Regulation

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Like their larger counterparts, small and midsize law firms are facing escalating scrutiny from clients over their efficiency, project management and costs. But not all small and midsize firms are reacting in the same way.

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Data is a rich source for evidence in litigation and, for many companies, a valuable asset. What is less apparent, however, is exactly how to properly manage information and its privacy and security. However, over the past several decades, best practices have been developed for establishing and managing a comprehensive privacy, data protection and information governance program. This article summarizes those learnings to suggest an approach for how to design and run a program that is right for your company.

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The registry that owns the controversial domain name ".sucks" has put the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) on notice that its criticisms and actions against the company could lead to legal action.

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The DOJ Tax Division and the IRS have been ramping up an intense crackdown on offshore tax evasion, and the IRS's reduced resources due to new budget cuts is having no effect on IRS enforcement initiatives in this area.

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There's something about the idea of dealing with unions that just plain intimidates investors. Both financial and strategic investors often instinctively reject the idea of acquiring unionized companies. This can be a mistake.

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Effective May 13, 2015, applicants can file international design patent applications in a single, standardized application via the USPTO designating any of more than 62 territories, including the U.S. and European Union (EU), and can receive the same effective filing date in each jurisdiction. This important opportunity comes as the U.S. accedes to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement.

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The year 2015 is already half over ' which means that the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) employer "play or pay" mandate, which has been delayed, in total or in part, twice, is very much in play. On July 2, 2013, the Administration delayed the employer mandate for employers with more than 50 employees until 2015. Then on Feb. 10, 2014, the Administration extended time to provide health insurance to full-time employees to certain employers.

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For law departments, today's business environment is making it increasingly difficult to manage, control or reduce costs while being able to achieve satisfactory results. This is forcing companies to become more efficient in managing and controlling legal costs handled both internally by the organization and externally by outside counsel.