Consumer Product Industry, Take Note
February 20, 2009
A new federal whistleblower law will likely result in consumer product manufacturers, distributors and retailers facing expensive and lengthy litigation from current or former employees who recast themselves as whistleblowers to challenge adverse employment actions. There are a number of steps employers should take to protect themselves from this expected wave of new litigation.
Practice Tip: Changing Standards in Safety
February 20, 2009
While safety standards have existed for years for warning labels, safety signs and hang tags, no standard existed that provided guidance for manufacturers in drafting safety information in manuals or other collateral materials. Now ANSI Z535.6 has been approved, which will create consistency in longer product materials and, if followed, assist in the defense of product liability failure-to-warn claims.
Communicating Effectively with Colleagues and Clients
February 20, 2009
Are you a successful partner? Are you thriving at your firm and with your clients by raising your communication bar and keeping it high? The following four principles will enable you to improve your effectiveness when communicating orally or in writing with colleagues and clients.
The Treasury Department's Guidelines on Executive Pay
February 20, 2009
President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner stood together on Feb. 4, 2009, to announce the Treasury Department's new set of guidelines restricting executive compensation at financial institutions that receive governmental money. Here's what this entails.
Giving 'Til It Hurts
February 20, 2009
Even with firm cuts and layoffs, no firm can afford to give up a community-related giving practice. It can, though, and should be, controlled.
New ABA Ruling on Lateral Hiring
February 20, 2009
The American Bar Association's House of Delegates voted on Feb. 16 to amend its Model Rule of Professional Conduct governing conflicts of interest stemming from lateral hiring. Here's a brief discussion of the amendment and what it means.
Issues Facing Law Firm Ethics Counsel
February 20, 2009
Many law firms, particularly larger ones, designate attorneys or committees to address and resolve a variety of issues, from hiring, legal and insurance concerns to ethics issues. This article focuses upon the ethics function, and the unique ethics issues that are faced today by law firm ethics counsel.
How to Safeguard Employee Data
February 19, 2009
Employers should be aware of the rapid growth of data privacy and security laws, which may affect their methods of conducting business and handling personal employee information. The new laws carry with them a private right of action in some cases, civil penalties as much as $500,000 and in some states, administrative investigations.
