SmithAmundsen - Law Firm in Chicago, Crystal Lake, St. Charles, Rockford, IL; Milwaukee; St. Louis; Indianapolis

Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
2020 Wisconsin
We're proud to announce the inclusion of Pat Lubenow on the 2020 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list and Joe Trevino on the 2020 Wisconsin Rising Stars list!
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SmithAmundsen Opens Columbus Office
Expands Midwest Presence
We are pleased to announce the opening of our office in Columbus, OH.
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Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
2020 Missouri & Kansas
We’re proud to announce that Heather Bub was selected to the 2020 Missouri Super Lawyers list and Justin Welply was selected to the 2020 Missouri Rising Stars list!
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Responding to Negative Online Posts about Your Business
BIPA: The Ongoing Threat of Employee Class Actions and Recent Developments
The Value of IP Licensing
Lenders’ Risks Regarding Real Estate Leases
A Data Protection Checklist for Education Vendors Navigating the “New Normal” of Remote Learning
DOL Issues Updated FFCRA Regulations
DOL Clarifies FFCRA Child Care Leave – More FFCRA Guidance Expected
CDC Issues National Moratorium on Residential Evictions: What it Means for Landlords and Tenants
How to Combat Negative Publicity During COVID-19
IRS Issues Limited Guidance on Payroll Tax Deferral Option
Steps to Take to Prepare for COVID-19 Claims NOW
What’s in a Name? When is a Farmer a Family Farmer Under the Bankruptcy Code?
A National Biometric Privacy Law? Laws Protecting “Biometric” Identifiers Continue to Cut a Blazing Trail
Emails Seemingly Sent from the Small Business Administration Regarding COVID-19 Loan Relief Could Be Phishing Emails: Exercise Caution!
Liability Waivers: A Gym Owner’s Shield Against Lawsuits
Proactive Steps to Reduce Overdraft Litigation Risk
Change in Missouri Merchandising Practices Act to Protect Home Builders
COVID-19 “Close Contacts” Just Got a Little Closer
Forgiveness Requirements Relaxed with Passage of Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act
Insurance Coverage for COVID-19 Claims Under CGL Policies
Defense of COVID-19 Bodily Injury Litigation in Illinois
Charting the Course for H-1Bs and Other Visas Through COVID-19
Another Symptom of COVID-19: Union Organizing
OSHA Revises COVID Guidance….Again
COVID Workers’ Compensation Amendment
Missouri Set to Enact Reforms Limiting Claims for Punitive Damages and Violations of the MMPA
CARES Act Provides Tax Incentives for Charitable Giving in 2020
Key Takeaways for PPP Borrowers: The Forgiveness Application is Finally Out!!
Can I go to Jail if My Business Violates a Stay-at-Home Order?
The SBA and Treasury Issue Safe Harbor for Necessity Certification and Extend Deadline to Repay PPP Loan
Wisconsin Strikes Down Stay-at-Home Order: Non-essential Businesses Prepare to Reopen
Wisconsin Strikes Down Stay-at-Home Order: Non-essential Businesses Prepare to Reopen
Benefit Plan Deadlines Extended – COBRA, Special Enrollment, Plan Disclosures and More
Copyright Concerns in the Age of Social (Media) Distancing
ADA Implications: I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask….
What if a Laid Off Worker Refuses to Return to Work under the PPP?
Must Employers Pay for Employee’s Temperature Screens in light of COVID-19? Wage and Hour Laws May Impact Employer Safety Procedures
Illinois Supreme Court Further Restricts Collection Activity in Illinois
What to do When Your Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
Cannabis Related Collections Still a Race to the Courthouse
Missouri Announces Plan to Gradually Reopen Economic and Social Activity
COVID -19 and Business Interruption Claims
Why You Need to Pay Attention to How the Feds Are Approaching the Meat and Poultry Processing Industry
CMS Recommendations on Reopening Facilities to Provide Non-Emergent Healthcare Services
CMS Issues Telehealth Toolkit
Additional $484 Billion Coronavirus Interim Relief Package Replenishes PPP
COVID-19 Updates Impacting Employers
Governor Pritzker Extends the Illinois Stay at Home Order through May 30, 2020
What Considerations Should Lenders be Aware of Before Borrowers Apply for Loan Forgiveness?
You Didn’t Get Your PPP Loan – What Now?
Consent Issues During a Pandemic: What to Do if a Patient Refuses COVID-19 Testing
Executive Order 2020-14: Temporarily Erasing the In Person Requirement for Notarization
You Just Received Your PPP Loan Money. Now What?
Wisconsin Expands Immunity for Health Care Providers and Health Care Manufacturers, Distributors & Sellers Amidst COVID-19
EEOC Updates COVID-19/ADA Guidance As We Move Toward Reopening the Economy
Top 5 Data Privacy Considerations when Managing a Workforce Working at Home
A Review of Illinois Statutory Immunities for Health Care Providers: A Discussion of the Case Law And Application of the Defense
Illinois Puts Stop to Certain Collection Activity
6 Estate Planning Steps to Take in Your Free Time
COVID-19 Updates Impacting Workers Compensation and OSHA
Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19: Proving Work Comp Claims are Becoming Easier (with Illinois leading the way…)
Illinois Department of Labor Launches Prevailing Wage Electronic Database – April 1, 2020
CDC Issues New Relaxed Guidelines for Safety Practices for Essential Workers Potentially Exposed to COVID-19
What is a Landlord to do When Their Tenants Can’t Pay Rent?
Hoarding and Price Gouging: Antitrust Concerns amid COVID-19
OCR Finds State Hospital Has Discriminatory Ventilator Triage Guidelines – Early Resolution Reached
Liability Immunity under the PREP Act for Medical Device Manufacturers for Qualified Medical Countermeasures against COVID-19
Contractors Considered Essential Workers during Shelter-in-Place Orders
Biometric Data in the Days of Virtual Interaction and E-Learning
Riding Out COVID-19: Three Proactive Things Businesses Can Do This Week
HHS Office of Civil Rights Announces Guidance to Assist Providers in Navigating HIPAA During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Executive Order Creates Immunity for Illinois EMS Providers and EMTs during the COVID-19 Disaster absent Willful Misconduct or Gross Negligence
UPDATE – Does a “Shelter-in-Place” or “Stay-at-Home” Order Trigger Paid Sick Leave under the FFCRA?
Indiana State Department of Health Issues Guidance on Liability for Healthcare Providers and Facilities Responding to an Emergency
Battlefield Triage During a Public Health Emergency or Infectious Disease Outbreak
FMCSA Expands Scope of COVID-19 Related Emergency Regulation Exemptions
Essential Yet Ineligible: Cannabis-Related Businesses Face Conundrum Under COVID-19
Missouri Issues State-wide “Stay At Home” Order
US DOL Releases Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Temporary Regulations and Updates FAQ’s
Hospital Guidance for Meeting EMTALA Requirements in Light of COVID-19
Employee Retention Credit NOW Available for Many Businesses Financially Impacted by COVID-19
WARN Act and its Implications for COVID-19 Layoffs and Furloughs
Paycheck Protection Program – Financial Assistance Through “Forgivable” SBA Loans
Regular Rate of Pay under the FFCRA – It’s Not Necessarily the Base Wage
So You Want Some of the Fed Money? The Potential Price for Mid-Sized Businesses: A Labor Union
Can Employers Use Existing Paid Leave Benefits to Offset Emergency Paid Sick Leave under the FFCRA?
Missouri State Tax Relief – Filing Deadline Now July 15, 2020
The CARES Act Impact on Your Personal Finances and Retirement Accounts
The CARES Act Impact on Corporate and Business Taxes
Federal non-SBA Loans and Loan Guarantees under the CARES Act
Loan Forgiveness Under The CARES Act: The What & How
US DOL Releases FAQs re: the Families First COVID-19 Act (FFCRA) – April 1st Effective Date
Protecting Your Business: Board Fiduciary Duties Amid COVID-19
Feds Issue Guidance to Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected By COVID-19
Gift Tax Returns and COVID-19
DHS Relaxes I-9 Requirements for New-Hires Impacted by COVID-19 and USCIS Extends Timeframe for E-verify TNCs
Tax Breaks for Qualified Disaster Relief Payments to Employees
What to Do When Your Employees Are Scared to Come to Work?
Congressional Changes Meant to Encourage Small Business Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings Prove Timely Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Wisconsin Issues Safer At Home Order in Response to COVID-19
Small Business Administration Providing Emergency Funding Due to COVID-19
COVID-19’s Impact on Construction in Illinois
Missouri Mandates Social Distancing and St. Louis County and City Order “Stay At Home”
Legislative Tax Relief for Employers and Their Employees Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic
Tax Filing Update
My Employee is Subject to a “Shelter-in-Place” Order – What Do I Do Now?
“Stay at Home” Order in Illinois
IRS Relief for Taxpayers Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic
How Will An Employer’s Existing Paid Leave Policies Apply to The Families First Coronavirus Response Act Paid Leave Mandates
Top Recommendations for Lenders During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Feds Pass Revised Paid Leave & Other Employer Mandates in Response to Covid-19
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What It Means For Employers
Coronavirus on Commercial Contracts: Will Force Majeure Clauses Offer Protection?
Relax! Navigating High Volatility Commercial Real Estate Exposure Just Got Easier
The Validity of Handwritten Wills
Tax and Retirement Planning: The SECURE Act in 2020
Be Careful What You Wish For: A Harsh Lesson in Contractual Notices
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Guardian for Minors
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Rule Deadline – Employers of DOT regulated employees have you registered yet?
Protecting Lenders and Noting Liens: Lessons Learned from a Recent Bankruptcy Case
FinCEN Clarifies Position on Hemp SARs
Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute Creates a Trap for Lender
Top Considerations When Choosing Your Trustee
Top 3 Initial Legal Issues New Boutique Fitness Studio Owners Face
MORE Movement on Federal Legalization of Cannabis?
Circle Up - When and How Trademark Symbols Should Be Used
The California Consumer Privacy Act: A Landmark Law Heralding the Future of Consumer Privacy?
A Buyer’s Legal Guide to Public Art
New Illinois Law Impacts Retainage for Contractors
Preserving a Seller’s Attorney-Client Privilege Post-Closing
Supreme Court Marks Sea Change in Rules to Amend Restrictions in Subdivisions
Credit Unions Encouraged to Bank Hemp Business
Cannabis News Quick Hitters, August 2019 – IL Expands and Makes Permanent Medical Use; ABA Supports Cannabis Law Reform
U.S. Supreme Court Decision Leaves Uncertainty for Navigating TCPA Landmines
Indiana Medical Malpractice Act Damage Caps Set to Go Up July 1
Pet Guardians: 5 Steps to Help Care for Man’s Best Friend During the Unexpected
Illinois Approves the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act: What that Means & What Happens Next
The Intersection between Mental Illness and Opioid-Related Substance Use Disorder
What Happens if You Die Without a Will?
Is Illinois About to Legalize It? Cannabis Bill Could be Introduced by Week’s End
Insurance Companies Take Note: Another Compliance Concern For Your Cybersecurity “To Do” List
Monitor Your Business Liens
Advance Directives: Planning Your Medical Care and Treatment
Are Employment Rules Getting Hazier With Legal Marijuana?
Be Wary of Speculative CDS Bets and Manufactured Defaults
Safeguarding Patient Privacy—HIPAA and the Police Body Camera
Estate Planning Lessons We Can Learn from Luke Perry
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Employee Background Checks at Skilled Nursing Facilities
What to do When a Loved One Dies: A Checklist for Survivors
A “Peachy” Photo May be Worth a Thousand Words – Illinois Adopts a New Standard for Post-Accident Vehicular Photographs
Chapter 12 Bankruptcy: A Forgotten Tool for Family Farmers?
The Importance of Documenting the Failure to Document
Illinois Cannabis Update – Adult-Use Recreational Cannabis Bill Filed on 1/25/19
Congress Considers Making Banking Marijuana Related Businesses Legal
Brokers, Rejoice! There is Finally a Limitation on Sperl
New Requirements for Hospitals and Care Facilities Treating Sexual Assault in Illinois
Know Your Borrower… And Your Borrower’s Business
When a Driver’s Private Health Information May Not Be So Private
Sowing the Seeds of Change? Three New Federal Cannabis Bills Already Filed in 2019
Supreme Court Rules For Workers On FAA “Transportation” Exemption
Reassigned Number Database Will Protect Against TCPA Liability For “Wrong Number” Calls
5 Estate Planning Tasks to do in the New Year
Request for Public Input on HIPAA Shines Light on New Health Information Trend, but HIPAA Enforcement and Fines Still Loom
New Illinois Law Requiring Vehicle Expense Reimbursement Impacts All Transportation Employers
Farm Bill Removes THC found in Hemp from the Controlled Substances Act - Could Medical Marijuana Be Next?
Ever-Changing Effects of Sperl
The New Final Rule Regarding Crane Operator Qualification
3 Mistakes to Avoid in a Revocable Living Trust
The Pitfalls of Not Giving a Lien Notice to Buyers of Farm Products
Seven Estate Planning Considerations for Blended Families
Dispositive Motions: Timing is Everything, Even in Death
OSHA Issues Final Rule on Crane Operator Certification Employer Evaluation
Pritzker’s Win is a Big Win for Legal Cannabis in Illinois
Missouri Says "Yes" to Medical Marijuana - What To Know Now
OSHA Issues Memo on Incentive Programs and Drug Testing
Bankers Beware: Businesses Selling CBD Are Most Likely Marijuana-Related Businesses
Guardianship for Special Needs Children
Requesting an Exclusion from U.S. Tariffs on Chinese Products - Deadline October 9
First FDA Approved Cannabis-Based Medication Clears DEA Hurdle
Failed Drug Test: Diet Coke & A Poppy Seed Muffin
‘Til Death do Us Part: Marriage and Estate Planning
Weeding Out the Competition: How to Protect Brands in the Booming Marijuana Industry
Illinois Expands Medical Marijuana Program in Response to Opioid Crisis
Hip with Hemp: Illinois Governor Signs Bill Lifting Restrictions on Industrial Hemp Production
Navigating Special Needs Trusts for Children with Disabilities
How Often Should I Review My Estate Plan?
The Supreme Court Ruled that States May Collect Sales Taxes from Out-of-State Retailers: Now What?
Ransomware Attack of Fleet Vehicles? Yes, It Could Happen to You
Trucking Industry Take Note: The Debate Over Side Underride Guards Pushes On
New Bill May Impact Your Retainage
Are Your Kids Heading off to College? Consider Setting Up A Power of Attorney
Having a Baby Changes Everything: Guardianship Considerations for Parents Creating Wills
Small Step or Giant Leap? FDA Approves Cannabis-Derived Drug for the First Time
Beware of the New General Data Protection Regulation: Is Your Business Collecting Personal Data from EU Citizens?
Mortgage vs. Mechanic's Lien Priority Issues in Indiana
Personal Conveyance Update – Trying to Define What a Driver Can and Cannot Do
Brokers Beware: Findings of Vicarious Liability May Nullify Ability to Seek Contribution
Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
Why Should Nursing Homes Care About Senior-to-Senior Bullying?
Confessions of Judgment - Indiana Style
In a Dramatic Turn, an Arbitrator Finds that the Substitutes Act Does Not Prohibit Municipality from Shutting Down Ambulance Services
Navigating Withdrawal Procedures in Multiple Jurisdictions
U.S. Companies with Global-Reach Take Note: GDPR is on the Fast-Approaching Horizon
Liability Falls Out of Favor for Aircraft Owners
The Final Nail in the Coffin for Private Lawsuits Under the ACAA?
A Crack in the Courthouse Doors for Marijuana Related Businesses and the Availability of Bankruptcy Protection
Supreme Court to Decide Important Bankruptcy Case
Error 404: Software Patent Clarity Not (Yet) Found
The Importance of Dotting i's and Crossing t's in the Post-Accident Investigation
Aircraft Lease Financing: Who's the Owner?
Hang Up and Try Again: D.C. Court of Appeals Rejects the FCC’s TCPA Rules
The Survival of Abood v. Board of Education, Part 4
IL Senate Task Force on Sexual Harassment Delves into Both Public and Private Sector Issues
Sometimes, There's No Place Like Home
Who Let the Dogs Out? Ensuring Your Therapy Dog Handlers Keep HIPAA Protected Information on a Tight Leash
Being Bad Is Not a Crime
If At First You Don't Succeed, Try and Try Again: A Broker is Finally Successful at a Federal Preemption Argument
The Impact of Local Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinances on the Transportation Industry
Step on a Crack; Break your Mother's Back
New Year, New Resolution: Build a Stronger Compliance Program
Fraudulent Transfer Act: Be Wary of the Uncollectable Judgment Debtor
What to Do about Brexit?
Sign on the Dotted Line: New Cook County HIPAA Order Requires Patient Signature
Patents - The Multifunction IP Pocket Tools for your Business
Donuts, Dust, And Dastardly Deeds
Equitable Subrogation in Real Estate
Know Your Borrower
Which Of These Brains Is Not Like The Others? Of Monkeys, Humans and Artificial Intelligence
What Did You Miss At Oshkosh 2017?
The Course - Where Golf and Business Meet
Forum Fiesta
Bristol-Meyer Squibb: The Death of “Forum Shopping” or “Same Old-Same Old”
OSHA Charges Ahead With Electronic Report Rule
A Tale of Caution: What Happens When a Bank Fails to Respond to Collection Efforts?
Discharge in Bankruptcy Without Reaffirmation is Not a Shield and a Sword
OSHA Postpones New Construction Silica Standard
DC Circuit Invalidates FCC Fax Rule Effectively Closing the Door to TCPA Class Actions Based on Alleged Violations
The Evolving Electronic Medical Records Industry and its Effect on Patient Safety -- Time for an EMR Refresher for Your Employees?
Protests Planned for March 8 Not Reason to Deviate from Normal Attendance Policies
In Commercial Litigation, Home-Field Advantage Can Help You Win
The Purpose Behind Patent Law and What It Means For You
Strike4Democracy’s National Day of Action and the Impact on the Workplace
Who Owns God’s Property?: Shifting Politics Cost Some Congregations Their Church
SmithAmundsen Attorney Registers First Pilot's Bill of Rights Victory: Airman Back in the Air Within 60 Days
Circumventing Carmack Amendment Preemption Via Violations to Federal Laws
Surprise! Your "Independent Contractors" May Be Employees
The Seventh Circuit Smacks Down "No Harm" Class Action
An Annual Audit of Your Brands Will Be a "Plus" for your Business
Expansion of Police Body Cameras and Anticipated Legal Ramifications
A Flaw in Apology Laws?
"Mark Your Place" With Bona Fide Intent to Use Trademark Application
Will Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Law Provisions Rise Again?
Injunction Against OSHA Denied: OSHA To Begin Enforcing Its Post-Accident Drug Testing And Safety Incentive Rules Tomorrow (December 1, 2016)
Thoughts on Drones: The View from the Bench
Facing the FAA in Court (or, Whoever Has the Gold Makes the Rules)
Deadman's Statute Repealed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court
Update: FLSA Overtime Rule Suspended
Urgent Alert: Court Enjoins DOL Overtime Rule!
Persuader Rule Is Unlawful Federal Judge Concludes
Is Your Driver an Employee or an Independent Contractor?
Urgent Update Re DOL's Persuader Rule
Urgent Alert: U.S. DOL Publishes Final Overtime Rule

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