Author Info for Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP

Olabisi Ajao

How Georgia's New Statewide Homestead Exemption Law Could Impact School Districts

A new law that could have sweeping impacts on Georgia school districts’ property tax revenue was passed earlier this year, but its implementation is conditioned upon the passing of a constitutional amendment by statewide…more

Constitutional Amendment, Homestead Exemption, Homesteads, New Legislation, Property Tax

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Ashley Akins

What K-12 Schools Need to Know About Georgia's New Antisemitism Law and Other Federal Guidance on Religious Harassment

In the past several months, there has been a sharp rise in reports of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and other hate-based incidents at K-12 schools. Reported threats against faith communities, particularly Jewish and Muslim…more

Anti-Discrimination Policies, Civil Rights Act, Dear Colleague Letter, Department of Education, Ethnicity

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John Amabile

Georgia Supreme Court Rejects "Apex Doctrine"

On June 1, 2022, the Georgia Supreme Court issued a ruling that has the potential to significantly impact discovery in Georgia courts. In Gen. Motors, LLC v. Buchanan, No. S21G1147, 2022 WL 1750716 (Ga. June 1, 2022), the Court…more

Apex Doctrine, Burden of Proof, C-Suite Executives, Corporate Executives, Corporate Officers

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Kathryn Ams

What Schools Need to Know About Immigration Enforcement Activities Under the New Presidential Administration

Schools are no longer exempt from immigration enforcement activities after President Donald Trump rescinded a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy last week that designated schools a "sensitive area" for immigration…more

Constitutional Challenges, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Due Process, Enforcement Priorities, FERPA

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Zack Anstett

Fourth Circuit Says Failure to Follow Policies Prevents Early Dismissal of Discrimination Claims

Earlier this month, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (which includes North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia) vacated the district court’s grant of summary judgment for the employer in Wannamaker-Amos v. Purem Novi Inc.,…more

Civil Rights Act, Corporate Counsel, Employment Discrimination, Employment Litigation, Employment Policies

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Nana Asante-Smith

Now What? Practical Tips for Colleges After U.S. Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Ruling

College and university admissions will now be more subjective, complex, and — as a result — expensive for many schools. Those are a few takeaways from the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on June 29 effectively ending affirmative…more

Affirmative Action, Civil Rights Act, College Admissions, Colleges, Diversity

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Will Barker

How Businesses Can Prepare Now for an Evolving Tariff Future

As the adage goes, you can’t change the wind, but you can adjust the sails. Manufacturers and other businesses engaged in cross-border transactions should adjust their sails to proactively address the uncertain tariff landscape…more

Canada, China, Commercial Contracts, Contract Terms, International Trade

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Patricia Bartis

[Webinar] Navigating the EEOC: From Start to Finish - June 15th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am EDT

Employers recognize that creating a welcoming and diverse workplace enhances performance. But what happens when employees file discrimination or harassment charges? The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”) is the…more

Anti-Discrimination Policies, Anti-Harassment Policies, Employer Liability Issues, Employment Discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

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MaryGrace Bell Kittrell

Abolishing the Department of Education: Can It Happen and How Would It Impact Schools?

Due to campaign promises and statements made by the incoming Trump administration, we thought we would give our clients an update on the state of the potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), including how…more

Colleges, Department of Education, Educational Institutions, Federal Funding, Government Agencies

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John Beyer

N.C. Governor Signs Law Limiting Liability for Health Care Workers

Last month we wrote a client alert about proposed legislation to limit the liability of North Carolina health care providers responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier this week on May 4, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill…more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Governor Cooper, Health Care Providers, Liability, New Legislation

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Jeffrey Bogdan

Breaking Up Assets: The Importance of Beneficiary Designations in Estate Planning after Divorce

Beneficiary designations are a critical component of the estate planning process that often is not given proper attention. Beneficiary designations exist as part of certain financial and other asset ownership instruments,…more

Beneficiaries, Beneficiary Designations, Divorce, Estate Planning

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Robert Botkin

Business to Pay $630,000 Fine for Violation Claims Caused by Cookie Management Tool

A major vehicle automaker will have to change its business practices and pay a hefty fine to resolve claims that the company violated the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), according to the state regulatory authority…more

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA), Consent, Consumer Privacy Rights, Consumer Protection Laws

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Traci Bransford

President Trump's Executive Order on Transgender Athletes Poses Sports and Entertainment Challenges

President Donald Trump last week took a major step to deliver on one of his top campaign promises: banning transgender athletes from participating in girls' or women’s sports. His executive order and the reaction to it have…more

College Athletes, Colleges, Entertainment Industry, Executive Orders, Gender Identity

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Thomas Bridenbaugh

Washington, DC Enacts New Wage Transparency Law

A shift to greater wage transparency continues across the U.S. as the District of Columbia is set to require employers to include salary ranges for open positions. The Pay Scale and Benefits Disclosure Amendment, more commonly…more

Employer Liability Issues, New Legislation, Pay Transparency, Salary/Wage History, State and Local Government

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Emily Bridges

Federal Judge Issues Limited Injunction Against FTC's Noncompete Ban

Last week, we received the first indication of a Texas federal court’s position on a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce challenging the validity of the Federal Trade Commission’s new regulations banning most…more

Chamber of Commerce, Employment Contract, Federal Bans, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Final Rules

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Steve Britt

What Is at Stake in the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded onto the scene — both the technology and the scramble for laws and regulations to control it. We are often asked what's happening on the AI regulatory front. Here is what we know so…more

Artificial Intelligence, California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), Data Processors, EU

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Bennett Bryan

Eleventh Circuit Says Title IX Does Not Allow Employment Discrimination Claims

In a break from other federal appeals courts, the Eleventh Circuit ruled last week that Title IX does not provide school district and university employees with a private right of action to file sex-based discrimination claims…more

Colleges, Congressional Intent, Educational Institutions, Employee Rights, Employer Liability Issues

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Tiffany Burba

President Biden Issues Cybersecurity Order Impacting Federal Contractors

Beyond causing long lines and shortages at the gas pump, the cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline this month may have important implications for federal contractors. As part of the federal government’s response, President Joe…more

Biden Administration, Cloud Computing, Critical Infrastructure Sectors, Cyber Attacks, Cybersecurity

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John Butler

How a New Law in Mainland China Will Impact Foreign Investment

In less than six months, a new law will take effect in China that will have a major impact on foreign investment. The National Congress of the People’s Republic of China passed the Foreign Investment Law in March, three years…more

China, Corporate Counsel, Foreign Investment, Foreign-Owned Corporations, Free Trade Zone

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Henry Campen, Jr.

Critical Deadline Approaches for Safe Harbor Application, Questions Remain

Last year, the North Carolina General Assembly delayed the repeal of the tax credit for investing in renewable energy property in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-129.16A. Under the delayed sunset, the credit is repealed for renewable…more

Energy Projects, Energy Sector, General Assembly, Renewable Energy, Safe Harbors

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Stephen Carey

After Congress Kills CFPB Arbitration Rule, What’s Next?

Congress has passed – and the Trump administration has signaled that the president will sign – a bill to roll back the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s sweeping arbitration rule, which the White House has called…more

Arbitration, Arbitration Agreements, Class Action Arbitration Waivers, Congressional Review Act, Consumer Financial Contracts

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Blair Carpenter

New DOJ Whistleblower Program Is Reminder for Companies to Bolster Culture Around Reporting

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced plans to roll out a new whistleblower program later this year following a 90-day development plan aimed at uncovering criminal conduct related to corporate wrongdoing…more

Corporate Crimes, Corporate Misconduct, Department of Justice (DOJ), Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), Pilot Programs

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Sloan Carpenter

Maximizing Brand Value During a Merger or Acquisition

During a merger or an acquisition, businesses have a lot to focus on. Amid negotiations, regulatory compliance, and personnel issues, your brand, and how it is protected, can get overlooked…more

Acquisitions, Brand, Corporate Branding, Due Diligence, Intellectual Property Protection

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Walter Cartin

Two Recent Supreme Court Decisions Could Dramatically Impact Health Care Regulatory Challenges at the Federal and State Levels

For nearly 40 years, federal courts have been required to defer to an agency’s interpretation of an ambiguous statute, even if the court did not agree with that interpretation. This deference, commonly referred to as Chevron…more

Administrative Agencies, Administrative Procedure Act, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Chevron Deference, Corner Post Inc v Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

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Michael Chen

U.S. Immigration Service Opens H-1B Registration, With Two Key Changes

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started the initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap. The H-1B program allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in…more

Expedited Actions Process, Filing Fees, Foreign Workers, H-1B, Highly-Skilled Workers Visa

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Catherine Clodfelter

What Local Governments Need to Know About Latest Federal Procurement Updates and Steps to Avoid Conflicts of Interest

Before a local government can build a new town hall building or upgrade its water and sewer infrastructure using federal funds, it needs to navigate a complex maze of federal procurement requirements…more

Compliance, Conflicts of Interest, Contractors, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Federal Procurement Systems

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Eric Cottrell

How Overseas Investors Can Navigate Broad Reach of Federal Government's CFIUS Real Estate Reviews in the Carolinas

There are more than 500 miles that separate the western, more mountainous region of North Carolina from the U.S. state’s eastern shorelines. It’s an expansive area that, depending on traffic, can take close to 9 hours to drive…more

CFIUS, Covered Transactions, Critical Infrastructure Sectors, Cross-Border Transactions, FIRRMA

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Brian Cromwell

What DOJ's Latest Guidance on Artificial Intelligence Corporate Compliance Means for Businesses

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently updated its Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (ECCP), which prosecutors consider when investigating, charging, and negotiating plea or other agreements with corporations…more

Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Chief Compliance Officers, Compliance, Department of Justice (DOJ)

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Sarah Crotts

OSHA's Vaccinate-or-Test Standard Is Delayed. What About Health Care Employers?

On November 12, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an order staying the enforcement and implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s vaccinate-or-test emergency temporary…more

Appeals, Appellate Courts, Biden Administration, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Coronavirus/COVID-19

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Jonathan Crotty

President Trump Signs Order Ending Government Disparate Impact Investigations

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring federal agencies from investigating or prosecuting employment discrimination using the disparate impact concept. Most discrimination claims allege that an…more

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Disparate Impact, Employment Discrimination, Employment Litigation, Enforcement Actions

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Julie Cude

Governor’s Council recommending mandatory use of SCRIPTS program

Prescription drug abuse is epidemic across the nation, and South Carolina has not been immune. According to a 2013 report from the State’s Inspector General, South Carolina ranked 23rd per in per capita opioid painkiller…more

Databases, Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Electronic Medical Records, New Legislation, PHI

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Sherry Culves

New Federal Campus Hazing Act Creates Reporting Requirements for Higher Education Administrators

The bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2025, imposes new federal requirements on colleges and universities nationwide, obligating them to track, report, and publicly disclose hazing…more

Clery Act, Colleges, Hazing, Higher Education Act, New Legislation

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Olivia Daly

How Much Will President Biden's Buy American Order Change Content Requirements? To Be Determined

Manufacturers are likely to face a tighter definition of American-made products and a stricter process for securing waivers as a result of President Joe Biden’s executive order this week. But the exact details will come from the…more

Biden Administration, Buy America, Buy American Act, Corporate Counsel, Executive Orders

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Andrew Dana

North Carolina Governor Rescinds Executive Order on NIL

Over the last three years, following the implementation of an interim policy from the NCAA in July 2021, college student-athletes have been able to pursue name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. In addition to the NCAA rules,…more

Collective Bargaining, College Athletes, Colleges, Compensation, Employee Definition

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Brian Darer

The Practical Effects of LIBOR’s Phase Out

Trillions of dollars’ worth of financial documents use the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, to set the interest rate of a transaction. The ICE Benchmark Administration currently maintains a reference for LIBOR by…more

Banking Sector, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Libor, Loan Agreements, Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA)

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Tasneem Dharamsi

How the U.S. Supreme Court Ruled on Inter Partes Review and What It Means for Future Patent Challenges

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday on two closely monitored cases impacting how patents could be challenged. In the more high-profile case, the court upheld the constitutionality of the inter partes review (IPR) process…more

Administrative Proceedings, America Invents Act, Article III, Chevron Deference, Constitutional Challenges

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Melanie Black Dubis

Federal Antitrust Agencies Open Door for More Business Cooperation Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

The federal antitrust enforcement agencies have committed to providing businesses expeditious guidance about how and whether their efforts to address the coronavirus pandemic comply with federal antitrust laws. On March 24, the…more

Antitrust Division, Antitrust Provisions, Collaboration, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Corporate Counsel

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Deborah Edney

Washington, DC Enacts New Wage Transparency Law

A shift to greater wage transparency continues across the U.S. as the District of Columbia is set to require employers to include salary ranges for open positions. The Pay Scale and Benefits Disclosure Amendment, more commonly…more

Employer Liability Issues, New Legislation, Pay Transparency, Salary/Wage History, State and Local Government

See all updates »

David Epperson

Property Tax Incentives for Manufacturers: New Reimbursement Changes the Game

A modest change in the law in 2022 is now having a significant impact on how South Carolina counties negotiate property tax incentive packages for manufacturers. With one of the highest manufacturing property tax rates in the…more

Manufacturers, Property Owners, Property Tax, Property Valuation, Tax Assessment

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William Esser

NC Supreme Court: Credit Union Can Unilaterally Add Arbitration Provision and Class Action Waiver to Agreements

The North Carolina Supreme Court on Thursday, May 23 held that a credit union’s unilateral update to add an arbitration provision and class action waiver to its contract with one of its customers was valid under North Carolina…more

Arbitration, Bank Accounts, Class Action Arbitration Waivers, Consumer Contracts, Consumer Financial Products

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Madison Felder

South Carolina Department of Revenue Issues Taxpayer-Friendly Ruling Updating Guidance on Textile Tax Credits

Last week, the South Carolina Department of Revenue issued what’s widely viewed as a taxpayer-friendly ruling that updates its guidance on the state’s popular textile tax credit program. The ruling offers clarity for developers…more

Department of Revenue, Historic Preservation, Historical Landmarks, Property Owners, Real Estate Development

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Megan Feltham

Federal Court Strikes Down FTC Noncompete Rule

For those of you who have been following along with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) looming noncompete ban and the various challenges it has presented, there comes good news for employers from a Texas federal court…more

Administrative Procedure Act, Arbitrary and Capricious, Chevron Deference, Employment Contract, Federal Bans

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Richard Few

South Carolina Department of Revenue Issues Taxpayer-Friendly Ruling Updating Guidance on Textile Tax Credits

Last week, the South Carolina Department of Revenue issued what’s widely viewed as a taxpayer-friendly ruling that updates its guidance on the state’s popular textile tax credit program. The ruling offers clarity for developers…more

Department of Revenue, Historic Preservation, Historical Landmarks, Property Owners, Real Estate Development

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Kiah Ford

Fifteen Percent Means Fifteen Percent: Fourth Circuit Sides with Lender on Interpretation of Important Fee-Shifting Statute in North Carolina

In a recent decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld a lender’s statutory and contractual right to recover attorneys’ fees equal to 15% of the outstanding balance of a loan from a defaulting…more

Attorney's Fees, Banking Sector, Banks, Commercial Loans, Fee-Shifting

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Lauren Foster

Approval of C-PACE in North Carolina Provides New Source of Financing for Commercial Real Estate Industry

North Carolina has joined more than 35 states across the country to adopt a new form of financing for commercial real estate owners and developers. Known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing, the…more

Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency, Financing, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Job Creation

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Anthony Fox

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Implications for Public Employers and First Responders

On March 18, President Donald Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which among other things, requires certain employers to provide up to two weeks of emergency paid sick leave and up to 12…more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), First Responders

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Noah Ganz

SEC Continues to Zero in on Importance of Data Security Measures and Reporting With Latest $10 Million Penalty

Last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reemphasized just how serious companies must be about maintaining a vigilant cybersecurity posture and procedures to report cyber incidents in a timely manner…more

Corporate Governance, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Incident Reporting, Cybersecurity, Disclosure Requirements

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Lauren George

Georgia Supreme Court Broadens Open Records Act to Include Private Contractors

The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday issued a ruling that expands the scope of who is responsible for producing public records under the state’s Open Records Act. The court also allowed for records requests to be sent to…more

Colleges, GA Supreme Court, Independent Contractors, Open Records, Private Sector

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L. Elizabeth Gibbes

U.S. Immigration Service Opens H-1B Registration, With Two Key Changes

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started the initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap. The H-1B program allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in…more

Expedited Actions Process, Filing Fees, Foreign Workers, H-1B, Highly-Skilled Workers Visa

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Richard Glaser

What Businesses Need to Know About Government Investigations in 2019

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) is still in the early days of applying a significant change to how companies get credit for cooperating during government investigations. In a speech delivered on November 29, 2018, Deputy…more

Compliance, Cooperation, Corporate Misconduct, Criminal Investigations, Department of Justice (DOJ)

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Michael Goldsticker

Florida Court Ruling on False Claim Act Deems Complaints By Private Whistleblowers as Unconstitutional

A valuable tool in filing whistleblower claims against companies related to government fraud took a potentially major hit this week when a federal judge in Florida ruled that a significant portion of the statutory scheme known…more

Appointments Clause, Article II, Constitutional Challenges, Department of Justice (DOJ), Dismissals

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Laura Goode

North Carolina Court of Appeals Refuses to Enforce 'Unreasonable' Amendment to Restrictive Covenant Prohibiting Short-Term Rentals

The North Carolina Court of Appeals waded into territory that has become increasingly challenging for developers and homeowners' associations (HOAs) to navigate: the regulation of short-term rentals…more

Appeals, CC&Rs, Community Associations, Condominium Associations, Homeowners Association (HOA)

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James Greene

How Real Estate Developers Can Benefit From a New Tax Rule

The Internal Revenue Service has now made it much easier for real estate developers across asset classes to benefit from the alternative cost method. It enables multi-unit developers to receive tax benefits for common…more

IRS, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Investments, Tax Deductions, U.S. Treasury

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Albert Guarnieri

Scope of Corporate Transparency Act Dramatically Narrowed Under New Rule

In an interim final rule (IFR) announced March 21, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) dramatically narrowed the scope of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Under the IFR, which is effective immediately,…more

Beneficial Owner, Corporate Governance, Corporate Transparency Act, Deadlines, Domestic Corporations

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Nina Gupta

Key Considerations as K-12 Leaders Navigate Minefield Involving DEI, Federal Funding, and Potential Investigations

K-12 school districts across the country now face a tight deadline to navigate a minefield with significant legal and funding implications…more

Affirmative Action, Certification Requirements, Department of Education, Department of Justice (DOJ), False Claims Act (FCA)

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R. Douglas Harmon

SEC Continues to Zero in on Importance of Data Security Measures and Reporting With Latest $10 Million Penalty

Last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reemphasized just how serious companies must be about maintaining a vigilant cybersecurity posture and procedures to report cyber incidents in a timely manner…more

Corporate Governance, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Incident Reporting, Cybersecurity, Disclosure Requirements

See all updates »

Amanda Hayes

Two Recent Supreme Court Decisions Could Dramatically Impact Health Care Regulatory Challenges at the Federal and State Levels

For nearly 40 years, federal courts have been required to defer to an agency’s interpretation of an ambiguous statute, even if the court did not agree with that interpretation. This deference, commonly referred to as Chevron…more

Administrative Agencies, Administrative Procedure Act, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Chevron Deference, Corner Post Inc v Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

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Chris Henry

The Latest Major Developments in NC and SC Business Litigation

Employers in South Carolina faced with litigation might have an easier time winning motions for summary judgment, noncompete agreements remain in the crosshairs, and the North Carolina Supreme Court offered some rare how-to tips…more

Attorney Representation Agreements, Attorney-Client Privilege, Business Litigation, Car Accident, Employer Liability Issues

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Alexandria Hill

What Local Governments Need to Know About Latest Federal Procurement Updates and Steps to Avoid Conflicts of Interest

Before a local government can build a new town hall building or upgrade its water and sewer infrastructure using federal funds, it needs to navigate a complex maze of federal procurement requirements…more

Compliance, Conflicts of Interest, Contractors, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Federal Procurement Systems

See all updates »

Lander Hiott

Highlights From South Carolina's New Roadmap to Economy Recovery From COVID-19

South Carolina leaders are looking to limit liability for businesses as they reopen, require employers to implement a variety of safety precautions, invest in better internet access across the state, and increase spending to…more

Advisory Board, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Governor McMaster, Re-Opening Guidelines

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Kay Linn Miller Hobart

North Carolina's New Budget Conforms to Federal Tax Treatment of Paycheck Protection Program Expenses

Governor Roy Cooper signed the state budget on November 18 that the North Carolina General Assembly passed this week. There are a variety of important tax changes in the budget, including one that affects all North Carolina…more

CARES Act, Corporate Taxes, Governor Cooper, Loan Forgiveness, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

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Chip Holmes

N.C. Governor Signs Law Limiting Liability for Health Care Workers

Last month we wrote a client alert about proposed legislation to limit the liability of North Carolina health care providers responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier this week on May 4, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill…more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Governor Cooper, Health Care Providers, Liability, New Legislation

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Corri Hopkins

The Latest Major Developments in NC and SC Business Litigation

Employers in South Carolina faced with litigation might have an easier time winning motions for summary judgment, noncompete agreements remain in the crosshairs, and the North Carolina Supreme Court offered some rare how-to tips…more

Attorney Representation Agreements, Attorney-Client Privilege, Business Litigation, Car Accident, Employer Liability Issues

See all updates »

Joy Hord

Proposed NC Bill Would Expand State's Corporate Practice of Medicine Prohibition

A bill introduced in the North Carolina Senate in late March 2025 has the potential to bring major changes to corporate practice of medicine rules in the state, most significantly for physician-owned practices. The bill aims to…more

Corporate Practice of Medicine, Health Care Providers, Investors, Physician Ownership, Physicians

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Stephen Hunting

Cloud Computing Contracts Top Issues for Healthcare Providers

In this Issue: - Summary - Overview - Cloud - Use - Security - Privacy - Functions - Availability - Performance - Location - Services -…more

Big Data, Cloud Computing, Health Care Providers, Healthcare, NIST

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Sarah Hutchins

Business to Pay $630,000 Fine for Violation Claims Caused by Cookie Management Tool

A major vehicle automaker will have to change its business practices and pay a hefty fine to resolve claims that the company violated the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), according to the state regulatory authority…more

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA), Consent, Consumer Privacy Rights, Consumer Protection Laws

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Hector Ibarra

How Businesses Can Prepare Now for an Evolving Tariff Future

As the adage goes, you can’t change the wind, but you can adjust the sails. Manufacturers and other businesses engaged in cross-border transactions should adjust their sails to proactively address the uncertain tariff landscape…more

Canada, China, Commercial Contracts, Contract Terms, International Trade

See all updates »

Ray Jones

Property Tax Incentives for Manufacturers: New Reimbursement Changes the Game

A modest change in the law in 2022 is now having a significant impact on how South Carolina counties negotiate property tax incentive packages for manufacturers. With one of the highest manufacturing property tax rates in the…more

Manufacturers, Property Owners, Property Tax, Property Valuation, Tax Assessment

See all updates »

Rebecca Joyner

Amendments to North Carolina Bond Referendum Process: New Statement of Disclosures and Other Requirements

As local governments head into budget preparation and planning season, we want to make sure you are aware of important changes the North Carolina legislature made to the general obligation bond referendum process. On July 8,…more

Amended Legislation, Bonds, Governor Cooper, Municipal Bonds, State and Local Government

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J. Clay Killian

Property Tax Incentives for Manufacturers: New Reimbursement Changes the Game

A modest change in the law in 2022 is now having a significant impact on how South Carolina counties negotiate property tax incentive packages for manufacturers. With one of the highest manufacturing property tax rates in the…more

Manufacturers, Property Owners, Property Tax, Property Valuation, Tax Assessment

See all updates »

Tracy Kimbrell

N.C. Early Voting Update & Election Day Preview

The purpose of this alert is to analyze early voting trends for the 2018 election in North Carolina. The focus is solely on turnout and should not be utilized as a predictor of any specific races…more

Election Results, General Elections, State Elections

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Debra Kleman

IRS Announces 2025 Dollar Limitations for Retirement Plans

The IRS has announced the 2025 annual dollar limitations for retirement plans based on the applicable cost-of-living adjustment guidelines, with small increases in many of the limits. The annual limit for elective deferrals to…more

401k, 403(b) Plans, Benefit Plan Sponsors, Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), Employee Benefits

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Carson Lane

Fourth Circuit Expands Employer Protections Against Suspected FMLA Misuse

While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is designed to protect employees who suffer from a qualifying "serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of" their job, its administration can…more

Corporate Counsel, Employee Misconduct, Employer Liability Issues, Employment Litigation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

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Michael Larsen

How Better Returns on Short-Term Investments Are Impacting Arbitrage Rebate

A number of our clients have recently inquired as to their responsibilities with respect to arbitrage rebate for their tax-exempt borrowings. The dramatic increase in the return on short-term investments is raising the prospect…more

Arbitrage, Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Rebates, Short-Term Investments, Short-Term Loans

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Laura Lashley

How Georgia's New Statewide Homestead Exemption Law Could Impact School Districts

A new law that could have sweeping impacts on Georgia school districts’ property tax revenue was passed earlier this year, but its implementation is conditioned upon the passing of a constitutional amendment by statewide…more

Constitutional Amendment, Homestead Exemption, Homesteads, New Legislation, Property Tax

See all updates »

LauraLee Lawley

Proposed NC Bill Would Expand State's Corporate Practice of Medicine Prohibition

A bill introduced in the North Carolina Senate in late March 2025 has the potential to bring major changes to corporate practice of medicine rules in the state, most significantly for physician-owned practices. The bill aims to…more

Corporate Practice of Medicine, Health Care Providers, Investors, Physician Ownership, Physicians

See all updates »

Robb Leandro

Two Recent Supreme Court Decisions Could Dramatically Impact Health Care Regulatory Challenges at the Federal and State Levels

For nearly 40 years, federal courts have been required to defer to an agency’s interpretation of an ambiguous statute, even if the court did not agree with that interpretation. This deference, commonly referred to as Chevron…more

Administrative Agencies, Administrative Procedure Act, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Chevron Deference, Corner Post Inc v Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

See all updates »

Scott Leo

The Increasing Importance of Cybersecurity Readiness in the Municipal Bond Market: How Public Institutions Can Respond

In today's evolving world of security and data privacy, K-12 schools, universities, local governments, and hospitals are increasingly finding themselves on the same list: vulnerable to the threat of a cyberattack…more

Compliance, Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, Data Security, Municipal Bonds

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Dominic Lerario

How Overseas Investors Can Navigate Broad Reach of Federal Government's CFIUS Real Estate Reviews in the Carolinas

There are more than 500 miles that separate the western, more mountainous region of North Carolina from the U.S. state’s eastern shorelines. It’s an expansive area that, depending on traffic, can take close to 9 hours to drive…more

CFIUS, Covered Transactions, Critical Infrastructure Sectors, Cross-Border Transactions, FIRRMA

See all updates »

Samantha Lewis

What School Districts Need to Know About New Georgia Law on Benefit Requirements for PTSD

A Georgia law that became effective January 1 creates new coverage requirements and mental health benefits that could impact school districts and certain of their employees…more

Compliance, Educational Institutions, Employee Benefits, Employees, First Responders

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Jasmine Little

North Carolina Legislature Faces Decisions on Medical Cannabis, Hemp, and CBD

The North Carolina General Assembly returns to Raleigh on May 18 for its annual short session. Members are expecting to tackle several important issues while they are in town. Among the pending topics is legislation to legalize…more

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, Cannabis Products, Department of Revenue, General Assembly, Hemp

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Stacy Little

N.C. Governor Signs Law Limiting Liability for Health Care Workers

Last month we wrote a client alert about proposed legislation to limit the liability of North Carolina health care providers responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier this week on May 4, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill…more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Governor Cooper, Health Care Providers, Liability, New Legislation

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Alonzo Llorens

To SPAC or Not to SPAC: How Is the SEC Answering That Question?

Last year saw a boom in the market for SPACs, or special purpose acquisition companies. Almost 250 SPACs raised more than $80 billion in initial public offerings (IPOs) during 2020. This trend did not let up as the calendar year…more

Acquisitions, Capital Raising, Conflicts of Interest, Corporate Governance, Disclosure Requirements

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Jeremy Locklear

How Employers Can Navigate New Joint Guidance From DOJ, EEOC on DEI and Workplace Discrimination

Last week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released two technical assistance documents focused on potential unlawful discrimination related to diversity, equity,…more

Anti-Discrimination Policies, Department of Justice (DOJ), Diversity, Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I), Employee Rights

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Sheneka Lodenquai

Prompt Response to Alleged Student Harassment Helps Defeat Title IX and Related Claims

Earlier this month, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals (which includes Georgia) affirmed the dismissal of Title IX and Section 1983 claims filed by volleyball players against the University of South Alabama and its officials…more

Appeals, Educational Institutions, Employment Litigation, Harassment, Qualified Immunity

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Tim Logan

How Real Estate Developers Can Benefit From a New Tax Rule

The Internal Revenue Service has now made it much easier for real estate developers across asset classes to benefit from the alternative cost method. It enables multi-unit developers to receive tax benefits for common…more

IRS, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Investments, Tax Deductions, U.S. Treasury

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Emily Luther

Property Tax Incentives for Manufacturers: New Reimbursement Changes the Game

A modest change in the law in 2022 is now having a significant impact on how South Carolina counties negotiate property tax incentive packages for manufacturers. With one of the highest manufacturing property tax rates in the…more

Manufacturers, Property Owners, Property Tax, Property Valuation, Tax Assessment

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Miguel Manna

How Employers Can Prepare for Handling Immigration Enforcement Raids in the Workplace

In light of recent inquiries from our clients regarding potential immigration enforcement workplace raids, it is essential to emphasize the importance of preparation given the current administration's focus on this issue…more

Best Practices, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Employee Training, Employment Policies, Enforcement Actions

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Scott Manning

Congress Approves Federal Tax Relief for Individuals and Businesses in CARES Act

On March 27, Congress passed, and the president signed, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in response to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic turmoil. The $2 trillion stimulus package,…more

CARES Act, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Financial Stimulus, Relief Measures

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Carlos Manzano

Amendments to North Carolina Bond Referendum Process: New Statement of Disclosures and Other Requirements

As local governments head into budget preparation and planning season, we want to make sure you are aware of important changes the North Carolina legislature made to the general obligation bond referendum process. On July 8,…more

Amended Legislation, Bonds, Governor Cooper, Municipal Bonds, State and Local Government

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Joshua Marks

Next Steps for Federal Energy Policy After Supreme Court's EPA Ruling

On the last day of its 2022 term, the Supreme Court curtailed the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to cut carbon emissions from the nation’s power plants. The court held that the “generation shifting” provisions…more

Administrative Authority, Air Pollution, Carbon Emissions, Clean Air Act, Clean Power Plan

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Collier Marsh

What Businesses Need to Know About the 2023 Mecklenburg County Tax Revaluation

Businesses that own real estate in Mecklenburg County should be on the lookout for an increase in their tax bills next year. Real estate is often a company’s most expensive asset, and annual property taxes can be a hefty sum…more

Commercial Property Owners, Property Owners, Property Tax, Property Valuation, Reassessments

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Jenna Kiziah McGee

Smith v. D.R. Horton, Inc.: The End of Arbitration for Residential Developers and Builders in South Carolina?

Mark Twain famously wrote that the reports of his death were exaggerated. Following the South Carolina Supreme Court’s decision in Smith v. D.R. Horton, Inc. last month, you may have heard arbitration is dead for South Carolina…more

Arbitration Agreements, Construction Defects, Construction Industry, Contract Drafting, Contract Terms

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Collier McLeod

COVID-19: Considerations for Georgia Commercial Landlords

The coronavirus pandemic has become an encompassing aspect of everyday life, impacting everything from where we work to when we go shopping. We have heard from many commercial landlords about how to address issues that are…more

Commercial Leases, Commercial Tenants, Contract Terms, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Emergency Response

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Renee Montgomery

State Council Release Draft 2016 Certificate of Need Plan

There has been a lot of discussion about major changes to North Carolina’s Certificate of Need law. As these legislative discussions continue, the State Health Coordinating Council continues its work on next year’s State…more

Certificate of Need, Healthcare, Hospitals

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J. Cade Morgan

N.C. Legislature Approves $125 Million to Help Small Businesses Through the Pandemic

Over the weekend, the North Carolina legislature passed a nearly $1.6 billion COVID-19 relief package that includes $125 million in funding for small businesses. An earlier version of the bill in the House budgeted $75 million…more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Governor Cooper, Pending Legislation, Small Business, Small Business Loans

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Beth Morris

Georgia and 16 Other States Challenge Constitutionality of Section 504

Georgia and 16 other states recently joined a lawsuit challenging a rule finalized last year by the Biden administration that expanded the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the federal law prohibiting…more

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Constitutional Challenges, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Disability Discrimination

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Sam Moses

Six Trends Impacting Global Businesses in the Carolinas

Global businesses are increasingly focused on environmental, social, and governance concerns. Working from home is impacting corporate relocations and economic development strategy more broadly…more

Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, Economic Development, Environmental Social & Governance (ESG), Foreign Direct Investment

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Brandon Moulard

Eleventh Circuit Says Title IX Does Not Allow Employment Discrimination Claims

In a break from other federal appeals courts, the Eleventh Circuit ruled last week that Title IX does not provide school district and university employees with a private right of action to file sex-based discrimination claims…more

Colleges, Congressional Intent, Educational Institutions, Employee Rights, Employer Liability Issues

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Heather Munday

Georgia Supreme Court Rejects "Apex Doctrine"

On June 1, 2022, the Georgia Supreme Court issued a ruling that has the potential to significantly impact discovery in Georgia courts. In Gen. Motors, LLC v. Buchanan, No. S21G1147, 2022 WL 1750716 (Ga. June 1, 2022), the Court…more

Apex Doctrine, Burden of Proof, C-Suite Executives, Corporate Executives, Corporate Officers

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Adam Neil

Key Takeaways for Businesses From Recent South Carolina Department of Revenue Rulings

The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) has had an active start to the year, issuing new administrative guidance that impacts a variety of businesses operating in the state. Each year, the department issues advisory…more

Advisory Opinions, Audits, Business Taxes, Dealerships, Department of Revenue

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Olabisi Ofunniyin

N.C. Allows Employer Support Payments on Top of Unemployment Benefits

The coronavirus pandemic has proven catastrophic to the economy and many households across the globe. Ripple effects from the virus have caused significant worry and decreased employee morale as many employers have had to…more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Employee Assistance Programs, Executive Orders, Furloughs, Governor Cooper

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Robert Osborne

The Latest Major Developments in NC and SC Business Litigation

Employers in South Carolina faced with litigation might have an easier time winning motions for summary judgment, noncompete agreements remain in the crosshairs, and the North Carolina Supreme Court offered some rare how-to tips…more

Attorney Representation Agreements, Attorney-Client Privilege, Business Litigation, Car Accident, Employer Liability Issues

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Olivia Osburn

Proposed NC Bill Would Expand State's Corporate Practice of Medicine Prohibition

A bill introduced in the North Carolina Senate in late March 2025 has the potential to bring major changes to corporate practice of medicine rules in the state, most significantly for physician-owned practices. The bill aims to…more

Corporate Practice of Medicine, Health Care Providers, Investors, Physician Ownership, Physicians

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David Pardue

Federal Trade Commission Approves Ban on Noncompetes. Here's What Happens Next.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday, April 23, issued its final rule that prevents most employers from enforcing noncompetes against workers. The 3-2 vote by commissioners comes nearly a year and a half after the rule…more

Employer Liability Issues, Employment Contract, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Final Rules, FTC Act

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Merrick Parrott

Excitement Builds Around Offshore Wind in North Carolina

On April 29, 2022, BOEM published a Call for Information and Nominations (Call) for six distinct areas in the Central Atlantic comprising almost 3.9 million acres, which are shown on the map below. BOEM will consider information…more

BOEM, Comment Period, Competitive Bidding, Energy Projects, Offshore Lease

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Kelley Pearson

Ready, Set, Wait: Eleventh Circuit Grants Last-Minute Title IX Injunction in Southeastern States

Less than 24 hours before classroom bells were set to ring in schools across the southeastern United States, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order administratively blocking the implementation of the 2024 Title IX…more

Compliance Dates, Department of Education, Discrimination, Educational Institutions, Injunctive Relief

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Elizabeth Phrampus

What School Districts Need to Know About New Georgia Law on Benefit Requirements for PTSD

A Georgia law that became effective January 1 creates new coverage requirements and mental health benefits that could impact school districts and certain of their employees…more

Compliance, Educational Institutions, Employee Benefits, Employees, First Responders

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Shalanna Pirtle

Dealing With Race in the Workplace: ‘How Would You Want Your Family Members Treated?'

“How would you want your family members treated?” That is a question we often raise when training clients on appropriate behavior in the workplace, and it is particularly relevant with the heightened awareness and emotion…more

Anti-Harassment Policies, Employer Liability Issues, Employment Discrimination, Employment Policies, Race Discrimination

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Ken Preede

Abolishing the Department of Education: Can It Happen and How Would It Impact Schools?

Due to campaign promises and statements made by the incoming Trump administration, we thought we would give our clients an update on the state of the potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), including how…more

Colleges, Department of Education, Educational Institutions, Federal Funding, Government Agencies

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George Pretty II

New Governmental Accounting Standards Board (“GASB”) Rules Require Governments to Disclose Tax Abatement Agreements in Financial Statements

State and local governmental entities (“Governments”) nationwide will soon face new financial statement disclosure requirements regarding existing tax incentive agreements. While the GASB encourages Governments to begin…more

Disclosure Requirements, GASB, State and Local Government, Tax Abatement, Tax Incentives

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Kristen Provenza

Amendments to North Carolina Bond Referendum Process: New Statement of Disclosures and Other Requirements

As local governments head into budget preparation and planning season, we want to make sure you are aware of important changes the North Carolina legislature made to the general obligation bond referendum process. On July 8,…more

Amended Legislation, Bonds, Governor Cooper, Municipal Bonds, State and Local Government

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Thomas Quirk

North Carolina Court of Appeals Refuses to Enforce 'Unreasonable' Amendment to Restrictive Covenant Prohibiting Short-Term Rentals

The North Carolina Court of Appeals waded into territory that has become increasingly challenging for developers and homeowners' associations (HOAs) to navigate: the regulation of short-term rentals…more

Appeals, CC&Rs, Community Associations, Condominium Associations, Homeowners Association (HOA)

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Dylan Ray

North Carolina's New Budget Conforms to Federal Tax Treatment of Paycheck Protection Program Expenses

Governor Roy Cooper signed the state budget on November 18 that the North Carolina General Assembly passed this week. There are a variety of important tax changes in the budget, including one that affects all North Carolina…more

CARES Act, Corporate Taxes, Governor Cooper, Loan Forgiveness, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

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Alison Razet

U.S. Immigration Service Opens H-1B Registration, With Two Key Changes

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started the initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap. The H-1B program allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in…more

Expedited Actions Process, Filing Fees, Foreign Workers, H-1B, Highly-Skilled Workers Visa

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C. Dayton Riddle

South Carolina Passes Targeted Tax Reform Legislation

The South Carolina General Assembly passed tax reform legislation providing targeted relief to individuals and to manufacturers, including (i) a one-time rebate of up to $700 in 2021 taxes for individuals; (ii) cuts to the…more

Department of Revenue, Income Taxes, Manufacturers, New Legislation, Property Tax

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Richard Rivera

N.C. Governor Signs Law Limiting Liability for Health Care Workers

Last month we wrote a client alert about proposed legislation to limit the liability of North Carolina health care providers responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier this week on May 4, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill…more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Governor Cooper, Health Care Providers, Liability, New Legislation

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Morgan Rogers

North Carolina Court of Appeals Refuses to Enforce 'Unreasonable' Amendment to Restrictive Covenant Prohibiting Short-Term Rentals

The North Carolina Court of Appeals waded into territory that has become increasingly challenging for developers and homeowners' associations (HOAs) to navigate: the regulation of short-term rentals…more

Appeals, CC&Rs, Community Associations, Condominium Associations, Homeowners Association (HOA)

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Ryan Romano

Property Tax Incentives for Manufacturers: New Reimbursement Changes the Game

A modest change in the law in 2022 is now having a significant impact on how South Carolina counties negotiate property tax incentive packages for manufacturers. With one of the highest manufacturing property tax rates in the…more

Manufacturers, Property Owners, Property Tax, Property Valuation, Tax Assessment

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Katherine Ross

What Real Estate Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About an Upcoming Environmental Standard

After the real estate boom in the Southeast over the past few years, there are fewer and fewer examples of clean and pristine land available for commercial or industrial use. That means more properties at risk for…more

ASTM, CERCLA, Commercial Property Owners, Contaminated Properties, Environmental Remediation Costs

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Reagan Sauls

Georgia and 16 Other States Challenge Constitutionality of Section 504

Georgia and 16 other states recently joined a lawsuit challenging a rule finalized last year by the Biden administration that expanded the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the federal law prohibiting…more

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Constitutional Challenges, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Disability Discrimination

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Caroline Scalf

Eleventh Circuit Says Title IX Does Not Allow Employment Discrimination Claims

In a break from other federal appeals courts, the Eleventh Circuit ruled last week that Title IX does not provide school district and university employees with a private right of action to file sex-based discrimination claims…more

Colleges, Congressional Intent, Educational Institutions, Employee Rights, Employer Liability Issues

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Joel Schwartz

Key Considerations as K-12 Leaders Navigate Minefield Involving DEI, Federal Funding, and Potential Investigations

K-12 school districts across the country now face a tight deadline to navigate a minefield with significant legal and funding implications…more

Affirmative Action, Certification Requirements, Department of Education, Department of Justice (DOJ), False Claims Act (FCA)

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Cheryl Shaw

How Georgia's New Statewide Homestead Exemption Law Could Impact School Districts

A new law that could have sweeping impacts on Georgia school districts’ property tax revenue was passed earlier this year, but its implementation is conditioned upon the passing of a constitutional amendment by statewide…more

Constitutional Amendment, Homestead Exemption, Homesteads, New Legislation, Property Tax

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Kalyn Simmons

Excitement Builds Around Offshore Wind in North Carolina

On April 29, 2022, BOEM published a Call for Information and Nominations (Call) for six distinct areas in the Central Atlantic comprising almost 3.9 million acres, which are shown on the map below. BOEM will consider information…more

BOEM, Comment Period, Competitive Bidding, Energy Projects, Offshore Lease

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Roy Smart

Scope of Corporate Transparency Act Dramatically Narrowed Under New Rule

In an interim final rule (IFR) announced March 21, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) dramatically narrowed the scope of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Under the IFR, which is effective immediately,…more

Beneficial Owner, Corporate Governance, Corporate Transparency Act, Deadlines, Domestic Corporations

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E. Tyler Smith

U.S. Treasury Awards $3.5 Billion in New Markets Tax Credit Allocations to 76 CDEs

The U.S. Treasury Department through the CDFI Fund has awarded more than $3.5 billion in tax credit allocation to Community Development Entities. The awards are part of the New Markets Tax Credit program and will facilitate…more

CDFI Fund, Community Development, Economic Development, Low Income Housing, New Market Tax Credits

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Ellen Smith

COVID-19: Considerations for Georgia Commercial Landlords

The coronavirus pandemic has become an encompassing aspect of everyday life, impacting everything from where we work to when we go shopping. We have heard from many commercial landlords about how to address issues that are…more

Commercial Leases, Commercial Tenants, Contract Terms, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Emergency Response

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Hunter Snowden

Business to Pay $630,000 Fine for Violation Claims Caused by Cookie Management Tool

A major vehicle automaker will have to change its business practices and pay a hefty fine to resolve claims that the company violated the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), according to the state regulatory authority…more

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA), Consent, Consumer Privacy Rights, Consumer Protection Laws

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A. Todd Sprinkle

‘What Court Works Best for Us in Atlanta?’

Whether directly representing a party or acting as local counsel, one of the first questions we are often asked as litigators sitting in Atlanta is: “What court works best for us?” Needless to say there are a significant number…more

American Arbitration Association, Arbitration, Business Court, Business Disputes, Choice-of-Venue

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Deborah Stern

Proposed NC Bill Would Expand State's Corporate Practice of Medicine Prohibition

A bill introduced in the North Carolina Senate in late March 2025 has the potential to bring major changes to corporate practice of medicine rules in the state, most significantly for physician-owned practices. The bill aims to…more

Corporate Practice of Medicine, Health Care Providers, Investors, Physician Ownership, Physicians

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Tory Summey

When Documentation Backfires: A Case Study From the Tenth Circuit

Part of our standard advice to nearly every client is "document, document, document." Typically, robust and timely documentation ensures that an employer has strong evidence of its legitimate rationale for making employment…more

Best Practices, Documentation, Employer Liability Issues, Employment Discrimination, Employment Litigation

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Jordan Temple

Increased Importance of Corporate Compliance Rises With New Department of Justice Safe Harbor Policy

Compliance assessments can be a valuable tool during the mergers and acquisitions process, but the Department of Justice (DOJ) is incentivizing due diligence reviews under a newly announced policy. Deputy Attorney General…more

Acquisitions, Compliance, Cooperation, Corporate Governance, Corporate Misconduct

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R. Bruce Thompson

Abolishing the Department of Education: Can It Happen and How Would It Impact Schools?

Due to campaign promises and statements made by the incoming Trump administration, we thought we would give our clients an update on the state of the potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), including how…more

Colleges, Department of Education, Educational Institutions, Federal Funding, Government Agencies

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Elizabeth Trenary

How Businesses Can Prepare Now for an Evolving Tariff Future

As the adage goes, you can’t change the wind, but you can adjust the sails. Manufacturers and other businesses engaged in cross-border transactions should adjust their sails to proactively address the uncertain tariff landscape…more

Canada, China, Commercial Contracts, Contract Terms, International Trade

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Alexis Trumble

Impacts on K-12 and Higher Education After Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed at Eliminating the Department of Education

In a move aimed at delivering on one of his most ambitious campaign promises, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and shift authority over education to…more

Colleges, Department of Education, Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I), Educational Institutions, Executive Orders

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Elias Underwood

Scope of Corporate Transparency Act Dramatically Narrowed Under New Rule

In an interim final rule (IFR) announced March 21, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) dramatically narrowed the scope of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Under the IFR, which is effective immediately,…more

Beneficial Owner, Corporate Governance, Corporate Transparency Act, Deadlines, Domestic Corporations

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Michel Vanesse

DOL Removes Certain Restrictions on ESG Considerations in ERISA Plan Investment Management

In November, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule (Final Rule) that will remove certain restrictions on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in plan investments. These restrictions were adopted…more

401k, Benefit Plan Sponsors, Department of Labor (DOL), Employee Benefits, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)

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Karina Vasquez

DOL Removes Certain Restrictions on ESG Considerations in ERISA Plan Investment Management

In November, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule (Final Rule) that will remove certain restrictions on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in plan investments. These restrictions were adopted…more

401k, Benefit Plan Sponsors, Department of Labor (DOL), Employee Benefits, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)

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Julia Vaughan-Jones

What DOJ's Latest Guidance on Artificial Intelligence Corporate Compliance Means for Businesses

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently updated its Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (ECCP), which prosecutors consider when investigating, charging, and negotiating plea or other agreements with corporations…more

Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Chief Compliance Officers, Compliance, Department of Justice (DOJ)

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Andy Walsh

Amendments to North Carolina Bond Referendum Process: New Statement of Disclosures and Other Requirements

As local governments head into budget preparation and planning season, we want to make sure you are aware of important changes the North Carolina legislature made to the general obligation bond referendum process. On July 8,…more

Amended Legislation, Bonds, Governor Cooper, Municipal Bonds, State and Local Government

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Fabian Walters

District of Columbia Lays Groundwork for Office to Residential Building Conversions Through Tax Abatement Program

Earlier this month, the District of Columbia’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) issued proposed rules that lay the groundwork for a competitive process to provide gap financing of…more

Commercial Property Owners, Commercial Real Estate Market, Community Development, Competitive Bidding, Conversion

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S. Rogers Warner

Look Out for Meaningful Use Audits by the Office of Inspector General

The Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Care Record (“EHR”) Incentive Program (commonly referred to as “Meaningful Use”) provides incentive payments to eligible physicians and hospitals for adopting, implementing, upgrading,…more

Audits, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), EHR, Health Care Providers, Healthcare

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Landon Whitley

Corporate Transparency Act Back in Effect: Initial Filing Due by January 13

Businesses that are not exempt under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) now have less than three weeks until the deadline for their first mandatory filing of beneficial ownership information…more

Appeals, Beneficial Owner, Business Entities, Compliance, Corporate Transparency Act

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Suzann Wilcox

What Schools Need to Know About Immigration Enforcement Activities Under the New Presidential Administration

Schools are no longer exempt from immigration enforcement activities after President Donald Trump rescinded a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy last week that designated schools a "sensitive area" for immigration…more

Constitutional Challenges, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Due Process, Enforcement Priorities, FERPA

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Matthew Wolfe

White House Promises $30 Billion in Federal Grants Heading to Health Care Providers This Week

On April 7, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma announced during a White House briefing that the United States Department of Health and Human Services would be distributing $30 billion to health…more

CARES Act, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Coronavirus/COVID-19, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Funding

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Stacy Wood

Dealing With Race in the Workplace: ‘How Would You Want Your Family Members Treated?'

“How would you want your family members treated?” That is a question we often raise when training clients on appropriate behavior in the workplace, and it is particularly relevant with the heightened awareness and emotion…more

Anti-Harassment Policies, Employer Liability Issues, Employment Discrimination, Employment Policies, Race Discrimination

See all updates »

Roderic Woodson

Key Takeaways From the 2020 Election: District of Columbia

Businesses operating in the District of Columbia are unlikely to see major policy shifts as a result of last night’s local elections. But there is a chance that a new coalition could form on the D.C. Council that would…more

Election Results, Legislative Agendas, Local Elections

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Shayla Wright

Title IX Gender Equity Mandate Applies to NIL Activity, Department of Education Confirms

In long-awaited guidance, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) officially confirmed what many Title IX practitioners and athletics administrators thought to be true: Title IX’s gender equity…more

Colleges, Department of Education, Gender Equity, Name and Likeness, NCAA

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Stephen Wynne

How Real Estate Developers Can Benefit From a New Tax Rule

The Internal Revenue Service has now made it much easier for real estate developers across asset classes to benefit from the alternative cost method. It enables multi-unit developers to receive tax benefits for common…more

IRS, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Investments, Tax Deductions, U.S. Treasury

See all updates »

Emily Zackon

Property Tax Incentives for Manufacturers: New Reimbursement Changes the Game

A modest change in the law in 2022 is now having a significant impact on how South Carolina counties negotiate property tax incentive packages for manufacturers. With one of the highest manufacturing property tax rates in the…more

Manufacturers, Property Owners, Property Tax, Property Valuation, Tax Assessment

See all updates »