Insights: Results

Uninsured Flying Objects

by Marialuisa S. Gallozzi, Claire O'Rourke and Laura Beth Cohen

As drones and other “unmanned aerial vehicles” increasingly crowd the skies, the law—and insurance policies—will have to figure out how best to bring them back safely to terra firma.

Most Americans Lack a Power of Attorney for Assets

by George M. Riter

Only 25 percent of American households have estate planning documents in place. A Power of Attorney for Assets will secure your financial affairs should you be unable to do so yourself.

Clients Should Understand Basic Financial Consequences of a Divorce

by Steven Fernandez

Spouses who get divorced will have to adjust how they file their taxes, what income and liabilities they must report for tax purposes, and even how they approach discussions about alimony and spousal support.

Keep an Eye on AI

by Jennifer G. Betts and Danielle Ochs

Artificial intelligence tools—most notably the “generative AI” systems that have so captured the public imagination lately—are proliferating. How will legislators, regulators and employers deal with the changes these systems bring to the workplace?

Businesses Must Prepare for the New Department of Labor Independent Contractor Rule

by Kirby Black and Steven T. Clark

Two employment law lawyers explain how a new DOL rule making it more likely workers will be classified as employees, rather than independent contractors, has caused legal challenges and prompted businesses to reassess worker status and policies.

A Beautiful Mind: Motown Beginnings, Top Dealmaker

by Sara Collin

Motown scion Farah Fakir Cook has achieved her own stardom away from the klieg lights, helping clients navigate ever-changing currents in intellectual property and technology. One crucial topic looms especially large for her in the years ahead: How current law will contend with the rise of artificial intelligence.

Rise of the Machines

by Michele M. Jochner

New “generative AI” programs have great potential to help attorneys with certain tasks that will make their work more efficient. Yet the use of any new technology must always adhere to strict ethical standards. One notorious recent case shows why.

The Green Rush: Cannabis Is a Growing Industry

by Justin Smulison

Connecticut announced it will legalize high-THC cannabis for adult use on July 1, making it the 19th state to do so in the U.S. As of June 2021, 38 states and Puerto Rico have legalized cannabis for medical use.

The Problems with Probate

by Anthony J. Enea

The complexity, cost and delays associated with the Probate process are not often discussed. The following are some of the reasons one should try to avoid utilizing a Last Will that needs to be admitted to Probate upon one's demise:

The Other Shoe Drops—The NLRB’s “Contingent Workforce” Activism Continues

by Timothy C. Kamin

The NLRB will now permit a single bargaining unit to include employees who are solely employed by an employer along with other employees who are jointly employed by that employer and a staffing provider, all without the consent of either employer.

Reality Check: Is a Prenuptial Agreement Right for You?

by Michele M. Jochner

Suggesting a prenuptial agreement can be uncomfortable and viewed as an expectation that your marriage will fail. Yet, it can be a wise step in planning for the future and eliminating the risk of potentially costly litigation. Here’s what to consider in making that decision.

Factors to Consider when Selecting an Executor, Trustee, or Agent under a Power of Attorney

by Anthony J. Enea

The decision of who you should select as the executor of your Last Will & Testament, trustee of any trust you create, or as the agent under your Power of Attorney (POA) is a difficult task and one that involves the consideration of numerous factors.

Takata Can Extend Airbag Lawsuit Freeze for Individuals

by Motley Rice

The Delaware bankruptcy judge presiding over the Takata case on Monday granted the debtors’ request to extend the freeze on lawsuits connected to its dangerously defective airbag inflators through late February for individual claims, but will revisit a stay on state enforcement actions in 30 days.

Live Free? A Rather Long List of Regulations on Development in N.H.

by Philip M. Hastings

The list of regulations that a real estate developer is likely to encounter (or will at least have to think about) for virtually any project in any New Hampshire community, regardless of the project’s size or nature, is long and requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach in the planning stages.

Strength in Numbers: When Partnering Up May Be Best in Whistleblower Litigation

by Justin Smulison

Whistleblower claims make headlines when they result in multimillion-dollar settlements. But the journey to the courtroom is characterized by complexity and requires time and resources. Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams partner and The Best Lawyers in America awardee Michael R. Williams discusses when and why partnerships between counsel will strengthen whistleblower litigation.

New Australian Data Breach Notification Laws

by Giovanni Marino

The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Act) has been amended by the Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Act 2017 (Cth) (the Amending Act). The Amending Act introduces a mandatory data breach notification regime where an “eligible data breach” occurs. The amendments will commence on February 23, 2018, unless they are proclaimed to commence earlier.