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

Making a Difference: Charitable Trust Planning

June 8, 2022
Jennifer V. Boyer, Trusts and Estates Attorney, Ward and Smith, P.A.

But finding the balance between generosity and security is sometimes tricky – especially in volatile financial times. Charitable trusts, in particular, can help us answer the call and can be wonderful tools for impactful and tax-smart giving.

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What is Boilerplate Anyway?

June 1, 2022
Christopher M. Mackenzie, Sands Anderson PC

It was important, and still is. If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times – the general terms at the end of an agreement being referred to as “boilerplate” provisions, a phrase that misleadingly suggests that these provisions are of lesser importance. As it turns out, both the original boilerplates and the modern-day contract provisions that carry the same name need to be carefully crafted to protect the people using them.

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It's About Time: Federal Court Addresses Delta-8

May 26, 2022
Allen N. Trask, III and Amy H. Wooten, Ward and Smith, P.A.

Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC"), an intoxicating form of THC often derived from hemp-derived cannabidiol (aka "CBD"), has been at the center of numerous hot button issues since its arrival in the broader hemp product market last year.

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The Case for Brevity in Trust Documents

May 23, 2022
M. Benjamin Tiefenback, Sands Anderson PC

While there is virtue in planning for all contingencies, part of the work of an estate planner is pruning away what is unnecessary and presenting a plan the client can genuinely understand.

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Alternatives to Registering a Security Offering

May 20, 2022
B.T. Atkinson and Kristin D. Mitcham, Ward and Smith, P.A.
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Appellate Division Holds Attorney General’s COVID-19 Retaliation Claims are Preempted by Federal Law

May 17, 2022
Hannah K. Redmond - Bond, Schoeneck & King
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Get Ready for Paid Leave Oregon

May 17, 2022
Jordan Jeter - Tonkon Torp LLP
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NYC Salary Transparency Amendment

May 16, 2022
Lisa R. Feldman and Sarah A. Luke - Bond, Schoeneck & King
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Courts Clarify Elements Of Special Duty Doctrine and Malicious Prosecution

May 10, 2022
Kevin G. Cope and Charles D. Grieco - Bond, Schoeneck & King
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Planning in Panic Mode

May 9, 2022
M. Benjamin Tiefenback, Sands Anderson PC

Estate planning can be stressful under the best of circumstances, and planning under the time constraints and looming fear of a bad prognosis is even worse.

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Not So Fast: Limits of "Settlement Negotiation" Protections

May 6, 2022
Isabelle M. Chammas and Joseph A. Schouten, Ward and Smith, P.A.

To promote honest and open discussions in resolving disputes, courts have adopted rules to specifically safeguard the information disclosed and exchanged during the course of those discussions. You may recognize the label "CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT COMMUNICATION," or something similar if you have been involved in resolving disputes or negotiating deals for businesses.

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https://www.wardandsmith.com/articles/even-indirect-income-from-cannabis-can-get-you-banned-from-bankruptcy

May 4, 2022
Lance P. Martin and Tyler J. Russell, Ward and Smith, P.A.

Despite widespread trends in state-level legalization and decriminalization of high-THC cannabis and growing acceptance of cannabis among Americans, cannabis and cannabis products remain illegal under federal law.

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