On March 26, 2020, Illinois Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-14. In response to the risk of in-person contact necessary in the notarization and witnessing of documents, the Executive Order allows notaries and witnesses to carry out their respective duties through video-conferencing.

The financial stress of the coronavirus pandemic is impacting many businesses and their employees. In this environment, employers in particular may need to review their 401(k) plans and consider the planning opportunities that may be available to them.

In Notice 2020-18, the Internal Revenue Service announced Federal income tax return filing and payment relief by moving the due date for filing certain returns and paying the related taxes from April 15 to July 15. The Service has released an FAQ that offers guidance as to which tax returns (and their related payments) are eligible for this relief, which may be accessed here.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“Families First Act”), is the first federal emergency relief bill that addresses the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Act creates two new temporary laws – the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“EFMLA”) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”).

If your business has been impacted by the Coronavirus Outbreak and the most recent mandate of our governor to “Shelter in Place,” you are not alone.

If your business is closed or is suffering from a drop off in sales as a result of the Coronavirus Outbreak, we encourage you to stay calm. While bankruptcy is always an option, you may be able to ride out the storm by trying to reduce your expenses.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Secretary of the Treasury, Steve Mnuchin, speaking at a coronavirus news conference, announced that the government will be deferring required 2019 income tax payments for 90 days, penalty-free.

We are vigorously monitoring the information and news concerning coronavirus (COVID-19). Our firm has taken steps to ensure that we respond to our clients’ needs and continue to provide a high level and quality of service while also protecting our employees and their families.

The Leading Lawyers Network has recognized four GCT attorneys in their 2020 Leading Lawyers list along with a firm recognition in their Top 100 Law Firms list. In addition, Chicago Lawyer Magazine has also recently recognized five firm attorneys in their Top Tax-Related Lawyers and Top Trust, Will & Estate Lawyers lists.

In order to provide guidance to GCT’s clients who are working on coronavirus pandemic planning for their businesses, the firm is sharing reminders about potential legal implications.

• How The Broad Scope Of The Secure Act Will Affect Retirement Plans
• The Challenges Marijuana Businesses Face Choosing And Protecting Trademarks
• A Streamlined Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Process For Small Businesses
• How Cannabis Law Amendment And A Recent Appellate Court Decision May Affect Employers
• GCT Attorneys Recognized For Professional Excellence

Four Golan Christie Taglia Partners have been selected to the 2020 Leading Lawyers list and the firm has also been honored with the inclusion in the Top 100 Law Firms for Illinois list.

Please Join Golan Christie Taglia Partners, Robert R. Benjamin, Beverly A. Berneman, and Anthony J. D’agostino for an informative Lunch & Learn to understand SBRA and how it improves bankruptcy reorganization for financially troubled small businesses.

Many new laws and regulations significantly impacting companies and their employees became effective in 2019, or will become effective in 2020. GCT Partner, Ashley L. Orler, will provide a summary of these new laws and regulations, including what employers must know to comply with them.

Golan Christie Taglia is proud to announce seven firm partners were recognized in the December 2019 issue of Chicago Lawyer Magazine.

Please join Golan Christie Taglia attorney James W. Chipman for his presentation at the IAAO 40th Annual Legal Seminar Program to be held in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 4:15PM a.m.

The Workplace Transparency Act (“WTA”) restricts an employer’s ability to require nondisclosure and nondisparagement language in employment, separation, and settlement agreements. The WTA also amends the Uniform Arbitration Act and places limitations on the use of mandatory arbitration for sexual harassment or other discrimination claims. The WTA becomes effective on January 1, 2020.

The Chicago City Council recently passed the Fair Workweek Ordinance, the most sweeping “predictive scheduling” ordinance in the country. The Fair Workweek Ordinance aims to give hourly workers more predictable schedules and stable paychecks by mandating that employers give workers early notice of their schedules or face financial penalties if they change shifts unexpectedly. Additionally, the Ordinance requires employers needing to fill additional shifts to first offer those hours to covered employees.

Illinois has also passed a new law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2020, aimed at employers who use artificial intelligence during their recruiting process for new hires.

But the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) didn’t quite keep up. The USPTO would routinely reject any trademark it considered scandalous, disparaging, immoral or offensive.

Golan Christie Taglia is built on a foundation of professional excellence and outstanding service. Each member of our team is committed to excellence and dedicated to achieving success for our clients. It is always gratifying when one of our own is recognized as exceptional, and we are pleased to share some recent accolades. Earlier this year, Leading Lawyers named 24 Golan Christie Taglia attorneys as Leading and Emerging Lawyers in Illinois for 2019, three of which (in bold) are new additions to the lists.

DAVID M. SALTIEL was named Best Lawyers’ 2020 Lawyer of the Year in the practice area of Entertainment Law—Motion Pictures and Television in Chicago. This is the third time that David has been recognized as Lawyer of the Year.

Our commitment to service extends into our communities, as well. GCT attorneys serve on a wide range of charitable organization boards and volunteer time and resources to many worthy causes. During KATHERINE M. OSWALD’s term as a Chicago Bar Association (CBA) Young Lawyers Section (YLS) executive board member, the CBA YLS received Awards of Achievement from the American Bar Association in six categories.

• New Illinois Law Significantly Changes Sexual Harassment Rules And Employer Responsibilities
• What You Need To Know About Chicago’s Fair Workweek Ordinance And Illinois’ Artificial Intelligence Video Interview Act
• How Standards Of Morality May Affect Your Trademark Decisions
• GCT Attorneys Recognized For Commitment To Professional Excellence As The GCT Family Continues To Grow

Please join Golan Christie Taglia Partner Beverly A. Berneman for an informative Lunch & Learn to demystify common intellectual property myths that could put you and your business at risk.