
/in Insight, Healthcare Healthcare Law /by Nathan Hatcher[HEALTH PROVIDER LIABILITY] The recently-approved Oklahoma Senate Bill 300 grants civil liability protection to health providers through October 2020 in the event of loss or harm to a person at a facility where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses exist, with some exceptions.
Returning to Work – A Post-Pandemic Workplace Safety Guide
/in General, Insight Labor and Employment /by Dave Rhea[EMPLOYMENT LAW] Post-Pandemic Workplace Safety Guide – Based on OSHA guidance and the inevitable surge of litigation in the post-pandemic US, employers should act now to both protect their employees and minimize potential liability. Before employees return to the workplace, employers should do this:
Affidavit of Support Implications in Divorce in Marriage-Based Immigration
/in General, Insight Divorce & Legal Separations, Family Law /by Dave RheaBy Cassity B. Gies & Sajani “Ann” Zachariah This article originally appeared in the FEB 2020 Oklahoma Bar Journal. Being the spouse of a United States citizen is the most common way to attain lawful permanent resident status, informally referred to as “getting a green card.” Each year, the United States Citizen and Immigration Services […]
CARES Act and independent contractors – How businesses can mitigate risk related to CARES Act unemployment claims
/in Insight Real Estate Litigation, Construction Law, Real Estate Transactions, Real Estate and Land Use /by Nathan Hatcher[INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS] This article is geared towards businesses that regularly use independent contractors who may file claims for unemployment insurance benefits—discussing the risks involved and how businesses can mitigate those risks.
[UPDATE] SBA, Treasury extended the safe harbor repayment date for PPP loans
/in General, Insight Business Law, Financial Institutions /by Dave Rhea[PPP Loans] Treasury’s May 5 guidance update extends PPP repayment date for the safe harbor to May 14. Initially, the repayment date was May 7. Click through for details.