Briefly Legal

On July 9, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation reservation had never been disestablished, creating a jurisdictional shift in criminal law matters and leaving many unanswered questions regarding civil regulatory issues. One year later, a number of these issues—such as taxes for tribal citizens—have gone unresolved. Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group members Jenni...

In 2020, U.S. companies reported more than 800,000 cyber incidents to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Headlines continue to draw attention to breaches hitting a growing list of entities including meat processor JBS, a water plant in Florida, the City of Tulsa, Colonial Pipeline, and others, signaling a call for greater security to help companies and their employees better protect themselves...

From OSHA consultations and wage and hour investigations to asbestos abatements and amusement park ride inspections, the Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) offers employers and consumers a number of workplace-related services and resources. In this episode of Briefly Legal, ODOL Chief of Staff/General Counsel Don Schooler provides an overview of the multi-functional ODOL, best practices for how e...

You may not have heard about a class of synthetic compounds broadly referred to as PFAS, but these artificial substances can be found in the blood stream of approximately 90% of Americans at any given time and some have been known to cause health problems and an increased risk for certain cancers. Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Practice Group members Donald K. Shandy and Tim Sowecke d...

On April 21, 2021, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 2508, automatically enacting the Oklahoma Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Labor & Employment attorney and Oklahoma National Guardsman Evan Way discusses this recent update in Oklahoma military leave laws along with telling implications for employers based on current cases from the Seventh and Third Circuits....

What drives high-performing professionals, such as attorneys, to stay motivated, committed and excited about what they do? Without clearly identifying core values and answers to this question, inevitable burnout and stress may lead individuals to walk away from occupations they were once passionate about. Attorney and Certified Professional Coach Angie Hooper uses the legal industry as an example...

Healthcare Practice Group member Maggie K. Martin  explains the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how it comes into play for patients and healthcare providers alike. From the current state of patient access to talk of a vaccine passport and a proposed new rule under consideration, Maggie discusses HIPAA's impact and the latest legislation being considered that ma...

Clifford Hudson , a member of Crowe & Dunlevy’s Corporate & Securities Practice Group and former CEO of Sonic Corp., shares wisdom and life experiences based on his new book, “Master of None.” We talk candidly with Cliff about how saying “yes” and seeking out a variety of experiences opens doors for the future and over time, could prepare you for opportunities that you may not see coming....

If the Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act passes, Oklahoma will be the first state to require consumers to give permission before a company may sell or share personal data—an unprecedented move towards stricter data privacy standards in the U.S. So what does data privacy mean for a consumer, how should companies be handling personal data now and where is Oklahoma headed in regard to this area of c...

From shut down orders to missed or delayed payments, tenants and landlords alike have endured financial hardships brought on by the pandemic, causing a domino-effect of economic consequences in the U.S. during the last year. Moving forward, what contingency considerations should both parties be aware of when it comes to lease agreements, and how should pre-pandemic Force Majeure clauses be given a...

The scenario that briefly rocked the investing world involving Wall Street and free trading app Robinhood provides nothing short of all the twists and turns fit for a Hollywood thriller. Headlines and social media quickly spread rumors and misinformation leaving investors puzzled. What happened, how did it happen, and what can the public, investors of all ages and brokerage firms learn moving forw...

In a growing gig economy, employers find much-needed clarity from the U.S. DOL’s latest new rule on independent contractors. But when it comes to tax implications, what can companies glean from the rule’s streamlining efforts, even if it doesn’t last under the Biden administration? Crowe & Dunlevy Taxation Practice Group attorney Christopher R. Haunschild weighs in on ideas, risks and gains as...

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA’s more than $3 million in citations continues to increase as employers respond to meet the demands of unprecedented workplace challenges. So where are companies going wrong and what additional steps need to be taken, even if safety measures and policy updates were already implemented earlier in 2020? Allen L. Hutson discusses the most common pitfa...

Is it “back to the future” for employment law? On Inauguration Day 2021, Labor & Employment Practice Group members Randall J. Snapp and Madalene A.B. Witterholt discuss what to expect with the Biden administration concerning everything from the EEOC and cabinet appointees to minimum wage and FMLA, as employers may see regulatory changes similar to those of the early Obama era. About Randall J....

As Pfizer, Moderna and other COVID-19 vaccines roll out to the American public, employers are tasked with making careful decisions regarding whether or not to create a mandatory workplace vaccination program. Labor & Employment Practice Group attorney Tanya S. Bryant discusses her own research and experience advising clients on how to handle this tricky topic. About Tanya S. Bryant   Additiona...