Pat-Down Searches at California Events
Numerous live sporting events draw large crowds and now the music industry has increased its focus on income from the live performance sector, as recording sales have sharply decreased. These factors have brought the controversial issue of pat-down searches of attendees at live events to the forefront, especially in the era of fears of terrorist attacks. The California Supreme Court issued a ruling in March that these pat-down searches might violate the privacy rights of event attendees. The two articles that follow include a report on the court's ruling as well as on the oral arguments when heard by the California Supreme Court.
<b>Decision of Note:</b> No Access Found In Song Suit Against Blige
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed summary judgment in favor of artist Mary J. Blige and her record label, music publisher and song collaborator co-defendants in a copyright infringement suit over Blige's song "Family Affair."
Some Highlights of The Recently Enacted Stimulus Bill
On Feb. 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the $800 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "Act"). This legislation contains many important tax-breaks and enhancements that can benefit law firms and their clients, as well as individual attorneys and staff members and their families.
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Parting Friends?
Perhaps the most troubling decision for any partnership's management committee is the determination to force partners from the partnership. This article examines what law firms can do to assist their partners as they show them the door.
A Fresh Look at Pro Bono
In a perfect world, attorneys and firms would choose to make commitments to pro bono matters because it's the right thing to do, and it enables those who have to give to those who don't. Ours is not a perfect world and 2009 is certainly not a perfect year. But if we are looking for silver linings, pro bono seems ready made.
Downsizing the Right Way
This first part in a two-part series deals with the primary legal risks of a "downsizing" event at your firm.
Features
Keeping Track of Telecommuters
By restricting telecommuting to the people who really need to work at home and then asking them to sign a form indicating that they know the types of monitoring in use, a company can take reasonable protections without entering an Orwellian environment ' and making life hell for managers.
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Prepare Now for Whistleblower Complaints
In a little publicized section of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 ("2008 Act"), employees in virtually every corner of the consumer products industry were given the right to file lawsuits claiming their employer retaliated against them for having raised consumer product safety concerns.
Features
Work Authorization Documents
A recent decision by a New York State appeals court has provided employers with yet another reason to verify scrupulously the documents provided to it by potential employees.
The COBRA Subsidy in the Stimulus Package
On Feb. 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("ARRA" or the "Act"). The Act creates new obligations for employers under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 ("COBRA"). Here's what you need to know.
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