Jackson Walker Fast Takes

In Texas and most of the United States, three major factors affect wealth and estate planning: first, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the stock market to tumble; second, we are looking at extremely low oil prices; and third, interest rates are near zero. However, there are opportunities for estate planning despite these negative factors. Jackson Walker partner Scott Schepps walks through some of...

With the public need to flatten the curve when it comes to COVID-19 infections, hospitals, first responders, and other sectors may need to know when someone is infected. Jackson Walker partner Jeff Drummond discusses how the government is clarifying its flexible guidelines on how industries may apply privacy rules during this pandemic, and how once the emergency goes away, the rules will most like...

With a large number of businesses shut down, the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a strain on relationships between commercial landlords and businesses. Jackson Walker partner Wayne Malecha discusses a number of issues that both landlords and tenants must think about during this unprecedented time.  For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast . Follow...

While the State of Texas implements social distancing and restrictions on public movement, the state's administrative agencies are still conducting business. However, it is not business as usual. Jackson Walker senior counsel Craig Bennett discusses how the agencies are conducting business and the alternative processes they are offering to help with filing, hearings, and submissions. The thing to...

Even with most U.S. businesses shifting to remote work policies, companies must continue to address ongoing immigration concerns. Jackson Walker attorneys Sang Shin and Christian Triantaphyllis discuss some of the major immigration issues businesses should think about, even during the Coronavirus pandemic. For many of these issues, the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) is still open fo...

The State of Texas is proud of the fact that almost all governmental meetings are subject to the Open Meetings Act, and our ability to listen to and address our governmental officials. However, with the COVID-19 outbreak and rules regarding social distancing, Governor Abbott made some temporary modifications to the act. Jackson Walker associate Alyca Riley Garrison walks us through some of the cha...

The IRS extended the federal tax filing date to July 15, 2020 in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. But, as with most things with taxes, it's not that simple. Jackson Walker attorney Ashley Withers discusses a few things to think about as you prepare to file your taxes, and what it means for those who file quarterly returns and those who may get a refund or a stimulus check. For more informatio...

Over the past few weeks, Texas city and county governments have put in place local orders in order to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. On March 31, 2020, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an executive order with the intent of creating a statewide set of limitations. Jackson Walker partner Brad Nitschke joins us to talk about what the executive order says and what Texas businesses need to thin...

While the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is designed to incentivize employers to keep employees on the payroll, there are certain aspects of the CARES Act that every employer—big and small—should understand. Jackson Walker partner Scott McElhaney walks through a number of these issues. For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/...

Jackson Walker senior counsel Erica Benites Giese discusses the issue of price gouging and common things businesses must consider when raising prices during a declared emergency. On March 19, 2020, the Texas Attorney General issued a public health disaster declaration as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This triggered certain prohibitions under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. While thes...

Jackson Walker Labor & Employment Co-Chair Gary Fowler walks us through five key aspects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which goes into effect on April 1, 2020.  1) Get the poster out to employees. 2) Understand the exemptions, including a broad definition of healthcare workers. 3) Know the alternatives and the relief available to businesses. 4) Consider the alternatives...