With private financing scarce, contractors are increasingly turning to publicly financed projects to help them weather the storm of economic downturn. Although the public sector certainly has not been immune to the challenges of the current economic...(read more)
Self Audits of Benefit Plans Can Save Substantial Money
Do you know what a Form 5500 is? It is the "tax return" for employee benefit plans. Why should you even care? Employers often offer pension, health and welfare benefits for employees without knowing about the yearly requirement to file Form 5500 for...(read more)
New COBRA Rules Require Quick Action
The Stimulus Bill became law on February 17, 2009. It makes sweeping changes to the COBRA rules, which are effective immediately. This advisory explains some of the highlights of the new rules. COBRA is the law that requires employers that have 20...(read more)
Can an Individual Now Use a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy to Wipe Out an Intellectual Property Judgment?
In this uncertain economic environment, companies are increasingly concerned about bankruptcy filings. Let’s say that a company is owed money from an individual due to a hard-won intellectual property judgment or a painstakingly negotiated...(read more)
ADA Amendments Act
On September 25, 2008, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (“ADAAA”) was signed into law by President Bush. The ADAAA makes significant changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), expanding protections for individuals with disabilities. The...(read more)
IP Advisor
With the proliferation of bank mergers, internet banking, and loan production offices outside of banks’ traditional geographic footprints, the issue of the protection of bank names has again risen to prominence. This issue affects not only de novo...(read more)
Ben Davis Authors North Carolina Bankers Guide to Powers of Attorney
Brooks Pierce partner Ben Davis authored the recently published 2nd edition of the North Carolina Bankers Guide to Powers of Attorney . The Guide was published by the North Carolina Bankers Association. The only publication dedicated exclusively to...(read more)
Development Law Digest: "What is an NCOD?"
WHAT IS AN NCOD? An NCOD is a zoning designation that seeks to “preserve and enhance the general quality and appearance of older neighborhoods.” Generally, NCODs are a planning tool for neighborhoods that are at least 25 years old, contain unifying...(read more)