In this ever evolving environment, we thought that it would be helpful to provide you with information regarding the recently implemented Paycheck Protection Program. To that end, we have included a link to a Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") Information Sheet that has been prepared by the U.S. Department of Treasury. The Information Sheet provides an [...]
You have probably heard many times, a company is only as good as its employees. In Iowa, we are in what is known as an at-will employment state. At-will employment means that if there is no formal agreement in place, generally either the employer or employee can end that relationship at any time for any [...]
A FALLING OUT between business owners is usually not a focus of discussion when planning on starting a business. Typically those starting out focus on the next big idea and how their new business will be owned and managed. More times than not, when those initial discussions involve two or more people entering business together, [...]
In both business and legal situations, being asked to sign a confidentiality agreement or nondisclosure agreement (NDA) is becoming increasingly common. Certain information about the company’s business, its finances and its operations needs to be legally protected to ensure the company keeps its competitive advantage. NDAs are used to protect such sensitive information. What’s an [...]
With the most recent election season behind us and cyberattack investigations underway, cyberspace creates a new frontier for applying existing privacy laws. Small businesses are increasingly targeted for cyberattacks and cybersecurity for small businesses is different than in years past when a company only had to worry about protecting desktop computers and locally stored files. [...]
Several employers prepared communication plans and made final arrangements for compensation modifications in an effort to comply with the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) overtime rule, which was set to go into effect on December 1, 2016. On November 22, 2016, the DOL’s new rule was preliminarily blocked on a nationwide basis by the U.S. [...]
Have an idea for a new business? With all the energy and optimism to drum up new customers, launch a website, and build the first prototype, it’s easy to put off getting your legal ducks in a row. These 9 easy steps will help you avoid pitfalls down the road and help you scale your [...]
With marijuana legalization spreading, employers are starting to rethink about substance abuse polices and testing. According to a survey conducted by Mashable.com, 9.7% of Americans smoke marijuana before going to work. Surprised? In Iowa, if you’re in the private sector, drug and alcohol testing is optional and an employer can even make it a condition [...]
Sullivan & Ward, P.C. Shareholder, Samantha Gronewald, has recently graduated from the West Des Moines Leadership Institute (“WDMLI”). Now in its 8th year, WDMLI has seen over 300 community leaders go through the program. The West Des Moines Chamber’s leadership program is centered on creating leaders through community training and leadership development. Class members attend [...]
With the most recent election season behind us and cyberattack investigations underway, cyberspace creates a new frontier for applying existing privacy laws. Small businesses are increasingly targeted for cyberattacks and cybersecurity for small businesses is different than in years past when a company only had to worry about protecting desktop computers and locally stored files. [...]
