Author Info for Smith Anderson

Geoffrey Adams

Surcharges and Checkout Fees: Navigating the Mine Field

In November 2012, Visa and MasterCard agreed to alter their credit card surcharging rules as part of a settlement related to the class action case In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation…more

Class Action, Credit Cards, MasterCard, Service Charges, Settlement

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Michael Anderson

From “Debanking” to Deregulation: A Turning Point for Reputational Risk

Federal banking regulators are rapidly rewriting the playbook. In the early months of the second Trump administration, sweeping shifts in policy and supervisory priorities are already taking shape. One of the most consequential…more

Banking Sector, Cryptocurrency, FDIC, FinTech, New Regulations

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Zebulon Anderson

FTC’s Non-Compete Rule Struck Down Nationwide

As we explained in a previous client alert, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) published a proposed final rule that would ban nearly all worker non-competes. The rule was scheduled to go into effect on September 4, 2024…more

Administrative Procedure Act, Employment Contract, Federal Bans, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Final Rules

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J. Mitchell Armbruster

N.C. Court of Appeals Addresses Public Records Status of Records Held Solely by Third-Party Vendors

The North Carolina Court of Appeals recently issued an opinion on the question of when documents solely in the possession of a third-party contractor—and not a public body—are public records subject to production under the North…more

Consultants, Document Requests, Electronically Stored Information, Ernst & Young, Public Records

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Heyward Armstrong

Corporate Transparency Act NARROWED - FinCEN Eliminates Reporting Obligations for All U.S. Persons and U.S. Entities

As we noted in our most recent client alert, on February 27, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN") announced that it would halt all enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (the "CTA") and issue an…more

Beneficial Owner, Corporate Transparency Act, Domestic Corporations, Filing Deadlines, FinCEN

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Andrew Atkins

Contracting Parties May Not Shorten The Statute Of Limitations For Unfair And Deceptive Trade Practices Claims

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has effectively ruled that parties cannot contractually agree to shorten the four-year statutory limitations period under the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“UDTPA”)…more

Contract Terms, Limitation Periods, Statute of Limitations, Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices

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Lindsay Avagliano

Updates to HSR Reporting Thresholds and Merger Filing Fees Announced for 2024

The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR) requires parties to transactions meeting certain size thresholds to make notification filings with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Antitrust Division of…more

Acquisitions, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Filing Fees

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Amy Batten

Public Companies Update: Reminders for the 2024 Form 10-K and Proxy Statement Filing Season

In this Client Alert, we highlight key considerations public companies should keep in mind when preparing their upcoming annual reports on Form 10-K and proxy statements, including rule changes, recent guidance and reporting…more

Amended Forms, Board of Directors, Clawbacks, Corporate Governance, Corporate Officers

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Andrew Benton

From “Debanking” to Deregulation: A Turning Point for Reputational Risk

Federal banking regulators are rapidly rewriting the playbook. In the early months of the second Trump administration, sweeping shifts in policy and supervisory priorities are already taking shape. One of the most consequential…more

Banking Sector, Cryptocurrency, FDIC, FinTech, New Regulations

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David Berry

Addressing Environmental Issues in Real Estate Development

Dealmakers sometimes overlook environmental issues when negotiating transactions, leaving important business and legal issues unaddressed until they inevitably pop up shortly before closing and send everyone scrambling. This…more

Land Developers, Real Estate Development, Risk Mitigation

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Katherine Biegler

Elective Share Changes May Require Estate Planning Updates

Effective October 1, 2013, the elective share rules for persons who die domiciled in North Carolina have been simplified, but for many married couples the simplification will mean a substantial change in the property rights of a…more

Estate Planning, Marriage, Spousal Elective Share, Surviving Spouse

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Jenny Bobbitt

2019 and 2020 EEO-1 Component 1 Data Collection Period Now Open

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced on April 26, 2021 the opening of the 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 Component 1 Data Collection, which was previously delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collection…more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Data Collection, EEO-1, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Filing Deadlines

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Julian Bobbitt Jr.

The ACO Specialist Manual

The ACO Specialist Manual is a strategic guide to getting the optimum value-add contributions from each medical specialty in integrated health care. For purposes of this Manual, the teams are generally termed accountable care…more

ACOs, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Health Care Providers, Healthcare, Medicaid

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Peter Bosman

Federal Reserve Modifies Main Street Lending Program to Attract More Businesses

On June 8, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve) issued a Press Release (the FRB Press Release) announcing an expansion of its Main Street Lending Program (Program) to help more small- and…more

CARES Act, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Federal Reserve, Financial Stimulus, Main Street Expanded Loan Facility

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Alexander Bowling

Preparing for the 2025 Annual Report and Proxy Season

This Client Alert provides an overview of new developments and highlights key considerations for calendar year-end public companies preparing their Annual Reports on Form 10-K for 2024 and proxy statements for annual meetings in…more

Annual Meeting, Annual Reports, Corporate Governance, Disclosure Requirements, Financial Reporting

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Lauren Bradley

Purchasing Credit Monitoring May Not Protect Companies from Data Breach Class Actions

2014 set a record for data incidents, with nearly 30% of the 783 data incidents reported by companies caused by hacking. At least 97 incidents are reported to have occurred from hacking during 2015, affecting approximately 7…more

Case Consolidation, Class Action, Commonality, Cybersecurity, Data Breach

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Curtis Brewer, IV

JOBS Act Update: SEC Proposes New Rules to Update Regulation A Offerings

In mid-December, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to propose rules updating the framework to the existing Regulation A offering. The rules would implement new Section 3(b)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as…more

JOBS Act, Regulation A, Reporting Requirements, Securities Act of 1933, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

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Martin Brinkley

New HSR Reporting Thresholds Announced for 2015

The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR) requires parties to transactions meeting certain size thresholds to make notification filings with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the…more

Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Filing Fees, Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, Jurisdiction, Pre-Merger Filing Requirements

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Clifton Brinson

In a Win for Business, North Carolina Supreme Court Raises the Bar for Negligent Misrepresentation Claims

Plaintiffs frequently tack on negligent misrepresentation claims to ordinary business disputes. A negligent misrepresentation claim alleges that one party carelessly supplied incorrect or incomplete information on which the…more

Business Disputes, Contract Negotiations, Fraud, NC Supreme Court, Negligent Misrepresentation

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Rebecca Brophy

Delaware Court Finds That a Reverse Triangular Merger Does Not Result in an Assignment by Operation of Law

In Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC v. Roche Diagnostics GMBH the Delaware Court of Chancery confirmed that a reverse triangular merger did not result in an assignment by operation of law. This affirms the traditional view often…more

Assignments, Reverse Triangular Mergers

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Kara Brunk

New DOL Guidance for Pension Plan Sponsors - What Employers Need to Know

On April 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued important new guidance for employers that sponsor defined benefit (pension) plans. This guidance provides new model notices and addresses several outstanding questions…more

Benefit Plan Sponsors, Defined Benefit Plans, Department of Labor (DOL), Employee Benefits, Filing Deadlines

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Hunter Bruton

From “Debanking” to Deregulation: A Turning Point for Reputational Risk

Federal banking regulators are rapidly rewriting the playbook. In the early months of the second Trump administration, sweeping shifts in policy and supervisory priorities are already taking shape. One of the most consequential…more

Banking Sector, Cryptocurrency, FDIC, FinTech, New Regulations

See all updates »

Joshua Bryant

New Partnership Tax Audit Rules

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 establishes new rules (the “New Partnership Audit Rules”) for the conduct of federal income tax audits of partnerships and the assessment and collection of income taxes resulting from such…more

Audits, Bipartisan Budget, Income Taxes, IRS, Limited Liability Company (LLC)

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Christopher Capel

Breaking: North Carolina Supreme Court Confirms that Dissenting Shareholders Are Entitled to No More than Deal Price in First Impression Merger Appraisal Rights Case

In Reynolds American Inc. v. Third Motion Equities Master Fund Ltd., et al., 2021-NCSC-162 (Dec. 17, 2021), the Supreme Court of North Carolina unanimously affirmed the North Carolina Business Court’s 189-page decision holding…more

Appraisal Rights, Business Court, Business Court Division, Dissenters Rights, Fair Value Standard

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Philip Cardinale

Not Playing Games: Trademark Dispute Between Gaming Equipment Rivals Reaches Federal Appeals Court

Video gaming is an enormous industry, currently bigger than the movie and music industries combined, and only continues to grow. Two billion people—a quarter of the world’s population—play video games. Gaming generated $155…more

Intellectual Property Protection, Manufacturers, Trademark Cancellation, Trademark Litigation, Trademark Registration

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David Clement

Recent Amendments to the North Carolina Business Corporation Act

The North Carolina General Assembly recently approved Senate Bill 507 (the “Act”), which makes a number of significant changes to the North Carolina Business Corporation Act (“NCBCA”), and the governor signed the Act into law on…more

Amended Legislation, American Bar Association (ABA), Corporate Entities, Corporate Governance, Corporations Code

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Peter James Cline

What Limited Partners Should Know About Soroban

The Tax Court’s use of a functional analysis test to determine limited partner status in Soroban Capital Partners LP has had a ripple effect in the world of asset management. The decision’s impact will be felt in the tax and…more

Advisory Committee, Asset Management, FICA Taxes, General Partnerships, Investment Funds

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Toby Coleman

Legislature Authorizes, But Limits, Water and Sewer Impact Fees

Controversy and litigation have erupted in North Carolina in recent years with regard to water and sewer impact fees levied by cities and counties on new real estate development. The fees are authorized in "local bill" State…more

Construction Industry, Impact Fees, Local Ordinance, Municipalities, New Legislation

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Tyler Cook

Public Companies Update: Reminders for the 2024 Form 10-K and Proxy Statement Filing Season

In this Client Alert, we highlight key considerations public companies should keep in mind when preparing their upcoming annual reports on Form 10-K and proxy statements, including rule changes, recent guidance and reporting…more

Amended Forms, Board of Directors, Clawbacks, Corporate Governance, Corporate Officers

See all updates »

Anne Croteau

JOBS Act Update: SEC Proposes New Rules to Update Regulation A Offerings

In mid-December, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to propose rules updating the framework to the existing Regulation A offering. The rules would implement new Section 3(b)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as…more

JOBS Act, Regulation A, Reporting Requirements, Securities Act of 1933, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

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Robert Desmond

Sigh of Relief for NC Business and Health Care Communities as First Lawsuit Challenging COVID-19 Claims Is Dismissed - Legislation Confirmed by General Assembly

March 10, 2021, marked the one-year anniversary of Governor Cooper’s COVID-19 emergency declaration in Executive Order No. 116. Last year the General Assembly passed a civil immunity statute for our health care heroes…more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Dismissals, Executive Orders, Governor Cooper, Health Care Providers

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Taylor Dewberry

EEOC Delivers: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Regulations Take Effect June 18, 2024

After a lengthy gestation period, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission delivered its Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) regulations…more

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Employer Liability Issues, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Essential Functions, New Regulations

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Tess Diven

Contracting Parties May Not Shorten The Statute Of Limitations For Unfair And Deceptive Trade Practices Claims

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has effectively ruled that parties cannot contractually agree to shorten the four-year statutory limitations period under the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“UDTPA”)…more

Contract Terms, Limitation Periods, Statute of Limitations, Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices

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Dani Dobosz

FTC’s Non-Compete Rule Struck Down Nationwide

As we explained in a previous client alert, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) published a proposed final rule that would ban nearly all worker non-competes. The rule was scheduled to go into effect on September 4, 2024…more

Administrative Procedure Act, Employment Contract, Federal Bans, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Final Rules

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Crystal Feldman

NC 2018 Blue Moon Election Wrap-Up

This year, North Carolina had a “blue moon” election in which there were no statewide races on the ballot aside from judicial contests. Blue moon elections occur every twelve years (the last was 2006) and historically produce…more

Constitutional Amendment, Election Results, General Assembly, Judges, Political Candidates

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Sarah Fox

Supreme Court Sheds Light on the Pregnancy Discrimination Act

The United States Supreme Court recently provided a framework to evaluate whether an employer has violated the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) under Title VII by failing to accommodate an employee who has a pregnancy-related…more

ADAAA, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), PDA, Pregnancy Discrimination, Reasonable Accommodation

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Blake Fricks

Fourth Circuit Clarifies the Role of the District Court in a Trademark Civil Action Following a Proceeding Before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board

On January 7, 2014, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals clarified that a district court must take a fresh look at all of the evidence – including evidence previously submitted to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) – in…more

Trademark Litigation, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, Trademarks

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Eva Gullick Frongello

Landlords & Property Managers - Developing Best Practices During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised new questions and challenges for commercial landlords and property managers. It is no longer business as usual. The goal for a landlord or property manager during these trying times should be to…more

Best Practices, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Commercial Leases, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Landlords

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Davis Fussell

Corporate Transparency Act NARROWED - FinCEN Eliminates Reporting Obligations for All U.S. Persons and U.S. Entities

As we noted in our most recent client alert, on February 27, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN") announced that it would halt all enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (the "CTA") and issue an…more

Beneficial Owner, Corporate Transparency Act, Domestic Corporations, Filing Deadlines, FinCEN

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Hope Garber

N.C. Business Court Strengthens a Company’s Ability to Assert the Attorney-Client Privilege in Disputes with Officers and Directors

With its origins in the 16th century, the attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest doctrines in our common law tradition. Even so, new issues do arise, like in the North Carolina Business Court case Hosie v. 8 Rivers…more

Attorney-Client Privilege, Client Communication, Confidential Communications, Corporate Communications, Privileged Communication

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John Gibson

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Issues Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule

As part of its ongoing mission to modernize and improve the interoperability of the health care system, on January 17, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the CMS Interoperability and Prior…more

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Health Care Providers, Medicaid, Medicare

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Timothy Goettel

The CARES Act: $2.0 Trillion for COVID-19 Related Stimulus and Relief

Today, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act” or the “Act”), which the Senate approved on the evening of March 25th, received House approval and was signed by the President into law. The Act will…more

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

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Catherine Gregory

The Corporate Transparency Act: Extensions of Reporting Deadlines to Victims of Recent Natural Disasters

As discussed in our four prior client alerts below, effective as of January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) and rules issued thereunder by the Financial Crime Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) require most U.S…more

Beneficial Owner, Compliance, Corporate Transparency Act, Filing Deadlines, Filing Requirements

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Grace Gregson

North Carolina Business Court Clarifies Corporate Director Duties of Care

The North Carolina Business Court recently issued a lengthy opinion discussing the duties of corporate directors. Key points include: ..Directors comply with their duty to exercise adequate oversight if the board makes a…more

Board of Directors, Business Court, Corporate Officers, Directors, Duty of Care

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Susan Hargrove

Supreme Court Holds Class Action Waivers in Arbitration Agreements are Enforceable - a Victory for Employers

The U.S. Supreme Court held on May 21 that class action waivers in employment arbitration agreements are enforceable. This is a major victory for employers…more

Arbitration, Arbitration Agreements, Class Action, Class Action Arbitration Waivers, Epic Systems Corp v Lewis

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John Harris

FTC Proposes Rule That Would Ban Non-Compete Agreements

On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing a "Non-Compete Clause Rule." If the proposed rule goes into effect as drafted, it would ban employers across the country…more

Competition, Contract Terms, Employment Contract, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), FTC Act

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David Hayden

OMB Pauses Enforcement of Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate In Light of Court Injunctions

On December 9, 2021, the Office of Management and Budget issued updated guidance to address the nationwide injunction that currently bars, on a preliminary basis, enforcement of the federal vaccine mandate. For federal…more

Contract Terms, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Enforcement, Executive Orders, Federal Contractors

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Jamison Hinkle

Tapping Retirement Savings After Tropical Storm Helene

Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone affected by Tropical Storm Helene. Your safety and well-being are paramount and we are here to support those impacted during this challenging time. As employees and employers work to…more

Benefit Plan Sponsors, Distribution Rules, Hardship Distributions, Hurricane Season, Natural Disasters

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J. Travis Hockaday

The Biden Administration Puts the Burden on Employers

On September 9, 2021, President Biden announced several updates to his plan for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Although media reports have led some to believe that President Biden’s actions have imposed an immediately…more

Biden Administration, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Chamber of Commerce, Civil Rights Act, Coronavirus/COVID-19

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B. Davis Horne Jr.

Health Care System and Essential Businesses Granted Immunity From COVID-19 Claims

The North Carolina General Assembly enacted the COVID-19 Recovery Act (SB 704 “An Act to Provide Aid to North Carolinians in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Crisis”) on May 2, 2020. The legislation addresses…more

Civil Liability, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Health Care Providers, Immunity, Operators of Essential Services

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Hunter Huffman

Preparing for the 2025 Annual Report and Proxy Season

This Client Alert provides an overview of new developments and highlights key considerations for calendar year-end public companies preparing their Annual Reports on Form 10-K for 2024 and proxy statements for annual meetings in…more

Annual Meeting, Annual Reports, Corporate Governance, Disclosure Requirements, Financial Reporting

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Josiah Irvin

North Carolina Medical Board Links Physician Supervision to Corporate Practice of Medicine and Reiterates Concerns Regarding Unlawful “Straw” Practices

On August 30, 2024, the North Carolina Medical Board (the “Board”) published online guidance titled, "Lessons from NCMB’s Disciplinary Committee: Are you aiding the unlicensed practice of medicine?” (the “Guidance”). The…more

Corporate Practice of Medicine, Licensing Rules, Medical License, New Guidance, Nurse Practitioners

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Olivia Jamrog

Clawback Policies - FAQs on Listing Standards Proposed by Nasdaq and NYSE

In October 2022, the SEC adopted rules implementing the incentive-based compensation recovery (clawback) mandated by Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act…more

Clawbacks, Dodd-Frank, Effective Date, Executive Compensation, Incentive Compensation

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John Jo

Updates to HSR Reporting Thresholds and Merger Filing Fees Announced for 2025

The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR) requires parties to transactions meeting certain size thresholds to make notification filings with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Antitrust Division of…more

Acquisitions, Antitrust Division, Antitrust Provisions, Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

See all updates »

James Jolley

Public Companies Update: Reminders for the 2024 Form 10-K and Proxy Statement Filing Season

In this Client Alert, we highlight key considerations public companies should keep in mind when preparing their upcoming annual reports on Form 10-K and proxy statements, including rule changes, recent guidance and reporting…more

Amended Forms, Board of Directors, Clawbacks, Corporate Governance, Corporate Officers

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Benji Jones

The Corporate Transparency Act - Case Law Update and Determining Beneficial Owners

As discussed in our prior two alerts (found here), effective as of Jan. 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act and rules issued thereunder by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) (collectively, the “CTA”) require…more

Beneficial Owner, Commerce Clause, Compliance, Congressional Authority, Constitutional Challenges

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Charles Kabugo-Musoke

Federal Reserve Modifies Main Street Lending Program to Attract More Businesses

On June 8, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve) issued a Press Release (the FRB Press Release) announcing an expansion of its Main Street Lending Program (Program) to help more small- and…more

CARES Act, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Federal Reserve, Financial Stimulus, Main Street Expanded Loan Facility

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Amanda Keister

PCAOB Provides Guidance on Critical Audit Matters

On July 11, 2019, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) issued two companion pieces providing “insights” into the PCAOB’s requirements for the presentation of critical audit matters (CAMs) in the auditor’s…more

Audit Committee, Audit Reports, Auditors, Audits, Financial Reporting

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Rosemary Kenyon

OMB Pauses Enforcement of Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate In Light of Court Injunctions

On December 9, 2021, the Office of Management and Budget issued updated guidance to address the nationwide injunction that currently bars, on a preliminary basis, enforcement of the federal vaccine mandate. For federal…more

Contract Terms, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Enforcement, Executive Orders, Federal Contractors

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Irina Oberman Khagi

My Company Can be Sued Where?: Supreme Court Resolves Some Questions of Where Businesses May Be Sued for Patent Infringement but Leaves Others Unsettled

After a long period in which the U.S. Supreme Court considered intellectual property issues only occasionally, the Court has frequently focused on intellectual property matters in recent years, reflecting the increasing…more

Patent Infringement, Patent Litigation, Patent Trolls, Patents, Principal Place of Business

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James King

Fourth Circuit Lifts Injunction on Key DEI Executive Order Provisions

The Fourth Circuit recently lifted the nationwide preliminary injunction that had blocked federal agencies from carrying out key provisions in two of President Trump’s Executive Orders on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion..…more

Appeals, Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I), Employer Liability Issues, Enforcement Actions, Executive Orders

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Lee Kirby Jr.

Evaluating the Health of Loan and Bond Markets for 2016

Corporate borrowers and issuers typically access the credit markets only for need or opportunity, so may not actively monitor loan market conditions. As a leading firm with a nationally ranked practice representing borrowers and…more

Commercial Loans, Corporate Bonds, Credit Financing, Energy Sector, Interest Rates

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Byron Kirkland

JOBS Act Update: SEC Proposes New Rules to Update Regulation A Offerings

In mid-December, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to propose rules updating the framework to the existing Regulation A offering. The rules would implement new Section 3(b)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as…more

JOBS Act, Regulation A, Reporting Requirements, Securities Act of 1933, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

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Dawson Kirkland

The Corporate Transparency Act - Case Law Update and Determining Beneficial Owners

As discussed in our prior two alerts (found here), effective as of Jan. 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act and rules issued thereunder by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) (collectively, the “CTA”) require…more

Beneficial Owner, Commerce Clause, Compliance, Congressional Authority, Constitutional Challenges

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Kimberly Korando

Fourth Circuit Lifts Injunction on Key DEI Executive Order Provisions

The Fourth Circuit recently lifted the nationwide preliminary injunction that had blocked federal agencies from carrying out key provisions in two of President Trump’s Executive Orders on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion..…more

Appeals, Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I), Employer Liability Issues, Enforcement Actions, Executive Orders

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Patrick Lawler

[Webinar] Americans with Disabilities Act: Challenges in the Reasonable Accommodations Process - June 20th, 1:00pm ET

Employees are asking for reasonable accommodations more often and for a wider array of medical conditions, including chronic diseases, mental health issues and prescription drugs that may affect performance. Accommodation…more

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Continuing Education, Human Resources Professionals, Reasonable Accommodation, Webinars

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Isaac Linnartz

FTC’s Non-Compete Rule Struck Down Nationwide

As we explained in a previous client alert, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) published a proposed final rule that would ban nearly all worker non-competes. The rule was scheduled to go into effect on September 4, 2024…more

Administrative Procedure Act, Employment Contract, Federal Bans, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Final Rules

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Kathleen Lockhart

Welcomed Changes to Affordable Care Act Information Reporting for 2025

Two new laws signed on December 23, 2024, are set to make Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) reporting easier and less time-consuming. The 'Paperwork Burden Reduction Act' and the 'Employer Reporting Improvement Act' introduce welcomed…more

Affordable Care Act, Electronic Filing, IRS, Process Improvement, Reporting Requirements

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Wayne Maiorano

The Pause Is Over...OSHA Issues New Guidance for Construction and Steps Up Enforcement

The Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) recently released guidance concerning construction jobsite safety requirements to mitigate risk arising from the coronavirus (COVID-19). These actions include certain guidance…more

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Construction Industry, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Employer Liability Issues, General Duty Clause

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Peter Marino

NCDOT Introduces New Process For Select Design-Build Projects

NCDOT has two primary processes for letting large highway projects—hard bid procurement and design-build procurement. Over the last decade or so, NCDOT has relied heavily on the design-build procurement method, whereby NCDOT…more

Competitive Bidding, Design-Build, Highways, Procurement Guidelines, Public Projects

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Kayla Marshall

Defend Trade Secrets Act Creates New Federal Claim For Misappropriation of Trade Secrets

On May 11, 2016, President Barack Obama signed the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (DTSA) into law, creating a federal civil right of action for the theft of trade secrets. Until now, trade secrets had been protected only at…more

Asset Seizure, Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA), Employment Contract, Ex Parte, Intellectual Property Protection

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Jason Martinez

Public Companies Update: Reminders for the 2024 Form 10-K and Proxy Statement Filing Season

In this Client Alert, we highlight key considerations public companies should keep in mind when preparing their upcoming annual reports on Form 10-K and proxy statements, including rule changes, recent guidance and reporting…more

Amended Forms, Board of Directors, Clawbacks, Corporate Governance, Corporate Officers

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C. Steven Mason

Raleigh to Rezone 34,000 Parcels: Watch for Your Postcard

Effective September 1, 2013, the City of Raleigh adopted comprehensive new zoning and land development regulations referred to as the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Although the UDO retains the City’s preexisting R-4, R-6…more

Economic Development, Urban Planning & Development

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Merrill Mason

Five Things to Consider Before Launching a Crowdfunding Offering

In 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted Regulation Crowdfunding. This created a new way for small companies to raise the capital they need to build their businesses by publicly offering investments online…more

Corporate Issuers, Crowdfunding, Early Stage Companies, Entrepreneurs, Regulation A

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Timothy McKeever

The CARES Act: $2.0 Trillion for COVID-19 Related Stimulus and Relief

Today, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act” or the “Act”), which the Senate approved on the evening of March 25th, received House approval and was signed by the President into law. The Act will…more

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

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Nelson McKown

NLRB Acting General Counsel Overturns Numerous Pro-Labor Biden-Era Policies

On February 14, 2025, the National Labor Relations Board’s ("NLRB" or "Board") Acting General Counsel ("GC"), William Cowen issued General Counsel Memoranda ("GC Memo") 25-05, which rescinded more than a dozen GC Memos issued by…more

Biden Administration, Collective Bargaining, Employee Rights, Employment Policies, Labor Reform

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Caryn McNeill

Tapping Retirement Savings After Tropical Storm Helene

Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone affected by Tropical Storm Helene. Your safety and well-being are paramount and we are here to support those impacted during this challenging time. As employees and employers work to…more

Benefit Plan Sponsors, Distribution Rules, Hardship Distributions, Hurricane Season, Natural Disasters

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Olivia Meade

Preparing for the 2025 Annual Report and Proxy Season

This Client Alert provides an overview of new developments and highlights key considerations for calendar year-end public companies preparing their Annual Reports on Form 10-K for 2024 and proxy statements for annual meetings in…more

Annual Meeting, Annual Reports, Corporate Governance, Disclosure Requirements, Financial Reporting

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Miranda Miller

Updates to HSR Reporting Thresholds and Merger Filing Fees Announced for 2025

The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR) requires parties to transactions meeting certain size thresholds to make notification filings with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Antitrust Division of…more

Acquisitions, Antitrust Division, Antitrust Provisions, Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

See all updates »

Scott Miskimon

Winning the Race to Record: Protecting Rights in Real Estate

The North Carolina Court of Appeals this week addressed an important issue involving leases, options to renew, and the North Carolina recordation statutes known as the “Connor Act.” The decision affects anyone who buys or sells…more

Chain of Title, Commercial Leases, Commercial Property Owners, Commercial Tenants, Contract Terms

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Michael Mitchell

N.C. Business Court Strengthens a Company’s Ability to Assert the Attorney-Client Privilege in Disputes with Officers and Directors

With its origins in the 16th century, the attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest doctrines in our common law tradition. Even so, new issues do arise, like in the North Carolina Business Court case Hosie v. 8 Rivers…more

Attorney-Client Privilege, Client Communication, Confidential Communications, Corporate Communications, Privileged Communication

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Jackson Moore

Transferring Federal Government “Other Transaction” Agreements

As we discussed in a prior Alert, parties buying or selling a business must consider how to properly transfer the seller’s contracts to the buyer. Part 42 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) addresses the contract…more

Acquisitions, Assignments, Commercial Contracts, Competitive Bidding, Compliance

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Francisco Morales

Update on Regulatory Relief for North Carolina Long-Term Care Facilities After Hurricane Helene

The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (“DHSR”) has issued guidance to Adult Care Home (ACH), Family Care Home (FCH), and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) providers regarding temporary waivers or modification of…more

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Enforcement, Health Care Providers, Hurricane Season, Long Term Care Facilities

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Robert Joseph Morris

AI Law and Policy Developments Likely Will Be Seen This Year

One of 2023’s more significant — and potentially disruptive — developments in business and culture was the arrival of a slew of generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems. At the beginning of 2023, ChatGPT quickly captured…more

Artificial Intelligence, Biden Administration, Copyright, Copyright Office, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

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R. Donovan Munford

Potential 2017 Tax Changes

President-Elect Donald Trump promised a sweeping overhaul of the US Tax Code during this past year, and his selection for Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, says that tax reform will be his top priority. Of course, it is the…more

Alternative Minimum Tax, Corporate Taxes, Estate Tax, Income Taxes, Popular

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William Nelson

2025 DOR Request for Legislative Changes

The Department of Revenue (the “Department”) recently released two documents containing its “substantive” and “clarifying” requests for legislative changes to North Carolina’s revenue laws. Most of the requests include specific…more

Corporate Taxes, Department of Revenue, Franchise Taxes, Income Taxes, Legislative Agendas

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Kelsey Nix

WHITE PAPER | 2023 Year-End Review: Key Trade Secret Developments

A trade secret is any information used in one’s business that derives independent economic value from not being generally known. Trade secrets, unlike patents, are protected indefinitely for as long as they remain a secret. Due…more

Confidential Information, Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA), Innovation, Intellectual Property Protection, Misappropriation

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Bart Norman

Federal Reserve Modifies Main Street Lending Program to Attract More Businesses

On June 8, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve) issued a Press Release (the FRB Press Release) announcing an expansion of its Main Street Lending Program (Program) to help more small- and…more

CARES Act, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Federal Reserve, Financial Stimulus, Main Street Expanded Loan Facility

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David Ortiz

WHITE PAPER | Key Patent Developments of 2023

In a noteworthy year for patent law, the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued several decisions that will shape the patent landscape and the Federal Rules of Evidence governing expert…more

FRAND, Intellectual Property Protection, IP License, Patent Litigation, Patent Royalties

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Anna Osterhout

AIA Releases Updated Construction Contract Forms

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released the 2017 edition of eleven standard construction and design contract forms, and it plans to release revisions to an additional eighteen forms in the fall of 2017. The…more

American Institute of Architects, Architects, Construction Contracts, Construction Industry, Design-Build

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Kelli Ovies

Fourth Circuit Clarifies the Role of the District Court in a Trademark Civil Action Following a Proceeding Before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board

On January 7, 2014, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals clarified that a district court must take a fresh look at all of the evidence – including evidence previously submitted to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) – in…more

Trademark Litigation, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, Trademarks

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Stephen Parascandola

The Supreme Court Upholds CMS Vaccine Mandate For Healthcare Workers, Not OSHA Mandate For Large Employers

A pair of rulings issued by the United States Supreme Court on January 13, 2022 provided employers with some clarity on vaccine mandates pushed by the Biden Administration. One ruling blocked the Vaccination or Test Emergency…more

Administrative Authority, Biden Administration, Biden v Missouri, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Constitutional Challenges

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Shawn Parker

The CARES Act: $2.0 Trillion for COVID-19 Related Stimulus and Relief

Today, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act” or the “Act”), which the Senate approved on the evening of March 25th, received House approval and was signed by the President into law. The Act will…more

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

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Susan Milner Parrott

Preparing for OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccine or Testing ETS for Large Employers

On November 5, 2021, the federal Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published its "COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing, Emergency Temporary Standard" (ETS) for employers with 100 or more…more

Appeals, Biden Administration, Constitutional Challenges, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Covered Employer

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David Pasley

NY Court Allows Teaming Agreement Claim to Proceed Under State Law

A recent New York federal opinion is a reminder that teaming agreements are governed by state law, and not federal law, despite support for “contractor team arrangements” under FAR Subpart 9.6, and that state law generally will…more

Contract Drafting, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Federal Contractors, Memorandum of Agreement, Teaming Agreements

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Carl Patterson Jr.

“Frivolous” Merger Litigation Settlement Rejected by the Court

In an opinion that could help remedy the problem of baseless merger litigation, a court applying North Carolina law recently refused to approve a class action settlement because the underlying lawsuit was without merit…more

Breach of Duty, Class Action, Frivolous Lawsuits, Mergers, Shareholder Litigation

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Armand Perry

Evaluating the Health of Loan and Bond Markets for 2016

Corporate borrowers and issuers typically access the credit markets only for need or opportunity, so may not actively monitor loan market conditions. As a leading firm with a nationally ranked practice representing borrowers and…more

Commercial Loans, Corporate Bonds, Credit Financing, Energy Sector, Interest Rates

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Tommy Postek

"Show Me The Money!" - Required Disclosures to Employees and Pay Data Reporting

New Pay Transparency Laws Pose New Requirements for Job Postings, Recruiting and Workplace Disclosure and Reporting: Part 3 of 4 - While the recent pay transparency headlines have focused on job postings and recruiting,…more

Disclosure Requirements, Job Ads, Pay Data, Pay Transparency, Reporting Requirements

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Elizabeth Raymond

Construction Project Participants Face Differing Time Limits for Claims as NC Court of Appeals Interprets Definition of “Substantial Completion”

The North Carolina Court of Appeals recently issued a decision in Gaston County Board of Education v. Shelco, LLC, et al that has the potential to significantly impact the time limits for claims on construction projects…more

Architects, Construction Contracts, Construction Defects, Construction Industry, Construction Project

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Lacy Reaves

Legislature Authorizes, But Limits, Water and Sewer Impact Fees

Controversy and litigation have erupted in North Carolina in recent years with regard to water and sewer impact fees levied by cities and counties on new real estate development. The fees are authorized in "local bill" State…more

Construction Industry, Impact Fees, Local Ordinance, Municipalities, New Legislation

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Matthew Rhoad

Statute of Limitations for Actions to Remove Encroachments from Easements Returned to 20 Years

In 2007, the North Carolina Court of Appeals held in Pottle v. Link, 187 N.C. App. 746, 654 S.E.2d 64 (2007), that actions to remove encroachments from an easement must be brought within six years of the encroachment being…more

Adverse Possession, Duke Energy, Easements, NC Supreme Court, Public Utility

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Addie Ries

U.S. Supreme Court Recognizes Airline Immunity for TSA Reports of Suspicious Behavior

In Air Wisconsin Airlines Corp. v. Hoeper (Jan. 27, 2014), the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that airlines are entitled to civil immunity for reporting suspicious behavior to the TSA, provided their reports are not “materially…more

Air Wisconsin v. Hoeper, Airlines, ATSA, SCOTUS, Transportation Security Administration

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Davis Roach

ISS and Glass Lewis Update Their Proxy Voting Guidelines

Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass, Lewis & Co. (Glass Lewis), two of the leading providers of corporate governance research and proxy voting services, have published their updated proxy voting guidelines for…more

Bylaws, Charitable Donations, Corporate Governance, Disclosure Requirements, Executive Compensation

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Gerald Roach

Public Companies Update: Reminders for the 2024 Form 10-K and Proxy Statement Filing Season

In this Client Alert, we highlight key considerations public companies should keep in mind when preparing their upcoming annual reports on Form 10-K and proxy statements, including rule changes, recent guidance and reporting…more

Amended Forms, Board of Directors, Clawbacks, Corporate Governance, Corporate Officers

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William Robinson

Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis Update Proxy Voting Guidelines for 2023

Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass, Lewis & Co. (Glass Lewis), the two leading providers of corporate governance research and proxy voting services, have published their updated proxy voting guidelines for 2023…more

Board of Directors, Climate Change, Corporate Governance, Corporate Officers, Diversity

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Edward Roche

Copyright Liability Could Cost You and Your Business

Businesses can unknowingly infringe others’ copyrights in all kinds of ways. It’s important for copyright holders to know their rights. It’s also important for those using copyrighted content to be aware of common pitfalls and…more

Advertising, Artistic Works, Copyright, Copyright Infringement, Copyright Litigation

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Walter Rogers, Jr.

Gain Without Pain: Qualified Small Business Stock and Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code

With the prospect of an increase in capital gain income tax rates looming on the horizon, what could be more welcome than an exclusion of 100% of gain from income? That is exactly what Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code…more

C-Corporation, Capital Gains, Gain Exclusion, Income Taxes, Internal Revenue Code (IRC)

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Shameka Rolla

Fourth Circuit Rejects Shareholders’ Security Fraud Claims Based on Optimistic Projections for Merged Company

In a recent decision, the Fourth Circuit considered a class action lawsuit brought by shareholders of a biopharma company, INC Research Holdings, Inc. (now Syneos Health Inc.). The shareholders had voted to approve a merger…more

C-Suite Executives, Class Action, Control Person, Mergers, Securities Act of 1933

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Braden Rose

Healthcare Cyberattacks Are on the Rise: Steps to Safeguard Your Organization

Cyberattacks remain one of the most serious threats facing the healthcare industry. Healthcare providers and their vendors handle sensitive and valuable health data, making them prime targets for cybercriminals…more

Cyber Attacks, Cybersecurity, Data Breach, Data Privacy, Data Protection

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Margaret Rosenfeld

ISS and Glass Lewis Update Their Proxy Voting Guidelines for 2018

Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass, Lewis & Co. (Glass Lewis), two of the leading providers of corporate governance research and proxy voting services, have published their updated proxy voting guidelines for…more

Corporate Governance, Glass Lewis, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), Proxy Season, Proxy Voting Guidelines

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Mark Rothrock

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Enters the Cheese Wars: Determining Genericness for Trademark Registration

Recently, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit considered whether “gruyere” cheese can be registered as a trademark in the United States, or whether it is merely a generic term that is not entitled to…more

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), France, Generic, Generic Marks, Switzerland

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Michael Saber

The CARES Act: $2.0 Trillion for COVID-19 Related Stimulus and Relief

Today, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act” or the “Act”), which the Senate approved on the evening of March 25th, received House approval and was signed by the President into law. The Act will…more

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

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David Sartorio

Private Company M&A Brokers Exempt from SEC Registration

The SEC has granted relief to Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory firms to allow them to facilitate private company M&A transactions and receive transaction-based fees without registering as broker-dealers. It has long been…more

Brokers, No-Action Letters, Registration, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

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David Senter Jr.

Healthcare Cyberattacks Are on the Rise: Steps to Safeguard Your Organization

Cyberattacks remain one of the most serious threats facing the healthcare industry. Healthcare providers and their vendors handle sensitive and valuable health data, making them prime targets for cybercriminals…more

Cyber Attacks, Cybersecurity, Data Breach, Data Privacy, Data Protection

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Amelia Serrat

New Executive Order Signals Potential Action on Non-Compete Agreements

On July 9, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order establishing 72 initiatives aimed at promoting competition in the American economy, lowering consumer prices, increasing worker wages and promoting innovation and…more

Biden Administration, Competition, Employer Liability Issues, Employment Contract, Executive Orders

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Kerry Shad

DOJ Cracks Down on No-Poach Agreements

On April 3, 2018, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it had “reached a settlement with Knorr-Bremse AG and Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, two of the world’s largest rail equipment suppliers, to…more

Antitrust Provisions, Department of Justice (DOJ), Hiring & Firing, Human Resources Professionals, Job Applicants

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Mikal Shaikh

Five Things to Consider Before Launching a Crowdfunding Offering

In 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted Regulation Crowdfunding. This created a new way for small companies to raise the capital they need to build their businesses by publicly offering investments online…more

Corporate Issuers, Crowdfunding, Early Stage Companies, Entrepreneurs, Regulation A

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Robert Shaw

North Carolina Medical Board Links Physician Supervision to Corporate Practice of Medicine and Reiterates Concerns Regarding Unlawful “Straw” Practices

On August 30, 2024, the North Carolina Medical Board (the “Board”) published online guidance titled, "Lessons from NCMB’s Disciplinary Committee: Are you aiding the unlicensed practice of medicine?” (the “Guidance”). The…more

Corporate Practice of Medicine, Licensing Rules, Medical License, New Guidance, Nurse Practitioners

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Dana Simpson

Health Care System and Essential Businesses Granted Immunity From COVID-19 Claims

The North Carolina General Assembly enacted the COVID-19 Recovery Act (SB 704 “An Act to Provide Aid to North Carolinians in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Crisis”) on May 2, 2020. The legislation addresses…more

Civil Liability, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Health Care Providers, Immunity, Operators of Essential Services

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Christopher Smith

In a Win for Business, North Carolina Supreme Court Raises the Bar for Negligent Misrepresentation Claims

Plaintiffs frequently tack on negligent misrepresentation claims to ordinary business disputes. A negligent misrepresentation claim alleges that one party carelessly supplied incorrect or incomplete information on which the…more

Business Disputes, Contract Negotiations, Fraud, NC Supreme Court, Negligent Misrepresentation

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Richard Stevens

NC 2018 Blue Moon Election Wrap-Up

This year, North Carolina had a “blue moon” election in which there were no statewide races on the ballot aside from judicial contests. Blue moon elections occur every twelve years (the last was 2006) and historically produce…more

Constitutional Amendment, Election Results, General Assembly, Judges, Political Candidates

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R. Lee Strasburger Jr.

Biotech Licensing Caselaw Update - 2024 Year in (Brief) Review

Last year was a surprisingly big one for legal decisions impacting the biotechnology transactions and licensing space. Given that most biotech deals are subject to confidential alternative dispute resolution, it is unusual for…more

Bayh-Dole Act, Biotechnology, Contract Terms, Intellectual Property Litigation, Intellectual Property Protection

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Mary Pat Sullivan

National Data Breach Legislation Advances in House Subcommittee

As the number of high profile data breaches increase, there is mounting pressure on Congress to create a more unified regulatory standard governing company actions in response to a data breach…more

Barack Obama, Cybersecurity, Data Breach, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015, Pending Legislation

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Derek Sutton

Breaking: North Carolina Supreme Court Confirms that Dissenting Shareholders Are Entitled to No More than Deal Price in First Impression Merger Appraisal Rights Case

In Reynolds American Inc. v. Third Motion Equities Master Fund Ltd., et al., 2021-NCSC-162 (Dec. 17, 2021), the Supreme Court of North Carolina unanimously affirmed the North Carolina Business Court’s 189-page decision holding…more

Appraisal Rights, Business Court, Business Court Division, Dissenters Rights, Fair Value Standard

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Kimberly Swintosky

NC Assumed Business Names (D/B/As) - Deadline for Complying with New Requirements is December 1, 2022

North Carolina law requires individuals and entities engaging in business under an assumed name in the state to file a certificate with the registrar of deeds in the county or counties in which the person or entity engage in…more

Administrative Procedure, Doing Business, Fictitious Business Name, Filing Deadlines, Filing Requirements

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Michael Thornton

Landlords & Property Managers - Developing Best Practices During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised new questions and challenges for commercial landlords and property managers. It is no longer business as usual. The goal for a landlord or property manager during these trying times should be to…more

Best Practices, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Commercial Leases, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Landlords

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A. Heath Tripp

The SEC's Proposed Pay Ratio Rule: What it Could Mean for Your Upcoming Filings

Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) mandates the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to amend Item 402 of Regulation S-K (Item 402) to require certain companies to…more

Annual Filings, Annual Reports, CEOs, Disclosure Requirements, Dodd-Frank

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Justin Truesdale

Recent Amendments to the North Carolina Business Corporation Act - Update

The Business Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association was active this past year in proposing certain changes to the North Carolina Business Corporation Act. Below is a summary of the amendments that were adopted this…more

Articles of Incorporation, Board of Directors, Corporate Governance, Delaware General Corporation Law, Electronic Communications

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Jeffrey Truitt

Federal Small Business Set-Aside Contracts When Selling or Buying a Business

In a prior Alert, we provided a high-level overview of the Anti-Assignment Act, which requires federal pre-approval for the sale of federal government contracts, often through a “novation agreement” signed by the seller, buyer…more

Acquisitions, Assignments, Due Diligence, Federal Contractors, HUBZone

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Donald Tucker Jr.

North Carolina Business Court Clarifies Corporate Director Duties of Care

The North Carolina Business Court recently issued a lengthy opinion discussing the duties of corporate directors. Key points include: ..Directors comply with their duty to exercise adequate oversight if the board makes a…more

Board of Directors, Business Court, Corporate Officers, Directors, Duty of Care

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William Vaughn

Coming to Construction Claims - The Collateral Source Rule

In another significant opinion from the North Carolina appellate courts, the Court of Appeals recently expanded the application of the collateral source rule to negligence claims arising out of construction disputes in a case of…more

Appeals, Collateral Source Rule, Construction Contracts, Construction Industry, Construction Litigation

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Kara Weishaar

NC 2018 Blue Moon Election Wrap-Up

This year, North Carolina had a “blue moon” election in which there were no statewide races on the ballot aside from judicial contests. Blue moon elections occur every twelve years (the last was 2006) and historically produce…more

Constitutional Amendment, Election Results, General Assembly, Judges, Political Candidates

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Craig Wheaton

Affordable Care Act Confusion: Health Care Exchange Notice Due but No Penalty for Noncompliance

The Affordable Care Act and subsequent guidance require all employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act to provide notice of health care coverage options available through a health care exchange to all current employees no…more

Affordable Care Act, Deadlines, Department of Labor (DOL), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Health Insurance Exchanges

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Cameron Williamson

Upcoming Deadline: Bureau of Economic Analysis BE–10 Benchmark Surveys

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) conducts various surveys of U.S. multinational companies and U.S. affiliates of foreign enterprises to generate statistical information regarding the global business activities of U.S. based…more

BEA, Benchmarks, Foreign Affiliates, Foreign Corporations, Foreign Direct Investment

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Gray Wilson

AIA Releases Updated Construction Contract Forms

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released the 2017 edition of eleven standard construction and design contract forms, and it plans to release revisions to an additional eighteen forms in the fall of 2017. The…more

American Institute of Architects, Architects, Construction Contracts, Construction Industry, Design-Build

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Patrick Wilson

Project Labor Agreements - What Was Optional is Now Mandatory

In February 2022, President Biden signed Executive Order 14063, Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects, which mandated the use of Project Labor Agreements (“PLA”) for federal construction contracts…more

Biden Administration, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), Construction Project, Department of Labor (DOL), Executive Orders

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James Wrenn Jr.

Update on Regulatory Relief for North Carolina Long-Term Care Facilities After Hurricane Helene

The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (“DHSR”) has issued guidance to Adult Care Home (ACH), Family Care Home (FCH), and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) providers regarding temporary waivers or modification of…more

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Enforcement, Health Care Providers, Hurricane Season, Long Term Care Facilities

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Nicholas Zanzot

Preparing for the 2025 Annual Report and Proxy Season

This Client Alert provides an overview of new developments and highlights key considerations for calendar year-end public companies preparing their Annual Reports on Form 10-K for 2024 and proxy statements for annual meetings in…more

Annual Meeting, Annual Reports, Corporate Governance, Disclosure Requirements, Financial Reporting

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