The WiLaw Connection: Quarterly Publication–October 2020
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Don’t Be Caught Off Guard by the Tax & Legal Consequences of Your New Quarantine Hobby
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The coronavirus pandemic has forced most of us to stay home, and as a result, we are all looking for hobbies to pick up while we are social distancing. For some, quarantine hobbies have become Netflix binge watching or mastering bread baking. For others, creative passions and hobbies such as selling handmade crafts on Etsy or unwanted junk on eBay have become sources of income. If you are dabbling in a quarantine hobby that produces income, this article describes some good business practices that are important for every business.
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Overview of Data Protection Laws in Wisconsin
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Almost every organization in the world collects personal data from individuals, in one form or another. Indeed, most websites collect consumer information automatically. For this reason, every business must become familiar with relevant data protection laws and understand how to collect, store, use, and share data in compliance with these laws. Organizations that fail to comply with data privacy laws could incur substantial fines and other damaging consequences.
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Strike While the Giving is Good—Historically High Estate and Gift Tax Exemptions May Be Reduced or Eliminated as Early as January 1, 2021
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With the economy still struggling, one bright spot remains for those who are willing to make an investment of time and money in estate planning. The combination of lowered asset values, reduced interest rates, and historically high estate and gift tax exemptions present a unique opportunity to implement estate planning techniques that will yield significant tax savings. But those looking to take advantage of this unique opportunity should act now, because a rebound in asset values and the outcome of the November 2020 election may make this unique opportunity go away.
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DOL Updates FFCRA Leave Regulations
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The Department of Labor issued updated regulations regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and leave available under that law. Most notably, the new DOL regulations update the definition of “health care providers" to include both those who meet the traditional FMLA definition of health care provider who can issue an FMLA certification, as well as individuals capable of providing health care services such as diagnostic services, preventative services, treatment services, or other services that are integrated with and necessary to the provision of patient care.
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Videoconferencing Considerations for Health Care Litigators
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These days, litigators are routinely taking depositions and participating in hearings over Zoom or other videoconferencing apps and software. Frequently, these depositions and hearings are set up using videoconferencing systems chosen, hosted, and controlled by a court, an arbitrator, or a court reporter. There has been significant discussion and administrative guidance about the use of videoconferencing by health care providers since the pandemic began. Health care litigators should also consider the implications of video depositions or hearings on HIPAA security obligations.
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Attorney Joseph Gumina Featured in Merit Shop Contractor
Recently, the Merit Shop Contractor magazine featured Attorney Joseph Gumina’s article entitled “COVID-19 & Liability.” In the article, Attorney Gumina emphasizes methods for construction employers to prevent and control worksite hazards relating to COVID-19. The article also discusses general safety and health mandates a construction employer should follow in order to help protect themselves from possible COVID-19 litigation. This article is a must read for all construction employers. Read the full article here.
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20 OCHDL Lawyers Selected as 2021 Best Lawyers®;
Another 5 Named Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
We are pleased to announce 20 of our lawyers have been included in the 2021 Edition of
The Best Lawyers in America®, and an additional five have been selected as 2021
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
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Best Lawyers in America
Jean M. Ansay
Douglas P. Dehler
James G. DeJong
Seth E. Dizard
Peter J. Faust
John G. Gehringer
Joseph E. Gumina
Carl D. Holborn
Dennis W. Hollman
Grant C. Killoran
JB Koenings
Dean P. Laing
Gregory W. Lyons
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Patrick G. McBride
Thomas A. Merkle
Joseph D. Newbold
Chad J. Richter
John R. Schreiber
Jason R. Scoby
Steven J. Slawinski
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Kelly M. Condon
Laura J. Lavey
Trevor C. Lippman
Erica N. Reib
Christa D. Wittenberg
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Firms included in the 2020 “ Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.
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Proud to be a Member of Meritas
Our firm is a proud member of Meritas, a global alliance of 7,485 experienced lawyers in 191 full-service law firms serving 258 markets. Through Meritas, clients seeking legal services can easily connect with pre-qualified legal expertise worldwide.
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