Two years after the public debut of ChatGPT, the adoption of artificial intelligence by companies throughout North America continues apace. This increased use of AI in the corporate world has, in turn, spurred continuing conversations about AI’s utility and value in the workplace along with its potential risks. Littler recently conducted its “2024 AI C-Suite Survey Report,” … [More]
How Employers Are Harnessing AI’s Value while Reining in the Risks
Developing employee policies around its use is critical
Buying or Selling a Business? Look Out for Employee Benefits Issues!
There could be unexpected impacts on liabilities and more
When a company is bought, sold, merged or reorganized, unexpected employee benefits issues may surface that can significantly affect the structure of the deal, liabilities and future benefit plan design for the surviving entity and its employees. Those buying, selling or merging businesses should consider the following situations in the early stages of exploring potential … [More]
Unpaid Wages, Compensation and Tips, Oh My!
Three legal issues employers need to know
It sure seems like wage-and-hour lawsuits are flooding Arizona court dockets these days. And most of the defendants appear to be small to mid-size business owners. These lawsuits — typically brought by employees against their former employers — usually arise from one of the following three situations: Unpaid overtime wages Unpaid commissions Unpaid tips This … [More]
Next Steps for Victims of Business Email Compromise Scams
Recently, more companies have fallen victim to what is known as “business email compromise” (BEC) scams. The Federal Bureau of Investigation defines a business email compromise scam as a sophisticated email fraud scheme through which a fraudster contacts businesses and individuals to unlawfully obtain money. The common fact pattern is this: A fraudster hacks into an entity’s … [More]
Valley Law Firm Launches AI Initiative, Combines with Tech-Driven Boutique Firm
Fennemore, a trailblazing law firm recognized as the fastest-growing Am Law 200 firm in the U.S., announced the launch of Project BlueWave, an ambitious technology initiative designed to revolutionize legal services through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and flat- and alternative-fee pricing. Project BlueWave represents a major investment in the … [More]
Using Famous Artwork: Perils in the Public Domain
A dangerous path awaits Arizona businesses looking to profit from famous art now in the public domain
Earlier this year, Steamboat Willie, the original version of Mickey Mouse from 1928, officially lost its copyright protection held by Disney and moved into the “public domain.” Only one day later, Variety reported that Steven LaMorte is set to direct an untitled horror-comedy about “a sadistic mouse” that “torment[s] a group of unsuspecting ferry passengers.” Likewise, the 1926 … [More]
A Short Guide to Navigating a Business Breakup
Set ground rules in advance to mitigate potential issues
Business co-ownership can end for many reasons — disputes, divorce, death, liability, sickness, retirement or even criminal activity. These breakups can be complex and emotional, not unlike the dissolution of a marriage. But proactively planning for “the end,” even one that may never come, is a best practice. Recognizing the Need for a Business Divorce Today Most people do … [More]
How to Determine If You Need to File Bankruptcy
National nonprofit credit counseling agency Take Charge America helps consumers identify alternative debt relief options as a first step
Overwhelming debt can be unbearable, impacting all facets of one’s life. To remedy the situation, many people turn to bankruptcy as a debt relief option. Bankruptcy is a legal process that eliminates some — or all — of a person’s debt. The two most common types of consumer bankruptcy — Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 — address specific debts such as credit card and medical … [More]
International Law Firm Combines with Well-Known Phoenix Firm to Form Powerhouse Law Practice
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) and Lewis Roca announced that the two large, multi-practice law firms have approved a combination, creating a powerhouse firm of more than 1,300 attorneys in 37 offices in the United States and the United Kingdom. The combination will provide clients with enhanced capabilities across practices and sectors, as well as the resources of an expansive … [More]
Explaining Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)
Over 32 Million Businesses Subject to New Filing Requirement
A new law will catch many business owners off guard if they’re not aware of their obligation to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) by December 31, 2024. The U.S. Treasury estimates that 32.5 million entities are required to file their initial Beneficial Ownership Information report (BOIR) in 2024. While many small businesses have heard about the CTA, its … [More]
Six Essential Employment Law Conversations for Growing Businesses
Navigating legal requirements to create a safe and productive workplace
Responsible business growth in Arizona begins with a commitment to a fair and productive workplace. Understanding the impact of employment practices and legal requirements on business is essential to that growth, which is the expertise attorneys bring to the enterprise. Fair Hiring Practices Adding employees is an important step in business growth, but hiring isn't as simple … [More]
Law Firm Expands Family Law Department with New Team
Rose Law Group, Arizona’s largest woman-founded law firm, is excited to announce a major expansion of its Family Law Department to meet the increasing demand in one of the firm’s busiest practice areas. The department has doubled its staff, bringing back a trusted attorney and introducing new talent to the team. After a brief hiatus, Audra Petrolle, a seasoned and … [More]
Valley Law Firm Continues Growth with Addition of Respected Criminal Defense Practice
Gallagher & Kennedy is thrilled to announce the return of two esteemed lawyers, Janey Henze Cook and Tom Henze. Their extensive experience handling white collar and non-white collar criminal cases will significantly enhance our firm’s capabilities. Janey and Tom’s return to Gallagher & Kennedy marks a homecoming after managing their own firm for the past nine … [More]
Arizona Association of REALTORS Releases New and Revised Transaction Forms, Enhancements Benefit Clients and REALTOR Members
The Arizona Association of REALTORS, the largest trade association in Arizona representing more than 53,000 Arizona REALTORS®, has released new and revised transaction forms for the benefit not only of its members, but the clients they serve. A primary change will now require REALTORS® to enter into a buyer-broker representation agreement with the prospective buyer before … [More]
Valley Law Firm Establishes Dedicated Family Law Practice, Welcomes Legal Team
Gallagher & Kennedy announced the addition of a family law practice group, with two accomplished attorneys, a paralegal, and their legal support professional joining the Phoenix office. This expansion strengthens the firm's full-service capabilities and marks the establishment of a dedicated Family Law Practice. “I am pleased to welcome this talented team of family law … [More]
Employer Alert: The FTC’s New ‘Non-Compete Rule’
Federal courts are split on enforceability of the FTC’s nationwide ban on non-compete agreements; what does that mean for employers?
The Federal Trade Commission recently announced a nationwide ban on Non-Compete Agreements, set to take effect on September 4, 2024. The enforceability of the FTC’s ban has been challenged in Texas and Pennsylvania federal court. The results of those two cases are still pending, but some initial rulings by those two courts have left business owners scratching their collective … [More]
Scottsdale Law Group Expands Firm’s Litigation and Equine Practices
Rose Law Group, Arizona’s largest woman-founded lawfirm announce the addition of Paige Kemper as an Associate Attorney in the firm's litigation and equine practices. Kemper brings a wealth of experience and passionate commitment to advocating for clients across various civil litigation arenas. Kemper joins Rose Law Group with a proven track record in State and Federal … [More]
Law Firm Introduces a New Standard for the Modern Law Firm with 100% Remote Work Program
In a legal landscape where tradition often reigns supreme, Fennemore has decided to break the mold. As many traditional law firms are urging their lawyers back to the office, Fennemore is taking a bold step with our Fennemore Forward 100% remote work program. This option is for seasoned lawyers living in areas where Fennemore does not have a physical office. It reflects our … [More]
