Litigation and Business Representation

Everyone has been impacted by COVID-19, and renters and landlords are feeling especially vulnerable. Various state and federal safety nets have been created to help tenants remain in their rental homes or apartments if they’re having problems coming up with rent due to job losses, health costs or other challenges due to the pandemic. But…

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken all of us into uncharted waters. After an unprecedented near nationwide shutdown, many states are going through the process of reopening. For business owners, the ability to re-open is often crucial to the very survival of the business. At the same time, a business may have valid concerns about the…

On April 3, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program was established with the intent to support small U.S. businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program funding was depleted within a few days, in part, because some of the loans were distributed to companies that were not the intended recipients. The Paycheck Protection Program received an additional $484…

In what the United Nations has described as a “shadow pandemic,” the reported cases of domestic abuse have risen by at least 20% since COVID-19 started and is likely much higher because of unreported cases. As employers welcome staff back to the workplace, they should be aware of potential domestic violence issues and the Florida…

As we all cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of anxiety, sadness, and fear are commonplace. Pandemic-related factors that may add to a workers' stress, are sundry, but may include fears regarding health or job security. A proactive response to employee mental health needs is not only prudent for continued business operations, but may also…

The Hillsborough County Courthouse has implemented changes to how it handles hearings as it opens from the COVID-19 shutdown. Your case may be rescheduled or heard remotely via Zoom or a similar video chat system. To find out whether your hearing will be continued or heard via video chat, visit the Thirteenth Judicial Court’s website.…

LS Attorney Jeff Lieser Interviewed - Read Article "People are assuming risk by going out....but it doesn't mean businesses can ignore the process of providing a safe space" As the country begins the process of opening back up after weeks of mandatory business closures and stay at home orders, legal issues relating to Covid-19 are…

You've probably heard about the fallout from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Shake Shack after they accepted funding from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which is a government program that was intended to help small businesses pay their employees during the pandemic. Since these publicly traded companies received tens of millions of dollars, the public and…

The last thing a business owner needs right now is a labor dispute with an employee. The current situation makes that a possibility. Things are starting to return to normal. Businesses are reopening. Millions of companies have received Payroll Protection Program loans and need to use the majority of those funds quickly for payroll in order…

On April 29th, Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-112, which puts “Phase 1” of his “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery” into effect on May 4th. “Phase 1” reopens certain businesses that were previously deemed nonessential in all counties except Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Some highlights of the Executive Order include: The continuation…

With the coronavirus pandemic forcing more people to stay home, businesses across the country must find ways to perform their work without face-to-face interactions. Yet the pandemic has not reduced sources of disagreement. Fast resolution of conflicts is often necessary for businesses to navigate this unusual time, and mediation can help with that. Yet the…

As we move through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, all of us have been challenged to absorb a range of new terminology and guidelines to help us better maneuver through the crisis. This has been the case in both our personal and professional lives. One of the first waves of information all of us have…

There have been numerous questions posed by employers in regard to confidentiality of medical information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has attempted to address some of the most common questions which employers feel need addressing. Here are some guidelines: What medical information may be retained in an employee’s…

Employers are rightfully concerned about having workers return to their place of business after they have been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID19. Fortunately, the CDC has provided guidance for employers who have workers classified as "critical infrastructure workers". Employers who fall into this category include, but are not limited to employers in sectors such…

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated businesses across the country and many owners have been left to wonder if they are legally bound by contracts they signed prior to the outbreak. Unfortunately, there is not simple yes or no answer, but there are circumstances where the contract can be breached without penalties. Every contract is unique…

In an effort to help families and individuals struggling with the impact of COVID-19, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ("FFCRA"), which went into effect on April 1, 2020, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2020.  The FFCRA allows for paid sick leave through the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act ("EPSLA")…

On April 1, 2020, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-91, which is a statewide stay-at-home order for Florida that took effect at midnight on April 3, 2020.  This Order requires persons in Florida to stay at home, unless providing or obtaining “essential services” or conducting “essential activities.” The Executive Order also allows only “essential”…

On March 18, 2020, President Donald Trump ordered a moratorium on the foreclosures of mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).  That moratorium arose from the President’s proclamation that the COVID-19 outbreak constitutes a national emergency.  The moratorium is expected to stay in effect for at least the next sixty days. Although…

With bank lobbies closed and large numbers of people working from home to slow the spread of COVID-19, many are without reliable notaries public or do not want to risk potential exposure to the virus through physical interactions. This has many scrambling to comply with critical deadlines or otherwise take care of business. However, fortunately,…

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” It appears that “pandemic” should be added to this famous, unofficial motto of the United States Postal Service. COVID-19 has reportedly caused “only minor operational impacts” to USPS’s ongoing delivery of mail. FedEx and…

As the nation responds to the Coronavirus outbreak, we are all hopeful for the best outcome. During these trying times, however, consider the following: Communicate: In times of trouble, one of the most important factors is a constant and open line of communication. This is also true for landlords and property management teams. While practicing…