Tax

Opinion

Judicial Shaming Of Attys Is Troubling Even During Pandemic

Judges have recently rebuked attorneys for wasting judicial resources to resolve minor issues during the COVID-19 crisis, including in a trademark lawsuit over unicorn drawings. But it is unfair to publicly flog lawyers for doing what they are trained to do, says Ronald Minkoff, chairman of Frankfurt Kurnit's professional responsibility group.

Don't Be Social Media Distancing: LinkedIn Tips For Lawyers

While we need to be physically apart at this time, lawyers and firms should be leaning into social media to reinforce and build relationships, and help guide clients through the coronavirus crisis, says marketing consultant Stefanie Marrone.

Leveling Tax Playing Field For Non-UK Resident Landlords

Starting Monday, non-U.K. resident landlords are subject to broadly the same U.K. tax treatment as residents with respect to income derived from U.K. property, and landlords and lenders should be considering the impact on transaction cashflows and covenant compliance, say James Spencer and Sherry Scrivens at Alston & Bird.

Inside The CARES Act's Key Tax Code Modifications

Attorneys at Eversheds explain how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act modifies core federal tax provisions — including payroll tax requirements, net operating loss carrybacks and the corporate alternative minimum tax — in order to help businesses weather the current economic downturn.

Guiding Clients Through DOL Benefit Plan Probes: Part 2

Excerpt from Lexis Practice Advisor

Kathleen Barrow at Fox Rothschild discusses how to manage agency and plan sponsor expectations during U.S. Department of Labor investigations of employer-sponsored benefit plans, and explains key steps for closing the inquiry.

Remote Depositions: Coming To A Home Office Near You

Recent Texas state court orders indicate judges are increasingly requiring parties and nonparties to submit to remote depositions amid the pandemic. However, there are inherent drawbacks to such depositions, including limitations on attorneys’ ability to assess witness credibility, says Edward Duffy at Reed Smith.

How COVID-19 Relief Law Will Aid Small Businesses

Franco Furmanski and Carlos Loumiet at Nelson Mullins highlight the benefits of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act’s Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, as well as what to expect in terms of the loan-qualification process.

Ways Lawyers Can Support The Most Vulnerable Right Now

In this global health and economic crisis, it is essential that lawyers recommit to inclusion, and fight for colleagues, clients, community members and friends who are most at risk, says Dru Levasseur, head of the National LGBT Bar Association's inclusion coaching and consulting program.

Guiding Clients Through DOL Benefit Plan Probes: Part 1

Excerpt from Lexis Practice Advisor

Counsel can reduce the time and anxiety involved with U.S. Department of Labor investigations of employer-sponsored benefit plans by assisting with review of fiduciary insurance coverage and internal controls, says Kathleen Barrow at Fox Rothschild.

Private Equity Funds Can Benefit From CARES Act Tax Relief

Several important tax provisions in the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act can alleviate stress the pandemic has put on private equity funds and their portfolio companies' liquidity and profits, say attorneys at Holland & Knight.

Confronting The Challenges Of Virtual Mediation

Conducting mediation via videoconference amid the ongoing pandemic poses significant challenges, including the difficulty of reading people when you are not with them in person. Daniel Garrie at JAMS shares six tips to overcome the limitations.

3 Steps To Building Effective Teams While On Lockdown

When your team is working from different locations due to the COVID-19 outbreak, don’t default to just sending emails. Collaboration is much easier when team members are also communicating in real time over the phone or through videoconferences, say William Oxley and Meghan Rohling Kelly at BakerHostetler.

Curve-Flattening Immobility May Set Cross-Border Tax Traps

Foreign-based businesses with employees detained in the U.S. — or vice versa — due to the coronavirus may find themselves with more sourced income than expected and, consequently, unexpected tax exposure, say attorneys at McDermott.

Pandemic-Related Funding Options For Ill. Businesses

Christopher Hennessy and Jeremy Glenn at Cozen O'Connor discuss the city, state and federal financial assistance available to Illinois small-business owners in need of emergency funds to maintain operations and pay employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adapting Executive Pay Decisions To COVID-19 Impact

As the coronavirus pandemic perpetuates market uncertainty, compensation committees must address key questions, such as whether to delay approvals, adjust performance targets for bonus and equity awards, or reprice underwater stock options, say attorneys at Skadden.