On June 19, 2017, the United States Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Matal v. Tam, 582 U.S. ____ (2017), unanimously holding the disparagement clause in the Lanham Act unconstitutional on the ground that it violates the First Amendment.  This decision upends over 70 years of practice under Lanham Act § 2(a) (15 U.S.C…. Read more

In November 2016, Florida voted to make medical marijuana legal by approving the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment 2 [1]. The amendment expanded what was once a very narrow right in Florida for certain individuals to be treated with low dose THC cannabis. Amendment 2 allowed six months for the Department… Read more

New York City enacted a package of “Fair Workweek” laws (the “Laws”) designed to ensure that fast food and retail workers are given predictable schedules and paychecks. According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, workers in these industries have been subjected to unfair and inconsistent scheduling practices, leaving the employees with a lack of clarity of… Read more

Many people neglect to review their Wills, which often can have devastating results. We have advised clients that have found themselves in unfortunate situations and needed legal advice and counsel to deal with the consequences of an outdated will. Recounting a recent experience – When did I last review my Will? 1997. Yes, I remember… Read more

New York City has expanded the subjects that are off-limits to employers during the hiring process.  Mayor Bill DiBlasio recently signed legislation (the “Act”) that will make it unlawful during the hiring process for employers and employment agencies to inquire about or rely upon an applicant’s salary history when determining the applicant’s salary, benefits or… Read more

On Monday, May 8, 2017, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed into law the Family Care Act (the “Act”), a bill that allows workers to use their own sick leave to care for immediate family members. The first bill of its kind to be passed into law, the Act applies to employers with 25 or more… Read more

Cooperative and Condominium Directors and Managers: There was a collective sigh of relief last week when the Appellate Division, First Department – the New York appellate court whose jurisdiction includes Manhattan and the Bronx – unanimously reversed the lower court’s decision in Reinhard v. Connaught Tower Corp. and vacated an award of substantial damages to… Read more

Yesterday, U.S. House Republicans passed the American Health Care Act by a narrow margin of 217-213. Fulfilling the campaign promises of President Donald Trump and GOP House members, this Act repeals and replaces many provisions of the Affordable Care Act (often called Obamacare). It now moves to the U.S. Senate, where it is expected to… Read more

National Health Care Decisions Day was recognized this year the week of April 16-22. The purpose of the week was to focus on weaving Advance Directives and end-of-life care planning “into the fabric of life1.” Although the week has passed, it is critical to understand the importance of Advance Directives. What is an Advance Directive?  Often… Read more

SGR partner Bruce McDonald is co-chairing the annual Spring Meeting of the American Bar Association Section of International Law this year at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., April 25 – 29, 2017.  The ABA Section of International Law has over 20,000 members and is one of 27 sections and divisions of the ABA.  The… Read more