Hi, I’m Jim Howicz, partner with Richards Rodriguez & Skeith. It’s July 2020, and if you’re a regular follower of our series I’m going to try to do something different. Because of the coronavirus, we’ve been away from the office for a few months. I’m recording this video at home and addressing a topic specific… Read More »
Strategies For Leasing Commercial Real Estate Space During COVID-19
Whether you’re on the landlord or tenant side of a commercial lease agreement, these are stressful times. With the future of the pandemic still uncertain, you may be facing foreclosure, considering bankruptcy, or keeping an eye out for the struggles of your tenants in these areas. Even as the rest of the world hunkers down… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Materiality Issues in M&A Deals
Materiality in M&A deals is, these days, normally a heavily negotiated issue. There’s often a push and pull between sellers and purchasers. Sellers often try to qualify their representations and warranties in the definitive agreements with materiality in order to avoid being found liable for immaterial breaches or for immaterial damages. Indemnity Basket Parties typically… Read More »
Facing Foreclosure? Understand Your Options
We’re long past our 2020 business plans now. These are strange times for business owners and operators, and if you’re finding yourself in a situation that you wouldn’t have imagined possible six months ago, you’re not the only one. A common issue we’re seeing a lot of people facing right now is the threat of… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Cybersecurity Issues in M&A Deals
In this Business Law Breakdown, Richards Rodriguez & Skeith Partner David Rodriguez shares the major cybersecurity risks facing buyers during M&A transactions. Cybersecurity issues are becoming more prevalent in M&A deals these days. The major risks facing buyers relating to cybersecurity are twofold. Firstly, that the seller may or may not have been the victim… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: How to Launch a Nonprofit
In this Business Law Breakdown, Richards Rodriguez & Skeith Partner Daniel Riegel will discuss the elements necessary for the successful launch and ongoing management of a nonprofit organization. There are over two million nonprofits in the United States, and 100,000 of them are in the State of Texas. The Austin area has the highest per… Read More »
What to Avoid When Your Client is Going Through Bankruptcy
Between these trying economic times and the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses are struggling to keep their bills paid during a time when they may not be able to keep their doors open. The fact of the matter is that a lot of these businesses will be filing for bankruptcy soon, and that will impact everyone… Read More »
Low-Interest Loans to Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
CARES Act – Low-Interest Loans to Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Title IV of the CARES Act provides $500 billion in emergency relief in order to provide liquidity to eligible businesses, States, municipalities and Tribes related to losses incurred as a result of coronavirus. What you need to know: The Treasury is directed to use $454… Read More »
Unemployment Insurance Provisions
How does the CARES Act affect unemployment insurance benefits? The Texas Workforce Commission is still working on an agreement with the federal government for the implementation of the CARES Act assistance, but here are some of the highlights of the CARES Act unemployment insurance provisions: It creates a new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program which: provides… Read More »
CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program
Big Picture The Paycheck Protection Program is intended to provide American small businesses with 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100% federally guaranteed loans. There is no cost to apply. The funding is meant to help retain workers, maintain payroll, and cover rent/mortgage/utility expenses. The loan is intended to help small business owners cover expenses… Read More »
CARES Act Eviction Moratorium
CARES Act, Texas, Travis County and City of Austin Temporary Relief from Evictions for Certain Residential Tenants What you need to know: The CARES Act imposes a national 120-day moratorium on evictions against residential tenants who cannot pay their rent due to income interruptions related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Who/What is covered: The moratorium only… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Helpful HIPAA Hints
My firm and I do a lot of work for a variety of healthcare organizations. These organizations include hospitals, physician groups, and individual physicians. Every single healthcare professional I’ve ever worked with understands the importance of making sure the patient’s protected health information is kept safe and secure and is not disclosed accidentally to some… Read More »
Emergency Legislation: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
What it is: Emergency FMLA and sick leave legislation designed to protect employees and employers affected by COVID-19. When it takes effect: by April 2, 2020. What you need to know: For many employers, you may be responsible for providing your employees with additional benefits, including paid leave related to COVID-19. The Big Picture On… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Force Majeure and Other Defenses for Non-Performance
As you navigate through the current economic downturn and try to make adjustments to your business, the contractual terms of your agreements with suppliers, vendors, and customers become very important. Many contracts contain force majeure clauses which can sometimes be invoked to excuse your performance of a contractual obligation. Even without a force majeure clause,… Read More »
How Will COVID-19 Impact My Business?
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are faced with figuring out how to protect their businesses while minimizing the harm to their employees. The challenges employers are facing include making sure they are complying with applicable health and safety regulations, navigating laws regarding disability discrimination and family medical leave, and ensuring employee privacy… Read More »
