January is a time of renewal, providing an opportunity for new focus. With Data Privacy Day almost upon us, and the expansion of data privacy legislation in the United States, now is the ideal time for businesses to update their data privacy program with best practices and plan for the next stage. How? Go back to the basics. For the skeptics, Data Privacy Day is an actual … [More]
New Year, New … Privacy Program?
Businesses are invited to celebrate this year’s Data Privacy Day in style, with a refresh of their privacy program
Law Firm Announces Transition of Environmental Practice Group Leadership
Gallagher & Kennedy Announces David P. Kimball’s Retirement, Transition of Environmental Practice Group Leadership to Gallagher & Kennedy announces the retirement of environmental shareholder David P. Kimball, III, after 47 years of practice and 30 years at Gallagher & Kennedy. Assuming leadership of the firm’s acclaimed environmental and natural resources practice … [More]
Their Take: Arizona’s Dated Subdivision Laws Are a Roadblock to Desirable Development
Under the Arizona Department of Real Estate’s application of federal and state law, condominium developers are required to deliver a finished condominium unit to an end-purchaser within two years of signing the purchase agreement (Two-Year Delivery Requirement). Otherwise, developers could face significant liabilities, namely, exposure to a potential breach of contract, right … [More]
NLRB’s New ‘Joint Employment’ Rule Will Apply to More Franchise Relationships
Rule expands responsibilities
Franchise agreements have long been recognized as independent contractor agreements where a franchisor licenses its trademarks and business format systems to third-party franchisees — who each operate independent businesses using the trademarks and systems subject to the terms of the contract between them. This independent contractor model is favored by both franchisors and … [More]
Former U-Haul General Counsel Launches Dispute Resolution Firm
After a prestigious career navigating complex and challenging legal landscapes, Laurence DeRespino announced the launch of DeRespino Dispute Resolution, offering specialized mediation and arbitration services. “I've evaluated, managed, and resolved high stakes and complex litigation my entire career," said DeRespino. "I'm channeling that depth of experience into mediation and … [More]
Federal Government Expands H-2B Program to Issue up to 130,716 Temporary Worker Visas in FY 2024
On November 3, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor announced that the availability of H-2B visas would be nearly doubled in the 2024 fiscal year. The announcement is anticipated to help American businesses faced with burdensome staff shortages as the “increase will help address the need for seasonal workers and reduce irregular … [More]
Business Succession Planning Is Crucial for Successfully Sustaining a Business
Preparing for the expected and unexpected assures critical staff, customers, banks and vendors that the company’s future is seamless
Millions were glued to the screen for multiple episodes and seasons of “Succession,” watching the agony of a major corporation with nowhere to go when its charismatic leader was gone. It might have worked for binge streaming but, in real life, a failure to plan doesn’t end with the director yelling, “That’s a take.” Too many companies rest their future on a handshake and … [More]
Their Take: Arizona Steps Up to Align Existing Cannabis Laws with Reality
There are some important movements afoot to bring cannabis into the mainstream and make the cannabis businesses easier to operate. First, the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) has recommended to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that cannabis be rescheduled from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). At the same time, 23 attorneys … [More]
The Corporate Transparency Act: How to prepare your business for the new reporting requirements
Historically, smaller companies in the United States have had minimal legal compliance obligations to operate. Founders selected the state of incorporation or organization, picked their legal structure, and filed a one- or two-page formation document. With the enactment of the Federal Corporate Transparency Act, that has all changed for those companies that are often the most … [More]
Scottsdale Business Law Firm Adds Two Partners
Radix Law welcomes its newest partners John Balitis and Julia Acken to the firm. Both Balitis and Acken join Radix from Jennings Strouss & Salmon, bringing decades of well-rounded legal experience and will elevate Radix’s employment and labor law practices and its adoptions law practice. “John and Julia have worked together as a remarkably dynamic team for many years,” … [More]
Local Boutique Law Firm Builds 12-Year Success Story by Putting Clients’ Needs First
This October, León Law PLLC celebrates its 12-year anniversary of helping clients with their legal issues, with a focus on personal injury and wrongful death. Founded in 2011 by Jose M. León, Esq. with the mission of providing clients with a customer service-oriented experience, León Law helps their clients first get the proper treatment they need and second ensures they … [More]
A Business Owner’s Primer to Lawsuit Settlement
Going to trial is not always the right thing for a client
Trials are very costly — in terms of both expense and the emotional exhaustion that comes from the weeks of preparation and the long days spent in the courthouse. Although most clients are keenly aware that settlement avoids the financial challenges of trial, most do not fully recognize the time-and-energy-value settlements can bring for an issue to be resolved — early and … [More]
Atlanta-Based Law Firm Enters Phoenix Market
Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial is opening its Phoenix office. This expansion further reinforces the firm’s commitment to providing exceptional complex litigation services to its clients in the Southwest. "The opening of a Phoenix office is a significant milestone for our firm," said Lee Roberts, a co-director of the firm. "We recognize the vibrant business … [More]
AI in the Workplace: Promises and Pitfalls
Companies should consider developing guidelines regarding AI technologies
Discussion of Artificial Intelligence and its transformative role in the workplace is seemingly everywhere. Whether the issue is how employers can utilize AI to bolster their human resources and management functions, or employees’ utilization of AI tools for work-related tasks, companies are paying attention to both the promises and pitfalls inherent in these new … [More]
Navigating the Maze of Construction Defect Claims in Arizona
Key to a successful relationship is the binding agreement between the parties
The nationwide boom of residential and commercial construction has continued into 2023. The increase of construction in Arizona is largely due to the increase in population. In 2022, Maricopa County gained the most residents in the nation, adding 56,831 residents, a gain of 1.3% since 2021, according to March 30, 2023, figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. Also contributing to … [More]
Law Firm Grows Trusts & Estates Planning Group in Phoenix
Trusts and estates planning attorney Zachary Rapp has joined Sherman & Howard’s Phoenix office. Rapp returns to Phoenix, where he is thrilled to be back in his hometown and serve his clients with caring and creative estate planning work. “We are excited to bring Zachary into our trust and estate planning group. He will fit into the Phoenix office nicely,” said Greg … [More]
Big Changes Are Coming to HIPAA Privacy Laws Heading into Summer
They include tiered structure for penalties and incentives for reporting
As we head into summer, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) will have its first major revisions in ten years. HIPAA is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. HIPAA has three major components: the Privacy Rule, the … [More]
Phoenix-Based Law Firm Tops All U.S. Law Firms for Revenue Growth
Fennemore, a leading U.S. law firm, announced that it posted the single largest year-over-year revenue growth among all firms in The American Lawyer 2023 Am Law 200, the listing of the 200 largest law firms in the country ranked by gross revenue. Fennemore’s revenue grew by a staggering 45% in 2022 versus 2021—outpacing the 2.7 - 4.1% average among the Am Law 100 and 200, … [More]
