Employers, schools, and real estate developers should take note of a new Executive Order issued on Inauguration Day which gives an expansive reading to last summer’s Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County. In Bostock, conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch writing for a 6:3 majority held that Title VII’s prohibition on employment discrimination “because of…READ MORE
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With the blurring between remote work and home life due to the ongoing pandemic, some employers are seeing an uptick in the workplace effects of domestic violence. Fortunately, many of the tools to effectively and compassionately manage such concerns are already found in most employee handbooks. Businesses can and should proactively minimize the effects of…READ MORE
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It was a relief when Pfizer and, then Moderna, released that they had both developed an effective Covid-19 vaccine. We saw a light at the end of the tunnel. The state and local governments have released plans for the roll-out of the vaccines to those populations most in need, starting with health professionals, first responders,…READ MORE
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As we begin 2021, we are still faced with Covid-19 affecting every part of our lives. While hope is on the horizon as vaccines are being produced and distributed, we must continue to proceed thoughtfully as we face these challenges. Besides the changes that the vaccine will bring, there are several important updates from the…READ MORE
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As the United States (and many parts of the world) experiences a new rise in Covid-19 cases, Maryland Governor Hogan, by Executive Order, and Montgomery County have implemented new restrictive orders, effective November 10th, to strive to flatten the curve. These orders will affect many businesses throughout the state and will likely impact your actions…READ MORE
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COVID-19 is affecting every part of our lives in some way or another. Protecting the brand that you created should not be overlooked. To be competitive and recognizable in the market place, you have no doubt expended resources to build your brand and its related goodwill. Whether by common law or through federal registration, trademark…READ MORE
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As everyone is adjusting to working and living with Covid-19, we must not forget that the governments are continuing to enact laws that affect employers. While we have previously provided updates for Maryland and Virginia employers, the District of Columbia has also recently enacted several important updates to its employment laws: Time Off to Vote. …READ MORE
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Even though employers are busy adjusting, evolving, and pivoting their policies due to the constantly changing effect of the Coronavirus pandemic, Virginia employers must also ensure they are complying with new employment laws that will be effective on July 1, 2020. Many of these laws have significant penalties for non-compliance from by the employee and…READ MORE
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Beginning on February 29, 2020, all Maryland employers with fifteen or more employees must comply with the new ban the box law unless they fall within an exemption. But, what is “ban the box”? “Ban the Box” is a term that refers to laws which control when in the hiring process you can ask an…READ MORE
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Now that Maryland is beginning to relax its shelter in place order and other local jurisdictions will likely follow suit, business owners need to begin planning for re-opening so that it can be done in a safe and effective way. Over the next few weeks, we will be publishing a series of articles that are…READ MORE
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We are now living in a profoundly new world where many workplaces are being transitioned to teleworking with limited planning or time to test systems. This rapid shift brings challenges that must be addressed and resolved from both a legal and operations standpoint. Confidential Information and Data Privacy Issues. One of the major issues is…READ MORE
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Last week, the federal government enacted the CARES Act. It provides economic relief to Americans both as individuals and businesses. While the Act contains a variety of tax, loans and other measures, the following programs are of particular interest to employers and small businesses: Payroll Protection Program. In part, this law allows small and mid-sized…READ MORE
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Another week has passed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we have seen the DMV governors close all non-essential businesses, schools closing for another month or even the rest of the school year, the legislatures are working to provide relief to employers and employees. The number of positive cases rise even as we wait with baited…READ MORE
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Due to our current global pandemic, employers are faced with very difficult decisions as the government further restricts movement and closes businesses in an effort to contain the community spread of Covid-19. One of these questions is – should I shut my doors and temporarily lay off my employees? As you are considering this action,…READ MORE
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By now you have been hearing a lot about the Coronavirus (Covid- 19), which has spread to the United States from other parts of the world. While the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that this is not yet a pandemic, it is important that you plan now on how to protect yourself,…READ MORE
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Effective October 1, 2019, it will be easier for a Maryland employee to bring a claim of harassment against its employer based on race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, general identity, or disability (“Protected Class”). It is important to take action now and implement policies and procedures to…READ MORE
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On July 1, 2019, the Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act of 2016 went into effect and applies to all employers, who have employees that work at least fifty percent (50%) of their time in the District of Columbia or work substantially in the District of Columbia and do not work more than 50% of their…READ MORE
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You have probably heard that you need to protect your intellectual property but what does that mean? Here is a short guide of the different types of intellectual property and how to protect them. Copyright. A copyright protects your rights when you create something in a way that can be copied and shared –…READ MORE
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February 11th is a date every employer in Maryland needs to know and prepare for right now. On that day, the new Maryland Healthy Working Families Act (the “Act”) takes effect. For many businesses, it will affect the nature and details of sick and safe leave that you must provide to your employees. It will…READ MORE
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It is hard to turn on the news these days without hearing about a new executive, celebrity, or news personality being accused of sexual harassment. These accusations are sometimes followed by news of large settlements or verdicts (often in the millions). You may think that this will not affect your business because you are a…READ MORE
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