Department of Homeland Security I-9 Audits: What Twin Cities Employers Need to Know
Twin Cities-area businesses are experiencing a significant uptick in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Notices of Inspection (NOI) requiring them to produce all relevant Form I-9s for their employees. Recent shifts in federal immigration enforcement have led to a significant change in how U.S. DHS initiates audits. While NOI were traditionally sent via certified mail, […]
Five Essential Policy Updates Employers Need to Make for Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Before January 1, 2026
Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Act — Employer Advisory Series – Article III of III This is my third and final instalment of the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Act — Employer Advisory Series – before the law goes into effect on January 1, 2026. Please see the previous two articles regarding employer […]
Overview of Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Act Part 1: Understanding Employer Obligations
This is the first article in a three-part Employer Advisory Series on understanding employer obligations under the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. In this article, we provide an overview for employers regarding the new Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave law (Paid Leave) and its impact on their staff and business. Starting January […]
Dates to Remember for Commercial Leases
If you are a commercial landlord or tenant, you have some key dates to remember regarding new or existing leases. It is important to carefully negotiate these terms before signing a lease, then enter them in your calendar or property management system (with reminders) or keep them in mind. Lease agreements vary in complexity, and […]
Navigating Insurance Claims for Damage Caused by Extreme Cold and Frozen Pipes
The extreme cold can cause extensive damage to your business or personal property. It is important to timely report any property damage to your insurance company and take necessary steps to prevent further damage. The damage may displace you form your home or interrupt your business activities. Timely and effective communication with the insurance company […]
Attention Business Owners: Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirement Suspended, Ruled Unconstitutional
Based on changes to the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), many business entities were faced with filing a report about their “beneficial owners” with the federal government by January 1, 2025 (“BOI Reports”). On December 3, 2024, a Texas federal court ruled that the new CTA reporting requirements are unconstitutional and enjoined the deadline to file […]
Court Pauses Office of Cannabis Management’s Lottery for Social Equity Applicants’ License Pre-Approvals
A Ramsey County District judge paused the social equity applicant pre-approval lottery set for tomorrow, November 25, 2024. How did we get here and what’s next? Judge Stephen L. Smith of Ramsey County District Court heard consolidated arguments for three lawsuits involving eight plaintiffs who were verified social equity applicants denied entry into the social […]
Can I Recover Attorney’s Fees as Part of My Lawsuit?
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit in Minnesota, a critical question to ask is whether you can recover attorney’s fees as part of your case. The answer largely depends on the type of claim you bring, the agreements between parties, and specific Minnesota laws. Let’s explore when attorney’s fees might be recoverable in Minnesota lawsuits. […]
The Power of Punitive Damages
In Minnesota’s legal landscape, punitive damages are a crucial yet often overlooked tool that can tip the scales in litigation. Beyond compensating victims, punitive damages are awarded to punish particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. They can also provide a powerful bargaining chip for attorneys seeking to achieve favorable settlements or […]
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts: What You Should Know
No one wants to pay more taxes than they have to. To carry out this objective, many people search for the perfect estate planning tool that will allow them to control as much of their money and property as possible while reducing the amount they or their loved ones will have to pay the government. […]