IS YOUR DEALERSHIP IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE UPDATED SAFEGUARDS RULE? The Safeguards Rule, originally released in 2003 under the authority of the Federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, was amended in October 2021 by the Federal Trade Commission. Unlike the prior version of the rule, the amended rule provides detailed requirements for keeping dealership customer data secure, including…
I often get asked “is this the right time to sell a franchised dealership?” As I help clients buy and sell franchised dealerships, I know that I am not being asked this question because of my legal expertise, but because I often meet with brokers and accountants involved with auto dealers and dealer principals. THE…
Over the past 18 months, New York State and New York City have passed a number of laws relating to Covid-19, as well as other areas of employment law, that have altered the way employers treat and pay their employees, and have significantly altered the employment landscape. Just recently, the State and City have passed…
New York State recently enacted legislation simplifying the form of Power of Attorney (“POA”), which law went into effect June 13, 2021. After such date, the new form of POA is required to be used. WHAT IS A POWER OF ATTORNEY? As you may know, a POA is a legal document by which a person…
On April 3, 2020, the CDC recommended that Americans wear masks in offices, stores, restaurants and in all public places. The adjustment for employer, employees and patrons was significant, but because it was mandated, at least in New York, most citizens complied, and it soon became the norm in society. Last week, on May 13,…
MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE Effective December 31, 2020, New York State minimum wage has increased once again. The present minimum wages are as follows: • New York City $15.00 per hour • Long Island and Westchester $14.00 per hour • Rest of…
The Coronavirus is now the hot topic of conversation that has not only swept through American households, it is also a major concern for employers. Employers have been asking two central questions as the disease appears to be spreading: (1) How do I protect my employees from possibly contracting the virus; and (2) What are…
Estate planning is a process that allows you to state how you want your personal and financial assets to be distributed at your death and plan for incapacity. By being proactive, you have control instead of other people or legal rules making those decisions. As you begin (or update) your own estate planning, here are…
Best practice any time you enter into a business-related agreement is to put it in writing. This not only ensures there is no misunderstanding between the parties, but provides a multitude of benefits in the event of a dispute because it gives each party certain rights and remedies under the law. Generally, a contract must…
Every new year brings significant changes to New York’s labor and employment laws that employers must be aware of to protect themselves from potential exposure from Department of Labor audits, private lawsuits and other employment-related problems. Minimum Wage Increases New York State has increased the minimum wage each year for the past 4 years. For…
Due diligence is a necessary part of any business transaction. In the context of buying or leasing commercial property, the goal of due diligence is to review and analyze all relevant information which bears on the property or the seller/landlord in order make a well-informed decision about moving forward with the acquisition or lease. The…
Google words like “wills,” “trusts,” “power of attorney,” and other estate planning terms and you will find links to websites offering free or low-cost forms available for download. These sites tell you that you can DIY your own estate planning documents; why hire an attorney when you can prepare your own documents and save money?…
