Our Blog – Burlington VT

Understanding Non-Compete Agreements and Their Future Impact

Understanding Non-Compete Agreements and Their Future Impact

Nov 21, 2024
Non-compete agreements are a common legal tool used by businesses to protect their interests and prevent employees from taking confidential knowledge or competitive advantage to other companies. However, recent regulatory changes, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s proposed rule, are making significant waves in the world of non-competes, sparking debates on their enforceability and fairness.
A Growing Trend: Transparency in the Workplace

A Growing Trend: Transparency in the Workplace

Oct 21, 2024
Pay compensation as a taboo topic is now a thing of the past, as a growing number of states and cities have adopted laws requiring transparency within the work-place. Generally, these pay transparency laws hold employers accountable by requiring either publicly or privately providing the salary ranges and benefits offered for job positions to both employees and potential employees. .
From Innovation to Protection: AI’s Influence on Confidentiality and Intellectual Property in the Workplace

From Innovation to Protection: AI’s Influence on Confidentiality and Intellectual Property in the Workplace

Aug 09, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become ubiquitous across all aspects of the workplace. However, while AI can certainly be a value-add, it comes with a variety of legal concerns including concerns about the confidentiality of data and communications, and questions about ownership rights.
2024 Updates to the Vermont Captive Insurance Act:  Eliminating redundancies and keeping pace with evolving industry practices

2024 Updates to the Vermont Captive Insurance Act: Eliminating redundancies and keeping pace with evolving industry practices

Jul 11, 2024
On May 20, 2024, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law Bill H.659 (the “Bill”), amending certain sections of the Vermont Captive Insurance Act, 8 V.S.A. § 6001 et seq. (the “Captive Act” or “Act”), to better reflect current industry practices and eliminate unnecessary redundancies. The amendments become effective July 1, 2024.
Workplace Misconduct Investigations: How Involving Legal Counsel can Help Employers Mitigate Risk for their Organization

Workplace Misconduct Investigations: How Involving Legal Counsel can Help Employers Mitigate Risk for their Organization

Jul 01, 2024
Even the most seasoned organizational leaders and human resources teams should consider involving legal counsel to assist with complaints and allegations of workplace misconduct. Legal counsel can assist with workplace investigations in a variety of ways, from advising on the necessary steps to take to becoming directly involved and even conducting the investigation on behalf of the employer. It may even be best to let counsel conduct the investigation to ensure thoroughness and impartiality.
Exempt Employees May Be Due for a Raise

Exempt Employees May Be Due for a Raise

May 21, 2024
On April 23, 2024, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor published a final rule updating these exemptions by increasing the minimum salary requirements. Beginning on July 1, 2024, the minimum annual salary to qualify for the EAP exemption will increase from $35,568 to $43,888; on January 1, 2025, it will increase to $58,656. For highly compensated employees, the minimum annual salary will increase on July 1, 2024 from $107,432 to $132,964; on January 1, 2025, it will increase to $151,164.
Well, That's a Surprise: Common Governance Pitfalls

Well, That's a Surprise: Common Governance Pitfalls

May 13, 2024
I regularly advise community association executive boards (often called boards of directors) and property managers that the governing documents – the declaration, bylaws and rules - should be regularly reviewed to ensure that they conform to current law. Here are some little known facts that HOA Boards should know.
Be Careful Not To Discriminate When Requiring An Employee To Transfer To A New Department

Be Careful Not To Discriminate When Requiring An Employee To Transfer To A New Department

Apr 23, 2024
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that a job transfer could serve as the basis of a discrimination claim under Title VII, without a showing of “significant” harm. In Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, Missouri, the Court rejected a significant harm requirement to bring such a claim, indicating that the claimant need only show some injury in their employment.
Corporate Transparency Act: Information for All Corporations, LLCs & Partnerships

Corporate Transparency Act: Information for All Corporations, LLCs & Partnerships

Mar 20, 2024
The Corporate Transparency Act went into effect on January 1, 2024. Are you wondering how this affects you? Use this helpful guide to navigate the act--whether you are part of a corporation, LLC or a partnership.
Planning for the Future in HOAs: Start with Knowing the Past

Planning for the Future in HOAs: Start with Knowing the Past

Feb 02, 2024
The new year is a great time to plan for the future. There are many useful articles and resources discussing planning for an HOA community’s physical and financial future needs, and it’s great to see that reserve studies and professional property inspections are now common.