On October 10, 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law California Assembly Bill 51 (“AB 51”), which prohibits California employers from requiring prospective and current employees to “waive any right, forum, or procedure” for a violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing A

China’s rise as an economic superpower has been driven by the rapid pace of technological innovation, as evidenced by the recent surge in Chinese patent filings, patent grants, and patent enforcement actions.

Fed Liquidity – Recent Actual Infusions (1Q 2020)

Lost in the proceedings that have occupied our collective attention these last few months was the passage of the omnibus “Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020,” which became law in late December and kept our country operating (at least for the near term).

Defense exporters be alert: DTrade is no more. Earlier today DDTC launched its replacement, DECCS, a cloud-based portal that will be a one-stop resource. Are you ready for the new DECCS? International Trade Partners Kay Georgi and Marwa Hassoun are here to help.

The Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Judicial Conference of the United States recommended changing Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(b)(6) to require parties to confer in advance about the matters for examination. The amendment is expected to take effect on December 1, 2020.

Chairman Jay Clayton provided his own view of climate disclosure criteria, and two other commission members also provided insight at the end of last month. This indicates that climate disclosure issues are top of mind for members and staff at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Real Estate Finance

California is poised to join the growing cadre of states enhancing their consumer financial protection functions in response to perceived decreasing federal oversight and enforcement under the Trump administration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published interim guidance for businesses and employers regarding coronavirus.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a complaint against Yale New Haven Hospital.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is the landmark privacy law that formally went into effect January 1, 2020 and provides California residents with various rights regarding the collection, use, and sharing of their personal information.

On February 12, 2020, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) issued a Dear Administrator Letter clarifying DOH’s policies for hospice patients residing in adult care facilities (ACF) when those ACF Hospice Residents are no longer capable of self-administration of medications.

The Federal Trade Commission announced on February 12, 2020, that it will seek public comment on issues related to the Endorsement Guide, formally known as the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently released a Department-wide strategy to combat human trafficking, child exploitation and forced labor in the supply chain. 

A federal trial court judge in Delaware has awarded return of all premiums collected by the insurer, plus prejudgment interest on all premiums, to the owner of a life insurance policy after a jury verdict upholding the investor’s claim for promissory estoppel against the insurer.

Arent Fox recently advised Pacific Western Bank in connection with the financing of Storey Park, a premier mixed-use infill development in the dynamic NoMa neighborhood of Washington, DC.

A representative for a plaintiffs lawyers advocacy and lobbying group told lawmakers that any legislation on autonomous vehicles must avoid barring claims under state law so that people injured by automated driving can hold the carmaker accountable.

A U.S. House panel heard from advocates of imposing stricter safeguards for self-driving cars as part of any effort to speed the adoption of the vehicles on U.S. roads.

“Hello. This is an automated call from Acme Manufacturing. Our records indicate that you purchased Product X between December 2019 and January 2020. We wanted to let you know that we are recalling Product X because of a potential fire risk.”

Trusts have become much more complicated over the centuries. They may own a wide variety of assets, including residences, real estate, interests in family business, and interests in increasing complex financial instruments.

Trusts are more complicated today with multiple people sharing fiduciary responsibilities and varying state rules for how long a trust can last. We have created the following resources to help you understand the options of modifying irrevocable trusts.

Fed Liquidity – Recent Available Infusions