Menu
News, Insights & Events
Many of the attorneys in the Law Firm Alliance author articles and thought leadership pieces on important topics and trends covering a wide variety of practices.
While these articles are correct on matters of law when they are produced, verdicts, rulings, legislation and other actions may affect the applicability of some of the information. Please consult your legal advisor before making decisions on the information you read here.
Articles
Power Hungry Cannabis Industry Faces Mix of Energy Related Taxes, Fees, and Regulations
March 6, 2018
Elizabeth Bogle & Jordan A. Fisch,
Cole Schotz PC, Corporate Law
Growing cannabis, especially indoors, is energy-intensive. It can take upwards of 5,000 kWh to grow just one kilogram of cannabis (2,000 kWh to grow one pound) as compared to 10,000 kWh of energy to power a residence in the United States for one year. Recent reports show that the cannabis industry is having a significant impact on the use of electricity in states that have legalized it for medical and/or adult use. In 2015, various reports concluded that cannabis growers accounted for approximately 1.7% of the United States’ total electricity usage, a cost of upwards of $6 billion. The vast majority of states that have legalized cannabis cultivation, for medical and/or adult use, have not addressed the issues surrounding energy consumption prior to enacting legislation. As a result, municipal governments, state agencies and public utilities have had to take a reactive approach to the astronomical utilization of energy.
View Article Details
Obstruction of Justice
February 15, 2018
It's not the Crime, it's the Cover-up
Wes Camden and Caitlin Poe,
Compliance and White Collar Defense Alert, Ward and Smith
The familiar saying that "it's not the crime, it's the cover-up" is well-worn for a reason. Obstructive behavior or false statements can land defendants in hot water regardless of the substance of the government's underlying allegations. Consider the following: •Martha Stewart was never convicted of insider trading—she went to federal prison for lying to investigators. •The House of Representatives initiated impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton on two charges—perjury and obstruction of justice. •Richard Nixon resigned before the House could vote on whether to initiate charges, but the Judiciary Committee had approved three articles of impeachment against him—for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. A subject or target of an investigation must navigate treacherous terrain in simultaneously preparing a defense and avoiding any actions that might be perceived as obstructive.
View Article Details
Can You Benefit from a Section 1031 Exchange of Property?
January 30, 2018
Jacob R. Parrott, III,
Ward and Smith Real Estate Alert
When you are selling vacant land or non-owner occupied property held for commercial or investment purposes, you need to consider structuring the sale as an Internal Revenue Code ("Code") Section 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange, which can result in significant financial benefits for you. Funds you otherwise would have paid to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") can instead be used to purchase replacement property.
View Article Details
Let’s BOND over the Tax Act1 Part II - The Higher Education Edition
January 2018
Tax Law and Higher Education
Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
View Article Details
Tax Reform: Compensation & Benefits
January 24, 2018
Evelyn A. Haralampu
The new federal tax reform, signed into law by President Trump on December 22, 2017, will change tax liabilities and strategies for many organizations and individuals beginning this year. The following is a summary of key provisions affecting compensation, benefits and endowments under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-97) as they affect employers, individuals and tax-exempt entities.
View Article Details
USDOL Reissues 17 Opinion Letters That Were Withdrawn in 2009
January 2018
Labor and Employment Law
Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
View Article Details
Public Employees Will Soon Be Entitled to Paid Leave for All Types of Cancer Screenings
January 2018
Labor and Employment Law
Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
View Article Details
Is Your Institution in Control of “GDPR” Compliance?
January 2018
Higher Education and Cybersecurity
Lisa A. Christensen
View Article Details
The Times They Are A–Changin’: Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Amount Doubles
January 2018
Change in Estate & Gift Tax Laws
Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
View Article Details
A New Announcement Ends The Uncertainty About When The New Disability Claims Procedure Requirements Will Become Effective, And Requires Compliance By April 1, 2018
January 2018
Employee Benefits Law
Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
View Article Details
More Energy Service Contracts Should Now Qualify as Maritime
January 11, 2018
Maritime Law
Jim Bercaw of King, Krebs & Jurgens
View Article Details
The 2017 Tax Act Doesn't "Simplify" Planning for Estates and Gifts
January 10, 2018
Things to Consider or Reconsider As You Look at Your Estate
Clifford Cohen, Burns & Levinson,
Burns & Levinson Client Update
View Article Details