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
Increased Barriers for Foreign Talent Big changes may be coming for employers under the new administration, especially in hiring and compliance. A renewed focus on immigration enforcement could bring more scrutiny, particularly in industries like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and tech. Don’t sweat it—being prepared is everything. Here’s how to stay ahead and keep your business... View Article
As 2024 wraps up, it’s a good time to take a step back and think about the changes this year brought for businesses everywhere. New challenges, new opportunities—what did they mean for your business? Did you feel prepared, or were there moments where you wished you had a little more support to tackle them head-on?... View Article
As we approach the end of 2024, the impending reduction of the federal estate and gift tax exemption continues to be a key consideration for estate planning. The current exemption levels, set by the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017, remain at historically high levels of $13.61 million per individual and $27.22 million for... View Article
Introduction Running a family business is no small feat, especially in the construction industry. For our client, a specialty subcontractor with 20 employees, legal services were never a priority until it became clear that transitioning the business to the next generation required a solid legal foundation. This is where Equinox stepped in, providing strategic legal... View Article
On August 20, a federal judge in Texas struck down the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) rule that would have banned noncompete agreements nationwide. This ruling has significant implications for both employers and employees across the United States. U.S. District Judge Ada Brown ruled that the FTC does not have the authority to implement a sweeping... View Article
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
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.
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.
