Category: Perspectives

In a 2026 opinion letter, the U.S. Department of Labor (the “DOL”) provided guidance regarding employee classifications under the Fair Labor Standards Act (the “FLSA” or the “Act”). The FLSA generally requires covered employers to pay employees at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime pay at a rate of one … Continued

Family court in many ways can be more emotionally charged than other practices of law. As the attorney, we will frequently feel a sense of responsibility for the children involved even though we are representing one of the parents or grandparents. One major issue that always needs to be taken seriously is when there is … Continued

Pennsylvania has joined several other states in prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture, protective hairstyles, and head coverings. On November 25, 2025, Governor Shapiro signed the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act (the “CROWN Act”). The CROWN Act expands the definition of “race” under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (the “PHRA”) … Continued

Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law continues to evolve, with two recent developments that both landlords and tenants should be aware of. First, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently adopted a procedural rule that gives local courts greater flexibility to implement landlord-tenant mediation programs. Previously, courts often needed statewide approval or participation in formal pilot programs before offering mediation … Continued

In November 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rendered an important decision regarding the interpretation of Section 712.1 of the Sunshine Act. When enacting the Sunshine Act, the General Assembly emphasized the importance of government transparency, finding that the right of the public to be present at agency meetings is vital to the democratic process.             … Continued

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) establishes workplace safety standards that require employers to take certain measures to prevent or minimize dangers to employees. In Pennsylvania, OSHA protections apply only to private sector employees. House Bill 308, also known as the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act, or “Jake’s Law,” seeks … Continued

Thinking about selling an investment property but concerned about a tax hit? An exchange under Section 1031 of Internal Revenue Code allows investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the sale proceeds into another “like-kind” property. Here are the basics: A 1031 exchange can be a powerful tool to build wealth and reposition real … Continued

While living trusts can be valuable estate planning tools, they are also widely misunderstood. Knowing what a living trust can – and can’t – do will help you make better choices for your estate plan. What a Living Trust Actually DoesA revocable living trust is a document that allows you to transfer ownership of certain … Continued

In today’s regulatory landscape, ensuring proper completion and maintenance of Form I-9 is a critical component of workforce compliance. With increased scrutiny from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), employers must stay vigilant. Failing to comply with I-9 requirements can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Thus, understanding the nuances of I-9 compliance is … Continued

Effective January 1, 2025, Pennsylvania has made a significant change in how it taxes grantor trusts — a move that brings long-awaited clarity and consistency for estate planners, trustees, and taxpayers alike. For years, Pennsylvania treated irrevocable grantor trusts differently than the IRS. Federally, grantor trusts are disregarded entities, meaning the income is reported and … Continued