New Act Raises Age of Buying/Selling Tobacco Products to 21
On July 1, Illinois officially raised the legal age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine from 18 to 21. Back in April, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB345, also known as “Tobacco 21,” into law, making Illinois the 11th state to adopt the statewide law, and the first state in the Midwest to do so. Tobacco 21
Illinois Condominium Buyers Beware
A recent Illinois Supreme Court decision eliminates consumer protection for homeowners seeking a financial remedy against subcontractors for defective construction that could potentially have ripple effects throughout Illinois. The Court found in Sienna Court Condo Association v. Champion Aluminum Corp. that purchasers of a new home cannot sue a subcontractor that has no contractual relationship
Protect Your Trade Secrets
In 2016, U.S. Congress passed the Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”), which created a body of federal trade secret laws that almost mirrored the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“UTSA”). The DTSA and UTSA govern trade secret protection in nearly every state and federal jurisdiction in the United States, and allow an owner of a trade
FLSA’S “REGULAR RATE” WILL CHANGE SOON
The U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) recently offered hope to many employers that are seeking clarity regarding compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (“FLSA”) overtime calculation rules. The FLSA generally requires employers to pay employees overtime pay of at least one and one-half times their regular rate for hours worked in excess of 40
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
Investing in a Qualified Opportunity Zone
In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act established a Qualified Opportunity Zone program that provides tax incentive for investing your money in an “economically stressed community.” All 50 states have certified zones and investing in these areas provide the opportunity to defer and potentially reduce the taxes you pay on recognized capital gains. This
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
Predictable Scheduling Law Seeks to Impose Regulations on Unpredictable Work Hours
A Chicago-based ordinance seeks to limit unpredictability in employees’ work schedules by enforcing scheduling-related regulations on larger businesses. The proposal would require employers to inform employees of their schedules at least two weeks in advance, and would require compensation for last-minute schedule changes, by providing for an hour of “predictability pay” at their regular wage