OK at Work

In this episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the newly implemented sales tax on IT and data services in Maryland. They explore the implications for business owners in the IT sector, detailing the need for registration, tax collection, and the nuanced questions that arise from the new legislation. Understand how this 3% tax could impact pricing...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger break down the recently passed 'big, beautiful bill' and its implications for employers and employees regarding new tax policies on overtime wages. They discuss the tax breaks available under the FLSA, the changes in reporting requirements for W2 forms, potential challenges for employers, and how these changes might af...

Join attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman as they discuss the essential steps business owners need to take to prepare for selling their business. Topics include ensuring your business operations are in order, securing intellectual property, compliance with employment laws, and developing a tax strategy. Learn the importance of early preparation and detailed due diligence to...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the unique challenges that summer brings for employers and businesses. With school out and vacation plans increasing, they highlight key considerations such as managing PTO, maintaining workflow continuity, addressing cybersecurity risks during travel, and ensuring worker safety in extreme wea...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the nuances of flexible leave policies, often mistakenly referred to as unlimited PTO. They explore the critical distinctions between terms like 'unlimited' and 'flexible,' the challenges in managing such policies, and the necessity of clear boundaries and approval processes. The conversation...

In this episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss important considerations for employers regarding employee references and referrals. Businesses need a centralized response system and a standardized policy for neutral references. Learn what the potential legal risks are associated with offering detailed evaluations. They also touch on how to handle references in seve...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman explore the essential aspects of employment agreements. They discuss the importance of these agreements both at the beginning of an employment relationship and throughout its duration. The conversation includes considerations for at-will employment, the impact of state laws, and the practical and lega...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman delve into the topic of subpoenas. They discuss what a subpoena is, who can receive one, and the proper steps to take when served. The episode highlights the importance of addressing subpoenas promptly, understanding what documents and testimonies are required, and the potential risks involved. They a...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the importance of protecting sensitive business information such as client lists and proprietary data. Using the 'everlasting gobstopper' from Willy Wonka as a metaphor, they emphasize the need for businesses to treat their confidential information as trade secrets by implementing robust secur...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the impact of current economic uncertainty on business transactions. They share insights on how businesses can protect themselves, with a focus on tightening contracts, securing interests, and creative financing strategies. Whether you’re buying or selling a business, this episode offers practical advic...

In this episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman delve into the intricate and often confusing topic of independent contractor classification. They discuss the various tests and criteria used at both federal and state levels, including IRS, unemployment, workers' compensation, and FLSA wage laws. The episode highlights recent updates from the Trump administration, wh...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss a new executive order directing the EEOC not to pursue or investigate claims of disparate impact. They explain the concept of disparate impact, its relevance under Title VII, and how this executive order changes EEOC's enforcement practices. The discussion clarifies that while the law remains...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the importance of executive employment agreements for key employees such as CEOs, CFOs, and COOs. They cover why these agreements are crucial, what organizations should consider, and the balance of protecting business interests while offering incentives to top executives. Tune in to learn abou...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the essentials for balancing taxes and legal risk. They explore how tax considerations play a critical role in various legal contexts, including business setups, settlements, lawsuits, and ownership changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of consulting with accountants and tax atto...

Join attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman in this week's episode of OK at Work as they delve into the topic of pre-litigation letters. They explore the different types of lawyer letters, such as demand letters and cease and desist letters, and discuss how these letters can be strategic tools to resolve conflicts before heading to court. Learn about the nuances, purposes, and...

Join attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman as they discuss the essential role of documentation in progressive discipline and performance plans for employees. Learn the steps involved in creating effective performance plans, how to tailor documentation to specific issues, and how proper documentation aids in both legal protection and improving employee performance. Understand...

Join attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman on this week's episode of OK at Work as they delve into the intricacies of the salary basis test for overtime exemptions under the FLSA. They discuss the current federal requirements, clarify the confusion around recent changes and litigation, and offer insights on how to navigate this evolving legal landscape. Learn about the curren...

Join Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger, attorneys at Offit Kurman, as they discuss the significant impact of recent federal government changes on businesses, especially those engaging in government contracts and federal purchasing. They explore potential economic effects, the importance of adapting business strategies, and the likelihood of contract disputes arising from rapid executive orders. Tune...

Join attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman as they discuss the dynamics of business relationships. In this episode of OK at Work, they explore the importance of proactive planning in partnerships, the challenges of business 'divorces,' and the necessity of clear roles and exit strategies to help businesses thrive even when conflicts arise. 00:00 Introduction to Business Relat...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman delve into the complexities of business litigation. They discuss various types of litigation that business owners might face, such as commercial arbitration, class actions, and equitable relief. The conversation highlights the importance of strategic planning, understanding different litigation forums...

Join Sarah Sawyer, Russell Berger, and guest Ben Bohonowicz as they discuss the current status and implications of Maryland's Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. Originally set for implementation in 2025, recent updates have delayed the program. Ben, the Senior Vice President, Division Director of Employee Benefits at RCM&D, provides insights on the act's impact on employers, the necessity for...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger, attorneys at Offit Kurman, discuss the recruitment of new hires in light of recent changes in federal government employment under the new presidential administration. The discussion includes strategies for attracting experienced federal workers affected by job terminations, layoffs, or changes in remote work policies. Given the...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the recent surge in ICE enforcement actions and changes in immigration policy under the Trump administration. They provide crucial advice for employers on how to handle ICE inspections and deportation warrants, emphasizing the importance of I-9 compliance and the option of using E-Verify. Tune...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss essential strategies for managing employee transitions. As the new year prompts organizational changes, they offer guidance on planning restructures, handling terminations, and ensuring stability. Learn how to navigate these changes effectively for a smoother workflow. 00:00 Introduction to Em...

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the legal implications following the recent inauguration. They break down the roles of various branches of government, the impact of executive orders, and what businesses should consider amidst the barrage of headlines. Emphasizing caution over reactionary measures, they advise companies to an...