Categories for Business Planning

In a significant legal development, a Texas federal court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction on December 3, 2024, halting the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The ruling temporarily suspends the CTA’s reporting requirements, including the critical January 1, 2025, compliance deadline. The Department of Justice may appeal this decision to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which could lead to further legal proceedings and potential changes in the status of the injunction. In this blog, we break down the reasons behind the court’s decision, what it means for the Corporate Transparency Act, and what steps businesses should take to stay prepared.

LEGAL UPDATE: CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT: NATIONWIDE INJUNCTION STAYED, REPORTING REQUIRED BY JANUARY 13, 2025

by | December 24, 2024

UPDATE: New developments again on the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). On December 26, the court reversed its previous decision, and filing is suspended pending further litigation. Read on the latest update here. On December 23, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), reversing an earlier nationwide injunction that had paused... View Article

Athletes Need a Coach, Businesses Need General Counsel. For small business owners, this evolving legal landscape resembles an Olympic event in itself—requiring constant adjustment, strategic thinking, and quick responses. All athletes work with a coach to help give advice, talk strategy, and adapt their training to remain competitive. Businesses are no different.

Expect Regulatory Easing – and More Uncertainty 

by | August 20, 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympics is a remarkable showcase of athletic prowess and international unity. Gold medal athletes have reaped the rewards of their intense training, all within the confines of strict rules set by sports federations and the Olympic Committee. Similarly, for businesses to win against the competition, they must follow strict rules set out... View Article

LEGAL UPDATE: A Potential End for Time Rounding in WA

by | June 19, 2024

Time rounding is designed to streamline payroll calculations benefitting both employers and employees. The Department of Labor and Industries in Washington has historically permitted this practice, provided it adheres to a strict neutrality policy. The rule is clear: any rounding must not favor the employer. In instances where bias is evident, the scales must tip... View Article

What Does Our Workspace Truly Need To Look Like

by | June 19, 2024

Are we still talking about hybrid vs. remote vs. in-person workplaces? Yes, we are! The decision on workplace setups might seem settled, but with a couple of years of post-pandemic experience, we’re now seeing what people really want and need. The reality is workplace preferences vary widely. Some team members prefer to be in the... View Article

Navigating the New Era of Noncompete Agreements: A Mandate for Transparency

by | May 24, 2024

Navigating the new era of noncompete agreements is crucial for businesses, as regulatory demands for transparency are rapidly increasing. States like California, Washington, and Oregon have significantly restricted noncompetes, and the FTC has approved a nationwide ban, pending legal challenges. Multi-state employers must understand the complex interplay of federal and state laws to remain compliant. With noncompetes becoming less viable, alternative strategies such as non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality provisions, and robust trade secret management are essential to protect business interests. Employers must proactively adapt to these changes to ensure compliance and safeguard their competitive edge.

LEGAL UPDATE: FTC Ban on Noncompete Provisions

by | May 4, 2024

Now is the time to review your employment documents and identify any provisions that may be classified as noncompete provisions that will contravene the new Washington law and the federal Rule. Assess the potential risks these changes pose to your business and consider alternative risk management tools to safeguard your business interests. Make necessary changes to documents and processes to ensure compliance with Washington’s law. Compile a list of current and former employees impacted by the new federal Rule and be prepared to modify your documents again to comply with the Rule, should it come into effect.

The Playbill of Business Exits: Built to Scale and Crafted for Success

by | April 26, 2024

In the dynamic world of business, planning for the future is as important as managing the present. The term “exit planning” isn’t just jargon; it’s a philosophy that encapsulates the essence of a well-strategized, successful culmination to your business’s lifecycle. However, the complexity of this process often overshadows its significance, leading many business owners to... View Article