Massachusetts is poised to sign into effect a new COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave law. Greg Vanden-Eykel joins us to discuss the details of the proposed legislation and its impact on employers and employees in the state. Barton…
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Premarital or prenuptial agreements in Rhode Island and Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
A premarital or prenuptial agreement is a written and binding agreement or contract between prospective spouses made in contemplation of marriage. To learn more about the basics of premarital or prenuptial agreements, please read my prior article, “Premarital, Prenuptial or…
Premarital, Prenuptial or Antenuptial Agreement: The Basics
What is a prenuptial or premarital agreement? A premarital, prenuptial, or antenuptial agreement is a written agreement or contract made between prospective spouses in contemplation of marriage. Generally, the agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of the parties in…
Education Reform Blog: How American Public Schools Handled the 1918 Pandemic versus COVID-19
The Education Reform Primer: A blog exploring the history of public school education in America By now, you’ve likely heard the comparisons made between COVID-19 and the influenza pandemic of 1918. There are similarities, as well as stark differences, for…
Employer Alert: U.S. Department of Labor Finalizes Independent Contractor Regulations
On January 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provided its final rule for determining whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor. The final rule is similar to the proposed rule the DOL published in September 2020….
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #29 – Ins and Outs of Charter School Financial Audit Requirements
Public Charter Schools have unique governance concerns and financial audit obligations. In this episode, we are joined by Matt Plain of Barton Gilman and Matthew McGinnis of AAFCPAs to dig deeper into this topic and provide considerations for Public…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #28 – IP Considerations for Charter Schools
As schools utilize, implement and enhance their distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic it has raised some concerns about the legalities of some tools being used in these new virtual classrooms. In this episode, Alex Chiulli joins us to…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode 27 – COVID-19: Legality of Home Schooling and Learning Pods
With the advent of distance/remote learning brought on by COVID-19, many families have been seeking alternatives to educate their children. In many cases this includes homeschooling and learning pods. In this episode, Matt Plain is joined by Pat Hennessy, a…
Employer Alert: U.S. Department of Labor Received Over 1,800 Comments on Proposed Independent Contractor Rule
On September 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a rule to clarify the definition of employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as compared to independent contractors. More details regarding the proposed rule can be found…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #26 – Charter School Reopenings on the East Coast & West Coast
Amid COVID-19, kids across the country are going back to school. Today, Matt Plain shares how charter schools here on the East Coast are facing this challenge. We are also joined by Mackenzie “Mac” Woods from Osborn Maledon in…
U.S. Department of Labor Proposes Rule Clarifying Employee v. Independent Contractor Status
On September 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a rule to clarify the definition of employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as compared to independent contractors. The DOL’s goal with the proposed rule is to…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #25 – How are Assets Divided in MA Divorces?
Divorce can be a major challenge from an emotional standpoint, but also from a financial and logistical one as well. In this episode, Rui Alves joins us to discuss the finer points of how assets are viewed by the…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #24 – COVID-19 Impact on Family Law
COVID-19 has impacted so many aspects of our lives, but none more important than our families. In this episode, Rui Alves talks about the compounding effect COVID-19 has had on families that have separated, divorced or sharing child custody. Barton…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #23 – COVID-19 Reopening Liability Risks for MA Charter Schools
With schools venturing into uncharted territory as they prepare to reopen for the new year, Tim Groves joins the program to discuss liability risks for charter schools in Massachusetts. Barton Gilman, LLP · Legal Lowdown Podcast –…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #22 – Employee Return to Work Requests for MA Schools
While return to work requests from employees working at schools is not new, the element of a global pandemic adds new urgency and confusion to the situation. In this episode, Matt Plain takes a closer look at this…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #21 – Adult Children And COVID – 19
As colleges and universities prepare to open amid the COVID-19 pandemic, parents of attending students might be surprised to learn that they do not have the same access to information about their children as they did before they turned 18…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #20 – Recent Supreme Court Decisions Impact on Education
On this episode, Paul O’Neill discusses a recent Supreme Court decision involving Title VII and whether gender identity and sexual orientation is inclusive. Barton Gilman, LLP · Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #20 – Recent Supreme Court Decisions Impact on…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #19 – COVID-19’s Impact on Extended School Year Services
Many students and their families rely on extended school year services. In this episode, Matt Plain discusses how COVID-19 has impacted these services already, what impact it will have on the upcoming school year, and guidance for how schools and…
Legal Lowdown Podcast – Episode #18 – Legal Considerations for New Title IX Regulations for 2020-21 School Year
In addition to the chaos and confusion regarding school re-openings due to COVID-19, there are also new Title IX regulations that will go into effect for the upcoming school year. On this episode, Greg Vanden-Eykel shares his thoughts and insights…
Legal Lowdown Video Series – Episode #1: Governing Public Schools through the COVID-19 Crisis
Today on the first episode of the “Legal Lowdown” video series, Matt Plain is joined by Mike Mizzoni of BoardOnTrack. Matt and Mike discuss the importance of governing boards continuing to meet and govern during the COVD-19 crisis and tips…