Author Archives: Philip E. Sharpe
Legislation Authorizes Paid Sick Leave for Workers Suffering from Coronavirus
Close up of signing a mortgage contract in the office. New legislation passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic allows certain workers to receive paid sick leave even if their employer previously did not provide it. In March, the federal government enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This law assists employers that give… Read More »
Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits When Job Loss Is Due to Coronavirus
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by the federal government and signed into law on March 30, authorizes expanded unemployment benefits for Americans. Due to the major economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several distinctions from the traditional programs that states use to support employees who have been… Read More »
Complying with Corporate Annual Meeting Requirements during the COVID-19 Quarantine
How do you hold a corporate annual meeting when the entire country is in lockdown? On the surface, it might seem like a simple matter of using a favorite video conferencing tool and perhaps checking to see if it’s been hacked. Annual meetings for corporations are more than get-togethers. They are legally mandated proceedings that… Read More »
Key Aspects of the CARES Act Provisions Authorizing Small Business Loans
Small business owners are necessarily prepared for various types of challenges, but what do you do when the government orders you to close for an indefinite amount of time? Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has put millions in this very difficult position. Even worse, it is still unclear in many places when authorities will allow businesses… Read More »
What Steps Should Employers Take to Stop the Spread of COVID-19?
As COVID-19 has plagued the United States, business leaders in every industry have gotten a crash course in virus prevention measures. Unfortunately, for many, the information regarding best practices has been confusing or even contradictory. Whether you’re an employee, a manager or a business owner, it is critical to know about the steps that should… Read More »
How Will Coronavirus Affect Contractual Relationships and Obligations?
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted practically every aspect of American life. Whether closed by government order or by concerns about public safety, millions of businesses around the country have seen their operations come to a halt. Despite the overwhelming effect of COVID-19, it is not a certainty that an “Act of God” clause in a… Read More »
Examining the Legal Aspect of Prevailing Wage in Washington State
Most people know what minimum wage is because it’s mandated by law and affects so many people. But not everyone has heard of prevailing wage — and it’s important to understand, whether you’re an employer or employee. Prevailing wage is defined as the “hourly wage, usually benefits, and overtime paid in the largest city in… Read More »
Succession Planning: The Key to Keeping the Family Business Going
If you own and operate a family-owned business, you probably already know that mixing family and business can be tricky. Working with those whom you love can be wonderful and difficult at the same time, because family issues often interfere with business issues. One critical business issue that also affects the family is succession planning…. Read More »
A Checklist for Planning Your Business
Being an entrepreneur and owning your own business is exciting and overwhelming at the same time. For your business to have the best chance of succeeding, it is important to be strategic and deliberate in developing your business plan. A Bellingham business lawyer can help ensure that your business thrives by helping you draft such… Read More »
How to Know When Your Business Contract Is Materially Breached in Washington State
You know when your business contract is materially breached by reviewing certain factors such as if you were deprived of the whole contract and if you can be reasonably compensated. Business contracts can be complicated. If you have a contract that is not being completely fulfilled by the other party, does that constitute a breach?… Read More »