Business Better

In this episode, we discuss the recent US Supreme Court ruling in the Students for Fair Admissions Inc.'s lawsuits against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, which challenged the constitutionality of their race conscious admission policies. We'll consider the potential implications across multiple settings, from university admissions policies, to workplace and other DEI progr...

In this episode, we discuss the current trend in the health care industry regarding the development of micro-hospitals, especially in certain rural areas. We explain what a micro-hospital is (and is not), the drivers behind the proliferation of micro-hospitals in certain areas of the country, and the various ways they are being financed. Phil Legendy, Of Counsel and Co-Leader of Ballard's Health C...

In this episode, we discuss what employers, in-house counsel, HR departments, and business owners need to know about effective confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements, and the future of non-compete agreements. Mitch Turbenson, an Associate in our Litigation Department, hosts the conversation. Leslie John and Jay Zweig, both of whom are Partners in our Litigation Department, and who focus t...

In this episode, we're joined by Greg Nodland and Michael Ferkovic, CEO and Vice President of Business Development, respectively, at Ridgemont Equity Partners' portfolio company Sunvera Group, a management services organization providing management and administrative solutions to ophthalmology practices across multiple subspecialties. Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts th...

In today's episode, we're joined by special guest Paul Silverman, Co-Founder and Principal of SILVERMAN. SILVERMAN is a real estate company that restores and transforms historic architecture into thoughtfully designed residences in Jersey City. Krishana Pleasant, Of Counsel in our Real Estate Finance Group, hosts the conversation.

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security. The emergence of tools like ChatGPT has demonstrated the tremendous business potential for artificial intelligence. At the same time, businesses need to be aware of the growing patchwork of laws and regulations in the U.S. and EU governing the development and use of AI. Our...

The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has caused concern across the country among investors, consumers, and businesses. Today, our lawyers recap on the series of events that unfolded since March 10, 2023, and answer the most frequently asked questions regarding SVB's receivership and derivatives. Scott Diamond, Co-Leader of Ballard's Derivatives, Structured Products, and Secondary Markets Tea...

In this episode, we discuss the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposed changes to the Medicare Advantage risk adjustment payment model, which will take effect in 2024 if finalized. We're joined by special guest Alex Oliphant, Director of Berkeley Research Group's Health Analytics practice, who has extensive experience in the workings of the Medicare Advantage payment model. Phil Lege...

In this episode, we focus on environmental justice and how President Biden's initial environmental justice policies and executive orders are playing out two years later. We also provide an update on the latest policies from the EPA and DOJ. Lea Phillips, a Partner in Ballard's Phoenix office and a member of our Environment and Natural Resources Practice Group, and Alyssa Domzal, an Associate in Ba...

In this episode, we discuss affordable housing in Chinatown, Los Angeles. We're joined by special guest Sissy Trinh, Founder and Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Community Alliance, a community organization. Spencer Eldred, an Associate in our Los Angeles office and member of our Real Estate Development and Transactions Group, hosts the conversation.

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security. 2022 proved to be a historic year for privacy and data security, and 2023 is likely to follow suit. With privacy compliance deadlines looming under three state laws, a surge in data privacy litigation, new federal cyber-regulations, new state laws governing children's data,...

In this episode, we're joined by special guest Lisa Stauffer, Managing Senior Counsel at PNC Bank. We discuss Lisa's career transition from practicing in a law firm to in-house counsel, and navigating notable challenges. We also discuss how she is preparing for the possibility of an economic downturn in 2023. David Zive, Of Counsel in our Philadelphia office and member of our Real Estate Finance G...

In this episode, we discuss how the $4.2 billion authorized in New York's Environmental Bond Act will be spent. We talk about the types of projects that will be funded and financial benefits to the State, including short-term job creation and the longer-term benefits to residents and visitors of having improved infrastructure, as well as the ability to leverage these funds for billions of addition...

In today's episode, we're joined by special guest Marcus Randolph, CEO and President of Invest Newark. Invest Newark is a nonprofit development agency who work to propel the City's strong and diverse economy, build vibrant communities, and create opportunities for all residents of Newark. Invest Newark supports small, women and minority-owned businesses, invests in world-class internet service, sp...

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security. With its draft rules, Colorado has set forth a new model for state privacy laws. While there are many areas that are interoperable with the California model, the Colorado draft rules include important differences, as well as rules on topics that have been notably absent fro...

This episode is part of our Women in Finance series and features an interview with Sherry Witt, Senior Vice President of the Commercial Mortgage Group in the Dallas, Texas office of KeyBank. Ms. Witt talks about the transition in her career from legal to business, and the balancing act of work and motherhood. Kelly Wrenn, a Partner in our national Finance Department, hosts the conversation.

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security. In the past several months, plaintiffs lawyers have filed dozens of class action lawsuits under state wiretap laws, some of which provide for statutory damages of $5,000 or more per occurrence. The lawsuits focus on the use of chatbots, "session replay" software, and tracki...

In today's episode, we look at the emerging interest in captive insurance. We explain what captive insurance is and the benefits that accompany it, the kind of coverage it provides, and more. Steven Burkhart, Of Counsel in Ballard's Litigation department, hosts the conversation. Special guests Dr. Henri Winand and David O'Gorman from AkinovA join us.

This episode is part of our Women in Finance series, and features an interview with Natasha Holiday, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets with a focus on U.S. public infrastructure finance. Ms. Holiday talks about her career journey into finance, the current state of the market, and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with integrating family life with a hybrid work environmen...

In today's episode, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Ballard Academy for Student Entrepreneurs (BASE) program, an in-house legal accelerator that Ballard Spahr developed in 2013 to support student owned and operated ventures. We're joined by the founders of mental wellness platform NeuroFlow, a fast-growing Philadelphia based startup, who participated in the BASE 3.0. Christopher Molaro, C...

In today's episode, we're joined by special guest Jeremy Durham. Jeremy is the Executive Director of Boulder Housing Partners. BHP builds, owns, and manages affordable housing for low and moderate income residents. Alejandro Monarez, an Associate in our Denver office, hosts the conversation.

This episode is part of our Women in Finance series and features an interview with Allison Larr, a Director in Municipal Banking at Citi. Ms. Larr talks about her career path, professional challenges, and her insights on the future of ESG in municipal markets. Kim Magrini, a Partner in our Finance Department, hosts the conversation.

This is episode eight of the "Trauma-Informed Investigations" series. In today's episode, we're joined by special guests Ariella Steinhorn and Amber Scorah from Lioness, a media company that brings to light the stories of everyday people dealing with corruption, harassment, and cover-ups. We discuss the inspiration for Lioness and the decision-making processes involved in their work with clients t...

This episode is part of our series "Supply Chain Disruptions," in which we explore how supply chain issues are affecting businesses everywhere, and when the flow of goods and services may settle into a new normal. This episode features a discussion with Chris Mills, CEO of Lion Brand Yarn. With over thirty years of experience managing traditional and e-commerce consumer goods businesses in North A...