Blogs

Employment Law

When Stormy Weather Closes Your Business, Do You Still Have to Pay Your Employees?

For the first time in more than two years, the northern Virginia area was blanketed by a significant winter storm recently, with enough snow accumulation that many businesses made the decision to close for the day. Those office closures likely raised questions that many Virginia employers hadn’t thought about for a while: Do I have…

January 22, 2024

Business and Financial Services

Generative AI and Intellectual Property: Navigating the Trademark Terrain

Introduction: Beyond Copyrights – The Trademark Frontier In our previous exploration of generative AI, we pierced the veneer of copyrights. Today, we venture further into the realm of Intellectual Property (IP), focusing on another cornerstone: trademarks. As AI’s prowess expands, the boundaries of trademarks are increasingly tested, compelling us to reexamine foundational principles in this…

January 22, 2024

Business and Financial Services

The Labyrinth of Civil Disputes: A Litigator’s Guide to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

In the world of civil litigation, the pursuit of resolution does not always necessitate the formal battleground of a courtroom. As a practical litigator at Bean, Kinney & Korman, I recognize how valuable it is to guide parties through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process—often a more collaborative and empowering pathway to settle disputes. ADR…

January 16, 2024

Business and Financial Services

What is “Beneficial Ownership” under the Corporate Transparency Act?

In a move to fortify transparency within corporate America, the enactment of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA or Act) and its implementing regulations have introduced critical changes to the reporting and disclosure requirements for businesses. A central aspect of this legislation is the concept of “beneficial ownership.” This term, crucial yet complex, is essential for…

January 8, 2024

Business and Financial Services

Generative AI and Copyright Law: The Future Awaits Deciphering

Introduction: Embracing the Digital Renaissance In the expansive digital universe, few technological marvels evoke as much fascination and debate as generative AI. At its core, this technology, powered by intricate algorithms, challenges conventional notions of creativity by producing content autonomously, often surpassing human capabilities in nuance and complexity. But as with all disruptive innovations, its…

December 19, 2023

Divorce and Family Law

Significant Changes in District of Columbia Divorce Law

The District of Columbia has been a no-fault jurisdiction for a long time. However, on December 3, 2023, the D.C. City Council enacted D.C. Act 25-322 (originally introduced in 2019 as “Elaine’s Law”), which materially alters the statutory grounds for divorce and amends the factors that a Court may consider when equitably dividing property and/or making an award of alimony. Currently if a party wishes to file for divorce in the District of Columbia, you must be mutually and voluntarily…

December 19, 2023

Employment Law

The Employee’s Handbook to Holiday Work

The holiday season often brings a surge in work hours, especially for those in the retail and service industries. This period, while potentially lucrative for both employers and employees, also brings with it questions about holiday pay, overtime, and legal rights. This article aims to address these concerns, offering clarity and some guidance to help…

December 14, 2023

Divorce and Family Law

Divorce Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Virginia

Navigating through a divorce is a challenging journey, and it becomes particularly intricate when one or both of the parties has an ownership interest in a business. For entrepreneurs, a divorce is not just a personal transition; it’s an event that can have profound implications on their business. The process involves not only emotional and personal adjustments but also critical financial and legal decisions, especially concerning the valuation and division of business assets. Understanding…

December 7, 2023

Divorce and Family Law

Third-Party Custody and Visitation: What is the Standard?

Over the last several decades, expectations of the traditional family unit changed tremendously. Thus, instead of the conventional nuclear family (two parents and children), the modern structure of what society considers a “family” is rapidly evolving. As a result, family law courts are faced with an increasing number of third-party custody and visitation cases, with non-parents seeking to preserve or expand their relationships with a child. The United States Supreme Court recognizes the…

December 6, 2023

Employment Law

NLRB Delays Start Date for New Joint Employer Rule

On October 26, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) issued a new rule, with an effective date of December 26, 2023, establishing the standard for determining joint employer status under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRB’s new rule significantly expands the definition of “joint employment” under the NLRA. A more…

November 22, 2023