Seyfarth Shaw

Scott Pearson Co-Chairing ACI Conference on Consumer Finance Class Actions & Litigation

Mon, 29 Jul 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Seyfarth Shaw partner Scott Pearson is co-chairing and speaking at the American Conference Institute’s 16th National Conference on Consumer Finance Class Actions & Litigation. Scott is co-chair of the firm’s Consumer Financial Services Litigation Practice.

Consumer financial services companies are facing unprecedented regulatory and enforcement scrutiny and mounting litigation, and there is no sign of change coming anytime soon. That is why it is essential that in-house and outside counsel have a mastery of new class action trends, emerging theories of liability, the latest enforcement actions and regulatory initiatives, and the most effective defense and settlement strategies.

It is with this in mind that American Conference Institute has developed its 16th National Conference on Consumer Finance Class Actions & Litigation. ACI has assembled an unparalleled faculty of federal and state regulatory and enforcement officials, senior in-house counsel, renowned federal and state judges, and leading outside defense counsel who will provide attendees with expert advice, critical insights, and comprehensive updates on:

The latest enforcement actions and initiatives from the CFPB and other federal and state agencies, and their impact on the consumer finance industry
Consumer finance class action litigation, arbitration, and settlement trends: new cases, emerging theories of liability, certification and arbitration developments, offers of full relief, innovations in settlement strategies, and more
Mortgage and foreclosure litigation: defending against TILA claims and defeating foreclosure defenses and borrower stall tactics
New and emerging strategies for defending against claims and class actions relating to TCPA, FDCPA, and FCRA
Managing and defending against class actions and claims arising from student loans, auto lending, credit, debit, and prepaid cards, and bank add-on services and products
Judicial perspectives on class certification, arbitration, settlement considerations, bankruptcy litigation, e-discovery, and more
Analyzing debt collection litigation trends and using that information to prevent future lawsuits
Fair lending: managing and defending against claims of discriminatory lending and assessing the status of ‘disparate impact’ in lending litigation and enforcement, including in the areas of student loans and auto financing

Breakfast Briefing: Sustainability, Superstorm Sandy and the System: Navigating Zoning Issues in New York City

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

While zoning can be a powerful regulatory tool for government officials to enhance sustainability and the quality of life for New York City residents, the complexities of those regulations often lead to confusion and headaches for property owners. Navigating changes in zoning regulations, special permits and variances, economic development incentives, denied permits, and appearances before municipal agencies can be challenging and costly.

As the Bloomberg administration moves forward with its agenda for a "greener, greater New York," property owners, managers, and developers are left to interpret a newly established blueprint for sustainable development and complicated green zoning requirements, while also taking into consideration the impact of Superstorm Sandy on current and future zoning codes. However, while these issues present huge challenges, they also provide for development opportunities that should not be overlooked.

Please join us for an informative discussion on navigating zoning and land-use issues in NYC, including practical tips and best practices for minimizing construction delays and streamlining development projects.

Topics will include:

Special permits for building, developments, non-conforming uses and unique structures
Pitfalls of the ever changing land-use and zoning rules
Storm related infrastructure and zoning issues to consider post-Sandy
City Environmental Quality Review, green technology, sustainable development and PlaNYC 2030 - Mayor Bloomberg’s initiative to create and maintain sustainable neighborhoods.

For questions, please contact Jamie Lee at jllee@seyfarth.com.

To register for this event please click here

Breakfast Briefing: Background Checks and Hiring Procedures: The Pitfalls, Deepening Risks, and Best Practices Every Employer Needs To Know

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

As heightened scrutiny creates increased risk, employers should be aware of recent legal and agency developments impacting hiring procedures and protocols.

Federal and state authorities have become increasingly focused on examining the use of pre-employment background checks by employers when evaluating an applicant’s qualifications, and overlapping guidelines have created an unclear path for employers to navigate when attempting to make important hiring decisions. The issue has also caught the attention of many plaintiffs' attorneys across the country, resulting in an increase in class action lawsuits alleging hiring practices that fail to comply with federal and state requirements.

Please join us for a practical discussion of how employers can navigate this complicated landscape. We will discuss:

Legal Trends: increased agency scrutiny and litigation under Title VII and state laws
Implications of EEOC v. Kaplan, EEOC v. Freeman, and recent EEOC settlements
Class action litigation strategies
Best practices for avoiding liability and risk in conducting background checks

Through our partnership with Lawline.com, we are able to provide a complimentary video recording of the briefing to our clients and friends who are unable to attend. Please click the registration button to indicate that you will not be joining us but would be interested in receiving a copy of the materials and the link to the video.

For questions, please contact Jamie Lee at jllee@seyfarth.com

To register for this event please click here

Breakfast Briefing: OSHA 2013: Workplace Safety & Health Compliance and Enforcement Trends

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

With the myriad of changes in regulations, court decisions, federal and state agency enforcement trends and guidance - while taking into consideration rising financial stakes associated with workplace safety and health issues - it can seem daunting to keep track of the various legal issues impacting employers.

Seyfarth invites you to a breakfast briefing to review these changes and discuss strategies to help employers stay on track. Our OSHA team will share "real-world" examples based on their experience in accident and fatality investigations, union and employee complaints, whistleblower cases, and compliance with national and state enforcement programs and initiatives aimed at protecting employee safety and health.

Please join us as we contemplate some of the key issues and trends in OSHA compliance and enforcement, including:

Inspection and enforcement trends with tips for effective inspection management;
The rise of whistleblower enforcement and managing whistleblowers in the workplace;
Anticipating, preventing and responding to workplace violence;
How to address OSHA compliance in the multi-employer workplace (e.g., Who is responsible for training temporary/contract workers?);
Common injury/illness recordkeeping mistakes that can lead to large penalties; and
Most frequently cited hazards, how to address them proactively and build your defense to possible citations.

If you have any questions, please contact events@seyfarth.com and reference this event.

To register for this event please click here

Breakfast Briefing: Recent Developments in False Claims Act and Whistleblower Litigation

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

During the past five years there have been very dramatic increases in state and federal false claims act and whistleblower litigation, whether measured by numbers and size of claims, size of settlements or size of judgments. For example, in the last fiscal year, there were $4.9 billion of federal recoveries, of which $439 million went to whistleblowers who initiated such claims (known as qui tam plaintiffs). The federal claims spanned the pharmaceutical, health care, defense, government procurement, mortgage, financial, and educational industries.

False Claims Act actions can arise from false claims submitted under federal, state or local programs, supply contracts, service agreements or other vendor arrangements. The federal and state false claims acts have built in whistleblower claims arising from retaliatory discharge. There are also many other state and federal statutes with built in whistleblower claims. There are also other common law whistleblower and tort claims, such as defamation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and breach of contract.

In this California breakfast briefing, our experienced false claims act and whistleblower attorneys will cover recent developments in California related issues that should be of great interest to California executives, managers, in house counsel, and human resources executives, including the following:

Recent developments under the California False Claims Act
Defense issues under the California False Claims Act
Remedies under the California False Claims Act
Whistleblower claims under the California False Claims Act
Whistleblower claims under other California statutes
Defending California common law whistleblower claims
Pre-litigation in house response to allegations

If you have any questions, please contact events@seyfarth.com and reference this event.

To register for this event please click here

Breakfast Briefing: Recent Developments in False Claims Act and Whistleblower Litigation

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Recent developments under the California False Claims Act
Defense issues under the California False Claims Act
Remedies under the California False Claims Act
Whistleblower claims under the California False Claims Act
Whistleblower claims under other California statutes
Defending California common law whistleblower claims
Pre-litigation in house response to allegations

If you have any questions, please contact events@seyfarth.com and reference this event.

To register for this event please click here

Protecting Confidential Information and Client Relationships in the Financial Services Industry

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

In Seyfarth's fifth installment in its series of 2013 Trade Secret Webinars, Seyfarth attorneys will focus on trade secret and client relationship considerations in the banking and finance industry, with a particular focus on a firm's relationship with its FINRA members. Topics will include:

Practical steps financial institutions can implement to protect trade secrets and client relationships.
What should you do if your trade secrets are improperly removed or disclosed, or if your former employee is violating his/her agreements.
How do you prosecute a case against a former employee who is a FINRA member.
The impact of the Protocol for Broker Recruiting on trade secrets and client relationships.

Our panel consists of attorneys with experience advising clients on restrictive covenant and trade secret issues.

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE

Jason Priebe to Present to Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

While most lawyers have a solid grip on the 2006 changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure regarding the discovery of electronically stored information (ESI), their application in international litigation is still a difficult question to answer. Navigating cross-border discovery is a challenge with sovereign blocking statues, complex privacy laws, and unique technologies and character sets. Additionally, there are significant differences in discovery between what is encountered in Asia and Europe and is viewed differently depending on jurisdiction as well as technology.

Seyfarth eDiscovery & Information Governance Senior Counsel Jason Priebe will join and John Bace, advisory board member for UBIC North America, to provide suggestions on how to navigate international e-discovery.

BizMixer with the Washington Business Journal

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Seyfarth Shaw is pleased to host the Washington Business Journal's BizMixer with the Business Journal.

This is your chance to meet the Publisher, Editor, reporters, and the WBJ team, as well as business professionals in the area in an intimate setting.

Enjoy the beautiful outdoor terrace as you network and enjoy
hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. Find out how to pitch story ideas to the WBJ editors and reporters and register to win great door prizes.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

To RSVP please click here

For questions about the event, please contact Maritza Lizama at mlizama@bizjournals.com.

Robert Milligan and Jim McNairy Present for Bridgeport Continuing Education

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Trade secret litigation and employee mobility cases are the hottest areas of intellectual property and employment litigation. Employees are getting laid off in record numbers, more and more senior level executives and employees are leaving one company to start or join a direct competitor. This program will provide participants with advice on how to protect company trade secrets, guard against employee raids, recruit from competitors without getting sued, and deal with the important issues that arise when employees leave to compete with their former employers. This year, the program has added Cyber Security as a component.

ACC-SoCal Chapter's ACCess Program Sponsored by Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

This presentation will cover independent contractor misclassification and joint employment issues. We will discuss the many different tests for determining if a worker is properly classified as an independent contractor, best practices and practical tips for avoiding liability, and the wide-ranging implications of misclassification, including severe penalties under the newly enacted Labor Code section 226.8. We will also discuss joint employment theories, such as when a worker seeks to hold multiple entities liable as his or her employer or uses the joint employer theory to expand the scope of a class action to include workers at several related entities. The presentation will also address joint defense agreements, indemnification, trade secrets, and other litigation issues that may arise in these types of cases.

Presenters:

Torrance - To register click here

Irvine - To register click here

Elisabeth Watson - Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Erik von Zeipel - Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Westlake Village - To register click here

Los Angeles - To register click here

Eric McDonough - Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Chelsea Spuck - Senior Associate, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Labor, Employment, and ADA Title III Issues for the Health Care/Hospital Industry

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

With the myriad of changes in legislation, regulations, court decisions and government agency actions and decisions, it can seem impossible to keep abreast of the various legal issues impacting employers. Moreover, many legal seminars and training programs are so generic, that it is hard to ascertain how they apply in your specific industry.

Please join as we discuss some of the key issues impacting the health care/hospital industry, such as:
Issues with influenza vaccination policies.

2013 changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act regulations, poster, and certification forms.
Wage and Hour compliance, including the proper treatment of meal periods, on-call time, and bonuses.
Issues with policies regarding access to hospital property by union organizers and off duty employees.
Issues with policies regarding restrictions on employee use of social media and the release of confidential information.
Recent legal developments concerning the obligation of health care providers to have accessible websites and other public-facing technology, ensure effective communication with patients and their companions with disabilities, and procure accessible medical equipment.

TO REGISTER CLCK HERE

John Rogers Speaking at ABA 24th Annual Spring CLE Symposia

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

John Rogers will serve as a panelist at the 24th Annual ABA Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Section Spring Symposia in Washington, DC. The panel is entitled: Staying Out of Court: Better Mediation in Trust and Estate Disputes.

For more information or to register for the conference, click here

ITechLaw 2013 World Technology Law Conference and Annual Meeting

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Seyfarth Shaw is pleased to sponsor the ITechLaw 2013 World Technology Law Conference & Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, on May 1-3, 2013.

The conference will feature a unique program with sessions led by prominent speakers from around the world, which will focus on bringing attendees up to speed on the newest technology law developments and their application to your practice.

Attendees at the World Technology Law Conference & Annual Meeting include leading attorneys in private practice, in-house counsel, business executives, government officials and academics from more than 40 countries.

Seyfarth Partner Robert Milligan is participating on the “Big Data” panel discussion on Thursday, May 2.

For more information about networking with Seyfarth at ITechLaw, click here.

QPAM Compliance Audits: How Asset Managers Can Minimize Regulatory Risks and the Cost of Breach

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that there are roughly 4,400 financial organizations relying upon the DOL’s Qualified Professional Asset Manager (“QPAM”) class exemption when managing the assets of their own employee benefit plans. Maintaining QPAM status is important for these asset managers as this class exemption facilitates their ability to make investment decisions with respect to their plans without the need to monitor compliance with the prohibited transaction rules of Section 406(a) of ERISA. Following an amendment to the QPAM class exemption by the DOL that went into effect in 2012, to secure their QPAM status when they manage the assets of plans they sponsor, financial firms must satisfy an additional hurdle to be able to meet the QPAM exemption requirements - an annual compliance audit conducted by an independent party.

With an impending June 30, 2013 deadline to complete their QPAM audits, financial firms managing assets of their sponsored ERISA plans are confronting the intricacies of this audit process. The goal of this informative and timely webinar is to help asset managers understand what is required to maintain QPAM status with respect to transactions they direct for their own plans. Join an inter-disciplinary panel of legal, auditing and economic experts to learn about these QPAM audit requirements and how to conduct a QPAM audit. Topics that will be covered include:

The QPAM exemption, why and when an audit is required;
QPAM audit requirements;
How trading activity is tested;
What policies and procedures must be reviewed;
Logistics of data gathering and examination of this data;
Type of report that an organization is likely to receive; and
Correcting any deficiencies uncovered by the audit team.

This program also will describe the consequences of non-compliance as well as the governance and risk management benefits associated with a QPAM audit.

Speakers

Moderator
Howard Pianko
Seyfarth Shaw, LLP

Panelists
Mary Alcock
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Virginia Bartlett
Bartlett O'Neill Consulting, Inc.

Linda Haynes
Seyfarth Shaw, LLP

Susan Mangiero
Managing Director, Fiduciary Leadership, LLC

The Peculiarities of California Employment Law Annual Update

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

California continues to be "where the future happens" for employment law. It is more important than ever that employers with California employees understand their peculiar legal obligations. In this program, our experts will cover the growing list of laws that should concern executives, managers, general counsel, and human resources professionals in California, including laws related to:

Disability leave and accommodation
Arbitration
Covenants not to compete
Employment discrimination
Wage and hour laws and litigation
Retention and disclosure of personnel files
Independent contractors

Scott Pearson Speaking in California State Bar 'Hot Topics' Series

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Seyfarth partner Scott Pearson, co-chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Litigation Practice, will present at The State Bar of California 2013 Business Litigation Section "Hot Topics" MCLE Series.

Scott will co-present this webinar, which will provide a “50,000 foot overview” of the most significant provisions relating to mortgage reform under the Dodd-Frank Act, followed by focused analysis of federal regulatory enforcement and class action developments impacting mortgage lending.

Howard Pianko Presenting on QPAM Audit Requirement at PLI Briefing

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Starting in 2012 when a Department of Labor amendment of the Qualified Professional Asset Manager (“QPAM”) prohibited transaction class exemption became effective, a new requirement was imposed on financial firms when managing assets of ERISA plans they maintain for their own employees. These firms now must undergo an annual compliance audit with respect to their plan related investment activities if they want to be able to rely upon the QPAM exemption from the prohibited transaction rules of Section 406(a) of ERISA.

Given the newness of this requirement, and with a June 30, 2013, deadline for audit completion generally pending, affected financial firms are wrestling with many questions about how the QPAM compliance audit process works. In this session, counsel and compliance officers at asset management firms will learn what needs to be done to comply with this important regulation and practical, nuts and bolts considerations that may need to be addressed.

Employee Benefits Partner Howard Pianko joins an inter-disciplinary team of speakers to address:

Why and when the QPAM audit is required;
What are the applicable DOL requirements;
What a compliance audit means from the accounting perspective;
Documents and data that must be provided to the audit team;
Sampling and testing aspects of the audit;
Correcting any identified deficiencies; and
Using the results to enhance fund governance.

Avoiding Litigation Risks During Periods of Downsizing and Reductions in Force

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Employers faced with new or continuing pressures to reduce costs may feel compelled to undertake involuntary reductions in force (RIF). These pressures can emanate from new labor-efficient technologies, global economic competition, a merger or acquisition, outsourcing, shareholder demands for greater productivity, or any combination of the above.

RIFs may increase a company's exposure to employment-related litigation. To manage legal risk, and properly plan for a RIF, employers must formulate a strategy and consider the potential adverse impact a reduction in force may have.

Please join us as we discuss the following topics:

Alternatives to RIFs (e.g. furloughs, pay freezes, voluntary separations, early retirements, reduced work schedules);
Goals for planning a successful RIF;
Risks associated with implementing RIFs and how to avoid them;
Legal and contractual parameters associated with implementation of a RIF; and
Federal and State WARN considerations and compliance matters.

For questions, please contact Jamie Lee at jllee@seyfarth.com.

Eric Boyd Presents at the American Conference Institute's Green Marketing Compliance Summit

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Seyfarth Partner Eric Boyd, along with Gregory Everts a partner at Quarles & Brady and Justin Prochnow a partner at Greenberg Traurig, will present "Green Guides 101: Exploring the FTC's Finalized Guidance and What it Means for Your Marketing Practices," at the American Conference Institute's Green Marketing Compliance Summit in Chicago April 17-18.

The session provides an overview for professionals with limited or no experience working with the FTC on green marketing matters, offering a review of the Green Guides and offering points of discussion on the new provisions added to the Guides, how to conduct due diligence on your environmental claims, how to comply with endorsement and testimonial guidelines, and how to develop a checklist to avoid regulatory scrutiny.

To learn more about the event or to register click here

How the America Invents Act Increases the Importance of Trade Secrets

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

In Seyfarth’s fourth installment in its series of 2013 Trade Secret Webinars, on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, Seyfarth attorneys will address how the America Invents Act impacts the value of trade secret and patent protection, and what the implications may be for technology innovators.

The Seyfarth panel will specifically address the following topics:

Determining whether your innovations qualify for trade secret or patent protection or both.
The trade secret and patent implications of the “first to file” and “prior commercial use” changes under the America Invents Act.
Considerations on how to establish your position for the expanded "prior commercial use" defense, and the potential shortcomings.
Considerations for protecting the potential for patent application filing while taking advantage of trade secret best practices: having your cake and eating it too.

As Cybersecurity Threats Get Bigger, So Do The Private Equity Opportunities - P.E. Investing In Middle-Market Cybersecurity Companies

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

This is a brand new conference on a topic that will become increasingly critical in our lives.

Just consider --

Global spending on cybersecurity by governments and corporations is expected to hit $86 billion by 2016.
There are over 500,000 attacks on corporations globally every day, with America’s leading companies experiencing billions of dollars of intellectual property theft.
With the federal government facing tens of millions of attacks daily, the Pentagon is set to increase its cybersecurity personnel five-fold over the next few years.
The amount of digital information requiring security protocols is expected to rise over 70 times by 2020.

Our impressive roster of 20 speakers will help you --

Understand what type of companies and services will benefit from the rapid rise in government and corporate IT security spending.
Discriminate between the hype and the reality of who is a cybersecurity company.
See why middle-market companies are ideally positioned to benefit from spending on security.
Recognize why corporate America, from traditional defense contractors to social media giants, are buying middle-market cybersecurity companies.
Learn how legislation being proposed in Congress, will affect corporate America in general, and shape the future of the cyber sector.

Plus you’ll make connections with leading professionals. Our full-day conference agenda includes session breaks and an open lunch format, when you can meet fellow attendees and featured speakers to exchange ideas and business cards.

As a co-sponsor for this conference, Seyfarth Shaw is able to offer our clients and friends a discounted registration rate. Please contact Chris Carolan for additional information.

Click here to view the conference webpage.

If you need more information,click here to view the conference webpage, or call Mara Kane at 212-832-7300 ext. 0, or send an email to mkane@capitalroundtable.com.

David Bizar Moderating Session at ABA Business Law Section Spring Meeting

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Seyfarth Partner David Bizar is moderating a panel on Saturday, April 6, at the American Bar Association Business Law Section’s 2013 Spring Meeting, taking place in Washington, D.C. David’s session is entitled “Noel Canning, CFPB CIDS & Examinations – The Litigation Perspective.”

With the vast enforcement powers and penalties available to it, a visit from the CFPB in the form of a CID or examination request could require handling with an eye toward litigation. This program will examine the process in detail and provide pointers on representing the party being examined.

Jay Carle and Ron Lipinski Presenting for Seventh Circuit eDiscovery Pilot Program

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The pervasive use of social media by individuals, corporations and other organizations has increased the likelihood that information relevant to litigation may be stored on such sites. Thus counsel must consider the preservation, collection, review and production of social media data in planning for or responding to litigation.

Seyfarth eDiscovery attorneys Jay Carle and Ron Lipinski will present “Discovery of Social Media” for the Seventh Circuit Electronic Discovery Pilot Program via webinar on April 5, 2013.

Robert Milligan and Josh Salinas to Speak at ABA-IPL 28th Annual Intellectual Property Law Conference

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Internet and social media use by companies is engrained in daily business routines. Within these practices, companies continue to rely upon their trade secrets and confidential information/data to distinguish themselves in the marketplace. However, what was once the company's prized trade secret can now be compromised with the click of a mouse. Businesses and the courts continue to struggle with addressing these difficult issues and reconciling these competing interests.

Seyfarth Trade Secrets lawyers Robert Milligan and Joshua Salinas will join panelists from US Foods and CDW Corporation to discuss how courts across the country are addressing these issues and how businesses can best position themselves to protect valuable information and still reap the benefits of social media and cloud computing.

Chelsea Spuck & Joan Smiles Participating in ERTSC Seminar

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

In late December 2012, new regulations interpreting the disability and pregnancy provisions of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”) went into effect. At this seminar, Patti Perez, former Vice Chair of the prior Fair Employment and Housing Commission (“FEHC”) responsible for the regulations, Phyllis Cheng, the Director of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“DFEH”), and Chelsea Spuck, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, an attorney experienced in counseling employers, will discuss the key provisions of these regulations, what is new for employers, the DFEH’s enforcement perspective, and employer best practices. Please join us to learn what you as an employer should do to ensure compliance with these new requirements. You will also get answers to your questions.

For more information and to register, click here

Scott Carlson and Jay Carle Participating in Chicago-Kent College of Law E-Discovery Institute

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Seyfarth eDiscovery attorneys Scott A. Carlson and Jay Carle have been asked to participate at The E-Discovery Institute presented by Chicago-Kent College of Law. The primary objective of Chicago-Kent’s E-Discovery Institute is to introduce participants to the complexities and pitfalls of e-discovery issues in any case size. The program will also address current trends in e-discovery law and emerging technologies, such as predictive coding, cloud storage and social media, and the strategies litigants can employ to successfully manage ESI preservation and collection.

2012 Pharma IP & FDA Law in Review: Significant Developments For Brand and Generic Pharmaceutical Companies

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Seyfarth Shaw will be presenting a complimentary webinar on the significant pharmaceutical cases of 2012. The webinar will recap the events and the practical considerations for both brand pharma and generic pharma companies. For the benefit of non-USA companies, the webinar will be held twice live: (1) in the North American Central time zone; and (2) in the Indian/Chinese time zone. The content of the webinar will be the same for both audiences.

The webinar will highlight some appellate and district court cases that are provocative for both brand and generic companies. Topics will include:

Noteworthy patentee favorable and defendant favorable cases
Infringement - literal, equivalency, and divided infringement
Defenses - inequitable conduct
Collateral Attack - using reexamination and effect of reexamination
Safe Harbor - scope of the safe harbor exemption
A Look Forward - to some cases on the horizon

Webinar 1: to register Webinar 2: to register

Wednesday, March 20, 2013                         Wednesday, March 20, 2013
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern                        12:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Eastern
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central                       11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Central
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Pacific                       9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Pacific
10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. India

Thursday, March 21, 2013                             Thursday, March 21, 2013
1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Beijing                         10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. India
                                                                    12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m Beijing

Nicole Bogard Speaking on Health Care Reform at Knowledge Congress Webinar

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Guidance was jointly issued by the Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services on two related health care reform issues, the employer shared responsibility or “play or pay” penalties and the implementation of the 90-day waiting period limitation. In less than a year, employers employing at least 50 full-time employees will be subject to the employer shared responsibility or “play or pay” penalties. If employers do not offer health coverage or do not offer affordable health coverage or coverage that provides a minimum level of value to their full-time employees, they may be subject to a tax penalty under the proposed regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service. This guidance will help employers prepare for the significant new rules that become effective in 2014. It is essential for employers to have an understanding of the fundamental changes and requirements and to begin planning now to address these pieces of guidance.

In this LIVE Webcast, Seyfarth partner Nicole Bogard will co-present with other health care industry legal experts to provide insight on the scope of the guidance, as well as some recommendations and best practices for handling these changes that are coming in 2014.

Some of the key issues that will be addressed:

What are the employer shared responsibility or “play or pay” provisions
How to determine whether you are a large employer subject to the rules
How to determine full-time status of employees and dependents who must be offered coverage
How to determine if coverage is affordable and minimum value coverage
What are the employer liabilities and penalties
How to identify which rules apply for existing and new employees
Rules governing the 90-day waiting period limitation

Employee Privacy and Social Networking: Can Your Trade Secrets Survive?

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

In Seyfarth’s third installment of its 2013 Trade Secrets Webinar series, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, Seyfarth attorneys will address the relationship between trade secrets and social media. The Seyfarth panel will specifically address the following topics:

What are “Trade Secrets” and Best Practices to Protect Against Them “Walking out the Door. . .”?
The NLRB’s Increased Scrutiny of Employers Social Media Policies Makes the Clear Identification of your Trade Secrets More Important Than Ever
My Company is Union-Free – I Can Protect My Trade Secrets Without Worrying about the National Labor Relations Act. . .Can’t I?
Be Careful What You Wish For: Urging Your Employees to Use Social Networking as a Marketing Tool May Well Blur the Line as to Who Owns “Your” Trade Secrets
Linked Out? Don’t be a Twit! Can You Stop Your Trade Secrets from “Friending” your Competitors?
Recent Employee Privacy Legislation – are Bans on Mandatory Turnover of Social Networking Passwords Good or Bad?
The Trade Secrets Clarification Act – How it May Impact Employee Privacy.

To register please click

OFCCP’s New Compensation Plan Provides Little Direction

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

As if the specter of sequestration was not headache enough for one week, the OFCCP dropped muddled new compensation guidelines on the federal contractor community yesterday.

The OFCCP officially withdrew the Bush-era compensation guidance and swapped it for a new Directive that purports to “clearly” explain how the Agency will investigate compensation discrimination. In addition to the out with the old, in with the new policy swap, the OFCCP issued a compensation-focused fact sheet and answers to frequently asked questions. All go into effect on Thursday, February 28, 2013.

Seyfarth to Liveblog Senate HELP Committee Hearing on Minimum Wage

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Please join us on Thursday, March 14 at 10:00 AM ET as we liveblog the Senate HELP Committee’s hearing on “Keeping up with a Changing Economy: Indexing the Minimum Wage.” Seyfarth's Alexander Passantino, former Acting Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, will give real-time analysis of the hearing and take questions from liveblog participants.

The liveblogging will take place on our Wage and Hour Litigation Blog. Please register to receive a reminder on the day of the event.

ERISA & Employee Benefits Litigation: What Every In House Counsel And Human Resources Professional Needs to Know Now

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

ERISA and employee benefits litigation can be the most risky, “bet the company” challenge that employers and plan sponsors face today. Or it can present single plaintiff issues with broad, class-wide application. And the sheer complexity of employee benefits compliance rules are certain to spawn litigation.

Join Seyfarth’s Chicago office for its first quarter breakfast briefing hosted by highly experienced Seyfarth Shaw ERISA and employee benefits practitioners. They will address many topics, including:

What are the legal risks associated with wellness programs and onsite clinics?
Are stock drop, 401(k) fee and other retirement plan design claims alive and well?
What must employers and plan sponsors do now to get ready for the Affordable Care Act’s coming changes and what litigation is it likely to spawn?
What are the latest legal developments in the law governing disability and other non-health care welfare plans?

If you have any questions, please contact events@seyfarth.com and reference this event.

ADA and FMLA Compliance: The Top 10 Issues That Drive You Nuts

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Join us as we discuss the Top 10 issues under the ADA and FMLA:

Telecommuting: No good deed goes unpunished.
Mental Disabilities/Serious Health Conditions: How to accommodate the disability you can't see.
Unpaid Leaves: They do not lead to a happy trails ending.
Job Restructuring: What is it, and what is not considered an essential job function.
Reassignment To A Vacant Position: Yes, the EEOC says you really have to do this, even if someone else is more qualified for the job.
Job Scheduling Accommodations & Intermittent Leave: I can’t get up early, or work on Friday, or work when I get a migraine, no problem right?
Accommodating Policies and Testing: How far do you have to go?
FMLA Leave Abuse: So what if you denied my vacation request, I’ll just take FMLA leave now.
Notice: Sometimes the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.
New FMLA Regulations:Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, they change the rules again.

You have questions, we have direct and practical answers.

If you have any questions, please contact Aeree Lee at alee@seyfarth.comand reference this event.

Breakfast Briefing: Provide Health Coverage or Pay a Tax Penalty: What Employers Need to Know About Health Care Reform

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Over the last few months, the government has given guidance on, and answers to, a number of questions regarding how the Health Care Reform Act (HCRA) will be implemented. One component of the HCRA that significantly impacts employers, is the mandate that large employers offer health coverage to employees or pay a tax penalty. The rules for the employer mandate will affect the design and administration of employers' group health plans for 2014 and beyond. Employers need to start planning for these changes now.

Please join us as we cover these important regulations and other detailed guidance, including:

Review of statutory and regulatory scheme;
When and how HCRA tax penalties may be assessed;
Which employees must be offered health coverage;
Which types of health coverage are subject to the mandate requirements;
Whether employers need to offer coverage to dependents and spouses;
Limitations on the cost of health coverage that can be passed on to employees; and
The plan design choices and strategies available to employers, including wellness programs.

EEOC-Initiated Litigation: Case Law Developments In 2012 And Trends To Watch For In 2013

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Seyfarth Shaw LLP has published its annual EEOC litigation study entitled EEOC-Initiated Litigation: Case Law Developments In 2012 And Trends To Watch For In 2013. This year’s book covers more decisions than ever before and provides readers with a detailed Executive Summary on the unique challenges of litigating against the EEOC. On March 12, we will host an interactive webinar that will guide attendees through an analysis of rulings and trends.

Some topics to be discussed:

The new focus on ADA cases.
Subpoena enforcement actions.
A focus on workplace harassment cases.

Healthcare Reform for the Healthcare Provider

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

As final rules issue under health care reform legislation, health care providers are uniquely positioned on the front lines as implementation of the Affordable Care Act begins in earnest. During the first in a series of webinars directed at healthcare providers, on March 11th, practitioners from Seyfarth Shaw’s Healthcare Reform Team, Health Law Group and Benefits Department will discuss the impact of health care reform on healthcare institutions as employers and providers. We will give a brief overview of the ACA, outline steps for employer preparedness for 2014 implementation, and highlight issues of particular importance to healthcare provider-employers, including:

Employer mandates and penalties: special considerations when calculating status for part-time, fluctuating and variable-hour workers including per diems
Final rules on “Sunshine” provisions dealing with reporting obligations of health care companies for payments and other transfers of value to physicians and teaching hospitals
Whistleblower provisions, reporting obligations and anti-retaliation

We invite you to attend this webinar, which will include a 1 hour presentation, followed by a 15 minute Q&A session.

Please note that in subsequent webinars for similar healthcare employer-provider audiences, we will address wellness programs from the provider perspective, ACO updates, and special issues affecting LTC, hospice and home care providers.

Who Should Attend:

All health care providers are encouraged to attend, including physicians, hospital administrators, CFOs, in-house counsel, HR professionals, and health care facility leaders.

Seyfarth Shaw's 9th Annual Workplace Class Action Report: Looking Back at 2012 and Ahead to 2013

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The past twelve months marked a landmark year for complex employment-related disputes and created a number of lasting changes in employment law that will continue to alter the legal landscape and litigation strategies for employers in 2013. These changes were driven by a dramatic “halo effect” from the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes.

Wal-Mart’simpact on changing Rule 23 class certification standards dominated the legal landscape in 2012 and was cited by lower courts an astounding 541 times in 2012, generating a tidal wave of new class certification rulings and related decisions on a wide variety of class action issues.

For an interactive analysis of 2012 decisions and emerging trends, please join us for our annual webinar offered in conjunction with the publication of our 9th Annual Workplace Class Action Report. The Report's author, partner Gerald L. Maatman, Jr., along with partners Lorie Almon and Ian Morrison, chairs of our wage & hour and ERISA class action groups, will cover a changed national landscape in workplace litigation.

Other significant developments to be addressed include:

The Supreme Court’s opinions in Wal-Mart and AT&T Mobility, LLC v. Concepcion had a profound influence in shaping the course of class action litigation rulings in 2012, beginning a new wave of creative case law theories that will continue to evolve and impact employers in the defense of their cases in 2013.
Government enforcement remained “white hot” in 2012 with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) garnering a four-fold increase in recoveries against employers for its systemic discrimination investigations. Government enforcement activity is expected to accelerate even more in 2013.
Wal-Martsignificantly influenced settlement strategies for workplace class actions in 2012, as employers settled fewer employment discrimination class actions and at a fraction of the levels experienced from 2006 to 2011 (a total of $48.65 million for the top ten settlements in 2012 compared to $346.4 million in 2010 prior to the Wal-Mart ruling in 2011). Against this backdrop, the plaintiffs’ class action bar is “re-booting” its approach to class litigation and this trend may reverse itself in 2013.
The sluggishness of the U.S. economy during 2012 fueled more class action and collective class action litigation. This trend is expected to continue in 2013 as businesses retool operations in an improving economy and the Obama Administration renews an emphasis on enforcing workplace laws.

Wage & hour litigation continued to outpace all other types of workplace class actions in 2012, led by 7,672 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) lawsuits filed this past year, an increase of 893 cases from the then record levels in 2011. These figures are expected to grow again in 2013, as well wage & hour class action litigation in employee-friendly state courts like California and New York.

Trade Secrets in the Telecommunications Industry

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0400

In Seyfarth’s next installment in its series of 2013 Trade Secret Webinars, on Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, Seyfarth attorneys will address the role that trade secrets play in the telecommunications industry. The Seyfarth panel will specifically address the following topics:

What information qualifies as trade secret
The information types most likely to qualify as trade secret within the telecommunication industry
Trade secret misappropriation: what is it and how does it happen
Particular risks posed to trade secrets held by telecom companies: cyber and social media threats
Best practices for protecting trade secret information and preventing misappropriation in the telecom industry, including how to best address the sometimes competing concerns related to employee mobility and privacy
Issues related to maintaining confidentiality in court filings, third party relationships, and interactions with the government
How recent amendments to the Economic Espionage Act and other action by the federal government may help telecom companies better protect their trade secrets

Criminal Background Checks Now On The OFCCP's Radar

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0400

In a major surprise, the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”) joined ranks with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) to target the use of pre-employment criminal background checks. On January 29, 2013, just one day after Judge Gaughan of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio delivered a resounding victory to the employer in EEOC v. Kaplan Higher Education Corp, et al., No. 10-CV-2882, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11722 (N.D. Ohio Jan. 28, 2013), dismissing the EEOC’s first lawsuit challenging the use of pre-employment credit reports, the OFCCP issued Directive 306, entitled “Complying with Nondiscrimination Provisions: Criminal Record Restrictions and Discrimination Based on Race and National Origin.”

Seyfarth Shaw will be holding a webinar on Februay 15th at 12:00 p.m. central to provide a comprehensive analysis of the OFCCP's new directive and steps that employers can take to mitigate their risks of challenges

Breakfast Briefing: Protecting Your Most Valuable Assets: Trade Secrets, IP and Your Employees

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0400

We will discuss recent developments in restrictive covenant and trade secrets law and suggest “best practices” in the hiring and termination of employees to assure your company’s information is protected.

Illinois and Federal laws have evolved significantly in recent years and as a result employers now have many tools available to protect themselves. Understanding these tools, as well as the impact of legal changes in this area, is necessary if a company intends on protecting its most valuable assets (i.e. trade secrets, IP and employees).

Please join us for an informative breakfast briefing as we discuss the following topics:

A review and discussion of Reliable Fire v. Arredondo - the landmark Illinois Supreme Court case that changed the analysis of restrictive covenants in Illinois and other recent developments in restrictive covenant and trade secrets law.
What to do when your new hire is bound by a restrictive covenant agreement.
Analysis of real-world situations where former employees have attempted to loot the company's employees and confidential information and take them to a competitor.
Methods to protect confidential information and intellectual property.
How to respond when employees leave or take trade secret information

If you have any questions, please contact events@seyfarth.com and reference this event.

Client Briefing: Immigration Update

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Immigration Reform remains a hotly contested topic for all political parties. This recent election year, the presidential candidates all proposed ambitious plans for how their administrations would work to reform our “broken” immigration system. Political propaganda aside, how will President Obama's administration impact U.S. employers and their ability to navigate government policy? What does the President's election mean for you and your employees?

Please join us as we discuss the looming landscape for immigration law, and offer updates on the following:

Current backlogs in green card processing
Policies for “conversion” from EB-3 to EB-2 and EB-1
Expansion of E-Verify

We’ll also offer a brief overview on why every employer should be concerned about Canadian immigration policies – even if you don’t have a presence in Canada, including:

Business visitors: what is considered acceptable
New immigration rules: illegal representation and counseling; change in working conditions

If you have any questions, please contact Aeree Lee at alee@seyfarth.comand reference this event.

To register for this event please click here

Breakfast Briefing: Employment Law Update 2013: A Look Back and a Look Ahead

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The last year was marked by continued change and uncertainty in labor and employment law. We saw major U.S. Supreme Court decisions, continued aggressive agency enforcement efforts, and important statutory and regulatory enactments. Now that the 2012 elections are history and the “fiscal cliff” has been avoided (at least for now), employers must stay current on new developments and prepare for more far-reaching changes to come in 2013.

Please join Seyfarth Shaw as we summarize these recent changes in the law, and discuss what employers can expect in the new year.

Topics will include:

New developments in wage-hour and EEO law;
The impact of NLRB activities on the non-unionized workplace;
Notable court decisions expected in 2013; and
Much more!

To register click here

Client Briefing: Provide Health Coverage or Pay a Tax Penalty: What Employers Need to Know About Health Care Reform

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Over the last few months, the government has filled in a lot of the blanks and answered a lot of questions regarding how the Health Care Reform Act (HCRA) will be implemented. Just before the end of the year, the Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations on how the employer mandate will work. This will affect the design of employer health plans from now on.

Please join us as we cover these important regulations and other detailed guidance, including:

When and how HCRA tax penalties may be assessed;
Which employees must be offered health coverage;
Which types of health coverage are subject to the mandate requirements;
Whether employers need to offer coverage to dependents and spouses;
Limitations on the cost of health coverage that can be passed on to employees; and
The plan design choices and strategies available to employers.

We will also discuss the impact of the new rules on collective bargaining agreements as well as guidance on W-2 reporting requirements currently effective under the HCRA.

If you have any questions, please contact Aeree Lee at alee@seyfarth.comand reference this event.

To register for this event please click

Scott Pearson to Co-Chair the American Conference Institute's 15th National Conference on Consumer Finance Class Actions & Litigation

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The American Conference Institute's 15th National Conference on Consumer Finance Class Actions & Litigation will consist of an unparalleled faculty of federal and state regulatory and enforcement officials, senior in-house counsel, renowned federal and state judges, and leading outside defense counsel who will provide you with expert advice, critical insights, and comprehensive updates on:

The latest enforcement actions and initiatives from the CFPB and other federal and state agencies, and their impact on the consumer finance industry
Mortgage and foreclosure litigation: defending against TILA claims and defeating foreclosure defenses and borrower stall tactics
New and emerging strategies for defending against claims and class actions relating to TCPA, FDCPA, and FCRA
Managing and defending against class actions and claims arising from add-on services and products, credit/debit cards, and student loans
Judicial perspectives on class certification, arbitration, settlement considerations, bankruptcy litigation, e-discovery, and more
Analyzing debt collection litigation trends and using that information to prevent future lawsuits
Fair lending: managing and defending against claims of discriminatory lending and assessing the status of ‘disparate impact’ in lending litigation and enforcement
How the courts are applying Wal-Mart v. Dukes and AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion and their progeny to consumer finance litigation and how best to argue against class certificate.

To register or for more information, please click here.

Paying it Right for the EEOC: A Strategic Look at Pay Equity in 2013

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Paying it Right for the EEOC: A Strategic Look at Pay Equity in 2013
A 2-Part Webinar

Pay gaps, gender equity, starting pay inconsistencies, and compensation adjustments: 2013 is the year of compensation-based discrimination claims. In the EEOC’s recently-released Strategic Enforcement Plan for 2013-2016, the EEOC made clear that it will target compensation systems and practices that discriminate based on gender. The EEOC has vowed to use its resources to facilitate enforcement of pay equity claims and we have already seen evidence of their refocused efforts. Come join us for a look at the current state of EEOC pay equity enforcement and for practical solutions to manage your risks.

Part 1: Paying it Right for the EEOC: Current Status of EEOC’s Pay Equity Agenda

The first session will cover the current state of pay equity law and existing guidance from federal agencies with an emphasis on the Equal Pay Act. The winds are rapidly changing in the area of pay equity enforcement and what you thought you knew about pay equity may be last year’s news. During this session we will give you the latest on the EEOC’s Strategic Enforcement Plan for 2013-2016 and provide you with front-line information on the EEOC’s enforcement efforts.

Part 1 will be presented on Thursday, January 31

Part 2:Paying it Right for the EEOC: Avoiding the Most Common Pay Mistakes

In the second session, we will discuss the realities of conducting pay equity analyses and provide you with practical solutions for navigating pay equity issues in today’s environment. We will also discuss best practices for ensuring equitable compensation decisions and debate the most common pay equity mistakes that tend to raise red flags with the EEOC and other regulatory agencies.

Part 2 will be presented on Thursday, February 14

*CLE: Seyfarth has applied for CLE credit in IL, NY, and CA. If you would like us to pursue CLE credit in any additional states, please contact events@seyfarth.com. Please note that in order to receive full credit for attending this webinar, the registrant must be present for the entire session.

Robert Milligan to Speak on “The Latest Developments in Social Media in the US, Europe, and Latin America from an IP Rights Perspective” Abstract

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Los Angeles partner Robert Milligan will lead a webinar, along with a panel of counsel from Europe and Latin America, on January 30, 2013 for ITechLaw’s Intellectual Property Committee.

The panel will discuss some of the latest cases and developments in the United States, Europe, and Latin America in social media from an IP rights perspective.

Topics to be discussed include the following:

The latest cases on social media account ownership and copyright, trademark, and trade secret law, as well as acceptable social media policies;
Overview of trade secret law in the United States and selected European countries, including a discussion of the impact of a forum's legal system;
Drafting considerations for confidential/trade secret protection agreements as well as appropriate policies in these regions; and,
Comparison of similarities and differences of trade secret law in these regions and the United States.

To register please click here

David Bizar Presenting at ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel webinar

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0400

On January 30, Litigation Partner David Bizar will co-present a webinar on "Observing the Rights of Service Members in Lending and Foreclosure Matters." The session is sponsored by the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel and the Center for Professional Development.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides a number of unique protections to military personnel and their families when dealing with creditors in lending or foreclosure issues. Many lenders and their counsel may be unaware of the extent of their obligations toward service member customers under the SCRA, potentially exposing creditors to liability. The Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans Affairs Committee recently conducted hearings on several proposed SCRA amendments. The ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel (LAMP) has assembled a diverse faculty for this webinar to provide a range of perspectives on the interplay between the SCRA and the lending industry. Webinar attendees will learn:

the specifics of the SCRA as it pertains to creditors;
how the mortgage foreclosure crisis has specifically impacted military families;
examples of cases where lenders have failed to observe SCRA rights of military members;
the work being done by the Department of Justice to enforce the SCRA;
how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is working with military families and lenders to resolve credit matters;
advice for lenders’ counsel on best practices when handling issues involving service members; and
the impact of proposed amendments to the SCRA recently introduced before the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.