The Rhode Island Supreme Court once again adhered to its long-standing precedent that arbitration awards will not be overturned but for exceptional circumstances. In ABC Building Corporation d/b/a Advanced Building Concepts v. Ropolo Family, LLC, the plaintiff-general...
PLDO Law Blog
Month: April 2018
SUPREME COURT ISSUES DECISION ON FLSA EXEMPTION
On April 2, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision on the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") exemption that provides the FLSA's overtime pay requirement does not apply to any salesmen, partsmen, or mechanics primarily engaged in selling or servicing...
PRIOR SALARY HISTORY MAY NOT ALWAYS BE LAWFUL BASIS TO SET PAY
The Equal Pay Act provides that men and women should receive equal pay for equal work. In a recent case, Rizo v. Yovino, No. 16-15372 (Apr. 9, 2018), the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that an employer cannot justify a wage difference...
MA Cannabis Control Commission Opens Application Process for Recreational Marijuana Licenses
On April 2, 2018, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission began taking applications for adult use or recreational use marijuana licenses. The first eligible to apply are considered "Priority Certifications" and are those businesses that are already registered...
CONSIDERATIONS FOR NEGOTIATING COMMERCIAL LEASES
While some of the provisions contained in commercial lease agreements may be considered commonplace or “boilerplate” language, there are certain issues that require specific attention, depending upon your position in such transactions as the landlord/lessor or the...
PLANNING FOR THE MORTALITY OF A CLOSELY-HELD BUSINESS
When launching a new business venture, it is likely (and more fun) to focus on strategic planning, growth and implementation. However, it is vital in the early stages to give serious consideration to an exit strategy and business succession plan. Business structures...
PERSPECTIVE – CONTINUING VIABILITY OF SINGLE-MEMBER LLCS IN FLORIDA
The use of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) is very popular in Florida. Most people assume LLCs offer sufficient protection from claims by judgment creditors against a member’s ownership interest. However, for the past decade, I have expressed concern regarding the...
CANNABIS ADVERTISING IN THE AGE OF REGIONAL COMPETITION
Long gone are the days of a state-sanctioned marijuana program standing in isolation in a sea of neighboring prohibitionist states. Presently, over 35 states have legalized medical marijuana, and more than 15 have legalized recreational cannabis. With increased...
IMPORTANT MA DECISION ON SOFTWARE SALES TAX APPORTIONMENT
The case of Oracle USA, Inc. v. Commissioner of Revenue was recently decided by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in favor of the taxpayer. The case is important for at least two reasons: First, the Court found that Massachusetts taxpayers have a statutory...
