Category: Business Law
Best Practices of a Board of Directors
A Board of Directors is elected to represent the shareholders of a company and, thus, is expected to lead by example. The importance of having ethical directors cannot be overstated. The most forward-thinking companies consistently practice sound governance and understand its legal responsibilities. Directors should at all times act faithfully, and with diligence and care
Impact of Illinois Legalization of Recreational Marijuana Use on Business Policies
Governor Pritzker has recently announced that he’s reached an agreement with key lawmakers on a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois starting next year. This legislation would allow adults 21 and older to legally buy cannabis for recreational use from licensed dispensaries. Illinois residents could possess up to an ounce (30 grams) of marijuana,
Recent Legislation Could Subject Employers to Civil Liability for Latent Work-Related Injuries
Illinois lawmakers have once again attempted to address the perceived injustices associated with long-standing statues of repose that bar claims of asbestos-related diseases diagnosed many years after a plaintiff was exposed during their employment. Senate Bill 1596, which has now passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, amends the Illinois Workers’ Compensation and Occupational
Protecting Your Business in a Divorce
Although no couple enters marriage with the belief that their relationship will end in divorce, unfortunately some relationships break down, and individuals may enter into months or even years of expensive litigation over divorce proceedings. Business owners face particular challenges, as the assets, ownership and interest in your business may be at risk. Any lawyer
Succession Planning for Business Owners
While running the day-to-day operations of a company can be time consuming, it is important for business owners to take the time to assess the organization’s future as well. Succession planning is essential for the continuity of a business for when an owner or key employee retires, becomes disabled, passes away or simply leaves the
Discrimination Bill Would Affect Small Businesses
House Bill 252 is a recent attempt to expand the Illinois Human Rights Act to encompass employees that work at small business with less than 15 employees. Currently, small business employees do not have any course of action against employers for discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, and age, although these employees can bring
Chicago Hotel Owners Face Looming Tax Increases, Surplus in Downtown Hotels
More than 2,000 new hotel rooms are expected to open in downtown Chicago in 2019 as tourism in the city reaches an all-time high. The additional 2,000 rooms increase the total number of hotel rooms downtown to 47,000, adding more competition in an already competitive market. The seven-year uptick in hotel construction has recently led
Federal Overtime Regulations May Change Soon
The U.S. Department of Labor recently released its proposed changes to federal overtime regulations. The new plan would allow employees making less than $35,308 a year to be automatically eligible for overtime pay. The employee would earn one and half times their regular pay for any time worked over 40 hours per week. The Department
Enforceability of Non-Compete Agreements Narrowed by Illinois Courts
As a business owner, employers have an interest in protecting valuable customer relationships and trade secrets by requiring potential employees to sign non-compete covenants. Non-compete covenants are common, particularly for high-paying employees and within specific professions or fields. However, recent revisions in state and federal law continue to narrow the scope of private employers’ ability
Evolving Marijuana Laws
On January 14, 2019, Illinois will have a new governor that has advocated for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. In addition to Governor Pritzker, the state will have a Democratically-held legislature, meaning that Illinois will likely see significant changes in its laws regarding marijuana in the near future. One new bill that is