Corporate Transparency Act

Article by: Josh Lawler, Gerold Libby, Carla Pareja Paris The Corporate Transparency Act, 31 U.S.C. §5336 (“CTA”), comes into effect January 1, 2024. The CTA mandates that entities, both existing and newly formed U.S. business entities, as well as foreign business entities registered in the U.S., must file reports of beneficial ownership with the Financial…

“Sham Unions”: Alleged Labor Law Violations Shake California’s Booming Cannabis Industry

Article by: Associate Michael A. Carlin Several major legal cannabis companies in California are facing allegations of violating state law by collaborating with and signing labor peace agreements with organizations claiming to be labor unions but who have failed to genuinely advocate for workers’ rights. According to California law, cannabis companies with over 20 employees…

Major Step in Federal Cannabis Policy Reform – The Proposed Rescheduling (But not De-scheduling) of Marijuana

Article by: Radhi Shah, Janet Jackim, and Tom Zuber Summary In a groundbreaking development on August 29, 2023, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently concluded that, based upon its research into medical responses to the use of marijuana, scientific research evidence, and medical evaluations, it should not be a Schedule…

The Beginning of the End of Non-Competes in New York? An In-Depth Look at the Proposed Non-Compete Legislation and its Potential Impact on Employers, Employees, and Independent Contractors in New York

Article by: Associate Michael A. Carlin In a post-adjournment session on June 20, 2023, the New York State Assembly took a significant step toward banning employers from requiring employees to enter into non-compete agreements. The bill, A1278B/S3100A, has passed the New York State Assembly and previously passed the Senate. It is now awaiting further possible…

Legal Update: Major Development in SEC v. Ripple Case – Summary Judgment Decision Announced

Yesterday we received a decision on the cross motions for summary judgment in SEC v. Ripple.  Full text of decision: https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.551082/gov.uscourts.nysd.551082.874.0_2.pdf  Judge Torres stated categorically that a token is not automatically an investment contract.  The sale of tokens can be a security in certain circumstances, but two problem areas appear to have tipped strongly in…