Tax

Takeaways From 2 New FBAR Rulings

In light of two recent California federal court decisions, capping penalties for nonwillful violations of foreign bank account reporting but broadening the willfulness standard, U.S. taxpayers must be vigilant about understanding their reporting obligations, and prepare for the Internal Revenue Service to target willful conduct, which yields much higher penalties, say Friedemann Thomma and Marianna Felshtiner at Venable.

A Biz Strategy Model To Improve Lateral Atty Hiring Diversity

Quantitative comparison tools commonly used by companies in evaluating merger targets will allow law firms to assess lateral hire candidates in a demographically neutral manner, help remove bias from the hiring process and bring real diversity to the legal profession, says Thomas Latino at Florida State University.

El Salvador's Use Of Bitcoin Complicates US Commercial Law

El Salvador recently became the first country to recognize Bitcoin as currency, presenting significant implications for U.S. commercial law as the development will likely trigger the cryptocurrency to now fall within the definition of "money" under the Uniform Commercial Code, say Joe Carlasare and Eric Fogel at SmithAmundsen.

How Biden Tax Plans Would Boost Renewable Energy

The Biden administration's recently released revenue proposals for fiscal year 2022 include major enhancements and extensions to various green energy tax credits, and show that the administration is aligned with Congress in supporting renewable development, even if they differ on details, say attorneys at Eversheds Sutherland.

What Tax Court's Mylan Legal Fee Ruling Means For IP Suits

The U.S. Tax Court's recent ruling that Mylan Inc. could deduct as regular business expenses the legal fees it incurred defending itself against patent infringement suits from brand-name drug manufacturers has the potential to increase patent litigation and may make settlement less appealing, say attorneys at Snell & Wilmer.

Smaller Firms Need Employee Wellness Programs, Too

As we emerge from the pandemic, small and midsize firms — which offer an ideal setting for companywide connection — should follow in the footsteps of larger organizations and heed the American Bar Association’s recommendations by adopting well-being initiatives and appointing a chief wellness officer, says Janine Pollack at Calcaterra Pollack.

Stop Networking, Start Relationship Marketing

USA 500 Clubs' Joe Chatham offers four tips for lawyers to get started with relationship marketing — an approach to business development that prioritizes authentic connections — and explains why it may be more helpful than traditional networking post-pandemic.

What Attorneys Should Know About Fee Deferral

Milestone Consulting’s John Bair explores contingency-fee structuring considerations for attorneys, laying out the advantages — such as tax benefits and income control — as well as caveats and investment options.

Predictions On Pandemic's Lasting Impact On Legal Education

The pandemic accelerated the pace of technological change for legal education, and some of the changes to how law school courses are taught and on-campus interviews are conducted may be here to stay, says Leonard Baynes at the University of Houston.

Opinion

Biden's Clean Energy Goals Require Big Hydrogen Push

To realize its ambitious renewable energy goals, the Biden administration, along with Congress, must promote the growth of the hydrogen industry using every available tool, including regulations, grants, tax incentives and direct purchases, say Abdon Rangel at Andersen Tax and John Taylor at King & Spalding.

Lawyer Perfectionism Is A Disease We Can Control

The pursuit of perfection that is prevalent among lawyers can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health impacts, but new attorneys and industry leaders alike can take four steps to treat this malady, says Liam Montgomery at Williams & Connolly.

IRS Summons Ruling Isn't A Total Loss For Investors

A California federal court’s recent order allowing an IRS information summons on cryptocurrency exchange Kraken paradoxically provides hope for investors concerned about their privacy by limiting the scope of the agency’s inquiry, says Joshua Smeltzer at Gray Reed.

5 Tips To Help Your 2021 Summer Associates Succeed

Despite pandemic-related challenges this year, law firms can effectively train summer associates on writing and communicating — without investing more time than they ordinarily would, says Julie Schrager at Schiff Hardin.

Pa. Tax Talk: Takeaways From 2 Commonwealth Court Rulings

A Pennsylvania appellate court's recent decision in Good Shepherd Rehabilitation v. Allentown sets a positive precedent for other nonprofits subject to Allentown's aggressive tax position, and its recent decision in Mandler v. Commonwealth offers a reminder that some taxes, including payroll withholding taxes, are never dischargeable in bankruptcy, says Jennifer Karpchuk at Chamberlain Hrdlicka.

Firms Should Use Surveys To Make Smart Legal Tech Choices

The utility of legal technology innovations may be limited without clear data and objectives from the outset, but targeted surveys can provide specific insights that enable law firms to adopt the most appropriate and efficient tech solutions, says Tim Scott at Frogslayer.