Publications
May 03, 2023
In today's new episode, I am joined by current EEOC Commissioner and Vice Chair Jocelyn Samuels to get some insight on a wide-range of topics, including public perception of the EEOC; the likely impact of pending Supreme Court decisions on religious accommodation and diversity/equity/inclusion...
March 27, 2023
COVID-19 business interruption claimants have had few state appellate court decisions upon which to rely. Louisiana produced one such decision in Cajun Conti, LLC v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, 2022 La. App. LEXIS 939 (La. App. 4 Cir., June 15, 2022). The insurer prevailed in the trial court...
November 09, 2022
The TSA has extended the requirement for all nonimmigrant foreign nationals to present proof of being fully vaccinated prior to entering the United States.
November 02, 2022
The FAA will not extend its COVID-19 related relief policy for U.S. slot-controlled & FAA-designated International Air Transport Association Level 2 airports.
September 19, 2022
There is a clear nationwide trend of federal courts disposing of COVID-19 business interruption suits.[1] Insureds are not clearing their initial burden to establish direct physical loss or damage to property, or they are running afoul of virus and contamination exclusions. Relatively few state...
September 06, 2022
Today's new episode discusses what you may have missed during the Summer of 2022, including COVID-19 and Monkeypox updates, unlawful dress codes, an ADA first, and brand new guidance from the EEOC and DOL.
Download this episode....
August 22, 2022
Fran Rayer discusses certain flexibilities with respect to various petitions filed with USCIS and the possibility of USCIS extending these flexibilities indefinitely.
July 28, 2022
The recently released spring rulemaking agenda reflected a September 2022 target for a permanent COVID-19 rule for healthcare workers. Although the spring rulemaking agenda outlines a non-binding schedule, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker has confirmed...
June 27, 2022
A recent New Jersey Appellate Division ruling follows the general trend nationally in which courts are, by and large, rejecting insureds’ claims for coverage for business income losses due to government orders related to preventing the spread of Covid-19. While there have been certain outliers,...
April 08, 2022
Covid-19 may cause businesses to be unable to use their property, but loss of use doesn’t constitute the “direct physical loss or damage” necessary to trigger commercial property insurance coverage, according to a first-of-its kind New York appellate court decision issued Thursday....
April 06, 2022
It’s been two years since COVID-19 not only radically changed our daily lives but altered how recovery professionals approach litigating claims. Yes, two years have passed! In the first few months of the pandemic, courts, litigators and recovery professionals quickly adapted to use readily...
February 01, 2022
Daniel Johns authored an article about how the rise of virtual workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to confusion for labor arbitrators who need to determine liability for off-duty misconduct.
January 28, 2022
Current EEOC Commissioner Andrea Lucas joins me on the podcast today to talk about public perception of the EEOC, responding to employee religious accommodation requests, combating anti-semitism in the workplace, Covid-19 as a "disability," the benefits of mentorship, and what we can expect in...
January 20, 2022
As office vacancies remain at record levels in D.C., and even leased buildings continue to remain largely empty thanks to COVID, the city is looking to find ways to incentivize conversion of older commercial buildings (office, hotel, or retail) to residential use. The Office of the Deputy Mayor for...
January 19, 2022
The Second Circuit has now joined the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits in holding that no insurance coverage exists for business interruption losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated government orders. In 10012 Holdings Inc. v. Sentinel Insurance...
January 19, 2022
Anne Greene, John Ho, and Jim Sullivan discuss the Supreme Court decision to allow the CMS vaccine directive to go forward.
January 14, 2022
Yesterday afternoon, the U.S. Supreme Court re-issued a stay prohibiting the federal government (OSHA) from enforcing its ETS that required large employers to either mandate COVID-19 vaccines or weekly testing. Today's new episode discusses the Supreme Court's decision and the impact on...
January 12, 2022
James Sullivan authored an article about if an unvaccinated employee is a “direct threat” to the health and safety of themselves or others in the workplace.
January 07, 2022
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has joined seven other Circuits in finding no coverage for COVID-19 business interruption claims.[1] In Terry Black’s Barbecue, L.L.C. v. State Auto. Mut. Ins. Co., 2022 U.S. App. LEXIS 287 (5th Cir. Jan. 5, 2022) and Aggie Invs., L.L.C. v. Continental Cas. Co.,...
December 30, 2021
On December 27, OSHA announced it is allowing its ETS for healthcare facilities to sunset but that it would continue to work expeditiously to promulgate a permanent standard for coronavirus-related hazards. In its statement, OSHA formally withdrew the non-recordkeeping portions of the ETS,...
December 21, 2021
At least five Circuit Courts of Appeal have now come out in favor of insurers in COVID-19 business interruption lawsuits.[1] The latest is the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Sandy Point Dental, P.C. v. Cincinnati Ins. Co., 2021 U.S. App. LEXIS 36399 (7th Cir. Dec. 9, 2021). The Court in Sandy...
December 18, 2021
Last night, the Sixth Circuit lifted the Fifth Circuit’s national stay on OSHA’s general duty COVID ETS. Shortly thereafter, OSHA issued information to employers stating it would exercise enforcement discretion and not issue citations for noncompliance with any ETS requirement before January 10,...
December 16, 2021
To state the obvious, the pandemic has resulted in completely unexpected change across the country in so many ways. OSHA’s visibility and role are probably one of the most significant changes to any federal agency. Prior to the pandemic, most businesses outside of specific industries like...
December 09, 2021
John Ho, Janice Agresti, and Jim Sullivan discuss Mayor de Blasio's expansion to the “Key to New York City” program.
December 08, 2021
Larry Prosen discusses recent how the DOJ is auditing, investigating, and, where appropriate, prosecuting PPP recipients who broke the rules
December 01, 2021
Today we have insights from Norm Keith [1], a management-side employment and labor lawyer for KPMG.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues with over 5.1 million deaths worldwide and over 29,000 in Canada. [2] Tens of thousands of workers have contracted the deadly virus at work and filed workers’...
November 18, 2021
California has been a hotbed of litigation regarding COVID-19 business interruption claims. The vast majority of the trial courts have held in favor of insurers and against businesses. Now, the California Court of Appeal has weighed in. In a published decision, The Inns by the Sea v. California...
November 18, 2021
Scott Bettridge authored an article about the United States reopening its border to international travelers from 33 countries including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and the European Schengen area (EU) and with this new proclamation has implemented a global vaccination requirement for all adult foreign national air travelers pursuant to CDC-specific regulations.
November 15, 2021
John Ho and Jim Sullivan discuss the Fifth Circuit's stay of OSHA's ETS and what happens next.
November 15, 2021
Ed Langhammer, John Ho, and Jim Sullivan discuss Cal/OSHA agenda item “Proposed Emergency Safety Orders for Adoption,” and how California employers can weigh in on how these regulations will impact them.
November 09, 2021
In March 2020, Mudpie Inc.—a San Francisco children’s store—ceased operations when California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered all “non-essential” businesses to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the shut-down, Mudpie sought coverage for loss of “business income” and “extra expense” under...
November 08, 2021
In today's new episode, I break down the primary obligations under OSHA's new ETS on mandatory vaccination and testing, provide an update on current legal challenges, and suggest what employers should be doing right now.
Download this episode....
November 05, 2021
OSHA’s long-awaited general industry COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (“ETS”) was officially published today and became effective immediately for employers in those states without “state OSHA” plans. However, employers covered by federal OSHA still have until December 5, 2021, to comply with...
November 02, 2021
An insurer has won the first jury trial on coverage for Covid-19 business interruption losses after a federal jury in the Western District of Missouri issued a verdict in favor of The Cincinnati Insurance Company in K.C. Hopps Ltd. v. Cincinnati Insurance Co., Case No. 4:20-cv-437 (W.D. Mo. 2021)....
October 29, 2021
Daniel Johns authored an article discussing labor law considerations surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the workplace.
October 28, 2021
Fran Rayer and Beth Olivera discuss President Biden's proclamation lifting travel restrictions on people traveling from Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
October 28, 2021
Jonathon Foglia and Rachel Welford discuss the president's proclamation and the CDC's orders that impose additional restrictions and documentary requirements on airlines and other air operators, passengers, and crew members to combat the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
October 27, 2021
Janice Agresti discusses the EEOC's guidance for employers when an employee requests a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination.
October 25, 2021
In today's episode, I am joined by Dr. Christina Carson-Sacco, the co-founder of The Center for Neuropsychology and Counseling, to talk about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the mental health of employers and employees, and how all of us can better promote mental health moving...
October 19, 2021
Beth Olivera and Fran Rayer discuss Biden's easing of travel restrictions on all fully vaccinated international travelers.
September 24, 2021
Jim Sullivan authored an article detailing that six of just nine emergency temporary standards issued by OSHA since the 1970s have been challenged in courts, and only one has been upheld.
September 16, 2021
Matt Howell and Bob Magovern discuss what Biden's September 9, 2021, executive order means for federal contractors.
September 14, 2021
In today's new episode, we address President Biden's new directive that OSHA issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requiring employers with 100 or more employees to mandate vaccines or weekly testing. We also look at the import of New York State finally designating COVID-19 as a "highly...
September 10, 2021
On September 9, 2021, the Department of Labor announced plans to issue an emergency temporary standard (“ETS”) requiring employers with more than 100 employees to ensure that every employee is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or tests negative every week. Although neither the White House nor the...
September 08, 2021
Debra Friedman authored an article about OSHA's latest COVID-19 guidance for non-health care employers and employees and how it is causing employers to reevaluate their return-to-work policies and procedures.
September 01, 2021
In the second federal appellate ruling on Covid-19 business losses, the Eleventh Circuit has joined the Eighth Circuit in holding that they do not trigger coverage because they do not involve “physical loss” or “physical damage” to property. In Gilreath Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Inc. v....
August 27, 2021
On today's episode (our 100th!), I talk about the latest developments with COVID-19 vaccines and mandatory vaccine policies, and am joined by my Cozen O'Connor colleague John Carrigan to discuss what California and other bellwether states are doing on the vaccine issue.
Download this...
July 19, 2021
David P. Zambito and Jonathan P. Nase discuss the PUC's various orders gradually ending the emergency measures it took in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 07, 2021
While a uniform federal privacy law in the United States continues to be an uncertain prospect overshadowed by other national priorities such as infrastructure and COVID relief, state legislatures have pushed forward with their own privacy regimes, resulting in an increasing patchwork of laws...
July 06, 2021
Alycen A. Moss and Elliot Kerzner discuss the Eighth Circuit's decision in Oral Surgeons, P.C. v. The Cincinnati Insurance Company.
June 16, 2021
Dave Barron discusses new OSHA guidance for vaccinated workers.
June 11, 2021
On May 26, 2021, we told our readers that we thought that although an “emergency” no longer existed about OSHA’s need to regulate employers’ handling of the COVID-19 virus, OSHA would nonetheless still issue an emergency temporary standard (ETS) due to immense political pressure on the Department...
June 07, 2021
In light of recent guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control and the EEOC, we have updated our Return to Work Checklist.
June 01, 2021
Right at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, the EEOC issued new guidance on COVID-19 vaccine policies and incentive programs. Today's episode breaks down the Commission's answers to key questions and what it all means for employers.
Download this episode....
May 26, 2021
The one question on everyone’s mind is when, if ever, will
employers learn whether OSHA will actually issue the COVID-19 Emergency
Temporary Standard (“ETS”) that OSHA delivered to the White House’s Office of
Management and Budget’s (“OMB”) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
(“OIRA”) at...
May 19, 2021
Every business in the United States has been asking itself
these past few days whether to drop any requirements it may have for visitors
or employees to wear face masks since the CDC changed its COVID-19 guidance
related to masks and physical distancing for individuals who are fully
vaccinated on...
May 17, 2021
In today's new episode, I talk about social media and schools (and what that means for employers generally), spousal claims against employers for getting COVID-19 at home, the withdrawal of the independent contractor rule, the new New York HERO Act, and what the CDC just did to eliminate...
May 14, 2021
John Ho, Jim Sullivan, and Anne Greene discuss New York's HERO Act and what employers should do now to comply.
May 10, 2021
On May 5, 2021, Governor Cuomo of New York signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (the “Act”) into law which amends the New York Labor Law. The Act creates occupational safety and health standards in the private sector for all airborne infectious diseases, including but not limited to...
May 04, 2021
Steve Katkov and Amy Katz discuss the CFPB interim final rule and First Amendment challenges to the CDC moratorium currently pending.
April 28, 2021
On
April 26, OSHA sent its COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) to the
Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
(OIRA) for review. OIRA is the regulatory “gatekeeper” that is required, under
various executive orders, to review proposed rules from...
April 19, 2021
The past several weeks have seen significant action from the major federal agencies involved with employment law: EEOC, NLRB, DOL, and OSHA. In today's new episode, I will highlight the direction these agencies seem to be taking and am joined by Jim Sullivan, my colleague and former Chairman of the...
April 16, 2021
The
Southern District of New York recently held that a contamination exclusion was
ambiguous in the context of Covid-19-related business interruption losses.
Accordingly, the court held that the issue was inappropriate to decide at the
summary judgment stage and denied both parties’ cross-motions...
April 15, 2021
Both federal and state OSHA regulators
have been regularly citing employers for failure to comply with their
respective respiratory protection standards in connection with COVID-19
inspections and these citations have not been restricted to the healthcare industry.
OSHA's Respiratory Protection...
April 09, 2021
Robert Kaplan discusses the DOL's three model notices employers are required to send to qualified beneficiaries.
April 08, 2021
2022 AG Elections
County District Attorney Launches Bid for Wisconsin Attorney General
Fond du Lac County DA Eric Toney announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2022 race for the Wisconsin AG’s office, currently held by Democratic AG Josh Kaul.
Toney was first elected to...
April 08, 2021
On January 21, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order directing OSHA to consider issuing an Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) related to COVID-19. If the ETS is deemed necessary, the executive order instructed OSHA to issue it by March 15, 2021. Now, nearly three and a half weeks past...
March 31, 2021
John Carrigan, Jr. wrote an article about the COVID-19 vaccine and employers looking to a vaccine as a way to keep their workforce and customers safe may face an uphill battle.
March 29, 2021
Nicole Perkin and Elena Hillman discuss SB 95, which continues and expands the requirements for COVID-19-related sick pay as mandated previously by the federal FFCRA and California’s AB 1867, both of which expired on December 31, 2020.
March 26, 2021
Jamie Ansorge, Rose Christ, and Michael Bain discuss how the American Rescue Plan will impact New York City and state, as well as small businesses and nonprofits.
March 26, 2021
The Paycheck Protection Program is scheduled to expire March 31, 2021. However, the program still has a large amount of unspent money, and there is still considerable support for the program in Congress.
March 23, 2021
Jump to a topic:
Healthy Workplace Strategies Employer Considerations Questions that Employers should ExpectADA and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
California employers who are considering implementing policies for employee vaccinations in their workplaces face uncertainty. They...
March 18, 2021
Antitrust
Attorneys General Testify in House Hearing on Big Tech and Competition
On March 18, 2021, Colorado AG Phil Weiser and Nebraska AG Doug Peterson testified before the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law of the House’s Committee on the Judiciary in a hearing...
March 15, 2021
David P. Zambito and Jonathan P. Nase discuss the additional steps toward returning to pre-COVID-19 pandemic procedures for collecting amounts due for public utility service in Pennsylvania.
March 15, 2021
Rachel Welford and Katie Sobotta discuss the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that provides much-needed relief to airlines for the continuation of employee wages, salaries, and benefits.
March 12, 2021
Robert Kaplan, Matt Clyde, and Lynn Brehm discuss the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and how it affects employee benefit plans and publicly traded companies’ tax deductions for executive compensation.
March 11, 2021
2022 AG Elections
Kansas Attorney General Eyes Governor’s Mansion
Kansas AG Derek Schmidt announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2022.
Schmidt, who first assumed the AG’s office in 2011, is the first Republican to announce his candidacy to unseat Democratic...
March 04, 2021
Cozen in the News
Meghan Stoppel, Former Nebraska Consumer Protection Division Chief, Joins State Attorneys General Group
Former Nebraska Consumer Protection Division Chief Meghan Stoppel joined Cozen O’Connor’s State AG Group as a Member. She is a Certified Information Privacy...
March 03, 2021
Shortly
after President Biden took office, he signed an Executive Order directing OSHA
to, among other things, determine whether emergency temporary standards (ETS)
on COVID-19 are necessary; and if so, to issue them by March 15, 2021. Former
Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia repeatedly stated an...
February 25, 2021
2022 AG Elections
Republican Candidate Seeks 2022 Rematch Against Minnesota’s Incumbent Attorney General
Doug Wardlow, general counsel for My Pillow, Inc. and a former state representative, has announced he will again seek the Republican nomination for Minnesota AG.
If he were to receive...
February 25, 2021
Fran Rayer and Elizabeth Olivera discuss DHS's and ICE's new flexibility policy when it comes to in-person verification of identity and employment eligibility documentation for Form I-9
February 18, 2021
Cozen in the News
Cozen O’Connor State AG Group Attorneys Discuss Workplace Enforcement Priorities and Regulatory Risks
Cozen O’Connor State AG Group members Maria Colsey Heard and Ann-Marie Luciano published an article in Bloomberg Law in which they discussed how state attorneys general are...
February 18, 2021
Today's episode is the second of my two-part conversation with EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling (Part 1 released yesterday), who discusses the EEOC's enforcement priorities, the increase in use of guidance and opinion letters, hot 2021 topics (including Covid-19), and outreach and litigation...
February 17, 2021
Today's episode is the first of a two-part conversation with EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling, who discusses the EEOC's enforcement priorities, the increase in use of guidance and opinion letters, hot 2021 topics (including Covid-19), and outreach and litigation avoidance resources for both...
February 17, 2021
Joseph Hill, Michael Henlon, and Brianna Westbrooks discuss legislation introduced in Philadelphia City Council that would significantly expand required paid sick leave for individuals at companies with more than 50 employees.
February 17, 2021
Rachel Collins-Clarke and Calli Padilla discuss the government's government enforcement of abuse of the CARES Act, PPP, or Economic Aid Act.
February 12, 2021
Steve Katkov and Joel Nesset discuss provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act that narrowly target companies to assist those that have filed for protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code by temporarily modifying the rules governing a tenant’s performance under its leases.
February 09, 2021
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss what boards of coops and condos need to consider when implementing a vaccination policy for their buildings now that vaccines are becoming more available.
February 04, 2021
In today's episode, I am joined by my Cozen colleague and the Chair of our OSHA Practice Group, John Ho, to talk about the new guidance (finally?) issued by OSHA on the Covid-19 pandemic. What did the guidance say? What did it not say?
Download this episode....
February 04, 2021
Cozen in the News
Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Practice Co-Chairs Quoted in Article About HHS Secretary Nominee
Bernie Nash and Lori Kalani, Co-Chairs of Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Practice, are quoted in a Healthcare Dive article discussing the expectations for...
February 01, 2021
Almost immediately after taking office, President Biden issued an Executive Order requiring OSHA to publish revised COVID-19 guidance for employers, among other things. This past Friday, OSHA published such revised guidance which can be found here....
February 01, 2021
Beth Olivera and Fran Rayer discuss USCIS decision to extend deadlines for responding to specific requests from the agency. USCIS will consider a response to the qualifying requests and notices timely filed if they are received within 60 calendar days after the response due date set on the request or notice.
January 22, 2021
David Barron, John Carrigan, Jr., Arielle Eisenberg, Aaron Holt, and Nandini Sane designed a guide on how employers can handle the COVID-19 vaccination for their employees. The most important question right now for Human Resources professionals is vaccination and more specifically, how to implement...
January 22, 2021
Steve Dickinson, Bob Magovern, and James Van Orden discuss the SBA's interim final rule governing forgiveness of PPP loans and the new versions of the three forgiveness application forms, including a streamlined form for loans up to $150,000.
January 22, 2021
Steve Dickinson, Robert Magovern, and James Van Orden discuss key provisions to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which revived the original Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with some modifications, in part two of a two-part article in Law360.
January 21, 2021
State AGs in the News
Alaska Governor Nominates Acting Attorney General to Be Attorney General
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy nominated acting Alaska AG Clyde “Ed” Sniffen for the AG position. The nomination must be confirmed by the Alaska Legislature.
As previously reported, Acting AG...
January 21, 2021
Steve Dickinson, Robert Magovern, and James Van Orden discuss the omnibus budget act that reinstituted the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in part one of a two part article in Law360.
January 20, 2021
David Barron, John Carrigan, Jr., Arielle Eisenberg, Aaron Holt, and Nandini Sane designed a guide on how employers can handle the COVID-19 vaccination for their employees.
January 15, 2021
Rachel Welford and Kathryn Sobotta discuss the CDC's new notice and order requiring pre-departure negative COVID-19 tests from all U.S.-bound passengers traveling by aircraft from any foreign country.
January 14, 2021
We are ten months into this pandemic, and many employees
continue to work remotely with no end in sight. Indeed, recent surveys show
that a sizeable number of employees prefer remote work and hope to continue working
remotely even after the pandemic ends. This reality is causing many employers
to...
January 08, 2021
Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss the Paycheck Protection Program startup and highlights key provisions of the two new implementing rules.
January 07, 2021
Antitrust
Google Is in the Crosshairs of Two Multistate Antitrust Suits
Two groups of AGs filed antitrust lawsuits against Google LLC (“Google”).
A group of seven Republican AGs, led by Texas AG Ken Paxton, sued Google over allegations that it violated the Sherman Act and state antitrust...
January 04, 2021
Covid-19 has caused trillions in business losses. Whether
those losses are covered by commercial property insurance is an existential
issue for both policyholders and insurers. But before that legal battle, the
battlefield must be chosen. Do these coverage suits belong in federal or state
court?...
December 28, 2020
James Van Orden, Robert Magovern, and Steven Dickinson outline the changes made to the PPP in the omnibus budget signed by President Trump this weekend.
December 18, 2020
As the new year rolls in, the COVID-19 vaccine is on everyone’s mind. The Pfizer vaccine has officially been distributed throughout the United States (albeit through a more limited Emergency Use Authorization process) and rumors are circulating that the FDA will approve the Moderna vaccine any day...
December 17, 2020
COVID-19
Defunct Travel Agency To Refund Travelers Who Paid Twice for Their Lodgings
Massachusetts AG Maura Healey reached a settlement with online travel agency BookIt Operating LLC d/b/a BookIt.com and its CEO (collectively “BookIt”) to resolve allegations that it knowingly collected money...
December 17, 2020
Prior to the advent of social media, employers were generally comfortable drawing a bright line between what employees did on their own time and workplace misconduct. Those bygone times, however, have been replaced by a modern era wherein employers are forced to apply employment laws created before...
December 17, 2020
Peter Ennis discusses the ordinance signed by Mayor Bill Peduto covering employers with 50 or more employees and requiring them to provide paid time off for employees working in the city who miss work due to reasons related to COVID-19.
December 16, 2020
Shortly after this morning's episode on mandatory vaccines (episode IV-83), the EEOC issued its long-awaited guidance on mandatory Covid-19 vaccine policies. This new episode discussed the EEOC's latest guidance and what employers should be thinking about now.
Download this episode....
December 16, 2020
In today's episode, I am joined by my Cozen O'Connor colleagues David Barron and Howard Schweitzer to discuss the latest political and employment law implications of employers requiring employees to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
Download this episode....
December 14, 2020
John Carrigan, Jr. wrote an article about the COVID-19 vaccine and employers looking to a vaccine as a way to keep their workforce and customers safe may face an uphill battle.
December 04, 2020
Heidi Schwartz and Joe Bright co-authored an article in Bloomberg Tax addressing the reporting challenges and potential tax bills confronting employers whose employees are working from home in jurisdictions outside of the employer’s workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 03, 2020
Cozen In The News
Cozen O’Connor Member Jerry Kilgore Recognized for Contributions to NAAG
Earlier this week, former Virginia Attorney General and Cozen O’Connor member, Jerry Kilgore, was recognized amongst his peers during the Society of Attorneys General Emeritus (“SAGE”) Business Meeting...
December 03, 2020
Steve Dickinson discusses Forms 3509 and 3510 and how the SBA announcements will use them to review all PPP loans of $2 million or more with regard to necessity.
November 23, 2020
With a new administration on the horizon, it seems likely OSHA may revisit whether it will issue emergency COVID-19 regulations, something Secretary of Labor Scalia has repeatedly stated is not necessary despite heavy criticism by worker advocate groups. Indeed, many states have or will be...
November 19, 2020
2020 AG Elections
Just Called: Incumbent Attorney General Wins Second Term in North Carolina
North Carolina AG Josh Stein (D) won reelection in a closely watched race over Jim O’Neill (R) by a margin of 51% to 49.9%.
AG Stein, first elected in 2016, will serve his second term in office....
November 12, 2020
2020 AG Elections
New Leadership Team at the Republican Attorneys General Association
The Republican Attorneys General Association (“RAGA”) announced the election of the leadership team for its Executive Committee for 2021, which will be led by Chairman Georgia AG Chris Carr, Vice-Chairman...
November 10, 2020
In March
of 2020, international and national events
triggered an immediate and emergent need for
employers to transition their entire work force to working remotely. The World
Health Organization officially declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a
pandemic on March 11 and President Donald Trump...
November 09, 2020
One subject that has not received a lot of attention relating to COVID-19 requirements for employers is the obligation to make and preserve certain records. Depending on what the record is, and who is making it, these mandates will require employers to maintain records for longer periods of time...
November 05, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to switch to a remote workforce. This rapid shift has reshaped the landscape of the American workforce, and will likely have far-reaching consequences. Although for many employers, remote working is just a temporary response to the global pandemic,...
October 30, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jen Miller discuss New York City's authorization to reopen indoor pools.
October 29, 2020
Breaking News
A Preview of How the Presidential Election Will Influence the Agendas of State Attorneys General
Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Practice Member Sean Riley penned an alert analyzing the effect of the presidential election on state AGs’ agenda.
In the alert, Riley lays...
October 27, 2020
Ira Bodenstein and David R. Doyle discuss options for businesses impacted by COVID-19 that are considering winding down or reorganizing.
October 23, 2020
A trial level court in North
Carolina recently found coverage under first-party property insurance policies
for the insured restaurants’ COVID-19-related business income losses. In North
State Deli, LLC et al. v. Cincinnati Ins. Co., et al., Case No.
20-CVS-02569 in the General Court of Justice,...
October 20, 2020
Steve Haas discusses recent guidance regarding the suspension of the 7.5 percent air transportation federal excise tax and how it may impact your travel plans in 2021.
October 19, 2020
Stephen Miller wrote an article discussing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had on college athletics and the future of the NCAA.
October 19, 2020
David P. Zambito and Jonathan P. Nase discuss Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille's modifications to the emergency order.
October 15, 2020
Insurance claims arising out of COVID-19-related commercial losses have been hotly contested, and lawsuits have been filed across the country by policyholders seeking coverage for lost business income. These claims typically raise similar coverage questions – whether the spread of a virus could...
October 08, 2020
COVID-19
NAAG: Airline Industry Customers Deserve Stronger Consumer Protections
The National Association of Attorneys General (“NAAG”) sent a letter to congressional leaders urging Congress to strengthen consumer protections for airline industry customers.
The letter, signed by a bipartisan...
October 07, 2020
Daniel Johns wrote an article discussing the risk of union organizing that employers may face at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 07, 2020
Rebecca Eschen discusses why deed-in-a-box transactions are particularly well-suited for the COVID-era economic instability.
October 01, 2020
COVID-19
AG Coalitions Tackle PPP, Price Gouging Concerns
Eighteen Democratic AGs, led by Illinois AG Kwame Raoul, sent a comment letter to the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) opposing the SBA’s proposed rule governing the appeals process for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans,...
September 30, 2020
Rachel Welford discusses the bipartisan bill that would require TSA to conduct temperature checks on all passengers and other individuals seeking entry to an airport’s sterile area.
September 28, 2020
If the COVID-19 pandemic was
not already difficult enough on the D.C. real estate development community,
recent proposed legislation by the D.C. Council might make developing
condominiums in the city more challenging.
On September 17, 2020, the D.C. Council’s Committee on
Housing and...
September 25, 2020
Dr. Robert Redfield, the Director of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, said during his testimony before a Senate subcommittee on
September 16 that wearing face masks may be more effective than a vaccine at
protecting against COVID-19. What is surprising is the authority tasked
with...
September 23, 2020
Elena Hillam and Austin Dieter discuss AB 685, signed by Governor Newsom, implementing new reporting and notice requirements and granting Cal OSHA additional powers following employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace.
September 23, 2020
Elena Hillman and Austin Dieter discuss SB 1159, signed into law by Governor Newsom, expanding access to workers’ compensation and making it easier for first responders, health care workers, and other workers who test positive for COVID-19 due to an outbreak.
September 22, 2020
As COVID-19-related closures are likely to continue into 2021, the
Zoning Commission (Commission) recently took emergency proposed action to further
clarify the rules and procedures for virtual meetings and hearings. The text
amendment applies to Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment...
September 21, 2020
OSHA practitioners who have handled citations involving fatalities or severe injuries are most likely no strangers to considering how these citations including the alleged violation description might affect collateral litigation such as wrongful death actions or tort claims. Indeed, collateral...
September 17, 2020
2022 AG Elections
Challenger Takes on Texas Incumbent Attorney General
Joe Jaworski, former Mayor of Galveston Texas, announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for Texas AG to challenge Republican incumbent AG Ken Paxton in the 2022 election.
For more AG election news,...
September 17, 2020
George Voegele discusses the city of Philadlelphia's new ordinance that makes two weeks of paid sick leave available to thousands of Philadelphia workers impacted by COVID-19.
September 15, 2020
Bethany Vasquez, Elena Hillman, and Austin Dieter discuss Assembly Bill 1867, requiring large employers to provide COVID-19 related supplemental paid sick leave to their California employees.
September 10, 2020
2021 AG Elections
Virginia Incumbent Attorney General Seeks Reelection, Skips Governor’s Race
Virginia AG Mark Herring reportedly will seek a third term as AG and not run for governor as previously reported.
As previously reported, AG Herring will face Norfolk, Virginia, Delegate Jay Jones...
September 03, 2020
COVID-19
Senior Living Facilities Warned Against Charging Potentially Illegal COVID-19 Fees
Michigan AG Dana Nessel sent cease and desist letters to senior living facilities owner CSIG Holding Co. LLC, management company Senior Village Management LLC, and 11 facilities under their ownership...
September 03, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss what condo and coop boards need to know before reopening gyms and fitness centers.
September 01, 2020
The latest projections estimate that nearly 300,000
Americans will die from COVID-19 by the end of 2020. Many of those individuals
will be employed when they contract the virus, and a significant number will be
workers in front line businesses such as retail, manufacturing, or healthcare,
where the...
September 01, 2020
Gregory Eisenstark and Michael J. Connolly discuss the voluntary moratorium on utility shut-offs for non-payment of bills that Gov. Murphy extended to October 15, 2020. The moratorium applies to electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
August 31, 2020
Marcia Mulkey and Evan Preminger discuss the EPA's emergency exemption to the state of Texas to permit the use of a chemical disinfectant product that claims to effectively kill viruses on surfaces for up to seven days after application.
August 28, 2020
David P. Zambito and Jonathan P. Nase discuss the PUC's postponement of its motion addressing termination of the moratorium so the commission would have more time to evaluate comments that had been filed with the PUC.
August 27, 2020
COVID-19
Attorneys General Are Vigilant About Pandemic-Related Price Gouging and Illegal Balance Billing
Pennsylvania AG Josh Shapiro sued online seller M & B Multi Services Inc. and its owner (collectively “M&B”) for allegedly gouging the price of hand sanitizer in violation of the...
August 25, 2020
James Davis and Heidi Schwartz discuss Governor Wolf's COVID-19-related relief programs that includes legalizing recreational marijuana to fund portions of the programs.
August 21, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss the conflicting guidance regarding opening indoor pools in New York City.
August 20, 2020
The Eleventh Circuit has provided some clarity to Florida businesses and their insurers dealing with COVID-19 claims. In Mama Jo’s Inc., d.b.a. Berries v. Sparta Ins. Co., No. 18-12887 (11th Cir. March 18, 2020), the Court held that a restaurant’s lost income and extra cleaning costs due to nearby...
August 13, 2020
Outsourcing on the Upswing
In an era where lawyers and law firms seek to run “lean” as a way of
keeping costs down, outsourcing legal and nonlegal services once performed
in-house by law firms can be a wise financial move. The advent of COVID-19 has
accelerated consideration of outsourcing...
August 13, 2020
COVID-19
Paying 4X for Eggs? New York Attorney General Alleges Price Gouging in Lawsuit Against Egg Producer
New York AG Letitia James sued egg producer and wholesale distributor Hillandale Farms Corp. and related entities (collectively “Hillandale Farms”) for allegedly gouging the prices...
August 13, 2020
On April 20,
2020, two policyholders involved in Covid-19 class action suits filed the first
motion with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) asking for the
transfer and coordination or consolidation of two class actions suits filed in
the U.S. District Court for the Eastern...
August 06, 2020
COVID-19
Bipartisan Group of Attorneys General Seeks to Expand Production of Antiviral Drug
A bipartisan group of 34 AGs, led by California AG Xavier Becerra and Louisiana AG Jeff Landry, sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (“HHS”), the National Institutes...
August 06, 2020
David Barron, David Hackett, Nandini Sane, and Bethany Vasquez designed an FAQ to address concerns that employers have regarding COVID-19 and the Fall semester.
August 05, 2020
David Barron discusses the Southern District of New York's decision on August 3, 2020, finding that four portions of the DOL's final rule exceeded the DOL’s authority and should be set aside as invalid.
August 04, 2020
Today's new episode analyzes this morning's federal court decision that invalidates four separate (significant) portions of the U.S. Department of Labor's regulations implementing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
Download this episode....
July 30, 2020
COVID-19
Selling Nonexistent PPE Is Not a Good Business Plan
New York AG Letitia James reached a settlement with medical supply company Borgese Holdings, Inc. d/b/a IMPACT Medical & Surgical Solutions and its owner (collectively, “IMPACT”) to resolve allegations that it fraudulently...
July 30, 2020
Jerry Kilgore and Julia Hammond discuss Virginia's workplace safety standards to protect Virginia workers.
July 29, 2020
Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family
Law Group, was a guest on Fox 29 News discussing the current status of divorce
proceedings in light of COVID-19.
Watch here: https://www.fox29.com/video/833760...
July 28, 2020
Dave Hackett and Anna Wermuth discuss what employers must do to ensure they are complying with all applicable laws.
July 27, 2020
Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss the SBA's procedural notice to lenders participating in the PPP concerning PPP loan forgiveness.
July 27, 2020
William H. Walsh and Anusha E. Jones discuss potential preemption defenses that could be available to airlines and their potential effectiveness.
July 23, 2020
COVID-19
Attorney General to Congress: Let States Help Battle COVID-19-Related Medicaid Scams
Citing the growing number of COVID-19-related scams, Kansas AG Derek Schmidt urged Congress to expand the authority of states to investigate and prosecute fraud and abuse perpetrated against Medicaid...
July 20, 2020
David P. Zambito and Jonathan P. Nase discuss the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission vote on party lines to maintain its moratorium on utility terminations while Governor Tom Wolf’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency on COVID-19 remains in effect.
July 17, 2020
David Heffernan discusses the DOT's consent order against Volaris and how it may provide insights into how DOT is approaching enforcement during COVID-19.
July 15, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller update New York City condo and coop owners and boards with the latest guidance from the Empire State Development Corporation.
July 15, 2020
Fran Rayer and Beth Olivera discuss the resumption of Visa services at certain U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
July 15, 2020
Fran Rayer and Beth Olivera discuss the settlement in President and Fellows of Harvard College et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security et al., allowing foreign students to remain in the United States even if all classes will be online.
July 09, 2020
Cozen in the News
New Challenges for Attorneys General as They Respond to COVID-19
Christopher Allen, a Member of Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Practice, penned an Alert analyzing the novel ways in which AGs are wielding their legal, political, and policy-making authority in...
July 09, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss the Empire State Development Corporation's guidance for private pools and fitness centers.
July 07, 2020
In today's episode, we look at how the U.S. Department of Labor is educating and enforcing the federal Covid-19 Paid Sick Leave and FMLA provisions, and what happens when an employee needs leave because a summer camp or place of care becomes unavailable.
Download this episode....
July 07, 2020
Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss updates to the Paycheck Protection Program.
July 06, 2020
On July 2, 2020, the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services issued a joint guidance document titled “Runway to Recovery- the United States Framework for Airlines and Airports to Mitigate the Public Health Risks of Coronavirus.”
July 01, 2020
Michele Ballard Miller, Walter Stella, Elena Hillman, and Austin Dieter designed an FAQ that California Employers have regarding COVID-19.
July 01, 2020
Frances Rayer and Elizabeth Olivera addressed common questions related to immigration and COVID-19.
June 30, 2020
Christopher J. Allen discusses state AGs wielding their legal, political, and policy-making authority and increasing enforcement to protect consumers, enhance data privacy and security, eliminate price-gouging, and combat false claims for payment to state authorities.
June 25, 2020
COVID-19
Planning a Trip During the Pandemic? Add Reliability of Travel Agency to Your Worry List
Massachusetts AG Maura Healey sued online travel agency BookIt Operating, LLC, d/b/a BookIt.com, and its CEO (collectively “BookIt”) for allegedly knowingly collecting money from consumers for...
June 25, 2020
Brett D. Watson discusses why small businesses could experience an uptick in embezzlement post-COVID-19, how to prevent it, and how banks can insulate themselves from liability.
June 25, 2020
Tia Ghattas, Josh Greenbaum and Kendall Hayden discuss the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration exemptions for some regulations for certain motor carriers and their drivers that sunset on July 1.
June 25, 2020
Kathy Jaffari, Edgar Rapoport, and Chris Bellini discuss the SEC's June 23, 2020, guidance on disclosure considerations regarding operations, liquidity, and capital resources in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 23, 2020
In today's new episode, I summarize the most-recent updated guidance from the EEOC and OSHA on such issues as employee accommodations, medical screening, hazard assessments, and pandemic harassment.
Download this episode....
June 23, 2020
Robert Kaplan and John Wilson discuss the IRS's latest guidance for 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans, including the expanded definition of a qualified individual.
June 23, 2020
Fran Rayer, Scott Bettrigde, Daniela Berisiartu Barshel, and Elizabeth Olivera discuss President Trump's extension of Proclamation 10014.
June 19, 2020
A new federal COVID-19 data privacy bill with bipartisan
support, the Exposure Notification Privacy Act, would have a substantially narrower
scope of application than two previous partisan draft COVID-19 privacy laws. The bipartisan bill specifically regulates “automated
exposure notification...
June 18, 2020
COVID-19
Attorneys General Express Concern Over Contact Tracing Apps
The National Association of Attorneys General (“NAAG”) sent a letter signed by a bipartisan group of 39 AGs to Apple, Inc. and Google, LLC, seeking assurances that all COVID-19-related contact tracing and exposure...
June 18, 2020
Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss the new Form 3508EZ and Form 3508 for PPP loan forgiveness.
June 17, 2020
In today's new episode, I am joined by Robert Snashall, who has 40 years of experience involving workers compensation matters and served as the Chair of the New York State Workers Compensation Board, to discuss the role of workers compensation in the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Download this...
June 12, 2020
On June 10, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) published a series of frequently asked questions and
answers (FAQs) regarding the recommended use of surgical masks, cloth face
coverings, and respirators in the workplace in the wake of ongoing health
concerns arising from...
June 11, 2020
COVID-19
New York Strengthens Protections Against Price Gouging
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed 8189 and A.10270 into law, which strengthen New York state’s ability to combat price gouging on essential goods and services, including products and equipment critically needed during the...
June 10, 2020
Michael Schmidt addressed best practices for New York employers to return to work from the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 09, 2020
Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss the joint statement by the Small Business Administration and Department of the Treasury concerning changes in SBA rules and forms that are necessary to implement the Flexibility Act.
June 08, 2020
In today's new episode, I identify the top 10 likely employment law claims and lawsuits that employers will face from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Download this episode....
June 05, 2020
Steve Dickinson discusses the Flexibility Act of 2020 and the changes to the PPP.
June 05, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss changes to governing documents condo and coop boards should make that better equip themselves for this new reality.
June 04, 2020
COVID-19
Attorneys General Continue to Address Alleged COVID-19-Related Fraud and Abuse
Florida AG Ashley Moody reached a settlement with Sunshine Community Rx d/b/a PrecisionMed Pharmacy (“PrecisionMed”) to resolve allegations that it marketed and sold COVID-19 test kits by falsely promoting...
June 02, 2020
Chris Sweeney and Alex Busch explain why now could be the perfect moment for contractors to draw a baseline and measure the impacts to date and start measuring future impacts.
June 02, 2020
Adam Silvermann discusses a variety of issues and provisions landlords (and tenants) should consider when crafting a lease forbearance agreement during the COVID-19 crisis.
June 01, 2020
Pete Fontaine partnered with Aramark to provide owners and operators of commercial and institutional facilities with insight into the important differences in SARS-CoV-2 disinfection methods for interior spaces.
June 01, 2020
Jeremy Glenn and Julie Trester wrote an article discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact employee rights.
May 29, 2020
Fran Rayer and Elizabeth Olivera discuss USCIS decision to resume offering premium processing services for cases involving Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, and Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, in phases over the month of June.
May 28, 2020
Cozen in the News
Cozen O’Connor Adds Privacy, Technology, and Class Action Litigation Depth
Cozen O’Connor added two significant attorney groups in recent weeks whose niche practices are highly complementary to the work of Cozen’s State Attorneys General Practice.
Nine attorneys joined the...
May 28, 2020
Our May 4, 2020 blog – Employers With Unionized Workforces Need to be Prepared – discussed how employers with collective bargaining agreements (CBA) should start preparing for a union’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to view that blog. This blog discusses an employer’s duty to...
May 28, 2020
Steve Dickinson, Bob Magovern, and James Van Orden discuss the two new rules issued by the SBA that provide some additional insight into the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness.
May 27, 2020
Adam Silverman discusses some provisions worth considering in new lease documents in the COVID-19 era.
May 27, 2020
Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor Williams wrote an article discussing how the EEOC intends that ADA accommodation requests will be alive and well post-coronavirus and employers will be required to engaged in the interactive process with each individual.
May 22, 2020
On May 19, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) published revised enforcement guidance detailing when employers must record COVID-19 illnesses. The new guidance reverses course on prior guidance dated April 10, 2020 which relaxed the circumstances when most employers...
May 21, 2020
COVID-19
FTC Flags for COVID-19-Related Fraud and Abuse
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) sent joint letters to marketing company ITMedia Solutions, LLC (“ITMedia”) and its client Lendio, Inc. warning them that they may be misleading small...
May 21, 2020
Patrick Martin wrote about ways to secure business development opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 20, 2020
Rachel Welford discusses how and why TSA should begin temperature screenings.
May 19, 2020
Responding to widespread calls for uniform rules and
restrictions regarding the collection and use of individuals’ COVID-19-related
health information, Congressional Republicans and Democrats have each recently introduced
their own versions of federal COVID-19 data privacy bills. Although both...
May 19, 2020
Jeff Vogel, Matt Howell, Evan Berquist, and Jason Kreps discuss the programs and facilities announced by the Fed and Treasury to disburse the $500 billion in funding for lending to businesses and to state and local governments in hopes of stabilizing the economy in the short-and long-term and questions related to the $75 billion allocated to the Main Street Lending Facilities.
May 19, 2020
James Van Orden, Bob Magovern, Marty Schrier, and Steve Dickinson discuss the SBA's guidance on forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that allow small businesses and self-employed individuals to seek full forgiveness of their PPP loans that are being used to pay employee wages and other critical expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 15, 2020
Danielle Sapega discusses the Pennsylvania attorney general's investigation into nursing homes, the Department of Health's guidance for nursing homes, and the governor's executive order granting immunity to health care workers.
May 15, 2020
Geoffrey Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss a newly adopted regulation in the Marshall Islands that officially sanction virtual shareholder meetings.
May 14, 2020
COVID-19
Who’s Watching Gramma? Pennsylvania Attorney General Investigates Nursing Homes for Criminal Neglect
Pennsylvania AG Josh Shapiro is investigating ”several” unidentified nursing homes in the state over COVID-19-related allegations of neglect of a care-dependent person, a criminal...
May 14, 2020
John Wilson, Jay Dorsch, Lynn Brehm, Robert Kaplan, and Matt Clyde discuss IRS Notice 2020-29 allowing employers to provide flexibility to employees to change their elections under cafeteria plans through December 31, 2020.
May 13, 2020
Last week we posted a blog that discussed how employers with and those without unionized workforces should prepare for a union’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to view the blog. This blog discusses what an employer with a non-unionized workforce should do when a union calls. It...
May 13, 2020
The EEOC recently updated its Covid-19 guidance (on May 7, 2020) to address such issues as medical screening and testing, required reasonable accommodations, and discrimination/harassment issues. Today's new episode provides a summary of the EEOC's new guidance.
Download this episode....
May 13, 2020
Rachel Welford discusses DOT's guidance for airline carriers operating flights to, from, and within in the United States on when it is necessary to offer ticketed passengers refunds.
May 11, 2020
John Wilson and Rob Kaplan discuss guidance from the Department of Labor and the IRS regarding retirement plans, COBRA, and employee benefits subject to ERISA.
May 08, 2020
Adam Schlatner and Michael de Leeuw discuss potential COVID-19 related litigation, based on what is already happening and the legacy of other downturns.
May 08, 2020
Nicole H. Sprinzen and Joseph Simpson discuss steps companies who took PPP funds should take now to prepare for audits by the SBA, Treasury, DOJ, or the FBI.
May 07, 2020
COVID-19
Attorneys General Address Pandemic-Related Price Gouging
District of Columbia AG Karl Racine sued convenience store Helen Mart, LLC for allegedly selling bleach at a 200% markup, compared to prices charged by other retailers, in violation of the District’s Natural Disaster Consumer...
May 07, 2020
In today's episode, I am joined by Jason Brewer, EVP of Communications and State Affairs of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) to discuss how the retail industry has been planning for the return-to-work phases and what the new "normal" might look like.
Download this episode....
May 07, 2020
Cozen O’Connor’s Institutional Response Group and Margolis Healy outline the Clery Act implications for Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 06, 2020
Bryant Andrews and Bethany Salvatore discuss the Pennsylvania Department of Health's guidance for the businesses permitted to maintain in-person operations.
May 06, 2020
Menachem J. Kastner, Emily Shoor, and Andrew Punzo discuss the case law behind New York courts applying the common law doctrines of Impossibility of Performance and Frustration of Purpose narrowly and strictly and only in limited circumstances.
May 06, 2020
Jerry Spector discusses multiple notices and guidance issued by the Treasure and the IRS that impact the bond market.
May 04, 2020
With Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo,
and Santa Clara counties beginning to loosen restrictions on the operation of
certain businesses operating primarily outdoors, including resuming
construction, effective on May 4, 2020, employers with collective bargaining
agreements...
May 04, 2020
Sam Mogensen and Chris Sweeney provide updates on recent stay-at-home orders in the midwest and how they are impacting the construction industry.
April 30, 2020
COVID-19
Attorneys General and FTC Continue to Protect the Public from COVID-19-Related Fraud
Florida AG Ashley Moody sued advertising company Traffic Jam Events, LLC and its owner for allegedly mailing deceptive used car advertisements disguised as COVID-19 stimulus checks in violation of...
April 30, 2020
In tonight's episode, I am joined by my colleague, Dan Johns, to discuss the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on union organizing and other traditional labor issues.
Download this episode....
April 30, 2020
Jeff Vogel, Matt Howell, Evan Berquist, and Jason Kreps summarize the Federal Reserve's Expansion of the Main Street Lending Program.
April 29, 2020
Gregory M. Fliszar discusses what measures Pennsylvania hospitals must take before resuming elective surgeries and procedures.
April 29, 2020
Nick Berenato discusses New York's plan to reopen in phases.
April 29, 2020
J. Nicole Martin and Gregory M. Fliszar discuss CMS's blanket waivers for nursing facilities and skilled-nursing facilities effective through the end of the COVID-19-related emergency.
April 29, 2020
Benjamin L. Shechtman discusses the EEOC's recent guidance allowing ADA-covered employers to administer a COVID-19 test to an employee prior to permitting the employee to enter the workplace, without running afoul of EEO laws.
April 29, 2020
Katie Schwab & Jamie Ansorge discuss three new bills introduced in New York City City Council that would impact employers in the city.
April 28, 2020
On Friday, April 24th, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (“Act”) into law that will send an additional $75 billion to the Public Health Emergency and Social Services Fund (“Fund”) used to reimburse eligible health care providers for health care...
April 27, 2020
Nick Berenato and Chris Sweeney discuss Governor Wolf's plan to reopen the construction industry in Pennsylvania.
April 27, 2020
Jesse Keene discusses Governor Inslee's addendum allowing limited construction projects to resume in Washington.
April 24, 2020
Steve Dickinson, Marty Schrier, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which adds $310 billion in funding to the Paycheck Protection Program and an additional $60 billion to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
April 24, 2020
Cozen O'Connor Labor and Employment attorneys addressed how employers should plan returning to work post-coronavirus.
April 24, 2020
Di Addy Tang, Elena Hillman, and Austin Dieter discuss what employers need to consider before implementing temperature screenings of employees.
April 24, 2020
The COVID-19 outbreak and government-mandated shutdowns have made in-person meetings between attorneys and clients off limits. Clients seeking to update healthcare directives and rework trust, estate, and wealth-transfer planning in the wake of the pandemic can take comfort in the fact that...
April 23, 2020
Cozen in the News
Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Practice Member/Former Virginia AG Discusses State Cannabis Compliance Programs
Cozen O'Connor Member and former Virginia AG Jerry Kilgore participated in the opening panel for the Attorney General Alliance’s (“AGA”) Cannabis Law and...
April 23, 2020
If you missed today's telephone briefing held by the United States Department of Labor (4-23-20), this new episode summarizes the key points made by Secretary Scalia and other senior DOL officials on today's call to discuss current Coronavirus legislation and initiatives.
Download this...
April 23, 2020
Abby L. Sacunas and Nicole H. Sprinzen discuss possible language for new and future contracts to avoid contract disputes that arise out of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
April 23, 2020
Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden and, Bob Magovern discuss the SBA's recent FAQ regarding public companies receiving PPP loans.
April 23, 2020
William Lesser discusses how the extension of Gov. Cuomo's New York State on PAUSE order impacts the utility industry.
April 23, 2020
Fran Rayer, Scott Bettridge, Daniela Barshel, and Elizabeth Olivera discuss what President Trump's temporary suspension of certain categories of immigrants from entering the United States means and who is impacted.
April 22, 2020
James Argionis and Steven Dickinson wrote a white paper in conjunction with Gallagher on guidance in regard to the CARES Act and what this means for different types of businesses.
April 22, 2020
Lori Kalani and Ann-Marie Luciano discuss privacy and data security issues state AGs are investigating and what technology companies can do to prevent these issues.
April 22, 2020
Don Kassilke and Wayne Rohde discuss FEMA's additional guidance about the 10 categories of PPE exports that would be exempt from the recent, temporary ban.
April 21, 2020
The District of Columbia’s Department of Consumer and
Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) – the agency that, among other tasks, issues building
permits and business licenses – conducted a virtual meeting on April 15, 2020.
More than 500 residents and business owners submitted their business...
April 21, 2020
In today's episode, I am joined by my Cozen O'Connor colleagues Howard Schweitzer (public strategies/gov't relations) and David Barron (labor and employment) to discuss what the next federal stimulus legislation might look like, and what employers should be thinking about when bringing employees...
April 21, 2020
Elisabeth Ross and Christopher Hennessy published an article to Law360 discussing how due to COVID-19 courts, judges and attorneys may have to adapt further or even change the rules of litigation to bring greater flexibility to the way cases are handled.
April 20, 2020
J. Nicole Martin and Gregory M. Fliszar discuss CMS's guidance for health care systems in areas with low COVID-19 infections to reopen nonessential care.
April 20, 2020
Greg Eisenstark and Michael Connolly discuss New Jersey's executive order extending deadlines until after the public health emergency.
April 20, 2020
Danielle E. Sapega and Gregory M. Fliszar discuss CMS's new guidance for nursing homes when it comes to reporting confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.
April 20, 2020
Rachel Welford discusses the FAA's guidance for passenger airlines contemplating using empty apace in their aircraft to transport cargo.
April 20, 2020
Don Kassilke, Wayne Rohde, and Kathryn Sobotta discuss OFAC's recently release Fact Sheet detailing regulatory requirements relevant to export humanitarian goods to sanctioned countries such as Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Ukraine, and Russia.
April 17, 2020
Alan Pittler discusses Pennsylvania's new employer safety measures and what that could mean for non-essential businesses when they are ready to open up.
April 17, 2020
Michael Klein discussed Pennsylvania's new order providing guidance for essential businesses, including utilities, to protect employees and the public.
April 16, 2020
COVID-19
Attorneys General Take Action to Help Constituents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
AGs across the country are using their prominent public profiles to provide reliable information during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Massachusetts AG Maura Healey launched a new website with...
April 16, 2020
Bob Magovern and Wayne Rohde discuss the FMC's order aimed at developing improvements to the U.S. ocean transportation supply chain through the use innovation teams.
April 16, 2020
Kelly Trout and Chris Sweeney detail Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania's recent orders mandating businesses that are operating follow CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
April 15, 2020
On April 10, 2020, OSHA issued additional guidance for employers on their obligations to record COVID-19 cases which can be found here.
Prior to this guidance, OSHA made clear that COVID-19 cases may be recordable if a worker is infected as a result of performing work-related duties. Thus,...
April 15, 2020
Pete Fontaine, Marcia Mulkey, and Amorie Hummel discuss how various state and federal orders are impacting the environmental industry.
April 15, 2020
Bob Magovern discusses what the DOJ and Federal Trade Commission's joint statement means for employers.
April 14, 2020
Jennifer Brandt appeared on Court TV discussing three top of the news cases: Bodycam shows Gilbert Police interview Lori Vallow after husband tried to get her mentally evaluated; Chicago's County Jail Is Facing The U.S.' Worst COVID-19 Outbreak; and Paul Hildwin now free after spending 28 years...
April 14, 2020
Danielle Sapega and Gregory M. Fliszar discuss OCR's announcement relaxing HIPAA rules in connection with the good faith participation in the operation of a COVID-19 Community-Based Testing Site(s)
April 14, 2020
Gregory M. Fliszar and Alexandra Campau explain the terms and conditions outlined by CMS for providers who wish to receive a payment from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund.
April 14, 2020
Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss the SBA's updated FAQ's on the Paycheck Protection Program.
April 13, 2020
In the midst of growing alarm over the coronavirus
pandemic and an almost all-consuming focus on public health, workplace and
legal developments related to the pandemic, many Colorado employers may have
missed the significant changes in Colorado wage and hour laws recently ushered
in by the...
April 13, 2020
Michael Klein and Michael Connolly provide updates to restrictions Pennsylvania and New Jersey have issued on the energy industry.
April 13, 2020
Denise Bense and Karl Neumann published an article to Law360 discussing the FDA's guidance policy for face masks and respirators during the coronavirus pandemic.
April 12, 2020
BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Labor just issued its regulations to implement the new federal Covid-19 obligations on Paid Sick Leave and FMLA. In this episode, I tell you how the new regulations answer the 10 primary questions you have about the new federal requirements.
Download this...
April 10, 2020
Nick Berenato and Chris Sweeney discuss New Jersey's latest executive order and what it means for construction project sites.
April 10, 2020
Ashley Kessler and Jon Gale discuss recent developments on the state and federal levels that impact the cannabis industry.
April 10, 2020
Chris Sweeney, Stephen Seeger, Jesse Keene, and Alex Busch detail the various stay-at-home orders issued by Midwest states and the impact of each on the construction industry.
April 10, 2020
Don Kassilke and Wayne Rohde discuss FEMA's anticipated temporary final rule prohibiting certain exportation of PPE, including N95 respirators, surgical masks, and exam and surgical gloves.
April 09, 2020
COVID-19
Attorneys General and Federal Agencies Battle a Flood of COVID-19-Related Fraud, Fake Medicines, and Price Gouging
State and federal law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts to protect the public from bad actors capitalizing on the COVID-19 pandemic. Included here are...
April 09, 2020
Gregory M. Fliszar discusses CMS's announcement that $30 billion will be distributed from the health care provider relief fund in the CARES Act.
April 09, 2020
Adam Gutmann discusses what employers should do when employees strike, participate in sickouts, or request PPE or to work from home due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.
April 09, 2020
Jeff Vogel, Matt Howell, Evan Berquist, and Jason Kreps discuss the additional $600 billion in loans, terms of the loans, and which businesses are eligible.
April 08, 2020
As reported
in this blog, on March 20, 2020, the District of Columbia’s Zoning Commission
(the commission) and the Board of Zoning Adjustment (the BZA) suspended all
public hearings and public meetings.
But, in a glimmer of positive news, the District’s Office
of Zoning has announced that the...
April 08, 2020
John Ho and Peter Ennis describe whether employers should report, under federal or state law, an employee who has tested positive.
April 08, 2020
Steve Dickinson, Marty Schrier, Bob Magovern, James Van Orden, and Jason Kreps summarize the SBA's FAQs about Paycheck Protection Program loans.
April 08, 2020
Leni Cummins gives an update on condo and coop eligibility for Paycheck Protection Program loans following the SBA's Interim Final Rule.
April 07, 2020
Rachel Welford and David Heffernan discuss DOT's notice regarding "Refunds By Carriers Given the Unprecedented Impact of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on Air Travel" and what carriers must do to ensure their compliance.
April 07, 2020
Dave Zambito, Michael Klein, Michael Connolly, and Jonathan Nase explain what utility companies need to know about their construction projects in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
April 06, 2020
In the midst of this pandemic, many are speculating that the aftermath will result in a baby boom or a rise in the number of divorces. Perhaps there will be a bit of both. It is undisputed that there are typically an influx of divorce cases after the holidays and summer break because these are...
April 06, 2020
Steve Haas discusses the suspension of the FET and what jet cardholders and customers of on-demand charters should do.
April 06, 2020
David Loh and John Ho discuss New York's new state budget and the Emergency or Disaster Treatment Protection Act, which protects health care professionals from liability that may result from the treatment of individuals with COVID-19.
April 04, 2020
In this special weekend edition, I am having a roundtable discussion with 6 of my Cozen colleagues to discuss frequently asked questions on the following issues: (1) labor and employment considerations; (2) SBA and Treasury funding processes for small, medium and large businesses; (3) the impact on...
April 04, 2020
Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss the latest affiliation rules under the PPP as they apply to faith-based organizations.
April 03, 2020
The CARES Act (“Act”) appropriates $100 billion to create a
Public Health Social Service Emergency Fund (“Fund”) to prevent, prepare for,
and respond to coronavirus domestically and internationally for necessary
expenses to reimburse, through grants or other mechanisms, eligible health...
April 03, 2020
Matthew Clyde explains how the CARES Act may impact individual retirement accounts.
April 03, 2020
Steve Dickinson and James Van Orden outline the updated regulations implementing Paycheck Protection Program loans.
April 03, 2020
Gregory M. Fliszar explains HHS's announcement that it will exercise its enforcement discretion and will not impose penalties for violations of certain provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule against health care providers or their business associates for the good faith uses and disclosures of protected health information.
April 02, 2020
COVID-19
Attorneys General Move to Limit Debt Collection in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
AGs across the country are taking action to limit or cease debt collection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Massachusetts AG Maura Healey issued emergency regulations placing new limits on debt collection...
April 02, 2020
Leni Cummins, David Hackett, and Marty Schrier discuss how property owners and condo and coop boards can take advantage of programs in FFCRA and the CARES Act.
April 02, 2020
Nandini Sane and Tina Syring summarize employers' obligations and benefits under the FFCRA.
April 02, 2020
A quick guide for small businesses interested in the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program r the Paycheck Protection Program.
April 01, 2020
Michael Hanlon and Anna Will Kentz detail how employers should handle an employee who tests positive for COVID-19 or whom demonstrates symptoms of the virus.
April 01, 2020
Steve Dickinson, Jason Kreps, James Van Orden and Marty Schrier outline the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program.
April 01, 2020
Evan Caplan details how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the state and federal courts in New Jersey.
March 31, 2020
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, much of the workforce has shifted to working remotely, with many workers operating out of makeshift "offices" they created in their homes with little or no warning. Along with this remote work comes an increased cybersecurity threat. We recently issued a...
March 31, 2020
Similar to the rest of the District of Columbia
government, the District’s Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) has made changes and
extended deadlines for certain real property and business sales and use tax
filings this year. As a general matter, all OTR walk-in centers are closed and
its building at...
March 31, 2020
David Heffernan and Rachel Welford discuss DOT's proposed parameters for implementing the authority granted it by the CARES Act to maintain scheduled air transportation to U.S. points.
March 31, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss the Department of Building's guidance following Governor Cuomo's order halting all non-essential construction in New York.
March 31, 2020
Chris Sweeney, Stephen Seeger, Jesse Keene, Kelly Trout, and Alex Busch discuss the D.C. mayor's order closing all non-essential businesses and how it impacts the construction industry.
March 30, 2020
In today's episode, I am joined by my colleague, David Reichenberg, to discuss the antitrust concerns that may be overlooked by businesses during this current Coronavirus outbreak.
Download this episode....
March 30, 2020
Christopher Sweeney, Stephen Seeger, Jesse Keene, Kelly Trout, and Alex Busch discuss how the Maryland and Virginia executive orders will impact the construction industry.
March 30, 2020
Bill Gericke and Deb Winokur discuss lawyers and law firm's ethical obligations when working remotely and outsourcing work.
March 30, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller review ESD's guidance shutting down all non-essential construction in New York.
March 30, 2020
Christopher Hennessy and Jeremy Glenn published an article to Law360 discussing the different programs the state of Illinois has announced to help businesses navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 30, 2020
Tina Syring discusses Minnesota's stay-at-home order and its impact on employers.
March 30, 2020
Mark Vacha and Scott Mehok discuss the framework for the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve System to introduce supra-institutional investors into the municipal securities markets created by the CARES Act.
March 28, 2020
Members of Cozen O'Connor's Coronavirus Task Force provide analysis of the CARES Act and how it will impact small businesses, distressed industries, employers and employees, taxes, and the health care, real estates, and energy industries.
March 27, 2020
Steve Haas discusses options for individuals for whom aviation travel is a necessity, including private charters and jet cards.
March 27, 2020
Robert K. Magovern and Matthew Howell discuss the DOJ's and FTC's joint statement pertaining to the enforcement of competition laws during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 27, 2020
Nicholas Berenato, Chris Sweeney, Stephen Seeger, Jesse Keene, and Alex Busch review the executive orders from the governors of Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and the impact on the construction industry.
March 26, 2020
COVID-19
Attorneys General Step Up Enforcement Efforts Against Price Gouging
AGs across the country are taking steps to protect the public from price gouging by sellers capitalizing on the COVID-19 pandemic.
California AG Xavier Becerra sent letters to multiple online commerce platforms,...
March 26, 2020
Part one in a
series, we will examine the effect of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
on the Fairfax County, Va., commercial real estate development community.
The below provides
insight into the status of critical Fairfax agencies as of March 25, 2020....
March 26, 2020
Danielle E. Sapega and Gregory M. Fliszar discuss the latest guidance from OCR on when it is permissible to disclose the minimum necessary information of individuals infected with COVID-19.
March 26, 2020
Matt Siegel gives companies seven tips they should keep in mind as their employees try to do from home what they would have otherwise done at the office.
March 26, 2020
Geof Ferrer outlines changes made to the state of New York's notarization requirements.
March 26, 2020
Rachel Welford explains why DHS postponed REAL ID compliance to October 1, 2021.
March 26, 2020
James Argionis discusses various grants and loans available to small businesses in Illinois and Chicago.
March 25, 2020
Today I am joined by my Cozen O'Connor colleague, Jennifer Williams, to answer questions relating to employers' WARN Act obligations in this current Coronavirus period.
Download this episode....
March 25, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss why boards should consider postponing meetings or holding meetings virtually.
March 25, 2020
Geoffrey Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss vessel registries relaxing original document requirements and accommodating the acknowledgment process without the need for a face-to-face meeting.
March 25, 2020
Chris Sweeney, Stephen Seeger, Jesse Keene, and Alex Busch discuss orders in California, Oregon, and Washington closing businesses due to coronavirus.
March 24, 2020
Jennifer
Brandt, chair of the firm's Family Law Practice, was featured on the KYW
Newsradio podcast segment titled, “Navigating custody and family court
issues during the coronavirus pandemic.” She discusses how court systems are
operating, and answers questions to concerns regarding custody...
March 24, 2020
In the wake of the Coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic, countless businesses have reduced or closed operations—some
permanently. Flights have been canceled, hotels and restaurants have closed,
and employees have been told to stay home. Naturally, businesses will seek to
offset their financial losses...
March 24, 2020
The District of Columbia Court
of Appeals (“Court of Appeals” or “Court”) is making significant operational
changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as reflected in the March 23,
2020, Order
entered by Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby. The change to Court procedures
follows suit with many...
March 24, 2020
Today, the District of Columbia announced that DCRA will close all of its in-person permit, license and other centers until at least April 27, 2020. Permits remain available online, and DCRA is offering “video consultations” for construction projects greater than 1,000 sq. ft.
Importantly,...
March 24, 2020
Marnie Kudon discusses how commercial landlords should navigate tenants' requests to terminate or modify their leases.
March 24, 2020
Michael Bailey and Pam Pengelley detail all of the court closings in Canada.
March 24, 2020
Samuel Lewis wrote an article about ways that you can make working remote become a more productive and a positive experience.
March 24, 2020
David Zambito, Michael Klein, Michael Connolly, Gregory Eisenstark, Ira Megdal, and Jonathan Nase discuss the executive orders in New Jersey and Pennsylvania impacting the utility industry.
March 24, 2020
Geoffrey Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss the temporary modification to the mortgage recording and acknowledgments requirements set out in the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Act.
March 23, 2020
Many businesses are permitting employees to work from home in response to COVID-19 and many more will do so particularly as states like New York have and/or will be restricting the number of employees at the worksite.
Does this mean the employer must inspect an employee’s home to ensure that...
March 23, 2020
Jennifer
Brandt, chair of the firm's Family Law Practice, appeared on Fox29's Good
Day Philadelphia discussing how to abide custody agreements during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Watch here: https://www.fox29.com/video/666569?fbclid=IwAR1A2TqKyTwZmtOi6QeZkLgrOaBzEXCa3Lf7FF7q6wyLh-vr2nDq9R6iojE...
March 23, 2020
This post is part one in a series that
will examine the effect of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on the
Washington, D.C. commercial real estate development community.
Whether you are in the middle of
construction or at the beginning of project due diligence, COVID-19 will impact
all...
March 23, 2020
John T. Carroll and Mark E. Felger discuss how to request credit accommodations from your creditors and considerations before doing so.
March 23, 2020
Greg Fliszar and Chris Raphaely explain the recent changes OCR and HHS made to make telehealth services more available.
March 23, 2020
Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Williams wrote about the challenges that the hospitality and lodging industry are facing with COVID-19.
March 22, 2020
In today's episode, I am joined by Michele Miller (Chair of our firm's West Coast Labor and Employment Group) to discuss how California is addressing Coronavirus issues for employers. While I have her, I also get a few quick thoughts on the status of California's independent contractor and...
March 20, 2020
The District of Columbia’s Office of Zoning (“OZ”) – the independent agency that, among other tasks,
accepts development applications to the District’s Zoning Commission (the “Commission”)
and Board of Zoning Adjustment (the “BZA”) – remains open for business in the
face of the COVID-19 outbreak,...
March 20, 2020
Chris Sweeney, Stephen Seeger, and Jesse Keene discuss steps the construction industry can take now to better prepare them for the impact of COVID-19.
March 20, 2020
March 20, 2020
Dan Pascale, executive vice president of Margolis Healy, offers advice on ensuring your business continues operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 20, 2020
Erin Szulewski answers commercial property owners' questions about Pennsylvania's business closure mandate.
March 20, 2020
Jen Williams, Peter Ennis, Arielle Eisenberg, and Nandini Sane discuss what employers must consider under state and federal WARN Acts before laying off or furloughing employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 20, 2020
Erin Szulewski provides an update on what businesses are considered essential in Pennsylvania when following Governor Wolf's mandate for all non-essential businesses to close.
March 20, 2020
Austin Dieter, David Hatch, and Brett Greving discuss Governor Newsome's order, who is exempt, and what services will remain available to Californians.
March 19, 2020
Breaking News
Despite COVID-19, the State AG Report Stays on the Beat
In these unprecedented times, the Cozen O’Connor State AG Group is committed to continuing to bring you important AG news stories and keeping you informed on current AG concerns, including new and ongoing efforts to combat...
March 19, 2020
Last night, President Trump signed the new federal Coronavirus legislation providing significant changes to the FMLA and paid sick leave requirements (effective April 2, 2020). I am joined in this episode by Howard Schweitzer, CEO of Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, to discuss what happened this...
March 19, 2020
Aaron Holt answers employers' questions regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
March 19, 2020
Jennifer Brandt discusses how COVID-19 is impacting families who are dealing with family law issues.
March 18, 2020
Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) has disrupted events, supply chains, sales, and entire industries. As a result, businesses are going to look to their property insurers to recuperate lost business income, as well as expenses related to cleaning, sanitizing and decontamination. The first lawsuit alleging...
March 18, 2020
Aaron Holt discusses steps the governor of Texas has taken to secure to long-term, low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for businesses and private nonprofits.
March 18, 2020
Fran Rayer and Beth Olivera explain what the USCIS canceling all face-to-face appointments, interviews, and events, including asylum interviews and citizenship ceremonies, means for applicants and petitioners.
March 18, 2020
Jonathan Grossman discusses the DOJ's warning against violations of antitrust laws in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of public health products such as face masks, respirators, and diagnostics.
March 18, 2020
Greg Fliszar discusses HHS's waiver of certain requirements of EMTALA in an effort to help hospitals being overrun and having capacity issues in their emergency rooms as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 18, 2020
Michael D. Rafalko discusses factors to consider when canceling a contract due to force majeure.
March 18, 2020
Christian Bruno, Matt Robbins, Jon Schoenwetter, and Erin Szulewski discuss the impact the COVID-19 outbreak is having on commercial real estate assets whose tenant occupants are experiencing complete or partial shutdown of their business operations.
March 17, 2020
In today's Part 2 of 2 this week, I rebroadcast the audio of Cozen O'Connor's 90-minute webinar in its entirety, entitled "Coronavirus and the Workplace." The discussion addresses the current status of the outbreak, as well as OSHA, ADA and other implications for employers, and frequently asked...
March 17, 2020
Peter Ennis and Michael Hanlon answer the questions employers should be asking as the workforce moves to telecommute.
March 17, 2020
Jim Argionis discusses recent executive orders impacting Illinois's citizens and businesses.
March 16, 2020
Robert Kaplan discusses the IRS Notice 2020-15 allowing employers to relax deductibles and other out-of-pocket limits for coronavirus-related expenses.
March 16, 2020
Paul Rutter discusses what property owners need to do now in relation to their properties and the coronavirus.
March 16, 2020
Joe Ziemianski, Melissa Brill, Alycen Moss, Stephen Pate, and Paul Ferland discuss how courts have analyzed and applied first-party property policies for these types of non-physical losses, potential coverage under a civil authority provision, and pollution/contamination exclusions.
March 16, 2020
David Heffernan discusses the FAA's announcement that carriers that cancel or reduce service at U.S. slot controlled airports will not forfeit their slots.
March 16, 2020
Joseph Dever, Linda Regis-Hallinan, and Andrew Punzo discuss the SEC's announcement regarding public disclosures in a company's periodic report in light of COVID-19.
March 16, 2020
Barbara Muller discusses force majeure clauses and other codes and laws that may be applicable to defending your contracts in the wake of the coronavirus.
March 16, 2020
David Barron and John Ho designed a response plan for employers facing coronavirus, along with questions for employees.
March 15, 2020
This special weekend episode (Part 1 of 2) summarizes brand new emergency legislation that passed the U.S. House of Representatives over the weekend that will provide immediate changes to the FMLA and paid sick leave laws for coronavirus-related circumstances. The episode also discusses new...
March 13, 2020
Meridith Moldenhauer discusses systems that may be impacted by D.C. mayor's decision to operate under a telework schedule beginning March 16.
March 13, 2020
Aaron Holt wrote an article discussing the action that employers should take with coronavirus within the workplace.
March 13, 2020
Gregory M. Fliszar and Danielle Sapega discuss the HIPAA Privacy and Novel Coronavirus bulletin and what providers and covered entities need to know during a public health emergency.
March 13, 2020
David Barron and Debra Friedman answer employers' frequently asked questions when it comes to the coronavirus.
March 12, 2020
Breaking News
Attorneys General on the Front Line Against Coronavirus-Related Scams
Christopher Allen, a Member of Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Practice, penned a brief summary about the efforts of AGs to protect the public from scams, abuse, and fraud perpetrated by bad actors...
March 12, 2020
Christopher Allen discusses how Attorneys General (“AGs”) are manning the front line in keeping consumers from becoming victims of scams, abuse, or fraud using the powers they have wielded for decades across a wide range of industries to combat deceptive and misleading claims and unfair business practices.
March 12, 2020
Trevor McGuinness discusses ways to avoid email scammers and hackers who may use the coronavirus as a way of accessing computers and personal information.
March 09, 2020
Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller outline how property owners, managers, and boards should prepare themselves for the coronavirus.
March 06, 2020
Rachel Welford discusses DOT's “Enforcement Notice Regarding Denying Boarding by Airlines of Individuals Suspected of Having Coronavirus.”
March 05, 2020
It is not unusual for OSHA to request “enhanced abatements” when resolving citations. Enhanced abatement is when an employer agrees to perform certain abatement actions beyond the recognized hazard in the specifically cited standard. For example, if an employer receives a machine guarding citation...
February 26, 2020
As the evolving coronavirus virus (COVID-19) first discovered in China continues to grow in both China and other countries including the United States, businesses here need to consider a number of factors in preparing a response plan. One of the most challenging issues in dealing with any epidemic...
February 26, 2020
As the evolving coronavirus virus (COVID-19) first discovered in China continues to grow in both China and other countries including the United States, businesses here need to consider a number of factors in preparing a response plan. One of the most challenging issues in dealing with any epidemic...
February 24, 2020
Today's episode looks at 6 key developments that every company should be thinking about: Coronavirus preparedness, the elimination of "at will", post-shift security check compensation, a win for salary history bans, prohibiting mandatory arbitration, and a survey on telecommuting.
Download this...
January 31, 2020
David Barron wrote about company policies involving illness in the workplace and five important questions that both employees and employers should be asking.
January 24, 2020
With the outbreak of the corona virus dominating headlines,
it is a great time to dust off the company policy on dealing with flu season
and infectious diseases, generally, in the workplace. Contagious diseases
are particularly troublesome subjects for companies because of the varied
circumstances...
In The News
July 21, 2023
Vincent McGuinness and Michael Schmidt spoke with The American Lawyer about the challenges law firms face with hybrid work.
April 28, 2023
Jeremy Glenn discussed with Law360 how the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) mapped out the types of remedies the agency might impose against repeat labor law violators.
April 20, 2023
Vincent McGuinness and Michael Schmidt spoke with The American Lawyer about the challenges of getting employees back in the office and the impact of remote work.
April 06, 2023
Michele Ballard Miller was quoted in Speech Technology Magazine discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic has potentially caused a significant increase in the number of people with disabilities, including long COVID, which will have ramifications for society and businesses.
December 02, 2022
Michael Schmidt joined the GovExec Daily podcast to discuss how organizations can stay safe while celebrating the holidays.
November 30, 2022
David Barron joined the GovExec Daily podcast to discuss mental health accommodations in the workplace.
November 08, 2022
David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing employers requiring COVID-19 vaccination for employees.
August 12, 2022
Arielle Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the latest on when an employee tests positive for COVID-19.
June 06, 2022
David Barron was quoted in Law.com discussing how workers are unhappy about returning to the office and how they are playing a legal card.
April 01, 2022
John Ho was quoted in Risk & Insurance discussing COVID-19 workplace safety strategies.
March 25, 2022
Jim Sullivan was quoted in City & State New York discussing New York City's Mayor Eric Adams lifting the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for performers and athletes while keeping it in place for all other private and public employees.
March 09, 2022
David Barron spoke with HR Dive discussing how long COVID-19 may constitute a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
February 23, 2022
John Ho spoke with Newsday discussing that companies shouldn't drop their guard on COVID-19.
February 17, 2022
Michael Schmidt joined This Morning with Gordon Deal to discuss how employers can help their employees feel safe when returning to the office.
February 16, 2022
Michael Schmidt spoke with Law360 about New York City's recent firing of more than 1,400 workers who refused COVID-19 vaccinations.
February 08, 2022
John Ho joined the GovExec Daily podcast to discuss the Supreme Court's decision to block President Biden’s federal vaccine mandate that would enforce a vaccine-or-test requirement for employees at private businesses with 100 or more employees.
February 02, 2022
Daniel Johns spoke with Law360 discussing virtual negotiations with unions during COVID-19.
January 20, 2022
John Ho was quoted in Transport Topics discussing the OSHA COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
January 15, 2022
John Ho was quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer discussing the latest on COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
January 14, 2022
Walter Stella spoke with KCBS Radio discussing the new CAL/OSHA COVID-19 safety workplace laws are going into effect and will strengthen requirements for good-quality face coverings and testing or exposure protocols.
January 14, 2022
Michael Schmidt spoke with NBC News about COVID-19 vaccine mandates at work.
January 14, 2022
David Barron was quoted in Forbes discussing the Biden administration's vaccine mandate blocked in a Supreme Court ruling.
January 13, 2022
Jim Sullivan spoke with KYW Newsradio about the recent Supreme Court decision to block the vaccine-or-test mandate from President Joe Biden’s administration but allow vaccine mandates for most health care workers.
January 07, 2022
Michael Schmidt spoke with Market Watch about the challenges employers face with unvaccinated employees and the lack of COVID-19 testing availability.
January 04, 2022
John Ho spoke with the Philadelphia Inquirer about OSHA's COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the workplace.
January 03, 2022
Michael Schmidt was quoted in Law360 discussing OSHA's emergency rule of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
December 28, 2021
James Sullivan spoke with Yahoo! finance about the impact the omicron variant is having on employers.
December 27, 2021
John Ho spoke with Yahoo! news about how employers can handle the vaccination status of employees.
December 23, 2021
Jim Sullivan was quoted in USA Today discussing the latest on the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
December 21, 2021
Scott Bettridge was quoted in HR Dive discussing the decrease in H-1B visas.
December 20, 2021
Jim Sullivan spoke with Inside OSHA about how OSHA plans to start enforcing its COVID-19 vaccination emergency temporary standard (ETS) on January 10, with employer vaccine policies to take effect February. 9 -- provided employers make “good faith efforts” to comply -- after a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit voted 2-1 to dissolve an earlier order staying the rule.
December 16, 2021
David Barron was quoted in Yahoo! news discussing employers handling vaccine mandates.
December 16, 2021
John Ho was quoted in Bloomberg Quint about how employers are navigating returning to the office with the omicron variant rising.
December 16, 2021
David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing how an employee's or job applicant's COVID-19 related impairment may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
December 16, 2021
David Barron spoke with DNYUZ about why some employers are not mandating the COVID-19 vaccine.
December 09, 2021
John Ho spoke with World at Work about New York City's vaccine mandate for private employers that operate in the city.
December 08, 2021
Arielle Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the latest involving OSHA's COVID-19 ETS for employers.
December 07, 2021
Jim Sullivan spoke with Bloomberg Law about New York City's newly announced COVID-19 vaccination mandate for private-sector workers.
December 03, 2021
John Ho spoke with Search HR Software about the latest in COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
December 01, 2021
John Ho spoke with CNBC about employers handling the COVID-19 vaccine mandate at work.
November 30, 2021
John Ho was quoted in Law360 discussing best practices for employers handling the omicron variant of COVID-19.
November 23, 2021
Jim Sullivan was quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing the OSHA ETS on the COVID-19 vaccine.
November 18, 2021
Susan Eisenberg was quoted in the Daily Business Review discussing using zoom for mediation.
November 10, 2021
John Ho spoke with USA News Lab about how employers are handling the Biden administration's new vaccine rule.
November 08, 2021
Debra Friedman joined the CPA Conversations podcast to provide the latest information on OSHA guidelines related to COVID-19.
November 07, 2021
John Ho was quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle discussing a federal appeals court temporarily freezing a Biden administration mandate for the COVID-19 vaccine.
November 04, 2021
Jim Sullivan was quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer discussing the latest on the emergency safety rules from the Biden administration that workers must be vaccinated by January 4 or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.
November 04, 2021
David Barron was quoted in the Dallas Morning News discussing the challenges employers face with the latest COVID-19 vaccine requirements for employers of 100 or more employees.
November 04, 2021
Jeremy Glenn spoke with FOX32 Chicago about the new US mandate encouraging vaccinations in larger businesses that is set to go into effect next year.
November 04, 2021
John Ho spoke with SHRM about the latest on the OSHA ETS COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
November 04, 2021
John Ho spoke with PIX11 about the OSHA COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
November 02, 2021
Michael Schmidt was quoted in The Wealth Advisor discussing the latest with OSHA's ETS COVID-19 mandate.
October 13, 2021
Debra Steiner Friedman spoke with CNN about Texas Governor Greg Abbott's new executive order that bans any entity in Texas from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, a rule that directly conflicts with President Joe Biden's proposed rules requiring COVID vaccines for federal workers and for large employers.
September 23, 2021
Michael Schmidt spoke with CBS News about COVID-19 exemptions for employees.
September 16, 2021
James Sullivan was quoted in the Knoxville News Sentinel discussing the challenges companies face with President Biden's COVID-19 mandate.
September 12, 2021
James Sullivan spoke with Texas News Today about President Biden's COVID-19 vaccination obligations for companies with more than 100 employees.
September 12, 2021
James Sullivan was quoted in Yahoo! News discussing two executive orders that would mandate vaccines for more than two-thirds of working Americans.
September 12, 2021
James Sullivan was quoted in the USA Today discussing President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate for firms with 100 or more employees.
September 10, 2021
James Sullivan spoke with The Dallas Morning News to discuss if President Biden's new COVID-19 vaccine requirements are legal for private businesses.
August 30, 2021
Michele Ballard Miller spoke with HR Dive about handling the recent COVID-19 surge.
August 24, 2021
John Ho joined CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss whether employers can mandate coronavirus vaccines.
August 24, 2021
John Ho spoke with NPR's Marketplace Morning Report to discuss the FDA approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has given workplace mandates a stronger foundation.
August 23, 2021
Michael Schmidt was quoted in NBC News discussing the FDA's approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech's two-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
August 19, 2021
Michele Ballard Miller and Ethan Chernin were quoted in SHRM discussing how the recent focus on the return to worksites and hybrid work, employers risk overlooking "deskless" employees who never had the option to work remotely.
August 13, 2021
Michael Schmidt spoke to Law360 Pulse to discuss the challenges employers face with employees with long-term COVID-19 symptoms.
August 12, 2021
Michael Schmidt was quoted in U.S. News discussing businesses enforcing COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
August 11, 2021
Susan Eisenberg spoke with the Daily Business Review about the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and the impact it has on returning to the office.
August 10, 2021
Michael Schmidt was quoted in Press From discussing mandating the COVID-19 vaccine in the workplace.
August 09, 2021
Scott Bettridge joined the Miami Global Net podcast to discuss the immigration categories into the United States, the impact COVID-19 has on immigration, and his perspective going forward.
August 06, 2021
John Ho was quoted in Yahoo! News discussing companies mandating the COVID-19 vaccine at work.
August 05, 2021
Michael Schmidt joined KCOL-AM in Denver, Colorado to discuss rules on masks in the workplace.
August 04, 2021
David Barron spoke with Bloomberg Law about the latest on offices reopening with COVID-19 vaccination policies.
August 03, 2021
David Barron was quoted in CNBC discussing the latest on returning to work.
August 02, 2021
John Ho was quoted in SHRM discussing how employers can prepare their employees for the uncomfortable conditions they may face with the summer heat while wearing a mask due to the pandemic.
July 30, 2021
Michael Schmidt joined NPR to discuss employers mandating the COVID-19 vaccine.
July 28, 2021
Susan Eisenberg spoke with the Daily Business Review about clients' perspectives on where the work is being done.
July 28, 2021
Michael Schmidt was quoted in CNN Business discussing how to handle unvaccinated employees.
July 23, 2021
David Barron was quoted in The New York Times discussing the possibility of employers implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policies.
July 23, 2021
David Barron was quoted in Inc. discussing the confusion that comes with asking someone about their COVID-19 vaccination status.
July 20, 2021
Walter Stella spoke with KCBS Radio on what we should know about requirements as we look ahead to returning to the office.
July 19, 2021
In an interview with the Daily Business Review, Jim Gale discussed what keeps him awake about his practice, what attracted him to intellectual property law, how trade secret business held steady through the pandemic, if the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in an increase in trade secret litigation, and what he sees as a threat.
July 16, 2021
Aaron Holt spoke to SHRM about how employees who have gotten used to working from home may need a refresher on professional expectations when they return to the office.
July 14, 2021
Michael Schmidt was quoted in Biz Instant discussing how employers should handle a job candidate asking about location preference in the interview.
July 09, 2021
David Barron spoke with Inc. about the challenges employers face with the return to work policies.
July 07, 2021
Jeremy Glenn spoke with FOX 32 Chicago about the legal challenges for vaccinated and unvaccinated works at the office.
June 22, 2021
Walter Stella was quoted in SHRM discussing how businesses must comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
June 18, 2021
Susan Eisenberg was quoted in the Daily Business Review discussing how remote work has been a benefit for attorneys.
June 18, 2021
Walter Stella spoke with KCBS Radio about how indoor workplaces in California are clear to allow workers vaccinated against COVID-19 to no longer wear a mask, but that doesn’t mean businesses have to.
June 16, 2021
Michael Schmidt joined This Morning with Gordon Deal to discuss what employers and employees can expect when they head back to the office.
June 11, 2021
Michele Ballard Miller was quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle discussing job setting rules proposed Friday by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
June 11, 2021
Michael Schmidt was quoted in NBC News discussing how some companies have little appetite for the potential legal and public relations headaches related to vaccination mandates.
June 09, 2021
David Barron spoke with NBC News about the challenges companies face when returning to work.
June 04, 2021
Walter Stella spoke with KCBS Radio about Cal OSHA enacting rules for workplaces that require all employees to continue wearing face masks if just one among them isn't fully vaccinated.
June 04, 2021
David Barron spoke with SHRM about how the CDC's recent guidance on masks has encouraged some vaccinated employees to go maskless in the workplace.
June 03, 2021
John Ho joined KOGO-AM in San Diego to discuss what the June 15 re-opening of California means for being at work.
June 01, 2021
Walter Stella appeared on KCBS-AM discussing the upcoming Cal OSHA vote on COVID-19 guidelines.
May 20, 2021
Michael Schmidt spoke to the Philadelphia Inquirer about the University of Pennsylvania Health System requiring all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 1.
May 18, 2021
David Barron was quoted in Yahoo! News discussing the impact of the CDC mask-dropping guidance for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the workplace.
May 17, 2021
David Barron joined This Morning with Gordon Deal to discuss the latest CDC mask guidelines and how it applies in the workplace.
May 17, 2021
John Ho was quoted in the Huffington Post discussing wearing a mask at work.
May 17, 2021
David Barron was quoted in Politico discussing if employees should still be required to wear masks on the job.
May 14, 2021
David Barron was quoted in HR Dive discussing how the latest CDC mask guidelines impact employers.
May 14, 2021
David Barron was interviewed by Law.com discussing what changing face mask rules mean for the workplace.
May 14, 2021
David Barron was quoted in Forbes discussing how the latest CDC mask guidelines impact employers.
May 05, 2021
John Ho spoke with Yahoo! News about employers forcing employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
April 21, 2021
David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing the possibility of mandatory vaccinations at work.
April 19, 2021
Jim Sullivan was quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing employers filing appeals of COVID-19 citations with OSHA.
April 15, 2021
Michael Schmidt joined the Bloomberg Law podcast to discuss the legal and practical implications of employees not wanting to return to the office after working remotely.
April 05, 2021
Jim Sullivan was quoted in Inside OSHA Online discussing the Biden administration's OSHA plan.
April 01, 2021
John Ho was quoted in Business Insurance discussing OSHA's National Emphasis Program to focus its enforcement efforts on industries with the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus.
March 11, 2021
Mark Felger discusses the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the practice of bankruptcy law in Law360.
March 08, 2021
David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing how pandemic fatigue is creating challenges and legal risks that employers need to address.
March 03, 2021
David Barron joined the Jimmy Barrett Show to discuss Texas lifting COVID-19 restrictions and how to handle the new rules with your employees and customers.
March 03, 2021
David Barron spoke with FOX26 Houston about the new safety protocols that OSHA is issuing.
March 01, 2021
Howard Schweitzer and Michael Schmidt were quoted in SHRM discussing what businesses should do if an employee refuses to come back to work when they re-open.
February 18, 2021
Michael Schmidt was quoted in CNBC discussing employees returning to work once they are vaccinated.
February 18, 2021
John Ho was quoted in Insurance Journal discussing the penalties that companies face with COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace.
February 16, 2021
John Ho was quoted in Yahoo! Finance discussing how employers may incentivize employees in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
February 12, 2021
David Barron and John Ho were quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing COVID-19 OSHA citations.
February 12, 2021
Debra Friedman was quoted in Go News Today discussing the approach employers can take with the COVID-19 vaccine.
February 10, 2021
John Ho spoke with CNBC about how the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently issued guidance that paves the way for how companies will be able to make a COVID vaccine available at no cost to all eligible employees.
February 09, 2021
Ed Langhammer was quoted in The Eastsider LA discussing if business owners can require employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
February 09, 2021
David Barron spoke with CNBC about how most U.S. organizations said that they will encourage, rather than require, their employees to get vaccinated, according to research from the Society for Human Resource Management conducted in December.
January 27, 2021
John Ho spoke with This morning with Gordon Deal to explain what employers and employees should know about new COVID-19 safety rules from the Biden administration.
January 27, 2021
John Ho was quoted in the Huffington Post discussing President Biden's executive order that called for OSHA to review and update its COVID-19 workplace safety recommendations.
January 22, 2021
Howard Schweiter and Michael Schmidt were quoted in SHRM about what employers have learned during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
January 20, 2021
David Barron was quoted in Inc. discussing how employers can handle their employees receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
January 04, 2021
Michael Schmidt was quoted in Law360 discussing the challenges employers face when employees return to the office.
January 04, 2021
John Ho was quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing the volume of lawsuits filed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that allege workplace safety violations.
January 04, 2021
Walter Stella spoke with HR Dive about the recent California bills that have been passed into law for 2021 brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 18, 2020
John Ho was quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing how staffing companies that hire holiday help for shipping, shopping, and health care have a big new concern this season — how to keep these temporary workers safe during a pandemic.
December 10, 2020
Michael Schmidt discussed with Bay News 9 about if an employer can require their employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
December 08, 2020
David Barron was quoted in the Washington Post discussing one of the issues facing the bipartisan stimulus negotiations is the insistence by Senate Republicans that businesses and other entities have sweeping immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits.
December 02, 2020
Thomas Giotto was interviewed in the Duquesne Lawyer Magazine about what it has been like working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 02, 2020
David Barron spoke with The Washington Post about how employers can incentivize their employees to take the COVID-19 vaccine without requiring it.
November 30, 2020
Matt Weinstein discusses with FSR Magazine the potential increase in real estate opportunities as restaurants look for property as companies begin to bounce back from COVID-19.
November 29, 2020
Michael Schmidt was quoted in Newsday discussing how state and federal agencies haven't provided clear guidance on whether a business can require workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
November 27, 2020
Michael Schmidt was quoted in Inc. discussing if employers can ask their employees to change their holiday plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 25, 2020
David Barron spoke with HR Drive about how the upcoming holiday season is about to collide with a pandemic and employers have some options when it comes to workers' personal travel.
November 23, 2020
John Ho spoke with Search HR Software about how COVID-19 contact tracing for offices, businesses, restaurants, and other workplaces is a challenge for employers.
November 16, 2020
David Barron spoke with CNN about the possibility of employers requiring employees to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
November 12, 2020
Michael Schmidt spoke with Inc. about whether or not employers can require employees to take a COVID-19 vaccine.
November 10, 2020
Michael Schmidt was quoted in New Jersey Business discussing how companies can reduce their liability in the workplace with well-thought-out safety policies and informed employees.
November 09, 2020
Michael Schmidt was quoted in Employee Benefit News discussing boundaries managers need to set for employees to express themselves about the election and COVID-19.
November 06, 2020
David Barron was quoted in Law360 discussing what companies should consider with the hiring process during the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 04, 2020
Jeremy Glenn was quoted in the Chicago Tribune about how companies should provide extra leeway in schedules and promote company-sponsored wellness programs, like exercise and stress-reduction activities during the election.
October 23, 2020
Jeremy Glenn joined Fox32 Chicago to discuss the complications and adjustments that need to be made as more people return to their jobs in wake of COVID-19.
October 23, 2020
David Barron was quoted in Law360 discussing how safety concerns and demands for hazard pay are compounding the wage and benefits issues that typically drive conflicts at the bargaining table, while employers have been hesitant to make concessions amid a business environment as uncertain as any they've ever faced.
October 20, 2020
John Ho spoke with Market Watch about how employees can file a confidential complaint and request an inspection of their workplace if they believe their employer isn’t abiding by OSHA standards or there’s a serious workplace hazard.
October 19, 2020
Matt Weinstein discusses how the pandemic has caused movie theaters to close and what that means for mall landlords in GlobeSt.
October 16, 2020
David Barron did an interview with Law.com about the pros and cons of going back into the office and the issue of Immunity Discrimination.
October 15, 2020
John Ho was quoted in HR Magazine about employers reporting about employees that have COVID-19 related hospitalizations.
October 13, 2020
Michael Schmidt joined This Morning with Gordon Deal to discuss companies welcoming employees back into the physical workplace during COVID-19.
October 13, 2020
In S&P Global Market Intelligence, Matt Weinstein discusses how mall and shopping center landlords are addressing the potential cascade of movie theater closures.
October 12, 2020
David Barron discussed with HR Drive whether an employer can force employees to receive a vaccine for COVID-19.
October 08, 2020
John Ho spoke with CNBC about the coronavirus outbreak in the White House.
October 05, 2020
Debra Friedman spoke with NBC News about women being forced to make the choice between caring for their children or prioritizing their own career during the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 24, 2020
John Ho spoke with CBS New York about whether employers can restrict employees from traveling during the holidays.
September 22, 2020
David Barron was quoted in Human Resource Executive discussing a new type of bias that involves recruiters who favor job candidates who have already contracted and survived COVID-19.
September 22, 2020
David Barron spoke with Law.com about how your company can require you to return to the office once the office space has been COVID-19 approved for occupancy.
September 10, 2020
Brian Shaw was quoted in a Chicago Tribune article discussing an anticipated wave of bankruptcies among small businesses when Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans run out, absent additional funding.
September 08, 2020
John Ho joined the GovExec Daily podcast to discuss how employers can keep their staff members safe as they come back to the workplace and to keep an organization's COVID-19 risk level low.
August 31, 2020
Aaron Holt spoke with Business Insider about how safety is more top of mind for employees now.
August 26, 2020
David Barron spoke with the Southeast Texas Record about how he believes there will be a large number of cases filed in front line industries and workplaces where there have been substantial outbreaks of COVID-19.
August 14, 2020
David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing how employers are also facing issues when handling drug-testing logistics during the pandemic.
August 11, 2020
David Hackett was quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer discussing how fall's school schedule could affect businesses.
August 04, 2020
Michele Miller and Bethany Vasquez spoke with SHRM about how businesses that ask customers to wear face masks walk a fine line between complying with mask mandates and putting employees at risk if customers refuse and respond violently.
July 29, 2020
Debra Steiner Friedman discussed with HR Dive about the CDC's guidance for those not requiring hospitalization may be useful to employers in determining whether employees who have COVID-19 may return to work.
July 24, 2020
Michael Schmidt was quoted in Newsday discussing COVID-19 screening for returning to work.
July 23, 2020
David Barron was quoted in Yahoo! Finance discussing employers requiring employees to surrender their right to sue over COVID-19.
July 19, 2020
Aaron Holt was quoted in The Washington Post discussing employers providing a safe work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 17, 2020
David Barron was quoted in Law360 discussing the possible impact of the upcoming school year on employers.
July 15, 2020
David Barron spoke with CBS Philly about the challenges families face with schools reopening.
July 09, 2020
Matt Weinstein discusses the formation of Cozen O’Connor’s Real Estate Lease Restructuring Practice, a multidisciplinary team assembled to address the growing needs of landlord and tenant lease renegotiation issues that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic in Law360.
July 08, 2020
David Barron spoke with Supply Chain Brain about the legal issues for employers that might arise from employees contracting COVID-19 in the workplace.
July 06, 2020
David Barron discussed with NBC Bay Area about the challenges many businesses and employers are facing as they try to reopen while also protecting the health of their workers.
July 01, 2020
David Barron spoke with Law360 about whether employers should have employees sign COVID-19 liability waivers.
June 15, 2020
Aaron Holt was quoted in the Chicago Tribune discussing anti-discrimination protections and incendiary conduct in the workplace.
June 15, 2020
Duane Montgomery was featured in the Commercial Observer about a panel he moderated about commercial real estate and COVID-19.
June 12, 2020
Leni Cummins discusses efforts condo and coop boards can take now to protect and prepare themselves for a possible second wave of the virus in Habitat magazine.
May 28, 2020
Blake Coblentz was quoted in Bloomberg Law about how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting a cross-section of practice groups and industries.
May 27, 2020
Jeremy Glenn spoke with CBS 2 Chicago about the legal issues and questions surrounding health checks that employers may start mandating for workers.
May 22, 2020
Walter Stella was quoted in The Olympian discussing about the workplace reopening with questions that linger about how protections will shield workers who are older or have medical conditions in the time of the coronavirus.
May 19, 2020
David Barron was quoted in Fortune discussing what people should do if their unemployment claim is denied.
May 15, 2020
Aaron Holt was quoted in Texas Monthly discussing a public employee in Texas who was fired for sharing an internal email with the public.
May 15, 2020
Ken Fisher discusses New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides’ request for the city to restart its land use review process for the Rikers Island Public Place Mapping amid the COVID-19 pandemic in The Real Deal.
May 15, 2020
Debra Friedman was quoted in HR Dive about what should be considered if an employer offers onsite COVID-19 testing.
May 12, 2020
Ed Langhammer appeared on KGO 810AM discussing Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to return Californians to work.
May 12, 2020
Cozen O'Connor Labor & Employment attorneys were mentioned in HR Dive discussing re-opening guidelines from the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 12, 2020
Debra Friedman appeared on WURD to talk about practical and legal issues surrounding health checks in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 11, 2020
Niki Sprinzen was quoted in a Law360 article discussing white collar cases such as price gouging and insider trading that are likely to result from the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic fallout.
May 11, 2020
Jeremy Glenn was quoted in the Chicago Tribune discussing how it is complicated for states to set up systems for awarding assistance to the self-employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 08, 2020
David Barron was quoted in HR Dive discussing the risks employers have in reopening business from the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 08, 2020
David Barron was quoted in the Defender Network discussing the rights employees have if they refuse to return to work as businesses begin to reopen.
May 08, 2020
Patrick Martin was quoted in Politico discussing the industries that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 07, 2020
Greg Fliszar and a group of psychiatrists launched the Physician Support Line to help doctors deal with the stress of combating the coronavirus crisis, with more than 600 people now volunteering in shifts to help.
May 07, 2020
Jeremy Glenn discussed with the University of Iowa Law School how labor and employment law is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 07, 2020
Susan Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the challenges employers face when returning to business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 07, 2020
Trevor McGuinness and Brian Kint were quoted in a Law.com article regarding the legal industry's transition to remote work and how a permanent switch would impact new security and IT policies.
May 06, 2020
Greg Fliszar and Danielle Sapega were quoted in The Legal Intelligencer about their pro bono work with the Physician Support Line during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 05, 2020
Jeremy Glenn spoke with CBS 2 Chicago about the ever changing job market during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 05, 2020
Susan Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the challenges employers face with employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 04, 2020
David Barron spoke with HR Dive about how the recall of employees could present a series of legal pitfalls for the unprepared.
May 01, 2020
Jeremy Glenn was quoted in the Chicago Tribune discussing the workers' compensation program, which allows employees to collect benefits for workplace injuries or illnesses without proving their employer was at fault.
May 01, 2020
James Gale was quoted in Law360 discussing the risks of protecting trade secrets now that employees are working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 28, 2020
Aaron Holt discussed with HR Dive about employers requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test before permitting them to return to work.
April 28, 2020
Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Taylor Williams appeared on the Prevention Podcast to discuss the risks involved in returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 27, 2020
David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing if an employee contacts the EEOC for a right-to-sue letter during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 24, 2020
Nandini Sane was quoted in Life Hacker discussing what employees should do if they do not feel safe returning to work when stay at home orders are lifted.
April 23, 2020
George Voegele was quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing employer concerns with "work sharing" that allows employees to tap into jobless benefits when their hours are reduced.
April 22, 2020
David Barron spoke with Fortune about the rights that furloughed employees have.
April 21, 2020
Jeremy Glenn discussed with CBS 2 Chicago some of the biggest questions regarding unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 20, 2020
Jonathan Grossman was featured in a Bloomberg Law article discussing how the feds are on the lookout for staffing agencies, recruiters, and businesses colluding to fix pay rates, limit hours or prevent workers from changing jobs, in violation of antitrust law.
April 20, 2020
David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing what employers should do when an employee test positive for COVID-19.
April 17, 2020
David Barron was quoted in Inc. discussing the challenges that employers will face when they reopen their business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 15, 2020
David Barron spoke with Employee Benefit Adviser about employers preparing to reopen nonessential businesses.
April 15, 2020
Jeremy Glenn was quoted in Ozarks First discussing if taking a gig job disqualifies someone from applying for unemployment insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 15, 2020
Peter Ennis was featured in the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council “Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts" Coronavirus edition newsletter.
April 14, 2020
Jeremy Glenn was quoted in The Olympian discussing companies that plan to keep expanded paid sick leave around once the coronavirus pandemic ends.
April 13, 2020
Peter Ennis discussed with Newsday what actions employers should take when an employee tests positive for coronavirus.
April 10, 2020
Greg Fliszar was quoted in The Citizens' Voice discussing what hospitals and health systems can release publicly regarding coronavirus due to HIPAA.
April 10, 2020
David Barron was quoted in Getaka discussing the difference between being furloughed and being laid off.
April 08, 2020
David Barron spoke with CNBC about employers checking the temperature of employees.
April 03, 2020
Niki Sprinzen was quoted in a Law360 article discussing the oversight by a newly created special inspector general of the $500 billion CARES Act that could result in an increase in enforcement and litigation similar to that seen in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
April 03, 2020
David Barron was quoted in Crunchbase discussing the COVID-19 stimulus bill for small businesses in the United States.
April 01, 2020
Jay Dorsch was quoted in USA Today discussing the impact of employee benefits with the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 01, 2020
Michael Schmidt talked with CNN about why a company may do a furlough and what furlough workers should need to know.
March 31, 2020
John Ho was quoted in EHS Today discussing OSHA regulations being enforced during COVID-19.
March 31, 2020
Jeremy Glenn was quoted in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin discussing the recently passed CARES Act and what it means to both employers and employees.
March 27, 2020
Jeremy Glenn appeared on ABC7 Chicago discussing the coronavirus stimulus package.
March 27, 2020
Debra Friedman was quoted in Philadelphia Magazine discussing what the coronavirus stimulus package entails.
March 27, 2020
David Barron joined a town hall discussion about the recent stimulus package that was passed by the Senate.
March 27, 2020
Jeremy Glenn was quoted in Law360 discussing the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
March 26, 2020
Leni Cummins comments on actions that condo and co-op boards can take if their residents do not follow social distancing or quarantine advisements in The Real Deal.
March 26, 2020
David Barron spoke with CNBC about the new federal legislation that was signed into law that included changes to the paid sick leave requirements included in the Family and Medical Leave Act.
March 25, 2020
David Barron spoke with Inc. about how the COVID-19 related stimulus package will impact employee benefits.
March 25, 2020
Joe Bedwick discussed with Cannabis Business Times about some of the broader trends he’s seeing in the market, the frequently asked questions from his clients, and what the industry might look like at the end of the global pandemic.
March 25, 2020
Scott Bettridge was quoted in The Real Deal discussing the changes in the EB-5 program and how that could have an impact during a pandemic.
March 24, 2020
David Barron was quoted in The Times and Democrat discussing the federal government's emergency coronavirus relief law.
March 24, 2020
Jeremy Glenn appeared on FOX32 Good Day Chicago to discuss actions the government is taking to address service industry furloughs and layoffs during the COVID-19 outbreak.
March 23, 2020
Mariah Passarelli was interviewed on WBUR to discuss what legal rights employees have during COVID-19 pandemic.
March 21, 2020
John Ho was quoted in CU Today discussing companies creating a response plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 19, 2020
Chris Raphaely discussed with Bloomberg Law about HHS using a relax enforcement of the privacy requirements during the public health emergency.
March 18, 2020
David Barron spoke with Yahoo! Finance about how COVID-19 could be an exception to the rule involving the WARN Act.
March 17, 2020
Leni Cummins comments on how New York City high-rise, residential buildings can manage coronavirus anxiety and potential exposure in The Real Deal.
March 17, 2020
Aaron Holt was quoted in Inc. discussing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
March 17, 2020
Kerry McTigue spoke with Bloomberg Law about the level of urgency that the government is asking drugmakers to work towards a vaccine for coronavirus.
March 12, 2020
John Ho was quoted in New Jersey Business discussing the best practices to use in creating a business response plan during a pandemic.
March 05, 2020
Aaron Holt was interviewed by Houston Public Media to discuss what employers in Houston should do moving forward with the rise of the coronavirus.
March 03, 2020
David Barron discussed with Best Life about how employers should take extra care to avoid workplace discrimination as coronavirus fears increase.
March 02, 2020
John Ho was quoted in Money discussing the response plans businesses should have in place during a pandemic.
February 28, 2020
David Barron was quoted in The Washington Post discussing what he sees how businesses are handling coronavirus with their employees.
February 28, 2020
Debra Friedman was quoted in the Philadelphia Business Journal discussing how businesses should handle a potential coronavirus outbreak.