New Laws Now in Effect in Maryland & Washington D.C.

October 5, 2022

Marie J. Ignozzi

Effective Saturday, October 1, several new laws went into effect in Maryland and Washington D.C. Here are a few that impact roadway safety, non-compete agreements, harassment, and paid leave.

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Hollywood Writers Picket for Guaranteed Work, Residuals and More

July 5, 2023

Jack Bloomberg

The upcoming season of your favorite show could be delayed as the Writers Guild of America strike continues.

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TikTok and the Battle for Data Security

April 6, 2023

Jack Bloomberg

TikTok TikTok! Time may be running out for this popular social media app.

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Lost Dog: $500,000 Reward (No Questions Asked)

March 2, 2023

Jack Bloomberg

What do a Harrier Jet and a French Bulldog have in common? Truthfully, not much, but the recent drama surrounding Lady Gaga and her stolen dogs can teach us a few things about making false promises to the public.

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4 Handy Tips for Employee Handbooks

February 1, 2023

Jack Bloomberg

A well written employee handbook can help your company operate smoothly and efficiently. Here are four ways to improve handbooks for your business!

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Succession – How HBO’s Hit Series Can Provide Cautionary Lessons

January 5, 2023

Jack Bloomberg

Before “Succession” returns for its fourth season, here are some wise considerations for business owners who want to keep it all in the family.

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Attention Employers: New Maryland Law Mandates Employee Retirement Plans

November 17, 2022

Jack Bloomberg

If your company does not have a retirement plan for employees (e.g., 401(k), 403(b), SEP, or Simple IRA), this article is for you.

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Getting the Most Value for Your Business

October 12, 2022

Jack Bloomberg

How can you ensure that you'll receive the highest value for your business when it's time to sell?

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Chadwick Boseman’s Estate and the Perils of Dying Without a Will

July 28, 2022

Jack Bloomberg

Recent news out of this year’s Comic Con in San Diego has led me to consider some important lessons about the need to have an up to date will.

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To Compete, or Non Compete? Understanding Restrictive Covenants in Employment Agreements

July 20, 2022

Jack Bloomberg

Regardless of whether you are an employer or an employee, understanding restrictive covenants (“non-competes”) is important. Here are some helpful tips and definitions to refer to when contemplating the different types of restrictive covenants one might encounter in employment agreements.

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Estate Planning: To Update or Not?

June 15, 2022

Jack Bloomberg

One question that clients raise often is when should they revise, update or draft new estate planning documents? The short and simple answer to this query is: whenever you want to make a change.

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The DOL Proposes New Salary Thresholds for Exempt Employees

September 7, 2023

Anthony Herman

It’s time to audit your payroll practices.

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Elon Musk Will Fund Legal Bills for Employees “Unfairly Treated” For Twitter Use***

August 17, 2023

Anthony Herman

*** Here’s Why He’d Probably Be Wasting His Money

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The Form I-9 Verification Process Has Changed, and So Must Your Onboarding Procedure

August 3, 2023

Anthony Herman

Have you ever completed remote inspection of I-9 documents for new employees? Do you offer that option to new hires now? In either case, you need to read this.

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The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Is Now In Effect – How Does it Impact Your Business?

July 12, 2023

Tony Herman

72% of working women will become pregnant while employed at some time in their lives. Read what is expected of employees in these situations.

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When A.I. and Chat GPT Mix with Employment Law

June 21, 2023

Tony Herman

Navigating the A.I. revolution and unleashing potential while upholding workplace compliance.

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Beating the Heat – Tips to Keep Employees Safe (and Your Company OSHA-Compliant!)

June 14, 2023

Tony Herman

A guide for safeguarding your employees during the summer and implementing effective controls for a safe and productive season.

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Arbitration and Mediation Explained in Simple Terms

August 30, 2023

Marie Ignozzi

Dispute resolution outside of the courtroom.

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College Prep 101: Legal Documents Every College Student Needs

July 26, 2023

Marie Ignozzi

Is your child college bound? Secure their future with important legal documents and insurance - get prepared with RKW!

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Maryland Minimum Wage Increase

May 17, 2023

Marie Ignozzi

The state's minimum wage increase will go into effect sooner than expected.

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Navigating an Online Minefield

March 8, 2023

Marie Ignozzi

Steer clear of the business and legal hazards that come with social media.

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Gunther's Millions Part II: Super Sizing your HR and Corporate Problems

February 24, 2023

Marie Ignozzi

Don Walsh

Go ahead, ignore illegal workplace conduct.

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4 Tips For Running a Purposeful Meeting

February 2, 2023

Marie J. Ignozzi

Laura L. Rubenstein

Learn how to bring your team together and capture their attention with these four tips to running an efficient meeting.

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Holidays and Setting Expectations

December 22, 2022

Marie J. Ignozzi

Holiday pay doesn't have to be a pain.

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Still “To Do” in ‘22

November 17, 2022

Marie J. Ignozzi

Here's what you need to check off your To-Do list before the end of the year.

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Mind Your State Registration

September 7, 2022

Marie J. Ignozzi

When did you last review and update your business's state registration? Failing to do so could prove to be an expensive mistake.

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Taking Time to Heal: Modernizing Bereavement Policies

August 18, 2022

Marie J. Ignozzi

As we emerge from a pandemic that resulted in more than 900,000 deaths (and still counting) in the United States, employers have begun to re-evaluate and expand their bereavement policies.

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Safety First on the Fourth

June 30, 2022

Marie J. Ignozzi

Fourth of July is upon us, which means it’s time to get your grills and lawn chairs ready for a day of fun.

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A New (Financial) Hazard For Medical Professionals

September 21, 2023

Stephen Kaufman

A new factor to consider when negotiating hospital employment contracts.

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Two Legal Terms That Every Employee and Employer Should Understand: “At-Will” and “Right to Work”

July 19, 2023

Stephen Kaufman

It's time to demystify employment laws and learn the difference between 'At Will' and 'Right to Work"

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Inconvenient Forum: A Good Way To Lose a Lawsuit Before it Starts

March 28, 2023

Steve Kaufman

Ignoring the forum could cost you a fortune.

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Oral Agreements Aren’t Worth The Paper They’re Written On

March 14, 2023

Stephen H. Kaufman

Verbal promises don't hold up in contracts, learn why it's important to get it in writing.

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Wave Goodbye to Noncompetes?

January 20, 2023

Stephen H. Kaufman

Jack Bloomberg

Federal Government Proposes Nationwide Ban

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New EEOC Posters on Way

October 27, 2022

Stephen H. Kaufman

The "Know Your Rights" poster just received an update.

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Stephen Kaufman will be lecturing at MedChi’s 2022 Annual Meeting

September 21, 2022

Stephen H. Kaufman

Member of the Maryland State Medical Society? Come hear Steve's lecture on Contract Negotiations for Employed Physicians on November 5.

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Medical Employee Agreements with Attorney Stephen Kaufman

July 1, 2022

Stephen H. Kaufman

Don't make these mistakes when creating contractual employment agreements. Steve Kaufman has your insights in the Under Pressure: A Medical Podcast by MVS Woundcare and Hyperbarics.

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Aretha Franklin’s Many Holographic Wills: Preserving the Queen of Soul's Legacy

August 23, 2023

Diane Kotkin

Why should you not handwrite your Will and keep it under your couch cushions, like Aretha Franklin did?

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The Barbie and Ken Prenuptial Agreement: Protecting Love and Assets

July 19, 2023

Diane Kotkin

Wondering if your love will be forever fabulous? Learn how to safeguard your romance with a prenuptial agreement.

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From Education to Retirement: Using 529 Plans to Enhance Retirement Planning

June 14, 2023

Diane Kotkin

Transform your 529 Plan into a tax-free future with Roth IRA rollovers.

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Portability: Is It a Good Idea?

April 13, 2023

Diane Kotkin

My wife passed away earlier this year. We have significant assets. Do I need to file an estate tax return?

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Inheriting Debt: What Happens When Your Parents Die with Significant Debt?

January 25, 2023

Diane S. Kotkin

Are you liable for your deceased father's credit card bill?

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Competency Issues: When is it too late to create estate planning documents?

December 7, 2022

Diane S. Kotkin

Why it's important to complete estate planning documents even if you think you don't need them yet.

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Planning for Your Digital Legacy

November 2, 2022

Diane S. Kotkin

Why is it important to include your digital assets in your estate plan, and how should you account for them?

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Have Trust Will Travel

September 28, 2022

Diane S. Kotkin

Should you update your Estate Planning Documents when you move?

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Protecting Your Family Pet: Pet Trusts

June 15, 2022

Diane S. Kotkin

If you know me, I love animals. At a very young age and much to my mother’s dismay, I would smuggle stray cats and dogs into our basement so they could have food and a warm place to stay. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I would be a proponent of Pet Trusts.

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Much Needed Financial Assistance for Restaurants, Breweries and Eateries

April 14, 2021

Diane S. Kotkin

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed a $1.9 trillion stimulus package called the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Act provides for additional PPP funding and extends the eligibility of PPP loans to certain non-profits and digital news services. The Act also established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund which provides new funding for all the breweries, restaurants and eateries out there who have been impacted by COVID and the economic downturn.

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Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act of 2020

February 24, 2021

Diane S. Kotkin

Laura L. Rubenstein

The Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act of 2020 (the “Act”) was signed into law on January 11, 2021 by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and took effect following a thirty-day congressional review period. Washington D.C. joins California and Montana as one of the few jurisdictions with a nearly complete ban on noncompetition provisions applicable to employees.

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Five Do's and Don'ts for Single Member LLCs

September 15, 2023

Dave McRae

How to ensure that your Single Member LLC provides the liability limitation you expect.

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What’s Been Happening on the Ground (Rent) in Maryland?

August 9, 2023

Dave McRae

Laws regarding ground rent in Maryland are changing as of July 1, 2023

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Good Contracts Make Good Neighbors

March 24, 2023

Dave McRae

Better to save the handshakes for when your written agreement is signed.

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What You Should Know About the “Augusta Rule”

February 17, 2023

Dave McRae

Stephen Kaufman

A homeowner-favorable tax provision that offers a potential “win-win” for small business owners.

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A Few Quick Remarks About “Quick Claim” Deeds (And, For Good Measure, A Few About Quitclaim Deeds Also)

January 12, 2023

Dave McRae

Impress your friends with your knowledge of correct legal terms!

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Living Next Door to Clark Griswold

December 22, 2022

Dave McRae

What can you do if your neighbor's holiday decorating goes too far?

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“TLDR” Is Not a Good Strategy When it Comes to Commercial Leases

September 8, 2022

Dave McRae

A good commercial lease is a lengthy and detailed document for very good reasons.

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I Can't Call My Boss!

September 21, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

Gen-Z doesn't communicate like its predecessors. What does that mean for employers?

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The Strike Force Has Struck

August 30, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

Prosecutions Begin of COVID-19 Government Relief Improperly Obtained

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Is an Employee’s Sexual Orientation No Longer a Protected Category in Maryland?

August 17, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

How will the recent Maryland Supreme Court decision impact your workplace policies?

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How The Supreme Court’s Decisions in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis and Groff v. DeJoy Translate to Your Workplace

July 12, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

Examine recent Supreme Court decisions and learn how to balance freedom of expression and religious accommodation.

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Can An Employer Convert a Salaried Employee to an Hourly Status to Address an Attendance Problem?

June 28, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

Advice on resolving workplace attendance woes including converting to hourly, exempt employees, and regaining control.

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Accommodations Still on the Table in a Post-COVID World

June 7, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

Employers' ongoing responsibilities and evolving legal considerations in a post-COVID era.

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Hiring White-Collar Workers – Setting Post-Pandemic Expectations

May 24, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

White-collar industries are now implementing longer and more rigorous interview processes, requiring multiple rounds and additional requirements as they focus on hiring for culture and reducing turnover.

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Maryland's Time to Care Act - Implementation Delayed

May 3, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

Attention employers, Maryland's new Family Medical Leave Insurance Program will take some more time before it goes into effect.

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Baltimore-Based Company Green JobWorks Ordered to Shell Out the Green

March 30, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

An expensive reminder to all employers that hiring decisions should not be based on an assumption of a candidate’s skill set on the basis of their sex/gender or any other protected characteristic.

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Plaintiff's Fabricated Email Costs Her

March 16, 2023

Laura Rubenstein

How seriously do the courts take perjury?

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Update: 4-Day Workweek Proposal Withdrawn in Maryland

March 8, 2023

Laura Rubenstein

An update on the bill proposing a shortened work week for Maryland employees.

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Maryland Employers Be WARNed – Advance Notice Required if You’re Planning a Reduction in Workforce

February 23, 2023

Laura Rubenstein

Be aware of state and federal laws under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.

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Would You Consider Adopting a 4-Day Workweek at your Company? What if it Came With a Tax Incentive?

January 25, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

A new bill incentivizes the use of shorter workweeks by public and private employers

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Terminate the Old White Man to Improve a Company’s Diversity Profile? Better Rethink Your DEI Strategy.

January 19, 2023

Laura L. Rubenstein

Unlawful termination is not the answer to your diversity problem.

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Record Increases in 401(k) Contribution Limits Announced

November 7, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

and Samantha David

Start planning now - how much can you contribute to your retirement accounts in 2023?

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3 Simple Tips for Managing Employees with Side Hustles

October 19, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

What should an employer do if they suspect they are not their employee’s one and only?

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Mental Illness in the Workplace: The Hidden Disability

October 12, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

Join Laura Rubenstein at ImpactHR's in-person discussion on "Fostering Good Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace" on Tuesday, October 25

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Join Laura at ImpactHR's impactBreakfast on "Fostering Good Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace"

September 14, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

Join Laura Rubenstein and the rest of the expert panel at ImpactHR's in-person impactBreakfast on "Fostering Good Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace" on Tuesday, October 25

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D.C. Finalizes Noncompete Law (Again) – Effective October 1, 2022

September 14, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

The modification now allows employers to bar an employee's use and disclosure of confidential and proprietary information during and after the employee's employment

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Posters at Work? Yes Indeed!

August 24, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

Are the right posters hanging on your workplace walls?

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CDC Issues New COVID-19 Guidance August 2022

August 18, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

The CDC issued new guidelines to address the ongoing public health threat.

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Off Again/On Again – The D.C. Non-Compete Act Soon to Take Effect

August 10, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

The revised law, expected to take effect on October 1, 2022, is one of the strictest non-compete laws in the nation. 

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What are Ostentatious Earrings?

August 2, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

The other day I was speaking with an acquaintance who works as a tailor at a high end men’s clothing store. Her manager had recently counseled her about the clothing and jewelry she wore to work, basically saying: More clothing, less jewelry. The manager then showed her a copy of the company’s dress code policy which stated, among other things, “No ostentatious earrings.”

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Do Employees Get Paid Time Off to Vote in Maryland?

July 6, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

With Maryland’s Primary Election Day quickly approaching (Tuesday, July 19, 2022) followed by the General Election Day (Tuesday, November 8, 2022), we thought it was time for a quick reminder about what leave rights your employees have to vote.

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IRS Mileage Rate Increase Effective July 1, 2022

June 29, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS announced a special adjustment effective July 1, 2022, for the final months of 2022

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Just What is Minimum Wage These Days?

June 22, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

With high schoolers scrambling for summer employment, we are constantly asked about minimum wage and sub-minimum wages applicable to minors. Here is a quick tutorial.

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OK, So How Much Do You Currently Make?

June 1, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

That question is a no-no for Maryland employers who are interviewing and recruiting new workers.

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Changes to Virginia’s Overtime Wage Act Take Effect July 1, 2022

May 25, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

On April 11, 2022, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed HB 1173 into law, replacing various provisions of the Virginia Overtime Wage Act (VOWA) making Virginia law more consistent with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

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4 Takeaways From the EEOC’s 2021 Statistics

May 18, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

On March 28, 2022, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its Annual Performance Report and Enforcement and Litigation Statistics for fiscal year (FY) 2021 (covering October 1, 2020–September 30, 2021).

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Beware of Hiring Tools That Disfavor Disabled Applicants

May 17, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

The EEOC recently issued new guidance aimed at employers to ensure that any hiring tools based on algorithms or artificial intelligence (AI) do not negatively impact applicants with disabilities.

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Understanding the Difference Between “At-Will” and “Right to Work”

April 7, 2022

Laura L. Rubenstein

Even the most sophisticated of business leaders sometimes misunderstand and misuse terms the terms “at-will” and “right-to-work” when referring to a person’s employment status. These terms have entirely different meanings.

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When Is Covid-19 A “Disability” Under The ADA: New Guidance From The EEOC

December 15, 2021

Laura L. Rubenstein

On December 14, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its COVID-19 technical assistance website adding a new section to clarify circumstances under which COVID-19 may be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act, triggering certain employers to consider making accommodations. Here is a basic summary:

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American Rescue Act Expands FFCRA leave allotment

May 20, 2021

Laura L. Rubenstein

When the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) expired. But, employers are getting another opportunity at assistance. President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

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Behind the Shield: Some States Enact COVID-19 Liability Immunity Laws to Protect Re-Opening Businesses

May 19, 2021

Laura L. Rubenstein

A business may provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), limit the number of workers in the office, implement more cleanings, mandate masks and social distancing and be thorough in enacting all CDC recommended guidelines.

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Are Your Parental Leave Policies the Same for Moms and Dads?

April 21, 2021

Laura L. Rubenstein

Does your workplace policy provide more time off to a new mom over a new dad? If so, it’s time to revisit your policy to ensure it does not discriminate against new dads.

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Remember Maryland Employers: You Cannot Ask Candidates about Salary History

February 17, 2021

Laura L. Rubenstein

The first quarter of the year is typically when companies hire new employees, which is why it’s important to be reminded of the Maryland law that went into effect October 1, 2020. If you’re ready to hire again, be warned: You cannot ask candidates about their salary history.

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Telework During Pandemic Does Not Set Precedent

September 9, 2020

Laura L. Rubenstein

Guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 addressed whether telework was here to stay as a workplace accommodation.

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What does it mean to disinfect the workplace?

August 12, 2020

Laura L. Rubenstein

As businesses return employees to work, there should be a clear regimen for cleaning work and break areas. This regimen should also be communicated to employees who may have questions about the safety of their work spaces.

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HELP! My New Employee Just Brought Their Emotional Support Puppy to Work

March 11, 2020

Laura L. Rubenstein

What should you do when your new employee brings his 100-pound “emotional support” dog to work on his first day?

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Interviewing: It’s A Lot Like Dating

February 13, 2020

Laura L. Rubenstein

The months of January and February are the best times of year to look for a job. Companies have new budgets, workers have returned from their holiday vacations and employers have a backlog of hiring that needs to be done. Coincidentally, according to Match. com, this is also a popular time of year for people to be active on online dating sites. The reality is that interviewing for job candidates can feel similar to dating.

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5 Tips to Address and Prevent Workplace Violence

November 21, 2019

Laura L. Rubenstein

Most employers address violent threats on a case-by-case basis without a formal assessment process. While each incident is, sadly, unique, the best time to plan for violence is before it happens. Here are some tips to ready your workplace:

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No, I Don’t Represent The “Dark Side”

October 4, 2019

Laura L. Rubenstein

I assure you, I don’t represent the dark side.

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Welcome to the Workforce Generation Z!

September 4, 2019

Laura L. Rubenstein

Starting in 2020, Generation Z will make up 36% of the U.S. workforce.

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Does Your Workplace Dress Code Policy Discriminate Against Men?

August 8, 2019

Laura L. Rubenstein

Many employment handbook policies outline, with great specificity, permissible clothing and grooming policies according to gender. For example, it may be permissible for women to wear open-toe shoes, skirts, dresses, cropped pants, and earrings. On the other hand, men must wear long pants, have short hair, and no earrings. Some argue this may be discriminatory.

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Minimizing Workplace Theft

July 17, 2019

Laura L. Rubenstein

Experts offer the following suggestions for preventing workplace theft:

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Do Workplace Wellness Programs Work?

May 1, 2019

Laura L. Rubenstein

JAMA researchers caution employers to temper expectations about the financial return on investment that wellness programs can deliver in the short term

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