Womble Perspectives

In the evolving landscape of government contracting, staying abreast of regulatory changes is crucial for small businesses. Recently, the Small Business Administration announced a potential game-changing proposal that could significantly impact mentor-protégé joint ventures bidding for multiple award contracts. For small business owners, understanding these developments is essential to adapt and t...

The integrity and trustworthiness of data are paramount concerns for businesses and governments alike, driving an urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. With the rise in cyber threats and the complexity of digital environments, organizations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to bolster their defense strategies. AI is not a silver bullet, but when integrated effectively, i...

Arbitration clauses are important in commercial contracts for resolving disputes outside of court. But recent Supreme Court rulings have changed how these clauses work. Whether you're a small business owner or run a large corporation, understanding these changes is key to ensuring your contracts are rock-solid. Read the article. About the authors: Tomio Narita Justin T. Bradley

Today's commute is defined by traffic - will tomorrow's be defined by flying cars or an eco-friendly air taxi?  The electric aviation industry is making leaps and bounds, reshaping our skies with electric aircrafts using Vertical Takeoff and Landing, also called eVTOL, and electric Conventional Takeoff and Landing, referred to as eCTOL. Companies like Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and...

Today, our episode is based on a post from our Law Meets Science blog, and we're taking a deep dive into telehealth, a topic that might seem new but has actually been evolving for centuries. Read the article. About the author: Melissa Ratliff, RN, BSN , Legal Nurse Consultant.

Recently, President Biden introduced new measures aimed at easing the immigration process for two key groups. While these reforms may have the potential to transform the lives of many undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and their families, what exactly do these changes entail, and how can they benefit those affected? Read the full article. About the authors: Jennifer Cory Jeffrey B. Widdison

As the summer Olympic Games approach, we can expect to see some athletes being banned due to doping. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which oversees American Olympic and Paralympic athletes, enforces stringent testing standards. Remember the female US track star banned from the Tokyo Games for testing positive for marijuana? Spoiler: she's back and faster than ever. Although marijuana remains ban...

In an era where energy reliability and sustainability are more critical than ever, the ADVANCE Act aims to propel the United States into a new age of nuclear innovation.  The ADVANCE Act stands for Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy. Signed into law by President Biden, this pivotal piece of legislation seeks to expedite the deployment of advanced nuclear reacto...

The world of investment advising is rapidly evolving, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation.  With these advancements, however, come new regulations designed to ensure transparency and fairness. The SEC Marketing Rule, revamped in 2020, has significant implications for fintech companies, especially those leveraging AI. Read the full article. About the authors: Louis Froelich Joshua Wab...

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of SEC v. Jarkesy that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission must litigate in federal district court when seeking civil monetary penalties for alleged violations of federal securities laws. Read the full article. About the authors: Britt Whitesell Biles James E. Connelly Robert R. Ambler, Jr. Matthew L. Hickman

In a monumental decision, the Supreme Court has altered the landscape of public corruption prosecutions. The ruling in Snyder v. United States a case involving 18 U.S.C. § 666, found that federal gratuities do not apply to state and local officials, resolving a long-standing circuit split. Read the full article. About the authors Luke Cass Joe D. Whitley M. Rhett DeHart Michael E. Clark Ben R. Smi...

Current market conditions may present unprecedented opportunities to purchase debt secured by distressed commercial real estate assets at potentially significant discounts. A record number of CRE secured loans are maturing at a time when owners are facing high interest rates, declining occupancy rates and correspondingly reduced cash flows and property valuations. CRE foreclosures are becoming mor...

As we near another election cycle, the discussion on cannabis legalization will be a key debate at both state and federal levels. A November 2023 Gallup survey revealed record public support for marijuana legalization at 70%, across party lines. Looking back at 2023 advancements, how will this impact cannabis legalization as we head into the 2024 election season? Read full article. About the autho...

Managing consumer disputes and consumer lawsuits has always been a fact of life for financial services companies—even those with the most advanced compliance management programs. But, more recently, a small number of plaintiffs have started to generate a disproportionate number of claims. What should your financial services company do to stay ahead of the litigation and arbitration curve? Read the...

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how businesses operate, making processes more efficient while revealing new potentials. However, with these advancements come inherent risks, especially in areas directly affecting consumers. Enter Colorado's groundbreaking AI Consumer Protection Law—a legislative milestone that aims to balance innovation with responsibility. Today, we'll e...

In today's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, national security remains at the forefront of legislative priorities. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, for 2024, introducing several robust measures aimed specifically at countering the influence of China. Read the full article. About the authors Kristina M. Moore Carol Lee Am...

In recent years, the commercial office market has faced unprecedented challenges. With office valuations plummeting, high interest rates, and soaring vacancy levels, landlords are struggling more than ever. For tenants, this volatile environment underscores the importance of due diligence before signing new leases. Whether you're entering a new agreement or extending an existing one, understa...

Navigating the innovative yet challenging Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act is no small feat for small business owners, financial analysts, and policy makers. This legislation bans interchange fees on the tax and gratuity portions of credit or debit transactions. In this episode, we'll unravel the complexities of the Act, detailing its provisions, the multifaceted challenges of its imp...

South Carolina has passed a new Name, Image, and Likeness, or NIL, law that promises to redefine collegiate athletics in the state. This law aims to level the playing field for NC double A athletic programs, ensuring they can compete with those in other states. But what does this mean for athletes, educational institutions, and legal experts? Read the full article. About the authors: Mike Ingersol...

In today's world, we have unprecedented access to information and the internet has made it almost effortless to search for and find data on nearly any topic. However, this ease of access comes with its own set of challenges. Among them is the proliferation of misinformation and junk science—problematic because it can significantly impact various sectors, including academics, public policy, an...

On June 5, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated the SEC’s Private Fund Adviser Rule, a regulation that had stirred considerable debate and concern within the private funds industry. This ruling marks a significant shift in the regulatory environment and leaves many private fund advisers wondering what comes next. Read the full article. About the authors: Louis Fro...

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a cornerstone of consumer protection legislation, designed to ensure the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies. For furnishers of credit information—from national banks to fintech companies—the Act imposes specific obligations to report complete and accurate consumer information. However, the recent surge in Fair...

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently released its annual Madrid Yearly Review, providing a comprehensive overview of international trademark registration trends. This year’s theme focuses on the expansion of geographical protection through subsequent designations. For businesses, especially those aiming to protect their trademarks internationally, the insights from this rev...

In an era where transparency and accountability are paramount, the Corporate Transparency Act aims to improve corporate governance and financial integrity. Effective from January 1, 2024, the CTA mandates certain domestic and foreign entities operating within the United States to report Beneficial Ownership Information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Read the full article. About the a...

In the fast-paced world of loan transactions, efficient closing processes are crucial for both lenders and borrowers. A seamless closing process not only saves time but also reduces costs and risks involved in the transaction, and one critical yet often underappreciated role in this process is that of local opinion counsel. These legal professionals provide invaluable expertise on state-specific l...