Alerts
Questions to Consider Before Deferring Employee Social Security Tax Payments
On August 28, 2020, the IRS issued guidance (PDF) implementing the August 8, 2020 Presidential Memorandum allowing employers to defer withholding and payment of the employee portion of FICA (Social Security) taxes for certain employees. The Presidential Memorandum and the IRS guidance are clearly intended to put more money in workers’ pockets -- at least temporarily -- but the program raises important questions for employers. Read more.
September 8, 2020
Alerts: Employment Law
New California Law Makes it Easier for Certain Musicians, Writers, Photographers and Content Providers to Be Deemed Independent Contractors
There’s important news for many individual creatives and the companies that hire them. On September 4th, California expanded the list of professions and employees that are exempt from the so-called “ABC test” – a test governing classification of certain workers. The expansive new law covers many industries, but will have a particularly large impact on the media, entertainment and advertising community. Read more.
September 8, 2020
Alerts
COVID-19 Surge Postpones or Delays Los Angeles Civil Jury Trials
Here’s an update on how the pandemic is affecting jury trials in Los Angeles federal and state courts. Read more.
September 1, 2020
Alerts: Estate Planning Law
How COVID-19 Affects Estate Planning Today
The pandemic has prompted many of our clients and friends to focus on their estate planning -- finalizing Wills and estate planning documents that had been in progress, or just getting the planning process started with a new sense of urgency. Read more.
August 31, 2020
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Alerts: Sports Law
August Sports Industry News 2020
Here’s what’s happening at the intersection of sports, marketing, and entertainment law as we head into Fall. Read more.
August 27, 2020
Alerts
First “Win” for Businesses Against Insurers in COVID-19 Coverage Lawsuits
Here’s some good news for businesses seeking COVID-19-related “business interruption” coverage from their insurance carriers. Read more.
August 24, 2020
Alerts: Employment Law
New York Court Strikes Key Provisions of the US DOL’s Rule Regarding FFCRA Paid Sick and Expanded FMLA Leave
On August 3, 2020, Judge J. Paul Oetken of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York struck down four provisions of the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) regulations (the “Final Rule”) implementing elements of the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (“FFCRA”) (the “Decision”). Read more.
August 18, 2020
Alerts: Employment Law
5 Tips for When COVID-19 Comes to Your Media Production
You’ve mastered the guidance. You’ve implemented the procedures. You’ve followed all the rules to keep your production safe from COVID-19. But somehow, one of your production team members has tested positive for the virus. What next? Read more.
August 18, 2020
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Alerts
New York Extends COVID-Related Real Estate Laws
On August 5, Governor Cuomo extended the New York Executive Orders affecting tenants and property owners and on August 12, 2020, New York’s Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks procedurally extended the eviction moratorium. Read more.
August 18, 2020
Alerts
IRS Reminds Taxpayers About “Home Office” Deduction Eligibility
With so many people currently working from home, the IRS apparently thought it would be an appropriate time to remind U.S. taxpayers about the availability of “home office” deductions and, in particular, whether they can be claimed when filing 2020 tax returns next year. Read more.
August 11, 2020
Alerts: Estate Planning Law
New York Remote Document Execution Expires August 5th
New York State Executive Order 202.48, issued July 6, 2020, which extended New York’s remote document execution procedures, is set to expire on August 5, 2020. Read more.
August 4, 2020
Alerts: In the Press
HBO Inks First-Look Deal With SVP Talent Development Kelly Edwards
The Hollywood Reporter mentions Lisa E. Davis as counsel to Kelly Edwards. Ms. Edwards will transition from her executive role to focus solely on writing and producing content for HBO, HBOMax and Turner. View Article
August 3, 2020
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Alerts
New York Revises Real Estate Foreclosure Procedures
On March 20, Governor Cuomo issued a blanket moratorium on foreclosure by lenders of any residential or commercial property until June 20, 2020. This protection was extended to August 20, 2020 for residential or commercial mortgages owned by someone “that is eligible for unemployment insurance or benefits under state or federal law or otherwise facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 24, 2020, New York’s Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks procedurally extended the foreclosure moratorium by forbidding until August 20, 2020: (1) entertaining or deciding any foreclosure cases other than motions to discontinue a pending case and (2) issuing judgments of foreclosure except for vacant and abandoned property. Read more.
July 28, 2020
Alerts: Entertainment Law
New York City Reopens for Film and Television Production
On July 17, 2020 NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that, with the City entering Phase Four of Reopening on Monday July 20th, 2020, film and television production in the City can restart again in earnest. Read more.
July 21, 2020
Alerts: Estate Planning Law
New York Extends Remote Document Execution to August 5, 2020
By Executive Order 202.48 issued July 6, 2020, New York’s remote document execution procedures are extended through August 5, 2020. Read more.
July 7, 2020
Alerts
Payment Protection Program Extended through August 8, 2020
On July 3rd, President Trump signed legislation extending the application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program until August 8th. Read more.
July 7, 2020
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Alerts
New York Updates Pandemic Foreclosure Procedures
On March 20, Governor Cuomo issued a blanket moratorium on foreclosure by lenders of any residential or commercial property until June 20, 2020. This protection was extended to August 20, 2020 for those residential or commercial mortgages owned by someone “that is eligible for unemployment insurance or benefits under state or federal law or otherwise facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Read more.
June 30, 2020
Alerts
PPP Application Process Updates
Here are two important news items for businesses participating in, or seeking to participate in, the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Read more.
June 30, 2020
Alerts: Sports Law
June Sports Industry News 2020
Here’s what’s happening at the intersection of sports, marketing, and entertainment law as we enter summer. Read more.
June 29, 2020
Alerts: Employment Law
Reopening: Can an Employer Require Antibody Testing For Returning Employees?
Last week, the EEOC updated its COVID-19-related guidance for employers, titled What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws. In general, this EEOC resource contains important guidance to help employers implement strategies to navigate the impact of COVID-19 in the workplace. In the most recent update, the EEOC answered the question: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), may an employer require antibody testing before permitting employers to re-enter the workplace? Read more.
June 23, 2020
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Alerts: Employment Law
California Employees Who Refuse to Return to Work Risk Loss of Unemployment Benefits
Here’s some news for California employers and employees wrestling with the question of how to return to work. Read more.
June 16, 2020
Alerts: Employment Law
EEOC Updates Key Guidance for Employers Reopening Workplaces
The EEOC updated What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws. The update contains important new guidance to help employers manage employee requests lawfully while reopening offices and other workplaces. Read more.
June 16, 2020
Alerts: Employment Law
California Courts Lift Certain COVID-19 Restrictions and Begin Preparations to Fully Reopen
As the COVID-19 crisis eases, California courts have removed certain restrictions that had been put in place to reduce pandemic-related harm. Read more.
June 16, 2020
Alerts
Tax Alert: Emergency Tax Deferral Period is Almost Over
In previous Tax Alerts (here and here), we advised you that most April 1 - July 14, 2020 federal tax filing and payment deadlines had been extended to July 15, 2020. Read more.
June 16, 2020
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Alerts: Entertainment Law
Los Angeles County Authorizes Television, Film, and Music Production Resume on June 12, 2020 With Strict Regulations
On June 11, Los Angeles County approved a staged resumption of film and TV production beginning June 12, 2020. However, it comes with extensive regulations. Read more.
June 16, 2020