Blogs

Business and Financial Services

When Is a Famous Trademark “Abandoned”?

Lessons from the Fight Over the TWITTER® Name If you have followed recent business or technology news, you may have seen headlines suggesting that the Twitter trademark might be “up for grabs.” That claim sounds shocking given the brand’s global recognition, but the dispute raises an important and very practical question for businesses of all sizes: Can…

January 13, 2026

Business and Financial Services

DEI – A TARGET: The DOJ Signals that DEI Programs Will Be an Enforcement Priority with the Use of the False Claims Act in 2026

As federal enforcement priorities continue to evolve, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) made clear that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs will be subject to heightened scrutiny where they intersect with federal funding and civil rights compliance. In 2025, the DOJ formally announced the creation of a Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, signaling a renewed…

January 13, 2026

Employment Law

Six Employment Law Trends to Watch in 2026: Federal Enforcement and Virginia Updates

As we move into 2026, employers face a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by federal enforcement priorities and state-level initiatives. Below are six critical trends that HR professionals, business leaders, and risk compliance officers should monitor closely. 1. Federal Enforcement Realignment: Budget Cuts and Shifting Responsibilities The Department of Labor (DOL) enters 2026 with a…

December 15, 2025

Employment Law

Understanding the Family and Medical Leave Act: The DOL’s Latest Guidance and Practical Application

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a foundational federal law that helps employees balance work and family responsibilities. Enacted in 1993, the FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons. These include the birth…

November 24, 2025

Employment Law

NLRB Rules Every Non-Union Employer Needs to Know

Even if your business doesn’t have unionized employees, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) still has something to say about your policies, your severance agreements, and even your social media rules. In 2025, the NLRB continued its trend of expanding employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Non-union employers in Virginia are not exempt…

November 24, 2025

Business and Financial Services

Finding True North in Turbulent Times: Insights into Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Boards

In today’s environment of economic uncertainty, social transformation, and technological disruption, nonprofit boards must take a proactive and legally informed approach to strategic planning. Strategic oversight is a core governance function that directly affects mission fulfillment, legal compliance, and organizational sustainability. Boards need to actively engage on these topics or risk obsolescence. As outside legal…

November 24, 2025

Employment Law

Culture, Compliance, and Cocktails: Managing Risk at Corporate Holiday Events

As the holiday season approaches, many companies look forward to hosting office parties as a way to celebrate achievements, boost morale, and reinforce a sense of community. These events can be helpful tools for strengthening corporate culture and enhancing employee identification with the organization. A well-executed holiday party can foster camaraderie, reinforce shared values, and…

November 21, 2025

Tax Law

Maximizing Year-End Charitable Giving and Gifting Strategies

As the year closes, a few deliberate moves before December 31 can deliver a powerful double benefit: current-year income-tax savings and longer-term estate planning advantages. With limits resetting on January 1, this is the moment to finalize transfers, confirm paperwork, and document your gifts. A well-designed combination of family gifts and charitable contributions can lower taxable income, reduce future estate exposure, and support people and causes you value. 1) Use the 2025 Annual Gift…

November 12, 2025

Employment Law

Using Criminal Background Checks in Hiring? Here’s What You Need to Know

In today’s highly competitive and compliance-driven hiring landscape, criminal background checks have become a standard part of the recruitment process for U.S. employers. According to recent surveys, more than 90% of employers conduct some form of background screening, with criminal history checks being among the most common. Over the past five years, the use of…

October 31, 2025

Employment Law

Contractor or Employee? What Every Virginia Builder Needs to Know Now

General contractors and subcontractors often retain companies and individuals to perform part of their scope of work. This can be done, obviously, by hiring employees or by hiring independent contractors. The question of whether an “independent contractor” is in fact an independent contractor is a repeat arena for disputes and risk in the form of…

October 30, 2025