Join attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman as they discuss preparing for economic uncertainty during government shutdowns. Learn critical insights for employers on managing workforce issues, ensuring cash flow for wages, and making strategic decisions during times of market and governmental volatility. This episode focuses on practical advice for business owners to navigate employment challenges, furloughs, and maintaining a non-discriminatory approach in workforce changes.

00:00 Introduction to Government Shutdown and Economic Uncertainty

00:24 Impact of Volatility on Businesses

00:53 Employer Strategies During Economic Uncertainty

02:25 Legal Considerations for Furloughs and Workforce Reductions

03:11 Long-term Planning and Flexibility

04:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger as they discuss Maryland's new online data privacy laws with expert guest Stephenie Yeung. Discover the key aspects of the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act, its implications for business owners, and essential steps to compliance. Learn about data minimization, sensitive data regulations, and the importance of updating internal policies and third-party agreements.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:48 Overview of Maryland Online Data Privacy Act

01:45 Compliance Requirements for Business Owners

02:48 Data Collection and Processing Standards

05:52 Sensitive Data and Employer Responsibilities

07:03 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

In this week's episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger, attorneys at Offit Kurman, discuss the intricacies of cease and desist letters. They delve into when and why these letters are used, the practical realities of deploying them, and the importance of a case-specific analysis. The conversation highlights the strategic considerations necessary before sending a cease and desist letter, such as whether it will stop the unwanted behavior or potentially escalate the situation. They also discuss the timing and potential consequences of such actions, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful approach to achieve desired outcomes.

00:00 Introduction to Cease and Desist Letters

00:45 Key Considerations Before Sending a Cease and Desist

01:39 Case-Specific Analysis and Timing

02:06 Potential Reactions and Strategic Decisions

03:03 Alternatives to Cease and Desist Letters

03:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger, attorneys at Offit Kurman, in this week's episode of OK at Work, as they discuss the challenges employers face when employees engage in misconduct that harms the business. Learn about the legal options available for dealing with issues ranging from negligence and embezzlement to reputational harm. Sarah and Russell provide insights on insurance coverage, employment actions, and proactive measures employers can take to mitigate ongoing damage caused by rogue employees.

00:00 Introduction: Addressing Employee Misconduct

00:48 Types of Employee Misconduct

01:06 Insurance and Employee Negligence

02:17 Employment Actions and Reputational Harm

03:26 Legal Remedies and Preventative Measures

04:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this week's episode of OK at Work, hosts Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the details and crucial considerations when forming business partnerships or joint ventures. They explore the importance of alignment in vision and goals, the necessity of structured agreements, and the potential challenges that may arise over time. Tune in to understand how to evaluate the value of a business relationship, the importance of planning for future changes, and key self-assessment questions to consider before taking on a partner.

00:00 Introduction to Business Relationships

01:16 Key Questions Before Partnering

01:37 Long-term Planning and Alignment

02:25 Rules of Engagement in Partnerships

02:47 Adapting to Change and Future Disputes

03:54 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Partnerships

04:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this week’s OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss the concept of joint employment and its implications for businesses. Learn when joint employment applies, the risks involved, and practical steps employers can take to avoid unexpected liabilities.

0:07 – Introduction and Overview of Joint Employment
1:07 – Main Risks and Wage Obligations in Joint Employment
2:01 – Real-World Examples and Common Scenarios
2:33 – Avoiding Surprises and Planning Ahead
4:11 – Final Reminders and Closing Thoughts

Join attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman in this week's episode of OK at Work as they discuss the critical role of trusted professionals for business owners. They emphasize the significance of forming a comprehensive team of advisors—legal, accounting, tax, banking, and insurance—to provide well-rounded, strategic advice. Russell highlights the need for alignment and thorough understanding of a business’s goals by advisors, while Sarah underscores the importance of open communication to ensure advisors can offer the best guidance. Learn how to build effective professional relationships to benefit your business.

00:00 Introduction to Trusted Professionals

00:59 Building Your Team of Advisors

01:15 The Importance of Alignment and Communication

01:59 The Value of Proactive Advice

02:13 Providing Complete Information to Advisors

03:17 Scenarios and Challenges in Business Advice

03:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman as they discuss indemnification clauses in contracts. They explain what indemnification means, its implications, and the importance of carefully reviewing and customizing these clauses in various contexts such as employment, mergers, and acquisitions. Learn why these often-overlooked boilerplate sections in a contract could be key to understanding potential liabilities and protecting yourself in business dealings.

00:00 Introduction to Indemnification
00:28 Understanding Indemnification Clauses
01:05 Contexts and Limitations of Indemnification
01:48 Importance of Indemnification in Contracts
02:14 Risk Transfer in Employment and Construction
02:44 Key Takeaways on Indemnification
02:58 Conclusion