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Law & Mortar

Law & Mortar

By: Trent Cotney & John Kenney
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About this listen

Trent Cotney and John Kenney are dedicated to helping the construction industry with legal, business, and safety challenges. Questions? Please contact trent.cotney@arlaw.com or jkenney@cotneyconsulting.com.© 2025 Law & Mortar Economics Management Management & Leadership Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Law & Mortar Episode 103
    Aug 1 2025

    Welcome to Episode 103 of Law and Mortar featuring Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This episode covers urgent updates on tax reform, contractor insurance, and the increased risk of immigration audits and ICE raids.

    🔎 Topics Covered:
    ✅ The “Big Beautiful Bill” and what it means for contractor taxes
    ✅ What’s changing with pass-through deductions, car loan interest, and overtime tax breaks
    ✅ The risks tied to the rollback of solar incentives for the roofing industry
    ✅ Why contractors must tighten their insurance and risk management strategies
    ✅ ICE raids and I-9 audits: how to prepare now

    From navigating tax shifts to protecting your team and business, this episode is packed with critical updates and action items for roofing and construction professionals.

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    14 mins
  • Law & Mortar Episode 102
    Jul 12 2025

    Welcome to Episode 102 of Law and Mortar with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This episode focuses on one of today's most urgent threats facing the roofing and construction workforce: immigration enforcement and its immediate and long-term impact on labor availability.

    🔎 Topics Covered:
    ✅ Why up to 40% of the roofing workforce is undocumented—and what that means
    ✅ ICE audits and raids: what contractors need to know and how to prepare
    ✅ Why e-verify isn’t enough and what compliance really looks like
    ✅ Legal, ethical, and strategic steps contractors can take now to protect their workforce
    ✅ What the industry needs in terms of real, workable immigration reform

    This episode is a must-listen for construction professionals navigating a shifting legal and labor landscape.

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    13 mins
  • Law & Mortar Episode 101
    Jun 14 2025

    Welcome to Episode 101 of Law and Mortar with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This week’s episode delivers a candid discussion on the critical role immigration plays in the construction workforce, especially in roofing, and what contractors need to know to navigate evolving enforcement and compliance challenges.

    🔎 Topics Covered:
    ✅ The reality: 38–40% of the roofing labor force is undocumented
    ✅ Implications of immigration raids, OSHA enforcement, and e-verify limitations
    ✅ Why the H-2B visa program isn’t enough to meet labor demand
    ✅ Employer responsibilities and how to prepare for ICE inspections
    ✅ Strategic guidance: focus on cash flow, short-term work, and risk awareness

    If you’re a contractor, this episode is essential listening for protecting your workforce and business.

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    21 mins
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