Running a business in Oregon is a lot like crafting the perfect beer—it takes creativity, precision, and an ability to adapt to changing conditions. Between the state’s entrepreneurial energy and its complex business laws, entrepreneurs are constantly tweaking their recipes for success, balancing compliance and growth like a brewer balancing hops and malt. Oregon isn’t... View Article
This article was originally published on December 18, 2024, and was updated on February 7, 2025. Since the election of the new administration, significant changes to U.S. immigration policies have impacted employers across various industries. Recent executive orders (EOs) issued in January 2025 introduce substantial modifications to hiring, compliance, and workforce management. Key updates include:... View Article
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
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.
