Cannabis industry watchers can expect that the tale of New England Treatment Access (NETA) - one of Massachusetts’ first registered marijuana dispensaries and a predominant player in the Commonwealth’s burgeoning recreational marketplace – leading to its sale to a...
PLDO Law Blog
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RI Governor Announces Recreational Marijuana Legislation Forthcoming
Feeling the pressure from other New England states that have already implemented recreational marijuana programs or have signaled they will do so shortly, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced that her administration will be introducing legislation this...
Responsibility for Corporate Misbehavior Shifts Under Trump Administration
This past September at the 5th Annual Global Investigations Review Conference (“GIR”), Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matthew S. Miner discussed recent changes in the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) policy regarding the prosecution of business organizations. The new...
Strategies for Gifting Interest in a Closely Held Business to Charity
Gifting interests in a closely held business can result in a significant planning opportunity for the right donor as well as a substantial benefit to a favorite charity. Consider the following three planning strategies for charitable gifts utilizing private and...
Recent ADA Decision Likely to Spur Employee Lawsuits
Employers in the four easternmost New England states should be aware of recent case law that may radically impact their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Federal courts in those states are subject to the guidance of the U.S. Circuit Court...
SEC Adopts a New Definition of “Accredited Investor”
On August 26, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted amendments to the definition of “accredited investor.” The amendments permit investors to qualify as accredited investors based upon additional criteria focused on financial sophistication,...
DOL Solicits Public Comment on Independent Contractor Proposed Rule
On September 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (the “DOL”) released a proposed regulation addressing when a service provider should be classified as an independent contractor rather than an employee. The change is important to both employers and service providers...
Cautionary Insight Regarding Bonuses and The Wage Act
Massachusetts and Rhode Island are among those states that have enacted a Wage Act, under which employees who receive less than their full compensation due can sue for treble damages. In fact, in Massachusetts, a Wage Act violation leads to mandatory treble damages....
Irrevocable Trusts: Taking Care of Yourself and Your Retirement
Many people do not consider protecting assets for future long-term-care costs until they, or their spouse, requires skilled nursing care. Others are aware of the high price of such care (in some cases more than $10,000 a month) but believe that they have saved enough...