2020 was a difficult year. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the economy across all industries, especially real estate. As the lockdown extended well beyond initial expectations, commercial lending became virtually impossible to obtain given the instability of the market and lack of forecast ability. As a result, we saw a number of commercial real estate deals delayed indefinitely and eventually terminated. On the leasing side, we had tenants defaulting on their leases and asserting force majeure as a means of temporary rent relief. But, as 2020 dragged on and we learned to navigate the unprecedented time, we finally started to see a light at the end of the tunnel as we moved into 2021.

The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (the “Act”) requires employers to pay every employee all wages earned. Upon separation from employment, the employer is required to pay the final compensation of the employee in full, if possible, but no later than the next regularly scheduled payday. Should an employer fail to make such payment, the Act imposes penalties and individual corporate officers may be held personally liable for such non-payment of wages.

Golan Christie Taglia attorneys successfully represented a kosher caterer before the Beit Din Rabbinic Court of the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

The final 2020 multiplier for Cook County taxpayers was released and it will have a major impact on Illinois taxpayers.

Tony to transition the firm into the post-COVID era as Steve moves back into practice.

In June 2021, the Illinois House of Representatives and Illinois Senate unanimously voted to amend the Illinois Freedom to Work Act to impose significant restrictions on non-competition and non-solicitation agreements. Governor Pritzker is expected to sign the bill into law and, if so, this amendment will be effective January 1, 2022.

Golan Christie Taglia’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion involves standing with the LGBTQ+ community for a more accepting and inclusive society.

As employers continue to cope with the fallout from the pandemic, new considerations need to be made for employees as return-to-work plans and their manifold implications lie just around the corner.

This panel presentation updates your knowledge of the Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB), including its history as a “poor person’s court,” the Cook County expansion, who they are and what they decide, filing with the PTAB, and interveners and increases.

IRS Notice 2021-31 released on May 19 provides guidance on the government subsidy of COBRA continuation coverage that is available to employees and their covered dependents who lose group health coverage as a result of reduced hours of employment or involuntary termination of employment.

The GCT Diversity & Inclusion Committee’s commitment to inclusion in the workplace has driven discussions involving a variety of forward-thinking books and documentaries that shed light on important issues that impact our community and society at large.

On March 23, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed the Employee Background Fairness Act (the “Act”), imposing several new obligations and restrictions on Illinois employers. The new law amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to significantly limit employers’ ability to disqualify a job applicant or current employee based on the individual’s criminal record.

The period provided for COBRA premium waivers under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) has begun. This six-month period began on April 1, 2021, and runs through September 30, 2021. Action by employers and their COBRA service providers is required by May 31 – and it may make sense to take action as soon as May 1.

Starting in early 2022, the US Copyright Office will begin offering a small claims court for copyright infringement cases. Now is a good time to audit your website and avoid potential copyright problems.

The recently adopted American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) includes in its $1.9 trillion of relief spending reimbursement of the premium cost of COBRA continuation coverage for employees and their covered family members who lose their group coverage as a result of an involuntary termination of their employment or a reduced number of employment hours.

Golan Christie Taglia is proud to announce Toni Falligant has been formally admitted to the Illinois State Bar and officially joins the firm as an associate.

Happy International Women’s Day from Golan Christie Taglia’s group of women partners, associates and support staff.

Golan Christie Taglia is delighted to announce the inclusion of 16 firm attorneys to the 2021 Leading and Emerging Lawyers lists for their outstanding work in a wide range of areas including Closely & Privately Held Business Law, Commercial Litigation, Bankruptcy & Workout Law: Commercial and more.

COVID-19 has prompted numerous changes to the employment, tax and bankruptcy laws that govern businesses that continue to struggle to stay afloat amidst the ongoing pandemic. Join GCT partner Beverly Berneman for a comprehensive discussion on a range of updates to laws, regulations and requirements that businesses, employers and employees must consider as they plan to navigate the new business environment in the post-COVID era.

Golan Christie Taglia is proud to announce Benjamin D. Rotman has joined the firm as Of Counsel in the Intellectual Property Group.

With COVID-19 forcing many employees to work from home, there is a question of whether remote work will become a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). GCT’s Employment Group investigates these uncertainties in a new article.

GCT’s Employment Group examines the legal implications of vaccination mandates for employees in an all-new article.

Golan Christie Taglia is proud to announce the inclusion of nine of its attorneys to the 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

On December 27, 2020, two significant changes were signed into law. These changes are intended to create cost efficient flexibility in both copyright enforcement and trademark portfolio development.