The attorneys at Morningstar Law Group are leaders who are frequently asked to share their legal insights and expertise. Here is a sampling of the wisdom our attorneys are sharing at industry conferences, in published articles, and at continuing legal education events.

Insight

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Alert: Employers Need to Evaluate Risks Associated with Employee Social Security Payroll Tax Deferral

September 4, 2020

As you may have heard, President Trump issued an executive order a few weeks ago allowing employers to defer (delay) certain payroll tax withholdings that would otherwise be due on wages paid in September – December 2020 pay periods (a link to the Order is below).  It is important to understand that this is a […]

Insight

Why Would a Writer Need an Attorney?

July 24, 2020

The answer to this question and more was shared by attorney Mitch Tuchman at the recent virtual event hosted by the North Carolina Writers’ Network. Sharing his expansive knowledge and deep experience in publishing and copyright law, Mitch has spoken to this group on numerous occassions. Well-received, the organizers of the event shared “Our writers clearly […]

Insight

Copyright Office Provides Welcome Innovation for Bloggers and Creators of Other Short Texts

July 1, 2020

Good news from the Copyright Office for authors of blogs, newsletters, social media posts and other short works published online. Beginning August 17, 2020, authors will be able to apply to register claims of copyright in groups of up to 50 short works on a single application and for a single low fee: $65. A bargain by […]

Insight

COVID-19 and Privacy: Can We Remain Anonymous?

May 20, 2020

The unprecedented spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus has alarmed policymakers and healthcare professionals alike. The rate at which infections continue to spike and the fact that most cases appear to be asymptomatic makes efforts to control the outbreak much more difficult as compared to other diseases. Certain mitigation efforts taken by governments around the world, […]

Insight

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Alert: DOL Corrects Temporary FFCRA Regulations

April 17, 2020

On April 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued technical corrections to the temporary regulations it issued April 1 implementing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which became law on March 18, 2020.   The corrections address internal inconsistencies, such as an error in a sample calculation of worked hour, capitalization of […]

Insight

Time to Panic? The Effects of COVID-19 on the Internet.

April 16, 2020

Given the social distancing guidelines and broad stay-at-home orders necessitated by the global COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, organizations and schools around the world have been forced to reevaluate the way they conduct their day-to-day operations. As a result, those organizations and schools have shifted to telecommuting and remote learning, which has placed a major strain on […]

Insight

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Alert: CARES Act Overview

April 7, 2020

On March 25th, 2020 the Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”).  We have been helping many clients navigate the CARES Act to determine which available funding programs best match their needs.  The CARES Act includes $2.2 trillion in emergency economic assistance, $350 billion of which is earmarked for […]

Insight

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Alert: April 1, 2020 Temporary Regulations Clarifying FFCRA

April 6, 2020

On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued new, temporary regulations providing much anticipated guidance on the scope, application, and implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which became law on March 18, 2020. March 23, 2020 FFCRA post. These temporary regulations help to answer questions employers have raised in response […]

Insight

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Alert: FCRA Poster Required April 1, 2020

April 2, 2020

Employers subject to the leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) are required to post a poster, advising employees of their rights under this law.  This includes all employers with fewer than 500 employees, with some limited exceptions for certain employers with fewer than 50 employees. The poster is required to be […]

Insight

Dumbing Down Some of the Privacy and Security Risks Associated With Smart Devices

March 25, 2020

Bluetooth sunglasses, temperature-controlled insulated bottles, voice-controlled dishwashers and other kitchen appliances, smart TVs, and doorbell cameras are just a handful of examples of the many everyday items that have been enhanced with “smart” capabilities to better fit within our increasingly connected and convenience-centric society. As we intensify our reliance on such “smart” Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, […]