New Jersey Again Significantly Increases the Risks and Penalties Relating to Both Misclassifying Workers ​​​as Independent Contractors and Other Employment Compliance Failures

The New Laws For the second time in two years, New Jersey has enacted several laws that have substantially increased the risks and financial penalties for companies that misclassify workers as independent contractors or violate numerous state wage, benefit, and tax laws. Among other things, one of the laws enacted earlier this month: Permits the…

Read Full Post

New York State Audit Threshold Increases as of 7/1/2021

As of July 1, 2021, the threshold triggering the requirement for an audit in NYS increased from $750,000 to more than $1 million of gross annual revenue and support. Nonprofits that conduct business and/ or raise funds in NY State are required to file an annual financial report with the Charities Bureau of the NY State…

Read Full Post

OSHA Issues New, Time-Sensitive COVID-19 Guidance

OSHA Issues Mandatory COVID-19 “Emergency Temporary Standard” for Healthcare Employers and Updates Advisory Guidance Applicable to Other Employers Immediate Action Required by Employers Providing Healthcare Services On June 10, 2021, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) released: An advance copy of its new, mandatory COVID-19 “Emergency Temporary Standard” to protect healthcare employees from contracting coronavirus;​​​​​​ Updated advisory guidance to help protect unvaccinated…

Read Full Post

Legal Alert: New York Passes NY HERO Act

NY HERO Act Requires New Safety Protocols for NY Employers to Help Prevent the Spread of Airborne Diseases On May 5, Governor Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (“NY HERO Act” or the “Act”) requiring the New York Department of Labor (“NY DOL”) to create minimum safety protocols with the aim…

Read Full Post

Volunteer Spotlight: Bassam Zohny, Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith has been volunteering with Pro Bono Partnership for over 20 years, during which time nearly 70 attorneys from both their New York and New Jersey offices have provided critical legal assistance to our nonprofit clients. Last year alone, Reed Smith attorneys worked on 23 legal matters for 22 New York and New Jersey-based…

Read Full Post

Legal Alert: New York Legalizes the Adult Use of Recreational Marijuana: What Does This Mean for Employers?

On March 31, 2021, New York State legalized the use of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. There are a number of aspects to the new law, such as rules regulating the creation of marijuana dispensaries, the creation of a new taxation scheme and the decriminalization of certain marijuana offenses and others that will not…

Read Full Post

Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Peterson

Lisa Peterson began volunteering with Pro Bono Partnership shortly after she retired as Deputy Counsel of Hunter College in 2018. In a short time, Lisa has already assisted on six unique legal matters, helping several New York-based clients with critical missions like curing childhood cancer. Lisa’s assistance during the pandemic was especially valuable to our…

Read Full Post