COVID-19 Task Force

When the COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise, Cozen O’Connor mobilized quickly to anticipate the needs of our clients. With a multidisciplinary team of more than 80 professionals across the firm’s various offices focusing on the unique and dynamic legal and business challenges the pandemic presented, Cozen O’Connor established itself as a trailblazer in a time of widespread uncertainty.

Our team produced hundreds of client advisories and other materials to help clients navigate the pandemic, and spent countless hours providing advice and counsel to clients facing some of their toughest challenges to date. We continue to assist clients with the full spectrum of issues related to COVID-19, including those involving business continuity, contract cancellations and modifications, employment issues and policies, health care and data privacy, insurance coverage, liability, lending and bridge financing, consumer protection, public company disclosure requirements, resource repurposing, zoning and real estate, stimulus funding, and sector-specific legislative developments.

While the darkest days of the pandemic are behind us, many organizations are still reeling. As long as pandemic-related issues persist, Cozen O’Connor’s COVID-19 team is here to help.

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Publications

VIII-149 - Part 2 of 2: The Final Interview With EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling [Podcast]

September 05, 2024

Today is Part 2 of 2, following yesterday's episode. As his term as EEOC Commissioner ended at the end of August 2024, (former) EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling joined the podcast one last time to discuss a wide range of important employment issues, including court deference to federal agencies,...

VIII-148- Part 1 of 2: The Final Interview With EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling [Podcast]

September 04, 2024

As his term as EEOC Commissioner ended at the end of August 2024, (former) EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling joined the podcast one last time to discuss a wide range of important employment issues, including court deference to federal agencies, the use of agency opinion letters, continued...

VII-130- An Interview With EEOC Commissioner (Vice Chair) Jocelyn Samuels [Podcast]

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...

Louisiana Supreme Court Reverses a Rare State Court of Appeals Win for COVID-19 Business Interruption Claimant [Blog Post]

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...

Non-U.S. Nonimmigrants to Provide Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination [Alert]

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.

FAA Declines to Extend COVID-19 Relief at U.S. Slot-Controlled and IATA Level 2 U.S. Airports [Alert]

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.

Oklahoma Supreme Court Rejects “Loss of Use” Argument, Nixes COVID-19 Business Interruption Suit [Blog Post]

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...

VI-119 - What Did You Miss This Summer? [Podcast]

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....

USCIS Extends COVID-19 Flexibilities and Permanently Adopts Reproduced Signature Flexibility [Alert]

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.

Permanent COVID-19 Standard for Healthcare Workers Still Slated for the Fall [Blog Post]

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...

New Jersey Appellate Division Rules Insurers Not Obligated to Cover Certain Business COVID-19 Related Losses [Blog Post]

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,...

NY Appellate Court: Covid-19 Business Losses Don’t Constitute “Physical” Damage to Property, Don’t Trigger Commercial Property Policies [Blog Post]

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....

Two Years of Remote Litigation & Beyond [Blog Post]

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...

Labor Arbitration For Virtual Work Issues Can Be Tricky [Law360]

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.

VI-111- A Conversation With EEOC Commissioner Andrea Lucas [Podcast]

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...

D.C. Looking to Incentivize Office to Residential Conversions [Blog Post]

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...

Second Circuit Holds No Coverage for COVID-19 Business Interruption Losses [Blog Post]

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...

Supreme Court Allows CMS Vaccine Directive To Go Forward [Alert]

January 19, 2022

Anne Greene, John Ho, and Jim Sullivan discuss the Supreme Court decision to allow the CMS vaccine directive to go forward.

VI-110 - End of the OSHA ETS? Supreme Court Re-Issues A Stay [Podcast]

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...

Designating Unvaccinated Employees as a ‘Direct Threat’ to Others [Bloomberg Law]

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.

Major Victories for Insurers in Fifth Circuit Regarding COVID-19 Business Interruption Claims [Blog Post]

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.,...

OSHA Withdraws COVID ETS for Healthcare [Blog Post]

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,...

Seventh Circuit Continues String of Insurer Victories in COVID-19 Business Interruption Litigation [Blog Post]

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...

Sixth Circuit Lifts OSHA ETS Stay [Blog Post]

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,...

A Glimpse Into OSHA Today and Tomorrow [Blog Post]

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...

NYC Implements Wide-Ranging Pandemic Restrictions, Including Private Sector Vaccine Mandate [Alert}

December 09, 2021

John Ho, Janice Agresti, and Jim Sullivan discuss Mayor de Blasio's expansion to the “Key to New York City” program.

In extremis — PPP Money Is Not “Free” So Applicants & Recipients Need to Beware

December 08, 2021

Larry Prosen discusses recent how the DOJ is auditing, investigating, and, where appropriate, prosecuting PPP recipients who broke the rules

Canadian Union Challenges to Mandatory Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Policies [Blog Post]

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’...

COVID-19 Business Interruption Claims: First California Court of Appeal Decision Holds That Closure Orders Are Not “Direct Physical Loss” [Blog Post]

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...

What Employers Need to Know as the US Welcomes Back International Travelers [Daily Business Review]

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.

California Employers Can Let Cal/OSHA Know Federal OSHA COVID-19 ETS Potential Workplace Impacts [Alert]

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.

Court Affirms Stay of OSHA Vaccinate-or-Test Emergency Temporary Standard [Alert]

November 15, 2021

John Ho and Jim Sullivan discuss the Fifth Circuit's stay of OSHA's ETS and what happens next.

Ninth Circuit Holds COVID-19 Business Interruption Losses Require Direct Physical Damage To The Property [Blog Post]

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...

V-105- The New OSHA ETS on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines [Podcast]

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....

OSHA Publishes General Industry Emergency Temporary Standard [Blog Post]

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...

Insurer Wins First Jury Trial on Coverage for COVID-19 Business Interruption Losses [Blog Post]

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)....

How Labor Law May Affect Your COVID Vaccine Mandate [Law360]

October 29, 2021

Daniel Johns authored an article discussing labor law considerations surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the workplace.

UPDATE: President Biden Lifts COVID-19 Travel Ban [Alert]

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.

U.S. Government Requires COVID-19 Vaccination for Foreign Visitors Arriving by Air; Modifies Pre-Departure Testing and Data Collection Requirements [Alert]

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.

COVID-19 Vaccination: The EEOC’s Long-Awaited Religious Exemption Guidance [Alert]

October 27, 2021

Janice Agresti discusses the EEOC's guidance for employers when an employee requests a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination.

V-103 - A Conversation About Mental Health and COVID-19 [Podcast]

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...

Update: Travel Bans to be Rescinded; Proof of Vaccination will be Required [Alert]

October 19, 2021

Beth Olivera and Fran Rayer discuss Biden's easing of travel restrictions on all fully vaccinated international travelers.

Lawsuits Fighting OSHA Covid-19 Vaccine Standard May Not Matter [Bloomberg Law]

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.

What Federal Contractors Need to Know About the Biden Administration’s Vaccine Mandate

September 16, 2021

Matt Howell and Bob Magovern discuss what Biden's September 9, 2021, executive order means for federal contractors.

V-101 - President Biden's New OSHA COVID-19 Directive [Podcast]

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...

More than 100 Employees? Mandatory Vaccinations or Weekly Testing Soon To Be Required Under OSHA’s Forthcoming Emergency Temporary Standard [Blog Post]

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...

OSHA’s Updated COVID-19 Guidelines for Employers and What They Mean [PICPA]

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.

Eleventh Circuit Becomes Second Federal Appellate Court To Hold No Coverage For COVID-19 Business Losses [Blog Post]

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....

V-100 - The Latest on Vaccine Policies and Bellwether States [Podcast]

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...

Continuing the “Return to Normalcy” at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission [Alert]

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.

State Privacy Law Update - Colorado and Nevada [Blog Post]

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...

First Appellate Ruling Holds COVID-19 Business Losses Are Not Physical Loss or Damage [Alert]

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.

OSHA’s New COVID-19 Guidelines and What They Mean for Employers [Alert]

June 16, 2021

Dave Barron discusses new OSHA guidance for vaccinated workers.

In the absence of any grave danger, OSHA still issues a COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard but limits its coverage to healthcare and provides new guidance to all other employers [Blog Post]

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...

A Revised Post-Coronavirus Return to Work Checklist [Alert]

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.

V-98 - BREAKING: The EEOC's New COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance [Podcast]

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....

Are We Ever Going To See A COVID-19 ETS And, If So, What Will It Look Like? My Meeting With The White House This Week Didn’t Reveal Much [Blog Post]

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...

To Mask or Unmask; that is the Question [Blog Post]

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...

V-96- LOTS of Big Employment Law Developments [Podcast]

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...

Need an Infectious Disease Prevention Plan? In New York, You Soon Will under the HERO Act [Alert]

May 14, 2021

John Ho, Jim Sullivan, and Anne Greene discuss New York's HERO Act and what employers should do now to comply.

An Infectious Disease Prevention Plan and Workplace Safety Committee: Two New Significant Requirements Under New York’s HERO Act [Blog Post]

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...

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Enters Eviction Fray With New Ruling Under FDCPA [Alert]

May 04, 2021

Steve Katkov and Amy Katz discuss the CFPB interim final rule and First Amendment challenges to the CDC moratorium currently pending.

OSHA’s COVID-19 ETS Expected Soon – Too Little, Too Late? [Blog Post]

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...

V-95 - Very Active Federal Agencies and Insight From an OSHA Insider [Podcast]

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...

Southern District of New York Holds Contamination Exclusion is Ambiguous as Applied to Covid-19 Business Losses [Blog Post]

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...

Employers are being Cited by OSHA for Failing to Comply with the Respiratory Protection Standard and Not just Healthcare Industry Employers [Blog Post]

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...

Wine Asset Sale Watered Down | Fake Vaccination Cards | Misleading Franchisee Offer [Blog Post]

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...

Why was OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard Placed in “Limbo” by Secretary of Labor Walsh? [Blog Post]

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...

Getting Your Workforce Vaccinated Without Getting Sued [Century City Bar Association]

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.

California Enacts New COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Requirements With Retroactive Application

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.

The American Rescue Plan’s Impact on New York State and City Government, Businesses, and Nonprofits

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.

Paycheck Protection Program Extended

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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policies for California Employers - Navigating Uncertainty [Blog Post]

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...

41-State Data Breach Settlement | Additional CCPA Regulations | Suit over Patient Discharge Notice [Blog Post]

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...

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Enters a New Phase in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Alert]

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.

U.S. Airlines, Aviation Contractors to Receive Additional $15 Billion Under American Rescue Plan Act [Alert]

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.

Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act [Alert]

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.

Anti-Discrimination Clarification from CFPB | $110 Million Charity Scam | Deceptive Claims re: CBD Cures [Blog Post]

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...

1st Amendment Win for Credit Card Surcharges| Texas Sues over Electricity Bills | Dodgy COVID Fees [Blog Post]

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...

Odds Increase On OSHA Issuing COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards [Blog Post]

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...

Texas Power Companies Investigated Post-Storm | Cryptocurrency Investors Misled| Student Loan Relief [Blog Post]

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...

I-9 Documentation Review Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic [Alert]

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

$834 Million Plavix Judgment | Student Loan Servicing Settlement | Former NH Attorney General’s New Role [Blog Post]

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...

V-91- (Part 2 of 2) One-On-One Conversation With EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling [Podcast]

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...

V-90- (Part 1 of 2) One-On-One Conversation With EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling [Podcast]

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...

Progressive Paid Leave Policy Introduced in Philadelphia City Council [Alert]

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.

PPP Fraud Is Ripe for Enforcement in 2021. Can Self-Disclosure & Cooperation Create a Path to Leniency? [Alert]

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.

Congress Enacts Modification to Bankruptcy Procedures Governing Assumption and Rejection of Leases

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.

Should Boards of Cooperatives and Condominiums Implement a Vaccination Policy?

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.

V-89- New OSHA Guidance on Covid-19 [Podcast]

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....

Strengthening Price Gouging Statute | Illegal Fees for Mortgage Payments | AGs Contest Reprieve for Robocallers [Blog Post]

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...

OSHA Issues Revised COVID-19 Guidance: What it Means and What’s Next [Blog Post]

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....

USCIS Extends Flexibility Deadlines for Responding to Requests [Alert]

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.

Employer Guide to COVID-19 Vaccination [Blog Post]

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...

How Rebooted Paycheck Protection Program Works: Part 2

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.

New PPP Forgiveness Guidance And Forms [Alert]

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.

Impostor Government Invoices | Car Dealer Employees Working Without Pay? | Democratic AGs v. Trump Administration [Blog Post]

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...

How Rebooted Paycheck Protection Program Works: Part 1

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.

Employer Guide to COVID-19 Vaccination

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.

CDC Requires COVID-19 Testing of International Passenger Arrivals in the United States [Alert]

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.

COVID-19 Pandemic Creates Unique Hiring Concerns For Remote Employees [Blog Post]

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...

Restarting the Paycheck Protection Program [Alert]

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.

Google Faces 2 Antitrust Suits | “Made in USA” Glue Isn’t | Mortgage-Backed Securities Settlement [Blog Post]

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...

Policyholders’ Counsel Test “Mother of All” Covid-19 Coverage Suits in a Bid to Block Insurers’ Path to Federal Court [Blog Post]

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?...

The “New and Improved” Paycheck Protection Program [Alert]

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.

Top 5 Takeaways From The EEOC COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance [Blog Post]

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...

Credit Score Use Without Notice | Financing Bad Landlord Behavior | § 340B Mandated Pharma Discounts [Blog Post]

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...

#No Filter: Terminating an Employee for Social Media Posts – Part 3 [Blog Post]

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...

City of Pittsburgh Enacts Ordinance Mandating Paid Time Off Related to COVID-19 [Alert]

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.

IV-84- BREAKING: EEOC Issues Mandatory Vaccine Guidance [Podcast]

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....

IV-83- Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccines [Podcast]

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....

Getting Your Workforce Vaccinated Without Getting Sued [Law360]

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.

As the Pandemic Spreads, So Does the Reach of State Nexus

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.

AGs Urge CARES Act Extension | iPhone Throttling Settlement | Consolidation in Web Listings Service Market [Blog Post]

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...

New “Necessity” Forms Create Headaches and Risks for PPP Borrowers [Alert]

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.

OSHA’s Most Frequently Cited Standards in COVID-19 Investigations [Blog Post]

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...

COVID-19 Fake Cures | Accuracy in Debt Collection Reporting | North Carolina AG Reelected [Blog Post]

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....

$60 Million Pest Control Settlement | Sotheby’s Alleged Tax Dodge | More Zoom Security Scrutiny [Blog Post]

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...

Ethical Issues With Remote Work During COVID-19 [Blog Post]

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...

Enhanced Employer Record-Keeping Requirements Relating to COVID-19 [Blog Post]

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...

Top 5 Tips for Managing Remote Employees [Blog Post]

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,...

Indoor Swimming Pools May Open

October 30, 2020

Leni Cummins and Jen Miller discuss New York City's authorization to reopen indoor pools.

2020 Election Impact | Waste Management Merger Antitrust Concerns | NAAG Consumer Protection Conference Highlights [Blog Post]

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...

COVID Cash Crunch: Options for Reorganizing or Winding Down Your Company in Illinois

October 27, 2020

Ira Bodenstein and David R. Doyle discuss options for businesses impacted by COVID-19 that are considering winding down or reorganizing.

North Carolina Court Finds Coverage for Restaurants' COVID-19 Business Income Losses [Blog Post]

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,...

New Guidance on Tax Holiday Suspension for Air Transportation Federal Excise Tax [Alert]

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.

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Enters Phase 2 of the Moratorium on Utility Shut-Offs [Alert]

October 19, 2020

David P. Zambito and Jonathan P. Nase discuss Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille's modifications to the emergency order.

Coronavirus Pandemic May Force Shift in Oversight of College Sports [The Legal Intelligencer]

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.

Trouble Brewing: Florida Federal Court Dismisses Beer Distributor’s Claim for COVID-19 Losses [Blog Post]

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...

Airline Passengers’ Rights | Fake COVID-19 Cures | Unlicensed Debt Collection Agency Sued [Blog Post]

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...

Deed in a Box: An Advantageous Loan Workout Method in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic [Alert]

October 07, 2020

Rebecca Eschen discusses why deed-in-a-box transactions are particularly well-suited for the COVID-era economic instability.

Employers Must Beware The Coming Union Organizing Storm [Law 360]

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.

Precious Metals Scam | R, D AGs Weigh In on Pipelines | $60 Million Surgical Mesh Settlement [Blog Post]

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,...

Senate Bill Would Require TSA Temperature Checks at U.S. Airports [Alert]

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.

D.C. Council Considers Changes to Condominium Warranty Adjudication Process [Blog Post]

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...

Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration Issues Fines to Restaurants and Bars Violating Social Distancing Measures [Blog Post]

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...

California Codifies New COVID-19 Notice Requirements and Expands Cal OSHA Authority [Alert]

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.

Rebuttable Presumption for COVID-19 Illnesses to Impact Employers Through 2022 [Alert]

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.

Zoning Commission Moves to Clarify Regulations for Virtual Meetings and Hearings [Blog Post]

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...

The Interplay Between OSHA and Wrongful Death, Tort, and Gross Negligence Claims in the COVID-19 Era [Blog Post]

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...

AG Climate Change Suits Continue | Dunkin’ in Hot Water | CFPB and States Settle with Student Lender [Blog Post]

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,...

Philadelphia Mandates Two Weeks of Paid Sick Leave for Workers Impacted by COVID-19 [Alert]

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.

California’s Large Employers to Provide COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Following Newsom’s Signature [Alert]

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.

Debt Collectors Sued | States Object to Proposed Fed Banking Rule | States Move to Stop USPS Changes [Blog Post]

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...

COVID-19 Fees Challenged | DC AG Sues Instacart | $10 Million Penalty for Robocalls & False Ads [Blog Post]

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...

New York City Condos and Coops Given Greenlight to Reopen Gyms & Fitness Centers [Alerts]

September 03, 2020

Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss what condo and coop boards need to know before reopening gyms and fitness centers.

Employers Should Prepare for Wave of COVID-Related Wrongful Death Lawsuits [Blog Post]

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...

Voluntary Moratorium on New Jersey Utility Shut-offs Extended to October 15, 2020 [Alert]

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.

Is EPA’s Emergency Approval of Long-lasting Disinfectant a Game Changer? [Alert]

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.

The Saga Continues: Pennsylvania PUC Delays Action on Terminating the Moratorium on Utility Shut-offs [Alert]

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.

COVID-19 Price Gouging | Alaska AG Resigns | Honda’s $85 Million Multistate Settlement [Blog Post]

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...

Governor Wolf Proposes Legalization of Recreational Cannabis [Alert]

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.

Opening Indoor Pools: Divergence Between NYS and NYC

August 21, 2020

Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss the conflicting guidance regarding opening indoor pools in New York City.

Eleventh Circuit Confirms Cleaning is not Direct Physical Loss [Blog Post]

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...

Ethical Implications When Outsourcing Legal Work [Blog Post]

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...

COVID-19 Price Gouging on Eggs | EPA Picks up Cleanup Tab | Not All Smiles with this Judgment [Blog Post]

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...

JPML Will Not Allow Centralization of MDL Covid-19 Lawsuits [Blog Post]

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...

COVID-19 Drug Availability | Federal Banking Rule vs. State Usury Laws | Kickbacks for Pain Meds [Blog Post]

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...

Employer Back to School Guide

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.

New York Federal Judge Strikes Down Portions of Dept. of Labor’s Emergency Paid Leave Rules [Alert]

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.

IV-77- Breaking: Federal Judge Invalidates Portions of the DOL's FFCRA Regulations [Podcast]

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....

COVID-19 PPE Scam | Biotech Company in $94 Million False Claims Settlement | Hidden Telecom Fees [Blog Post]

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...

Virginia Adopts Workplace Safety Standards for the Pandemic — May be Coming to a State Near You [Alert]

July 30, 2020

Jerry Kilgore and Julia Hammond discuss Virginia's workplace safety standards to protect Virginia workers.

Jennifer Brandt Appears on Fox 29 News Discussing the Status of Divorce Proceedings during the COVID-19 Pandemic [Blog Post]

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...

Employers Must Vigilantly Evaluate WARN Obligations As Pandemic Continues [Alert]

July 28, 2020

Dave Hackett and Anna Wermuth discuss what employers must do to ensure they are complying with all applicable laws.

SBA to Begin Accepting PPP Forgiveness Applications on August 10 [Alert]

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.

The Efficacy of Preemption Defenses in Airline COVID-19 Litigation [Alert]

July 27, 2020

William H. Walsh and Anusha E. Jones discuss potential preemption defenses that could be available to airlines and their potential effectiveness.

Credit Card Interest Rate Scam | “Made in USA” Settlement | Vaping Laws Enforced [Blog Post]

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...

Pennsylvania PUC Remains Deadlocked over Terminating the Moratorium on Utility Shut-offs [Alert]

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.

DOT Provides Airline Payment Flexibility for Enforcement Penalty During COVID-19 [Alert]

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.

Resumption of Visa Services at the U.S. Consulates [Alert]

July 15, 2020

Fran Rayer and Beth Olivera discuss the resumption of Visa services at certain U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.

Foreign Students Can Remain in the U.S. Even if All Classes Will Be Online

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.

Private Pools in Condos and Coops Can Reopen [Alert]

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.

AGs’ Expanding Focus Due to COVID-19 | New Antitrust Guidelines | AG Sues Timeshare Exit Companies [Blog Post]

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...

Hold Off on Reopening Pools and Gyms in Condos and Coops [Alert]

July 09, 2020

Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss the Empire State Development Corporation's guidance for private pools and fitness centers.

IV-76- Covid-19 Employee Leave Entitlement When Summer Camp/Program Is Unavailable [Podcast]

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....

Paycheck Protection Program Updates [Alert]

July 07, 2020

Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss updates to the Paycheck Protection Program.

DOT/HHS/DHS Issue Joint COVID-19 Guidance to Airlines and Airports

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.”

COVID-19 FAQs For California Employers

July 01, 2020

Michele Ballard Miller, Walter Stella, Elena Hillman, and Austin Dieter designed an FAQ that California Employers have regarding COVID-19.

Immigration COVID-19 FAQ

July 01, 2020

Frances Rayer and Elizabeth Olivera addressed common questions related to immigration and COVID-19.

As State Level First Responders, AGs Contend with New Challenges in Response to 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.

WV AG Primary Results | $3.6 M Misleading Advertising Settlement | AGs Seek Stay of Pipeline Injunction [Blog Post]

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...

Expect an Uptick in Employee Embezzlement Following COVID-19 Lockdowns [Alerts]

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.

Keeping Pace with Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Testing During COVID-19 [Alert]

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.

SEC Releases Guidance Regarding COVID-19 Disclosure Considerations [Alert]

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.

IV-75 - A Covid-19 Update From the EEOC and OSHA [Podcast]

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....

IRS Issues Guidance Implementing Coronavirus-Related Retirement Plan Provisions Under the Cares Act [Alert]

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.

Presidential Proclamation Extending Suspension of Immigration from Abroad [Alert]

June 23, 2020

Fran Rayer, Scott Bettrigde, Daniela Berisiartu Barshel, and Elizabeth Olivera discuss President Trump's extension of Proclamation 10014.

Bipartisan Bill Would Regulate Automated COVID-19 Contact Tracing Technology [Blog Post]

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...

Privacy v. Contact Tracing Apps | Fracking Pollution Criminal Charges | Loans at 251% Interest [Blog Post]

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...

New PPP Forgiveness Application Forms [Alert]

June 18, 2020

Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss the new Form 3508EZ and Form 3508 for PPP loan forgiveness.

IV-74- An Interview Breaking Down Covid-19 and Workers Compensation [Podcast]

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...

OSHA Issues New FAQs Regarding Face Coverings Amidst Employees’ Return to the Workplace [Blog Post]

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...

Stronger Price Gouging Law in New York | Suit over Billions of Robocalls | Settlement with Children's App Developer [Blog Post]

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...

New York Return-To-Work Safety Plan Checklist

June 10, 2020

Michael Schmidt addressed best practices for New York employers to return to work from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional Clarification of Paycheck Protection Program Changes [Alert]

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.

IV-72 - The Top 10 Employment Claims Arising Out of Covid-19 [Podcast]

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....

Boards Should Prepare Now for a Potential Second Wave of COVID-19

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.

Major Changes in the Paycheck Protection Program [Alert]

June 05, 2020

Steve Dickinson discusses the Flexibility Act of 2020 and the changes to the PPP.

2020 AG Election Updates | Price Fixing on Canned Tuna | Google Sued for Tracking Users [Blog Post]

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...

Now is the Time for Construction Impact Claims [Alert]

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.

Lease Forbearance Agreements in the Age of COVID-19

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.

Choosing Safe & Effective Disinfection in the Post-COVID-19-World

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.

Adapting To Worker-Friendly City Laws Prompted By Virus [Law360]

June 01, 2020

Jeremy Glenn and Julie Trester wrote an article discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact employee rights.

USCIS Resumes Premium Processing Services for Form I-129 and Form I-140 Petitions [Alert]

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.

COVID-19-Related Scams | Improving Access to Internet Nationally | Student Debt Relief Fraud [Blog Post]

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...

The Duty to Bargain When Reopening [Blog Post]

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...

SBA Additional Guidance on PPP Loan Forgiveness and Loan Reviews [Alert]

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.

Work After COVID-19: What Is the New Normal For Leave, Accommodation Requests? [Law.com]

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.

Lease Provisions To Consider in the Age of COVID-19

May 27, 2020

Adam Silverman discusses some provisions worth considering in new lease documents in the COVID-19 era.

OSHA Changes COVID-19 Recordkeeping Requirements for Employers (Again) [Blog Post]

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...

FTC Flags COVID-19 Fraud & Abuse | $550 Million Subprime Auto Loan Settlement | Bank Accounts for Marijuana Businesses Urged [Blog Post]

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...

What Advocacy Business Development Looks Like During COVID-19 [Campaigns & Elections]

May 21, 2020

Patrick Martin wrote about ways to secure business development opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TSA Has Legal Authority to Conduct Air Passenger Temperature Screenings [Alert]

May 20, 2020

Rachel Welford discusses how and why TSA should begin temperature screenings.

Democrats and Republicans Introduce Competing COVID-19 Data Privacy Bills [Blog Post]

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...

Congressional Oversight Report on CARES Act Funding — Not Much to Oversee Here (Yet)

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.

SBA’S Long-Awaited PPP Loan Forgiveness Guidance [Alert]

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.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Announces Nursing Home Criminal Investigations [Alert]

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.

Virtual Shareholder Meetings for Republic of Marshall Islands Nonresident Domestic Corporations [Alert]

May 15, 2020

Geoffrey Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss a newly adopted regulation in the Marshall Islands that officially sanction virtual shareholder meetings.

AG Investigates Nursing Homes | FTC Sends More COVID-19 Warning Letters | Zoom Agrees to Enhance Security [Blog Post]

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...

IRS Allows Greater Cafeteria Plan Flexibility During COVID-19 Crisis [Alert]

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.

What to Do When a Union Calls [Blog Post]

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...

IV-70 - Understanding the Latest EEOC Covid-19 Guidance [Podcast]

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....

DOT Issues New Guidance Regarding Airlines’ Obligation to Provide Passenger Refunds [Alert]

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.

IRS and DOL Release Employee Benefits Guidance for COVID-19-Related Administration [Alert]

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.

Companies Receiving PPP Funds Should Prepare for Audits, and Implement Compliance Now [Alert]

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.

COVID-Driven Commercial Litigation – What Businesses Can Expect

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.

Price Gouging Lawsuits | Antitrust Settlement in Cancer Care Market | Alleged Misuse of Tax Credits by Nonprofit [Blog Post]

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...

IV-69- Views on the Post-Covid-19 World From Inside the Retail Industry [Podcast]

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....

COVID-19 and Clery Act Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education

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.

Commercial Tenants Raising Impossibility of Performance and Frustration of Purpose [Alert]

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.

Regulatory Relief Granted to Issuers of Tax-Exempt Bonds in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 06, 2020

Jerry Spector discusses multiple notices and guidance issued by the Treasure and the IRS that impact the bond market.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Issues Revised Employer COVID-19 FAQs [Alert]

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.

Employers With Unionized Workforces Need to be Prepared [Blog Post]

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...

Midwest States Allow Resumption of Some Construction Projects [Alert]

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.

COVID-19-Related Fraud Continues | Wind Turbine Scam | AG Shuts Down Illegal Robocallers [Blog Post]

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...

IV-68 - The Impact of Covid-19 on Union Organizing [Podcast]

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....

Federal Reserve Provides Greater Access, and Clarity, to the Main Street Lending Program [Alert]

April 30, 2020

Jeff Vogel, Matt Howell, Evan Berquist, and Jason Kreps summarize the Federal Reserve's Expansion of the Main Street Lending Program.

New York’s Phased Plan to Reopen begins with Construction Industry [Alert]

April 29, 2020

Nick Berenato discusses New York's plan to reopen in phases.

CMS Issues Blanket Waivers for Long-Term Care Facilities, SNFs and NFs

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.

EEOC Issues Guidelines on COVID-19 Testing of Employees [Alert]

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.

New York City Council to Consider Legislation Impacting Employers

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.

Additional Health Care Provider Relief Funds In April Stimulus Bill [Blog Post]

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...

Construction Resumes in Pennsylvania on May 1 [Alert]

April 27, 2020

Nick Berenato and Chris Sweeney discuss Governor Wolf's plan to reopen the construction industry in Pennsylvania.

Washington State Reopens Some Construction, with Restrictions [Alert]

April 27, 2020

Jesse Keene discusses Governor Inslee's addendum allowing limited construction projects to resume in Washington.

Small Business Relief Programs Receive Additional Funding [Alert]

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.

Return to Work Post-Coronavirus Checklist

April 24, 2020

Cozen O'Connor Labor and Employment attorneys addressed how employers should plan returning to work post-coronavirus.

Potential Pitfalls of Temperature Screenings [Alert]

April 24, 2020

Di Addy Tang, Elena Hillman, and Austin Dieter discuss what employers need to consider before implementing temperature screenings of employees.

Pennsylvania Allows Remote Notarization of Estate Planning Documents During COVID-19 Crisis [Blog Post]

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...

AG Sues China over COVID-19 | Layoffs in AG’s Office | FTC Settles with Rent-to-Own Payment Plan Co [Blog Post]

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...

IV-67- Today's U.S. DOL Phone Briefing re: Federal Coronavirus Initiatives [Podcast]

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...

Contracting to Avoid Force Majeure Litigation in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic [Alert]

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.

SBA Asks: Did You Really Need Your PPP Loan? [Alert]

April 23, 2020

Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden and, Bob Magovern discuss the SBA's recent FAQ regarding public companies receiving PPP loans.

New York Extends COVID-19 Restrictions on Utility Activities [Alert]

April 23, 2020

William Lesser discusses how the extension of Gov. Cuomo's New York State on PAUSE order impacts the utility industry.

Presidential Proclamation Temporarily Suspends Immigration from Abroad [Alert]

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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Assistance for Small, Mid-sized and Distressed Sector Businesses

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.

Demand for Information-Sharing Platforms Has Soared, Raising Privacy Concerns With Regulators [Alert]

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.

FEMA Issues Further Guidance on PPE Exports [Alert]

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.

Summary of DCRA Business Licensing Virtual Meeting on COVID-19 Impacts to Operations [Blog Post]

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...

IV-66 - Predicting the Next Stimulus Legislation and the Post-Coronavirus Workplace [Podcast]

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...

How COVID-19 Might Uproot Centuries Of Litigation Traditions

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.

CMS Issues Recommendations to Reopen Health Care Systems in Areas with Low Incidence of COVID-19 [Alert]

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.

N.J. EO-127 Extends Contested Case, Rule Deadlines — May Impact Utilities, Other Regulated Entities [Alert]

April 20, 2020

Greg Eisenstark and Michael Connolly discuss New Jersey's executive order extending deadlines until after the public health emergency.

CMS Announces Enhanced Nursing Home Reporting Requirements

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.

FAA Issues Guidance for Airlines to Carry Cargo in Passenger Cabin

April 20, 2020

Rachel Welford discusses the FAA's guidance for passenger airlines contemplating using empty apace in their aircraft to transport cargo.

OFAC Publishes Fact Sheet on Humanitarian Assistance to Sanctioned Countries [Alert]

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.

Pennsylvania Requires New Employer Safety Measures to Combat COVID-19 [Alert]

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.

Pennsylvania April 15 COVID-19 Health Measures Order for Certain Businesses, Including Utilities [Alert]

April 17, 2020

Michael Klein discussed Pennsylvania's new order providing guidance for essential businesses, including utilities, to protect employees and the public.

AGs’ COVID-19-Related Resources | Nursing Homes Investigated | Anticompetitive Conduct in Labor Markets [Blog Post]

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...

States Require Strict Compliance with CDC Guidance for Continued Construction Operations

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.

FMC Expands Use of Innovation Teams to Respond to COVID-19 Supply Chain Concerns

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.

Understanding OSHA’s New Guidance on Recording COVID-19 Cases and Related Employee Privacy Concerns [Blog Post]

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,...

Environmental Compliance During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Alert]

April 15, 2020

Pete Fontaine, Marcia Mulkey, and Amorie Hummel discuss how various state and federal orders are impacting the environmental industry.

Employers, Staffers, and Recruiters Now on Notice of Antitrust Enforcement During COVID-19 [Alert]

April 15, 2020

Bob Magovern discusses what the DOJ and Federal Trade Commission's joint statement means for employers.

Jennifer Brandt a Guest on Court TV [Blog Post]

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...

CMS Releases Details on $30 Billion Payment to Hospitals and other Health Care Providers [Alert]

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.

SBA Issues Additional Guidance On Affiliation Rules Under The Paycheck Protection Program [Alert]

April 14, 2020

Steve Dickinson, James Van Orden, and Bob Magovern discuss the SBA's updated FAQ's on the Paycheck Protection Program.

OCR Releases Notification of Enforcement Discretion at COVID-19 Community-Based Testing Sites [Alert]

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)

It’s Springtime for Wage and Hour Rights: Worker-Friendly Changes to Wage & Overtime Regulations Are Blooming in Colorado [Blog Post]

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...

Update on N.J. and Pa. Restrictions on Construction Activities — Utility and Other Projects [Alert]

April 13, 2020

Michael Klein and Michael Connolly provide updates to restrictions Pennsylvania and New Jersey have issued on the energy industry.

Takeaways From FDA's Relaxed Rules For Making Face Masks

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.

IV-63- Your 10 Questions About The New DOL Covid-19 Regulations [Podcast]

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...

New Jersey Imposes Additional Requirements on Construction Project Sites [Alert]

April 10, 2020

Nick Berenato and Chris Sweeney discuss New Jersey's latest executive order and what it means for construction project sites.

UPDATE: Several Midwest States Close Non-Essential Businesses – Potential Construction Impacts

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.

Controlled Substances, CBD and COVID-19 [Alert]

April 10, 2020

Ashley Kessler and Jon Gale discuss recent developments on the state and federal levels that impact the cannabis industry.

U.S. to Prohibit the Export of Certain Personal Protective Equipment

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.

COVID-19-Related Fraud | Stay-at-Home Orders Enforced| AGs Support Suits Where Injuries Occurred [Blog Post]

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...

Dealing with Employee Protests and Strikes due to COVID-19 Concerns [Alert]

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.

Financial Relief Arrives for Small and Mid-Size Businesses [Alert]

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.

Important Update to the Office of Zoning Operations During the COVID-19 Emergency [Blog Post]

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...

Duty to Report Employees Who Test Positive for COVID-19

April 08, 2020

John Ho and Peter Ennis describe whether employers should report, under federal or state law, an employee who has tested positive.

UPDATE: Condo and Coop Eligibility for PPP 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.

SBA Issues Frequently Asked Questions on Paycheck Protection Program [Alert]

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.

DOT Offers Airlines No Relief From Ticket Refund Obligations in Light of COVID-19 Flight Disruptions [Alert]

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.

COVID-19 Emergency Mandates on Utility Construction Activities and Supplies

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.

Five Steps To Consider When Contemplating A Divorce During The COVID19 Pandemic [Blog Post]

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...

CARES Act Suspends Air Transportation Federal Excise Tax

April 06, 2020

Steve Haas discusses the suspension of the FET and what jet cardholders and customers of on-demand charters should do.

New York State grants COVID-19 Immunity to Health Care Industry

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.

IV-62-Weekend Roundtable Discussion on Various Impacts of the Federal CARES/Coronavirus Programs [Podcast]

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...

Treasury Issues Interim Regulations on Affiliation Rules Under Payroll Protection Program

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.

HHS to Release Highly Anticipated Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund Guidance Soon [Blog Post]

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...

The CARES Act Provides New Distribution and Loan Options for Individual Account Retirement Plans [Alert]

April 03, 2020

Matthew Clyde explains how the CARES Act may impact individual retirement accounts.

Treasury Issues Regulations Implementing The PPP Loan Application Process [Alert]

April 03, 2020

Steve Dickinson and James Van Orden outline the updated regulations implementing Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Potential Zoom Vulnerability | Unemployment Benefits for Gig Workers | Postponed Regulatory Reporting for Financial Institutions [Blog Post]

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...

Property Owners Must Act to Reap Benefits of Two New Laws [Alert]

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.

IRS Provides New Guidance Regarding Tax Credits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

April 02, 2020

Nandini Sane and Tina Syring summarize employers' obligations and benefits under the FFCRA.

Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 Loan Programs

April 02, 2020

A quick guide for small businesses interested in the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program r the Paycheck Protection Program.

Employer Checklist for Responding to a Positive COVID-19 Test [Alert]

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.

Paycheck Protection Program Begins April 3 [Alert]

April 01, 2020

Steve Dickinson, Jason Kreps, James Van Orden and Marty Schrier outline the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Civil Litigation in New Jersey Courts [Alert]

April 01, 2020

Evan Caplan details how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the state and federal courts in New Jersey.

Cybersecurity Best Practices in the Remote-Working Environment [Blog Post]

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...

D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue Delays Hotels and Motels Real Property Tax Payments for “First Half 2020” in Response to COVID-19 [Blog Post]

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...

DOT to Impose Minimum Air Service Obligations For U.S. Carriers Receiving CARES Act Financial Assistance [Alert]

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.

What is Emergency and Essential Construction Under Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order? [Alert]

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.

D.C. Closes Non-Essential Businesses, Restricts Sick Employees of Essential Businesses [Alert]

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.

IV-61- Antitrust Concerns With The Coronavirus Pandemic [Podcast]

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....

Maryland and Virginia Close “Non-Essential” Business [Alert]

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.

Ethical Issues with Remote Work During COVID-19 [Alert]

March 30, 2020

Bill Gericke and Deb Winokur discuss lawyers and law firm's ethical obligations when working remotely and outsourcing work.

Non-Essential Construction Must Cease in New York [Alert]

March 30, 2020

Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller review ESD's guidance shutting down all non-essential construction in New York.

Pandemic-Related Funding Options For Ill. Businesses

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.

MINNESOTA Response to COVID-19 [Alert]

March 30, 2020

Tina Syring discusses Minnesota's stay-at-home order and its impact on employers.

There’s A New Investor that’s Come to Town in the Municipal Debt Markets

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.

Summary and Analysis of Key Provisions of 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.

Considerations When Aviation Travel Is a Necessity

March 27, 2020

Steve Haas discusses options for individuals for whom aviation travel is a necessity, including private charters and jet cards.

Antitrust Agencies Offer COVID-19 Guidance and Warnings to Competitor Collaborations [Alert]

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.

COVID-19 Construction Update: NJ, NY, DE, and PA Close Businesses

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.

COVID-19-Related Price Gouging | COVID-19-Related Fake Medicines | COVID-19-Related Antitrust Review Speed-Up [Blog Post]

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,...

Fairfax County’s Response to COVID-19 [Blog Post]

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....

OCR Releases Guidance on the Disclosure of PHI to First Responders and Public Health Authorities [Alert]

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.

Cybersecurity Challenges for Companies in the Wake of the COVID-19 Crisis [Alert]

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.

Notarization by Audio Video Conference in New York State [Alert]

March 26, 2020

Geof Ferrer outlines changes made to the state of New York's notarization requirements.

Trump Announces REAL ID Compliance Deadline Postponed Due to COVID-19

March 26, 2020

Rachel Welford explains why DHS postponed REAL ID compliance to October 1, 2021.

Illinois Announces More than $90 Million Emergency Assistance for Small Businesses

March 26, 2020

James Argionis discusses various grants and loans available to small businesses in Illinois and Chicago.

IV-60- WARN Act Considerations With The Coronavirus Pandemic [Podcast]

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....

Vessel Registries Grapple with COVID-19 [Alert]

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.

West Coast States Close Businesses Due to COVID-19 [Alert]

March 25, 2020

Chris Sweeney, Stephen Seeger, Jesse Keene, and Alex Busch discuss orders in California, Oregon, and Washington closing businesses due to coronavirus.

Holding Board and Shareholder Meetings Under Social Distancing [Alert]

March 25, 2020

Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller discuss why boards should consider postponing meetings or holding meetings virtually.

Jennifer Brandt Featured on KYW Newsradio Podcast Discussing Family Court Issues During Coronavirus Pandemic [Blog Post]

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...

Correlation or Causation for Coronavirus-Related Business Income Losses [Blog Post]

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...

COVID-19 Impact on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals [Blog Post]

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...

D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Closes In-Person Permit and Licenses in response to COVID-19 [Blog Post]

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,...

Effects of COVID 19 Emergency on Canadian Civil Procedures and Limitation Periods

March 24, 2020

Michael Bailey and Pam Pengelley detail all of the court closings in Canada.

What Landlords Should Consider in the Wake of Coronavirus (COVID-19) [Alert]

March 24, 2020

Marnie Kudon discusses how commercial landlords should navigate tenants' requests to terminate or modify their leases.

COVID-19: Technology to the Rescue in a Remote World? [Daily Business Review]

March 24, 2020

Samuel Lewis wrote an article about ways that you can make working remote become a more productive and a positive experience.

COVID-19 and the Utility, Energy, Telecommunications & Transportation Sectors: What [Alert]

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.

Marshall Islands Relaxes Mortgage Recording Requirements in Light of COVID-19

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.

OSHA Considerations For Working Remotely [Blog Post]

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...

Jennifer Brandt Discusses How to Abide Custody Agreements During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Blog Post]

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...

Status of D.C. Agencies Handling Commercial Real Estate Development Issues as of March 23 [Blog Post]

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...

Recommendations for Making and Responding to Requests for Credit Accommodations [Alert]

March 23, 2020

John T. Carroll and Mark E. Felger discuss how to request credit accommodations from your creditors and considerations before doing so.

The Use of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency [Alert]

March 23, 2020

Greg Fliszar and Chris Raphaely explain the recent changes OCR and HHS made to make telehealth services more available.

Labor and Employment Attorneys Answer Three COVID-19 Questions [Lodging Magazine]

March 23, 2020

Susan Eisenberg and Jennifer Williams wrote about the challenges that the hospitality and lodging industry are facing with COVID-19.

IV-59- California Coronavirus Developments (and Independent Contractor/Arbitration Quick-Bites Too) [Podcast]

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...

DC Office of Zoning Announces Six COVID-19 Changes to Business-As-Usual [Blog Post]

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,...

COVID-19 Strategies for the Construction Industry

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.

Five Tips for Business Continuity During the Coronavirus Pandemic

March 20, 2020

Dan Pascale, executive vice president of Margolis Healy, offers advice on ensuring your business continues operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illinois Governor Issues a “Stay at Home” Order with Limited Exceptions [Alert]

March 20, 2020

Pennsylvania Mandates Business Closures: Considerations for Commercial Property Owners [Alert]

March 20, 2020

Erin Szulewski answers commercial property owners' questions about Pennsylvania's business closure mandate.

California Governor Orders All Residents to Stay at Home [Alert]

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.

Pennsylvania Hotels Not Included in Statewide Mandated Closures [Alert]

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.

Layoffs, Furloughs, and the Impact of WARN Acts on Reorganizations [Alert]

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.

NY State Debt Collection Suspended | Anti-Gouging Enforcement | AGs: Who’s an “Accredited Investor”? [Blog Post]

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...

IV-58- Breaking: New Federal Coronavirus Legislation [Podcast]

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...

COVID-19 and Your Family Law Matter

March 19, 2020

Jennifer Brandt discusses how COVID-19 is impacting families who are dealing with family law issues.

FAQ: Families First Coronavirus Response Act [Alert]

March 19, 2020

Aaron Holt answers employers' questions regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Coronavirus: Is There Coverage Under Property Insurance Policies? [Blog Post]

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...

USCIS Announces Cancellation of all In-Person Appointments and Interviews to Combat COVID-19 [Alert]

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.

Texas Governor Requests Small Business Administration Disaster Loans [Alert]

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.

COVID-19 and Antitrust? An Announcement from the Department of Justice [Alert]

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.

Force Majeure from the Trenches: Cancelling Contracts in the Midst of a Global Pandemic [Alert]

March 18, 2020

Michael D. Rafalko discusses factors to consider when canceling a contract due to force majeure.

Coronavirus and Commercial Real Estate Leases [Alert]

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.

IV-57-Coronavirus Breaking Developments: Part 2 of 2 [Podcast]

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...

Working from Home in the Age of COVID-19 — Answers to 10 Questions Employers Should Be Asking [Alert]

March 17, 2020

Peter Ennis and Michael Hanlon answer the questions employers should be asking as the workforce moves to telecommute.

Illinois Shuts Down Most Gatherings, Expands Unemployment Benefits [Alert]

March 17, 2020

Jim Argionis discusses recent executive orders impacting Illinois's citizens and businesses.

Coronavirus Issues for Commercial Real Estate Owners [Alert]

March 16, 2020

Paul Rutter discusses what property owners need to do now in relation to their properties and the coronavirus.

Property Insurance Coverage Issues Associated with COVID-19 [Alert]

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.

FAA Grants Airlines Relief From U.S. Airport Slot-Use Restrictions in Response to Coronavirus [Alert]

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.

Public Company COVID-19 Disclosures and Mitigating Securities Litigation Risks [Alert]

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.

Keep Calm — and Look at Your Contract(s) [Alert]

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.

Model Coronavirus Response Plan

March 16, 2020

David Barron and John Ho designed a response plan for employers facing coronavirus, along with questions for employees.

IV-56-Coronavirus Breaking Developments: Part 1 of 2 [Podcast]

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...

Mayor to Announce District of Columbia Will Operate Under a Telework Schedule [Alert]

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.

Employers Should Make Coronavirus Preparations Now [Bar Business Magazine]

March 13, 2020

Aaron Holt wrote an article discussing the action that employers should take with coronavirus within the workplace.

HIPAA and COVID-19: Balancing Public Health Concerns and Patient Privacy in the Midst of a Pandemic [Alert]

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.

Medical Inquiries and Examinations Related to Coronavirus [Alert]

March 13, 2020

David Barron and Debra Friedman answer employers' frequently asked questions when it comes to the coronavirus.

AGs and COVID-19 | Face-Mapping | 3D Printed Guns [Blog Post]

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...

AGs on the Front Line of the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Fight [Alert]

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.

Avoiding Online Scams in the Time of Coronavirus [Alert]

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.

How Boards and Property Managers Should Prepare for COVID-19 in New York [Alert]

March 09, 2020

Leni Cummins and Jennifer Miller outline how property owners, managers, and boards should prepare themselves for the coronavirus.

DOT Clarifies its Enforcement Policy Regarding Coronavirus [Alert]

March 06, 2020

Rachel Welford discusses DOT's “Enforcement Notice Regarding Denying Boarding by Airlines of Individuals Suspected of Having Coronavirus.”

Settling an OSHA Citation with Enhanced Abatements? Consider Potential COVID-19 Implications [Blog Post]

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...

Considerations for Addressing Coronavirus and other Epidemics in the Workplace [Blog Post]

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...

Addressing an Epidemic in the Workplace: Best Practices and Legal Considerations [Blog Post]

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...

IV-55 - Six Significant Developments to be On Your Radar [Podcast]

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...

A Labor Attorney Explains the Work Rules Around Getting Sick in the Office, Whether You're Facing a Small Cold or the Coronavirus [Business Insider]

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.

Severe Flu Season Creates HR Challenges [Blog Post]

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...

Webinars

Past Events

Employment Law Basics for Small Business

March 09, 2022 - Webinar

Returning to the New Normal

March 03, 2022 - Glen Mills, PA

California Employment Law Update

February 23, 2022 - Webinar

COVID-19 Update: What Will 2022 Bring?

February 03, 2022 - Webinar

Update on Vaccine Mandates

January 13, 2022 - Webinar

COVID-19 Protocols for California Employers

January 11, 2022 - Webinar

COVID-19 Update

January 10, 2022 - Webinar

The Year in Review for California Employers

December 15, 2021 - Webinar

COVID-19 Regulations for Small Businesses

December 15, 2021 - Webinar

Employment Litigation Year in Review

December 14, 2021 - Webinar

Managing the Post-Pandemic Workplace

November 30, 2021 - Webinar

Latest Update on OSHA Vaccination Mandate

November 18, 2021 - Webinar

OSHA ETS Vaccine Mandate

November 04, 2021 - Webinar

Wishing the Legal Industry Well

October 12, 2021 - Webinar

The Latest Developments on Vaccine Mandates

September 28, 2021 - Webinar

New Vaccine Mandates from Biden Administration

September 23, 2021 - Webinar

Re-Open & Refresh

June 11, 2021 - Webinar

COVID-19 Update: Getting Back to Work

June 03, 2021 - Webinar

EdTech Fireside Chat

May 25, 2021 - Webinar

Small Business COVID-19 Rules

March 25, 2021 - Webinar

Back to the Office

January 28, 2021 - Webinar

COVID-19 Panel Discussion

December 18, 2020 - Webinar

Updates on U.S. Trade Remedies

December 14, 2020 -

Health Law 2021

December 07, 2020 - Webinar

The Impact of COVID 19 on the Workplace

October 16, 2020 - Webinar

Board Diversity: A Must Amidst COVID-19

September 10, 2020 - Webinar

Litigating Post-Coronavirus

July 23, 2020 - Webinar

Lessons from Recent Compliance Failures

June 25, 2020 - Webinar

Litigating through the Coronavirus

April 17, 2020 - Webinar

What the Stimulus Means for Your Company

March 31, 2020 - Webinar

National Small Business Town Hall

March 27, 2020 - Teleconference

In The News

Hybrid Work Policies Reinforce 'Caste System' Among Lawyers and Staff

July 21, 2023

Vincent McGuinness and Michael Schmidt spoke with The American Lawyer about the challenges law firms face with hybrid work.

NLRB Offers Guide For Remedies Against Repeat Violators

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.

To Mandate or to Suggest? Law Firms Weigh Hybrid Policy Approaches

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.

COVID Increased Disability, but It Also Showed How to Make Society More Accessible

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.

GovExec Daily: Holiday Parties in the Age of COVID-19

December 02, 2022

Michael Schmidt joined the GovExec Daily podcast to discuss how organizations can stay safe while celebrating the holidays.

GovExec Daily: COVID-19, Anxiety and the Workplace

November 30, 2022

David Barron joined the GovExec Daily podcast to discuss mental health accommodations in the workplace.

Some Employers Still Require COVID-19 Vaccines

November 08, 2022

David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing employers requiring COVID-19 vaccination for employees.

What Should Employers Do When a Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19? [SHRM]

August 12, 2022

Arielle Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the latest on when an employee tests positive for COVID-19.

'Stop Treating Us Like School Kids': Worker Tensions Over Returning to Office Bubbling Over

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.

As Mask Mandates Lift, What Happens to Employers’ Liability Exposures?

April 01, 2022

John Ho was quoted in Risk & Insurance discussing COVID-19 workplace safety strategies.

Lawyers say NYC’s lifted vaccine mandate for athletes, performers poses legal liability

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.

When preparing to reopen, experts suggest planning for long COVID-19

March 09, 2022

David Barron spoke with HR Dive discussing how long COVID-19 may constitute a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

OSHA plans to step up safety missions beyond COVID

February 23, 2022

John Ho spoke with Newsday discussing that companies shouldn't drop their guard on COVID-19.

How employers can help their employees feel safe when returning to the office

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.

What To Consider Before Firing Vaccine-Averse Employees

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.

The Supreme Court Ruling Affects the Public and Private Workforce

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.

Attys Want In-Person Bargaining, But Zoom Likely To Persist

February 02, 2022

Daniel Johns spoke with Law360 discussing virtual negotiations with unions during COVID-19.

Vaccine Mandate Likely Defeated Following Supreme Court Stay

January 20, 2022

John Ho was quoted in Transport Topics discussing the OSHA COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Employers are on their own after court guts Biden vaccine-or-testing mandate

January 15, 2022

John Ho was quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer discussing the latest on COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

What Employers Need To Know About Vaccine Mandates Following SCOTUS Ruling

January 14, 2022

David Barron was quoted in Forbes discussing the Biden administration's vaccine mandate blocked in a Supreme Court ruling.

New safety workplace laws for COVID-19 go into effect

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.

Mixed response from businesses after SCOTUS ruling on vaccine mandates

January 14, 2022

Michael Schmidt spoke with NBC News about COVID-19 vaccine mandates at work.

Supreme Court strikes down Biden vaccine mandate, but ruling has limits

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.

A key question as SCOTUS weighs vaccine rule for businesses: What if unvaccinated workers can’t find COVID-19 tests?

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.

Crunch time for workplace vaccine mandates: U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in

January 04, 2022

John Ho spoke with the Philadelphia Inquirer about OSHA's COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the workplace.

High Court To Scrutinize Vaccine Rules As 2022 Kicks Off

January 03, 2022

Michael Schmidt was quoted in Law360 discussing OSHA's emergency rule of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Omicron could force many workers who test positive to quarantine under federal mandate, intensifying labor shortages

December 28, 2021

James Sullivan spoke with Yahoo! finance about the impact the omicron variant is having on employers.

Supreme Court arguments set for this week as local companies seek clarity on vaccine mandates

December 27, 2021

John Ho spoke with Yahoo! news about how employers can handle the vaccination status of employees.

Return to office paused (again) as COVID rages. Will we ever go back to the office?

December 23, 2021

Jim Sullivan was quoted in USA Today discussing the latest on the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Sources blame pandemic, bureaucracy — not demand — for H-1B decline

December 21, 2021

Scott Bettridge was quoted in HR Dive discussing the decrease in H-1B visas.

OSHA Sets Jan. 10 ETS Deadline After Split 6th Circuit Panel Lifts Stay

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.

EEOC Clarifies When COVID-19 May Be an ADA-Covered Disability

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.

‘I Was Wrong’: Omicron Wrecks CEOs’ Plans for Office Return

December 16, 2021

John Ho was quoted in Bloomberg Quint about how employers are navigating returning to the office with the omicron variant rising.

Growing number of companies suspend vaccine mandates, including hospitals and Amtrak

December 16, 2021

David Barron was quoted in Yahoo! news discussing employers handling vaccine mandates.

More companies suspend vaccine mandates, including hospitals and Amtrak

December 16, 2021

David Barron spoke with DNYUZ about why some employers are not mandating the COVID-19 vaccine.

New York City Attempts to Implement Vaccine Mandate

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.

What Should Employers Do When a Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19?

December 08, 2021

Arielle Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the latest involving OSHA's COVID-19 ETS for employers.

NYC Shot Mandate Built to Withstand Suits, Lawyers Say

December 07, 2021

Jim Sullivan spoke with Bloomberg Law about New York City's newly announced COVID-19 vaccination mandate for private-sector workers.

Omicron extends uncertainty about return to office

December 03, 2021

John Ho spoke with Search HR Software about the latest in COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

More than half of employers to require COVID vaccines as omicron fears grow

December 01, 2021

John Ho spoke with CNBC about employers handling the COVID-19 vaccine mandate at work.

3 Tips For Employers Worries About The Omicron Variant

November 30, 2021

John Ho was quoted in Law360 discussing best practices for employers handling the omicron variant of COVID-19.

Constitutional Claims a Threat to COVID-19 Shot-or-Test Rule

November 23, 2021

Jim Sullivan was quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing the OSHA ETS on the COVID-19 vaccine.

Better on Zoom: Attorneys Are Creating Strategies to Aid Videoconferencing in Mediation

November 18, 2021

Susan Eisenberg was quoted in the Daily Business Review discussing using zoom for mediation.

Biden vaccine mandate is on maintain. Here’s why employers should still comply

November 10, 2021

John Ho spoke with USA News Lab about how employers are handling the Biden administration's new vaccine rule.

It’s Imperative for Employers to Monitor OSHA’s COVID Guidelines

November 08, 2021

Debra Friedman joined the CPA Conversations podcast to provide the latest information on OSHA guidelines related to COVID-19.

Court blocks enforcement of vaccine mandate

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.

U.S. mandates COVID vaccines or tests for companies with 100+ employees by Jan. 4

November 04, 2021

John Ho spoke with PIX11 about the OSHA COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Remote Workers Are Exempt from OSHA Requirement to Be Vaccinated or Test for COVID-19

November 04, 2021

John Ho spoke with SHRM about the latest on the OSHA ETS COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

How will testing unvaccinated employees work under Biden's vaccine mandate?

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.

Biden’s vaccine mandate will require most Philly-area private sector workers to get a jab

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.

What to make of the new U.S. mandate for COVID-19 vaccines or tests for big companies

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.

Vaccine Mandates: Supreme Court Likely to Weigh in 'Before This Pandemic is Over'

November 02, 2021

Michael Schmidt was quoted in The Wealth Advisor discussing the latest with OSHA's ETS COVID-19 mandate.

What will happen when Texas' ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates conflicts with the federal vaccine requirement

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.

Want a medical exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine? Good luck with that.

September 23, 2021

Michael Schmidt spoke with CBS News about COVID-19 exemptions for employees.

East Tennessee companies await federal vaccine mandate guidance before they set new rules

September 16, 2021

James Sullivan was quoted in the Knoxville News Sentinel discussing the challenges companies face with President Biden's COVID-19 mandate.

U.S. companies are reacting differently to orders

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.

Some businesses welcome Biden's vaccination mandate while others worry about the costs, effects on worker shortages

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.

Labor unions, a key Democratic ally, lukewarm on Biden vaccine mandate

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.

What do Biden’s new COVID-19 requirements mean for North Texas businesses? Here’s what we know

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.

Employers are revisiting early-pandemic policies as delta variant surges

August 30, 2021

Michele Ballard Miller spoke with HR Dive about handling the recent COVID-19 surge.

How employers can mandate coronavirus vaccines, according to expert

August 24, 2021

John Ho joined CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss whether employers can mandate coronavirus vaccines.

Workers fired for refusing vaccination unlikely to qualify for unemployment

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.

FDA vaccine approval is good news for markets, employment, economy

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.

Should ‘Deskless’ and Office Workers Be Treated Differently?

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.

4 Things To Know About COVID 'Long-Haulers' At Work

August 13, 2021

Michael Schmidt spoke to Law360 Pulse to discuss the challenges employers face with employees with long-term COVID-19 symptoms.

Forget Government Mandates. Companies Are Calling the Shots

August 12, 2021

Michael Schmidt was quoted in U.S. News discussing businesses enforcing COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

'Everyone is Emotionally Exhausted': Law Firms on Back Foot Amid Delta Variant Surge in South Florida

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.

Won't get a COVID vaccine? Some bosses may charge you $20 to $50 more for health insurance on every paycheck

August 10, 2021

Michael Schmidt was quoted in Press From discussing mandating the COVID-19 vaccine in the workplace.

Deep Dive - Immigration

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.

Mandating vaccines amid a worker shortage could spell trouble for corporate America

August 06, 2021

John Ho was quoted in Yahoo! News discussing companies mandating the COVID-19 vaccine at work.

Michael Schmidt on KCOL

August 05, 2021

Michael Schmidt joined KCOL-AM in Denver, Colorado to discuss rules on masks in the workplace.

‘Soft’ Vaccine Mandates Seen as Boon to Worker Buy-In, Safety

August 04, 2021

David Barron spoke with Bloomberg Law about the latest on offices reopening with COVID-19 vaccination policies.

Here’s where return-to-office plans stand now

August 03, 2021

David Barron was quoted in CNBC discussing the latest on returning to work.

Pandemic and Heat Create Workplace Risks

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.

Private Employers Wrestle With Trying To Vaccinate Their Workforce

July 30, 2021

Michael Schmidt joined NPR to discuss employers mandating the COVID-19 vaccine.

Managers will have to enforce rules for unvaccinated employees, and it won't be easy

July 28, 2021

Michael Schmidt was quoted in CNN Business discussing how to handle unvaccinated employees.

South Florida Firms Respond to Morgan Stanley CLO: 'Most of Our GCs Aren't Focusing on How the Sausage Gets Made'

July 28, 2021

Susan Eisenberg spoke with the Daily Business Review about clients' perspectives on where the work is being done.

What You Need to Know About HIPAA and Vaccine Status

July 23, 2021

David Barron was quoted in Inc. discussing the confusion that comes with asking someone about their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Delays, More Masks and Mandatory Shots: Virus Surge Disrupts Office-Return Plans

July 23, 2021

David Barron was quoted in The New York Times discussing the possibility of employers implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policies.

How do the new masking recommendations affect workplaces?

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.

'So Many More People Calling Themselves IP Lawyers,' Creating Challenge for Attorneys in This Practice Area

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.

Remind Returning Employees of Professional Expectations

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.

What to say if a job interviewer asks:

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.

Why Your Return to the Office Requires Two Workplace Safety Policies

July 09, 2021

David Barron spoke with Inc. about the challenges employers face with the return to work policies.

Legal challenges for vaccinated and unvaccinated workers

July 07, 2021

Jeremy Glenn spoke with FOX 32 Chicago about the legal challenges for vaccinated and unvaccinated works at the office.

California Reopening Prompts Changes to Workplace Safety Policies

June 22, 2021

Walter Stella was quoted in SHRM discussing how businesses must comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

South Florida Attorneys Support Zoom Court for Simple Hearings

June 18, 2021

Susan Eisenberg was quoted in the Daily Business Review discussing how remote work has been a benefit for attorneys.

Why California workers could still keep masks after OSHA ruling

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.

Navigating the new hybrid workplace

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.

Goldman Sachs memo stirs up debate on employee vaccinations

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.

Vaccinated workers in California could go maskless under proposed workplace rules

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.

The jobs are coming back — but the workers are not

June 09, 2021

David Barron spoke with NBC News about the challenges companies face when returning to work.

Cal OSHA will keep indoor mask mandate

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.

Employers Contend with Conflicts over Masks, Vaccinations

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.

John Ho on KOGO-AM

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.

Walter Stella on KCBS-AM

June 01, 2021

Walter Stella appeared on KCBS-AM discussing the upcoming Cal OSHA vote on COVID-19 guidelines.

University of Pennsylvania Health System makes rare move to require COVID-19 vaccines for employees

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.

‘Public Health 101 failure’: CDC mask decision may knock out Biden’s workplace Covid crackdown

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.

These Are Your Rights If You Don't Feel Safe At Work Without A Mask

May 17, 2021

John Ho was quoted in the Huffington Post discussing wearing a mask at work.

Masks for thee, but not for me?

May 17, 2021

David Barron was quoted in Politico discussing if employees should still be required to wear masks on the job.

What employers need to know about mask mandates at work

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.

CDC relaxes mask guidance, but employers are left waiting on OSHA

May 14, 2021

David Barron was quoted in HR Dive discussing how the latest CDC mask guidelines impact employers.

How Companies Can Avoid A Crisis Created By CDC’s New Mask Guidelines

May 14, 2021

David Barron was quoted in Forbes discussing how the latest CDC mask guidelines impact employers.

Will the Recent CDC Guidelines Along with State Mandates Regarding Face Masks Create Two Classes of Employees? Is That Even Fair?

May 14, 2021

David Barron was interviewed by Law.com discussing what changing face mask rules mean for the workplace.

Most employers plan to incentivize workers to get the vaccine — but some will require it

May 05, 2021

John Ho spoke with Yahoo! News about employers forcing employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Employers Deal with Workers’ Lost Vaccination Cards

April 21, 2021

David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing the possibility of mandatory vaccinations at work.

Employers Appeal OSHA Virus Citations at Five Times Typical Rate

April 19, 2021

Jim Sullivan was quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing employers filing appeals of COVID-19 citations with OSHA.

Can You Be Fired for Not Returning to the Office?

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.

Former OSHRC Chair Sees Precedent Shaping OSHA’s COVID-19 Plans

April 05, 2021

Jim Sullivan was quoted in Inside OSHA Online discussing the Biden administration's OSHA plan.

OSHA sharpens focus of COVID-19 safety efforts

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.

Bankruptcy Practice's Human Element Also Fell To COVID-19

March 11, 2021

Mark Felger discusses the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the practice of bankruptcy law in Law360.

Take Steps to Fight Pandemic Fatigue

March 08, 2021

David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing how pandemic fatigue is creating challenges and legal risks that employers need to address.

I know you are but what am I?

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.

Workers who feel unsafe returning to work can collect unemployment checks

March 03, 2021

David Barron spoke with FOX26 Houston about the new safety protocols that OSHA is issuing.

Can an Employer Fire Workers Who Are Scared to Return to the Office?

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.

Vaccinated or not, many workers want to remain remote

February 18, 2021

Michael Schmidt was quoted in CNBC discussing employees returning to work once they are vaccinated.

Many Firms Aren’t Paying OSHA Fines Levied for COVID-19 Safety Violations: Reuters

February 18, 2021

John Ho was quoted in Insurance Journal discussing the penalties that companies face with COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace.

Employer perks for COVID-19 vaccinated workers could draw legal challenges

February 16, 2021

John Ho was quoted in Yahoo! Finance discussing how employers may incentivize employees in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

What the COVID vaccine rollout means for returning to the workplace

February 12, 2021

Debra Friedman was quoted in Go News Today discussing the approach employers can take with the COVID-19 vaccine.

OSHA Virus Emergency Rule Looms as Potent Weapon for Litigation

February 12, 2021

David Barron and John Ho were quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing COVID-19 OSHA citations.

When Will You Be Able to Get Vaccinated at Work?

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.

A Return to the Office for Workers May Be Coming as Vaccinations Increase

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.

Vaccines, The Law and Your Workers: What Small Businesses Should Know About Requiring Vaccinations

February 09, 2021

Ed Langhammer was quoted in The Eastsider LA discussing if business owners can require employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

What employees need to know about forthcoming pandemic guidelines

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.

Here's How Biden's Presidency May Already Have An Effect On Your Job

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.

Lessons Learned from COVID-19 Lockdowns

January 22, 2021

Howard Schweiter and Michael Schmidt were quoted in SHRM about what employers have learned during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

How Much Vaccine Information Should You Demand From Employees?

January 20, 2021

David Barron was quoted in Inc. discussing how employers can handle their employees receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

4 Things NY Law Firm Leaders Are Thinking About In 2021

January 04, 2021

Michael Schmidt was quoted in Law360 discussing the challenges employers face when employees return to the office.

‘No Evidence’ of Virus Litigation Wave as Businesses Seek Shield

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.

4 major California employment law changes for 2021

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.

Seasonal Hiring in Pandemic Raises Staffing Firms’ Risks

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.

Can Your Employer Force You To Get Vaccinated?

December 10, 2020

Michael Schmidt discussed with Bay News 9 about if an employer can require their employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Senate stimulus negotiators try to reach deal on whether companies can be sued over virus outbreaks

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.

Employers start preparing for the coronavirus vaccine with a question: Can we require it?

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.

Law in the Time of Corona

December 02, 2020

Thomas Giotto was interviewed in the Duquesne Lawyer Magazine about what it has been like working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vacated Restaurants Could Spark a Real Estate Boon

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.

Vaccine resisters could derail Island's COVID-19 recovery, experts say

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.

How to Talk to Employees About Their Holiday Plans

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.

Mailbag: Can I restrict workers' personal travel?

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.

Understand workplace COVID-19 contact tracing issues, methods

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.

What to know if your employer wants you to get vaccinated for COVID

November 16, 2020

David Barron spoke with CNN about the possibility of employers requiring employees to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

A COVID-19 Vaccine Looks Promising. Can You Require Employees to Take It?

November 12, 2020

Michael Schmidt spoke with Inc. about whether or not employers can require employees to take a COVID-19 vaccine.

Being Proactive Can Reduce COVID-19 Liability

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.

Boosting employee productivity after an election roller coaster

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.

3 Challenges For Holiday Hiring In 2020

November 06, 2020

David Barron was quoted in Law360 discussing what companies should consider with the hiring process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having a difficult time focusing at work amid election uncertainty? Here’s how your company can help.

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.

High-Stakes Contract Talks Spark Labor Actions In Pandemic

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.

The new normal as people return to work during and after COVID-19

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.

Do you feel unsafe going to work because of COVID-19? Here are your options

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.

Movie Theater Closings Pose Another Challenge to Mall Landlords

October 19, 2020

Matt Weinstein discusses how the pandemic has caused movie theaters to close and what that means for mall landlords in GlobeSt.

Who Do You Want Back In the Office? Someone With COVID-19 Antibodies or Someone Who Tested Negative for COVID-19?

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.

OSHA’s COVID-19 Reporting Obligations Clarified

October 15, 2020

John Ho was quoted in HR Magazine about employers reporting about employees that have COVID-19 related hospitalizations.

Regal Theater Closures Present A 'Very Serious' Problem For Retail Landlords

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.

How Employers Can Keep Their Employees Protected from COVID in the Workplace?

October 13, 2020

Michael Schmidt joined This Morning with Gordon Deal to discuss companies welcoming employees back into the physical workplace during COVID-19.

Mailbag: Can we require that employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

October 12, 2020

David Barron discussed with HR Drive whether an employer can force employees to receive a vaccine for COVID-19.

Don’t follow the White House’s example when dealing with a coronavirus outbreak at work, experts say

October 08, 2020

John Ho spoke with CNBC about the coronavirus outbreak in the White House.

Facing dual challenges of work and home-schooling, more women are sacrificing their careers

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.

Experts Urge Workers To Discuss Holiday Travel Plans, Possible Mandatory Quarantines With Employers

September 24, 2020

John Ho spoke with CBS New York about whether employers can restrict employees from traveling during the holidays.

Why HR needs to watch out for ‘immunity discrimination’

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.

Worried About COVID-19? Too Bad. Your Boss Can Still Require You to Return to The office

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.

PPP loans kept many small businesses afloat this summer. Without more funds, experts say a wave of bankruptcies is coming.

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.

Safety as Organizations Bring Staff Back to the Office

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.

Safety is the new workplace ‘perk’ job seekers will be evaluating when applying to companies

August 31, 2020

Aaron Holt spoke with Business Insider about how safety is more top of mind for employees now.

Houston attorney warns employers to prepare for wave of COVID-19 wrongful death suits

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.

Coronavirus Complicates Workplace Drug-Testing Programs

August 14, 2020

David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing how employers are also facing issues when handling drug-testing logistics during the pandemic.

School reopenings may create a costly dilemma for small businesses

August 11, 2020

David Hackett was quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer discussing how fall's school schedule could affect businesses.

How Do You Require Customers to Wear Masks Without Endangering Employees?

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.

Revised CDC isolation timeline may prompt workplace policy changes

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.

As businesses reopen, workers face a new challenge: getting in the door

July 24, 2020

Michael Schmidt was quoted in Newsday discussing COVID-19 screening for returning to work.

Some employers have illegally fired workers who refuse to sign COVID liability waivers

July 23, 2020

David Barron was quoted in Yahoo! Finance discussing employers requiring employees to surrender their right to sue over COVID-19.

Workers turn into amateur sleuths to track virus cases

July 19, 2020

Aaron Holt was quoted in The Washington Post discussing employers providing a safe work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

School Closings Shaping Up As Next Headache For Employers

July 17, 2020

David Barron was quoted in Law360 discussing the possible impact of the upcoming school year on employers.

Parents Raise Concerns About Philadelphia School District’s Reopening Plan

July 15, 2020

David Barron spoke with CBS Philly about the challenges families face with schools reopening.

Cozen O'Connor Group Tackles Surge Of Virus-Driven Lease Disputes

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.

The Legal Implications of COVID-19 in the Workplace

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.

How Can Employers and Businesses Protect Their Workers?

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.

Want Workers To Sign COVID-19 Waivers? Don't Go There.

July 01, 2020

David Barron spoke with Law360 about whether employers should have employees sign COVID-19 liability waivers.

Can you get fired for protesting? Or spouting off on social media?

June 15, 2020

Aaron Holt was quoted in the Chicago Tribune discussing anti-discrimination protections and incendiary conduct in the workplace.

Marrying Yesterday’s Basis with Today’s Underwriting: Players Unpack What’s Unfolded

June 15, 2020

Duane Montgomery was featured in the Commercial Observer about a panel he moderated about commercial real estate and COVID-19.

Co-op and Condo Boards Need to Prepare for a Possible Second Wave

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.

Lawyering Through Covid-19: What We’ve Heard From the Practices

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.

Employers Could Mandate Heath Checks As Businesses Open, Attorney Says

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.

Businesses are reopening. If you’re older or sick, what happens to your job?

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.

If your unemployment claim was denied, here are your options

May 19, 2020

David Barron was quoted in Fortune discussing what people should do if their unemployment claim is denied.

Mailbag: Should our company set up on-site testing for COVID-19?

May 15, 2020

Debra Friedman was quoted in HR Dive about what should be considered if an employer offers onsite COVID-19 testing.

The Hunt for a Leaker at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office

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.

Councilman: Resume land-use reviews – but just for Rikers

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.

Vermont gov. orders in-state employees to take health, safety training ahead of reopening

May 12, 2020

Cozen O'Connor Labor & Employment attorneys were mentioned in HR Dive discussing re-opening guidelines from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wake Up With WURD

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.

Back to Work with Ed Langhammer

May 12, 2020

Ed Langhammer appeared on KGO 810AM discussing Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to return Californians to work.

Self-employed started applying for unemployment benefits Monday, but there’s a catch

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.

COVID Crimes: White Collar Cases To Expect From The Crisis

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.

Employee rights during the coronavirus

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.

Worker sues after being fired for refusing to violate shelter-in-place order

May 08, 2020

David Barron was quoted in HR Dive discussing the risks employers have in reopening business from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lobbyists prepare for fight over the next coronavirus bill

May 08, 2020

Patrick Martin was quoted in Politico discussing the industries that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Don’t Get Cocky: Firms May Not Be Prepared for Long-Term Remote Work

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.

Getting to Work in a Pandemic: The Next Challenge

May 07, 2020

Susan Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the challenges employers face when returning to business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iowa Law Alum Talks Labor and Employment Law in the Wake of COVID-19

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.

Pro Bono Lawyers at Weber Gallagher, Cozen O'Connor and Other Firms Have Gotten Creative in COVID-19 Response

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.

How to Handle More Work-from-Home Requests

May 05, 2020

Susan Eisenberg was quoted in SHRM discussing the challenges employers face with employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Returning To Work: Employment Attorneys Talk Safety In The Office

May 05, 2020

Jeremy Glenn spoke with CBS 2 Chicago about the ever changing job market during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5 compliance tips for reopening the workplace

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.

Are Employers Liable if Workers get Sick with COVID-19? As Businesses Prepare to Reopen, Worker Safety is a Priority

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.

How To Protect Trade Secrets During The Pandemic

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.

Can we require a sick employee to pass a COVID-19 test before returning to work?

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.

Risk Management Best Practices For Your COVID-19 Return To Work Plans

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.

EEOC Slows Some Processes During 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.

How to Protect Yourself if You're Forced to Return to Work

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.

‘Work Sharing’ Offers Lifeline to Companies Eyeing Virus Rebound

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.

Furlough vs. layoff? As more workers lose their jobs, here’s what to know about your rights and benefits

April 22, 2020

David Barron spoke with Fortune about the rights that furloughed employees have.

As Unemployment Claims Grow, Here Are Answers To Some Of Your Biggest Questions

April 21, 2020

Jeremy Glenn discussed with CBS 2 Chicago some of the biggest questions regarding unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Safeguard the Privacy of Workers with COVID-19

April 20, 2020

David Barron was quoted in SHRM discussing what employers should do when an employee test positive for COVID-19.

Punching In: The Latest COVID-19 Benefits, Liability Questions

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.

The Reopening Challenge: 5 Tips for Getting Back to Business

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.

Employers need to have a game plan now for returning to work after coronavirus

April 15, 2020

David Barron spoke with Employee Benefit Adviser about employers preparing to reopen nonessential businesses.

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

April 15, 2020

Peter Ennis was featured in the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council “Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts" Coronavirus edition newsletter.

What to know about applying for gig work during the pandemic

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.

Workers now deemed ‘essential’ want more: How the coronavirus crisis might bring permanent labor gains on unionizing, sick leave and other issues

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.

What businesses must disclose when a worker is diagnosed with COVID-19

April 13, 2020

Peter Ennis discussed with Newsday what actions employers should take when an employee tests positive for coronavirus.

What Does a Furlough Mean for Your Employment Rights During the Coronavirus Crisis?

April 10, 2020

David Barron was quoted in Getaka discussing the difference between being furloughed and being laid off.

County officials say they must know more about patients to help first responders

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.

Can you be sent home without pay for having a fever?

April 08, 2020

David Barron spoke with CNBC about employers checking the temperature of employees.

Employers See Strings Attached In $500B CARES Act Relief

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.

Forgivable Loan Apps Start Today And Will Be Big For Startups Facing COVID-19 Disruptions

April 03, 2020

David Barron was quoted in Crunchbase discussing the COVID-19 stimulus bill for small businesses in the United States.

What does it mean to be furloughed?

April 01, 2020

Michael Schmidt talked with CNN about why a company may do a furlough and what furlough workers should need to know.

Companies Slammed by Coronavirus Look to Cut Contributions to their Employees' 401(k)s

April 01, 2020

Jay Dorsch was quoted in USA Today discussing the impact of employee benefits with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stimulus Package Details Emerge

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.

Coronavirus Complicates OSHA Enforcement

March 31, 2020

John Ho was quoted in EHS Today discussing OSHA regulations being enforced during COVID-19.

An Employer's Cheat Sheet For The 854-Page Virus Relief Bill

March 27, 2020

Jeremy Glenn was quoted in Law360 discussing the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

$2.2T federal coronavirus stimulus package could be lifeline for many Chicago-area businesses

March 27, 2020

Jeremy Glenn appeared on ABC7 Chicago discussing the coronavirus stimulus package.

Here’s What Individuals, Workers and Businesses Need to Know About the Coronavirus Stimulus Package

March 27, 2020

Debra Friedman was quoted in Philadelphia Magazine discussing what the coronavirus stimulus package entails.

National Town Hall: What the $2 Trillion Stimulus Means for Your Business

March 27, 2020

David Barron joined a town hall discussion about the recent stimulus package that was passed by the Senate.

Break Quarantine? Your Co-Op Board Can Sue

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.

Can you be fired for working from home?

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.

$2 Trillion Stimulus Package on the Way: Here's What's in It for Business Owners

March 25, 2020

David Barron spoke with Inc. about how the COVID-19 related stimulus package will impact employee benefits.

Coronavirus and Cannabis: Assessing the Current Challenges and Long-Term Impacts for the Industry

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.

Could a pandemic bring EB-5 back to life?

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.

How the government is supporting small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic

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.

Here's who qualifies for coronavirus paid sick leave under new federal law

March 24, 2020

David Barron was quoted in The Times and Democrat discussing the federal government's emergency coronavirus relief law.

Employment Lawyer On Workers' Rights In A Global Pandemic

March 23, 2020

Mariah Passarelli was interviewed on WBUR to discuss what legal rights employees have during COVID-19 pandemic.

Lessons for Response Plans

March 21, 2020

John Ho was quoted in CU Today discussing companies creating a response plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitals Tackling Virus May Need More Than Brief Privacy Waiver

March 19, 2020

Chris Raphaely discussed with Bloomberg Law about HHS using a relax enforcement of the privacy requirements during the public health emergency.

What to do if you are laid off from work due to COVID-19

March 18, 2020

David Barron spoke with Yahoo! Finance about how COVID-19 could be an exception to the rule involving the WARN Act.

Congress Is Poised to Come Up With Coronavirus Aid for Small Business. Here's What to Expect

March 17, 2020

Aaron Holt was quoted in Inc. discussing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

No More Playrooms, Pools or Gyms as NYC Resi Buildings Hunker Down

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.

Waiving Coronavirus Research Liability Driven by Lost HIV Work

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.

Creating a Business Response Plan to COVID-19

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.

What Employers can do now that the Coronavirus is in Houston

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.

As Coronavirus Panic Increases, So Does Racism Toward Asian People

March 03, 2020

David Barron discussed with Best Life about how employers should take extra care to avoid workplace discrimination as coronavirus fears increase.

The Coronavirus Outbreak is Exactly Why Companies Need Pandemic Policies

March 02, 2020

John Ho was quoted in Money discussing the response plans businesses should have in place during a pandemic.

How IBM, Goldman Sachs, PwC and others are responding to the coronavirus threat to the global workplace

February 28, 2020

David Barron was quoted in The Washington Post discussing what he sees how businesses are handling coronavirus with their employees.

Coronavirus outbreak: How businesses should be preparing

February 28, 2020

Debra Friedman was quoted in the Philadelphia Business Journal discussing how businesses should handle a potential coronavirus outbreak.

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