Jackson Walker Fast Takes

What factors drive a successful diversity and inclusion program at a company? In this episode, Dawn S. Holiday shares how well-intentioned D&I programs miss the mark and provides the essential elements for success.

Related Insights:

Why Are Diversity & Inclusion Programs Missing the Mark on Meaningful Change? | Texas Lawyer

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

Business Immigration & Compliance partners Kelly Cobb and Sang Shin join the Fast Takes podcast cover key considerations that employers with foreign national workers should keep in mind in the event there are layoffs or reductions in force, as not all visas are created equal.

Related Insights: Hiring Foreign Professionals Could Help Alleviate U.S. Labor Shortage | Texas Lawyer Conditional Permanent Residents Take Note: USCIS Has Extended Validity of Permanent Resident Cards | Jackson Walker

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

President Biden has announced that the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency will end on May 11, 2023. In this episode, Jackson Walker partner Jeffrey Frost, a former Deputy General Counsel at an integrated health network in Northern California, shares three actions health systems should take now to ensure compliance once the emergency declaration expires.

Related Insights:

Is Your Health System Prepared for the Expiration of the Federal and State COVID-19 Public Health Emergency? » Health Orgs Must Prepare For End Of COVID Waivers »

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This special holiday episode features first-year associates Caroline Capili, Shayan Gaziani, Alex Leseney, and Shannon Wright as they share their favorite things about the practice of law – and Jackson Walker.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

In a global economy with personal data flowing between countries on a regular basis, President Biden in October 2022 signed an executive order directing the steps that the United States will take to implement its commitments under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. In this Fast Takes episode, Jackson Walker attorneys John Jackson and Manny Schoenhuber discuss the implications of this executive order.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

After a yearlong journey participating in the Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification process, Jackson Walker achieved not only certification, but 5.0 Certification Plus status. Jackson Walker partner Suzan Kedron, who leads our Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and Chad Cole, Social Impact and Sustainability Manager, joined the Fast Takes podcast to discuss the Mansfield 5.0 program and the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Related Resources:
JW Diversity & Inclusion Website »
Jackson Walker Achieves Mansfield 5.0 Certification Plus Status »

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

With the 2022 midterm elections around the corner and the 2024 presidential election less than two years away, candidates from all parties are intensifying efforts to reach voters through the media and, in more recent cycles, social networks. 

First Amendment attorney Paul Watler joined the Jackson Walker Fast Takes podcast to walk through five facts candidates should know when publishing or broadcasting political ads this election cycle.

Related Insights: Candidate's Guide to Election Free Speech, Campaign Ads, and Social Media »

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

At Jackson Walker, we are extremely proud of our Hispanic attorneys and allied professionals. As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month through October 15, Houston attorneys Marisela Peña Gonzalez and Javier Gonzalez joined the Fast Takes podcast to share how their upbringings shaped their journeys.

As a fourth-generation Texan and a first-generation college graduate, Corporate & Securities partner Marisela Peña Gonzalez seized every opportunity along the way and proudly serves as an example to other Latinas that they too can carve out a space in a place like Jackson Walker if they seize opportunities, as well.

Javier Gonzalez, an associate in the Trial & Appellate Litigation and Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery practices, was born in Mexico City and raised in Houston, Texas. Growing up in a close-knit Mexican community centered around family, Javier treats every individual, even adversaries in the courtroom, as people.

We all have individual and shared experiences in our lives which shape our heritage and cultures. At Jackson Walker, we are proud to have individuals like Marisela Peña Gonzalez and Javier Gonzalez who enrich the Firm’s culture by sharing their stories and experiences with us. Please join us in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. Visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for more information about our efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive environment for all.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

With the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 now signed into law, there are a number of changes to federal tax and healthcare laws. Tune in as Jackson Walker attorneys Nick Diamond and Ashley Withers provide a brief overview of key changes.

Related Insights:

Next Steps for Healthcare and the Inflation Reduction Act Planning for 2023 and Beyond – Tax Changes in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 What the Energy Industry Should Know About the Inflation Reduction Act

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

At Jackson Walker, we are extremely proud of our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) attorneys and allied professionals who have brought leadership and helped shape the Firm into what it is today. As May marks AAPI Heritage Month, our partners Shari Mao and Sang Shin shared how their upbringings shaped their careers.

Shari, a Corporate & Securities partner in San Antonio, reflected on her experience growing up with one foot in the U.S. and another in Taiwan. She also shared her unconventional path to practicing law, starting out on Wall Street before helping run—and eventually sell—her family's business.

Sang, a Business Immigration & Compliance partner in Houston, walked through his family's experience emigrating from South Korea and the struggles he observed as his parents worked their way through the immigration system, which inspired him to start his own immigration practice.

We all have individual and shared experiences in our lives which shape our heritage and cultures. At Jackson Walker, we are proud to have leaders like Shari Mao and Sang Shin who enrich the Firm's culture by sharing their stories and experiences with us. Please join us in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for more information about our efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive environment for all. 

For more JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

When it comes to critical infrastructure such as electricity, water treatment, internet connectivity, and hazardous waste management, many fear that foreign governments may find ways to infiltrate those systems. To proactively prevent this sort of hacking, the U.S. federal government and states like Texas have instituted regulations and laws that prohibit businesses or individuals from engaging in commercial transactions with certain foreign nations. This episode features Robert Soza discussing the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act (LIPA) and regulations from the U.S. Department of Commerce on the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) supply chain. Tune in as Robert shares what businesses need to understand regarding their potential liability for installing and using technology components manufactured in countries like China and Russia.

See the article “Texas and Federal Government Seek to Protect U.S. Infrastructure From Disruption by Foreign Adversaries” for more information. For questions related to LIPA, ICTS regulations, and international trade laws, please contact Robert Soza or any member of Jackson Walker’s International Transactions team.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With President Biden signing the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill into law, Texas is set to receive an estimated $35.4 billion to improve infrastructure. Litigation associate Amanda Crouch and governmental affairs consultant Kate Goodrich walk through a number of projects listed in the plan and discuss how improvements for Texas roads, highways, bridges, broadband, ports, and more are allocated in the law. In addition, there is also money set aside to winterize the Texas energy grid to help prevent future reoccurrences of the major outages from the February freeze earlier this year.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As of Monday, November 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its requirements for air travelers to the United States. CDC’s new travel policy follows President Biden’s proclamation intended to promote safer global travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jackson Walker immigration attorney Sang Shin discusses some of the changes in policy and what U.S. citizens, as well as immigrants and non-immigrant travelers, need to know before traveling to the United States through air travel or by land or ferry crossing.

For additional information, view Sang's article "CDC Lifts Certain Region-Based Restrictions for Flights to the US" published on the Jackson Walker website.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee has approved a proposal to increase certain taxes by $2.1 trillion to offset the House Democrats’ $3.5 trillion government spending plan. With a long way to go and a number of possible changes to be made along the way, Jackson Walker tax attorneys Ron Kerridge, Argyrios Saccopoulos, Nate Smithson, and Ashley Withers have divvied up the proposal and provided an overview of some of the key proposals for income tax hikes.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With billions of dollars distributed over the past 18 months through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, there was plenty of opportunity for fraudulent activity. Jackson Walker litigation partner Arthur Gollwitzer discusses how the U.S. Department of Justice has made the intersection between COVID relief and fraud—particularly healthcare fraud—one of their absolute highest priorities.

While there are examples of obvious fraud, even legitimate businesses may trigger investigations if they are not familiar with the complex and changing rules and regulations surrounding COVID relief funds. Should a business or individual be approached by the authorities, Art advises seeking legal counsel before speaking with a federal agent.

For questions about investigations related to COVID relief and fraud, please contact Arthur Gollwitzer or any member of Jackson Walker’s White Collar Defense & Government Enforcement team. For specific assistance or more information concerning PPP loans, please contact John Wittenberg or Lindsey Berwick. Additional information on the CARES Act, the PPP, and other COVID-19 stimulus may be found at JW.com/Coronavirus.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

The Texas Supreme Court recently ruled that there are limits on when attorneys are protected by the judicial proceedings privilege or by attorney immunity. Following the Court's decision in Landry's Inc. et al. v. Animal Legal Defense Fund et al., Bob Latham and Paul Watler discuss the ruling and when an attorney's statement to the press, social media, or other public statements – even if conducted on behalf of a client – falls outside the protection of the immunity privilege.

Related Insights: Court's Expansion of Attorney Immunity Could Change How Texas Lawyers Practice »

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With three Texas bills set to take effect on September 1, 2021, that will expand and redefine sexual harassment, Jackson Walker attorney Michelle Mishoe Miller highlights the future impact of each upcoming law on the workplace.

Related Insights: Changes on the Horizon: Major Revisions to Texas Sexual Harassment Laws »

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

For questions on how the new sexual harassment laws affect you and your business, please contact Michelle Miller at mmmiller@jw.com, or any member of the Jackson Walker Labor & Employment team.

While many thought the 87th Texas Legislature would be limited in scope to COVID-related needs, the end results were much more expansive. Government Relations & Public Policy attorneys Denise Rose and Kate Goodrich cover some of the key bills that passed and failed, the state budget, and the role Jackson Walker's Legislative team played during the recent legislative session.

Related—Texas Legislative Updates:

Legislative Update on Pandemic-Related Bills Sent to Governor Abbott »

Texas Legislative Update on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-Related Bills »

Legislative Update: Impact of New “Constitutional Carry” Law on Commercial Landlords »

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Texas businesses watched the 2021 Texas legislative session closely for the potential pandemic liability relief provided in Senate Bill 6 (SB 6), or the Pandemic Liability Protection Act. With the passage of SB 6, Jackson Walker litigation partner Brad Nitschke discusses the three primary effects of the bill in the areas of pandemic liability exposure, the protections of healthcare providers during a pandemic, and the additional products liability protections for manufacturers and distributors during a pandemic emergency. There are a few caveats to note about the liability test, but the bill overall will make suing Texas businesses for pandemic-related injury or death claims more difficult.

Related:

Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Prohibiting Government Entities and Officials From Mandating Face Coverings or Restricting Activities Due to COVID-19 »

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

On Thursday, May 13th , CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky stated that fully vaccinated people in the U.S. can resume activities, both inside and outside, without having to socially distance or wear a mask. Before returning to pre-pandemic behavior in the workplace, Jackson Walker Labor & Employment attorneys Gary Fowler, Sara Harris, and Brooke Willard discuss some key issues for employees and employers to consider.

Related:

The CDC Issues Revised Guidelines—Is It Time to Go to “No Mask Required”? » CDC's Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People » OSHA's Safe Work Website »

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Following a shift in U.S. presidential administrations and changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackson Walker partner Christian Triantaphyllis, who leads the Firm’s Investment Immigration practice, covers some potential changes and current trends in the EB-5 industry and for its investors.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Jackson Walker Labor & Employment attorney Jackie Staple discuss what actions President Biden and his administration have taken during his first 100 days in office. Aside from prioritizing the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, President Biden announced two potential laws—the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan—during his address to the joint session of Congress on April 28, 2021, that could ultimately impact employers if passed. 

Related: President Biden Says “No” to Discrimination Through Executive Actions » President Biden’s Recent Executive Orders Seek to Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion »

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Jackson Walker Labor & Employment attorney Brooke Willard returns to give an update on the changes in paid sick leave. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) extended employee paid sick leave due to COVID-related reasons through September 30, 2021. In addition, ARPA created three new qualifying reasons for when an employee can take this kind of leave:

1) The employee is getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
2) The employee is recovering from an injury, disability, or illness related to a COVID-19 vaccine.
3) The employee is waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test or at the employer's request.

The good news is that employers may claim a tax credit for providing up to 10 days of paid sick leave to individual employees, or up to 12 weeks of paid family leave, subject to the new non-discriminatory rules put in place by ARPA.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With over 126 million vaccinations administered in the U.S. as of March 22, 2021, many Americans are reaching "fully vaccinated" status. Jackson Walker Labor & Employment attorney Brooke Willard discusses the recently issued CDC guidance on Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People and what employers can do as employees transition from unvaccinated to fully vaccinated.

Related Insights:

Can Employers Require COVID-19 Vaccinations? »
What Health Care Providers and Facilities Should Know About the PREP Act’s “Covered Countermeasures” »

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

On Thursday, March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 into law. The rescue plan affects a number of issues surrounding employer-provided health coverage, specifically triggering a number of changes in COBRA coverage for employees who lost their jobs or had a reduction in hours since November 2019. Jackson Walker ERISA partner Greta Cowart explains some of the changes for employer-provided health coverage in the American Rescue Plan Act and what those changes mean for employers who need to understand their responsibilities.

Related Insights:

American Rescue Plan Act and the COBRA Subsidy – Déjà Vu All Over Again »
American Rescue Plan Act and Changes to Dependent Care »
Multiemployer Pension Plan Changes in the American Rescue Plan Act »

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Time is of the essence for businesses to apply for relief from the Paycheck Protection Program. Jackson Walker finance partners Lindsey Berwick and John Wittenberg join hosts Art Cavazos and Daniel Maldonado to discuss the recent updates to the PPP regarding eligibility, forgiveness, and options available for businesses that have already received a PPP loan and those that did not before but are eligible now. For more details about PPP loans, visit the Small Business Administration's FAQ page.

Related Insights:

Paycheck Protection Program – An Overview of the 2021 PPP and Update on PPP Loan Forgiveness »
Paycheck Protection Program – Biden-Harris Administration Announces PPP Reforms »

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As you assess the impact of the February winter storm, Jackson Walker attorneys can help advise you on the legal implications for your business. For additional insights and resources, visit our Winter Storm Recovery site.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently issued GA-34 removing the state's mandate on wearing masks in public place and businesses, as well as removing limits on Texas businesses on the occupancy rates for customers. Governor Abbott is promoting this as Texas is back open for business. Jackson Walker partners Jamila Brinson and Brad Nitschke discuss Governor Abbott’s executive order and its impact on business owners and employees.

For related insights, view "Jamila Brinson and Brad Nitschke Discuss COVID-19 Health Measures for Businesses as Texas Lifts Occupancy Limits and Mask Mandate."

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As you assess the impact of the February winter storm, Jackson Walker attorneys can help advise you on the legal implications for your business. For additional insights and resources, visit our Winter Storm Recovery site.

The recent winter storm caused major disruptions for Texas businesses, including closures due to loss of electricity, water issues, property damages, and transportation issues. As businesses deal with the fallout of the storm, employers may be wondering whether they are responsible for compensating employees during the interruption. Jackson Walker Labor & Employment partner Dawn Holiday discusses multiple issues surrounding employer's responsibilities for exempt and non-exempt employees, and the expectations placed on employees during the winter storm disruptions. In addition, Dawn explains some of the actions that the Jackson Walker Labor & Employment team takes to help employers prepare for future business disruptions.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As you assess the impact of the February winter storm, Jackson Walker attorneys can help advise you on the legal implications for your business. For additional insights and resources, visit our Winter Storm Recovery site.

As Texas businesses deal with property damages following the winter storm, Jackson Walker insurance litigation partner Chris Thompson discusses what business owners should consider when beginning the process of filing insurance claims to help cover the cost of repairs.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As you assess the impact of the February winter storm, Jackson Walker attorneys can help advise you on the legal implications for your business. For additional insights and resources, visit our Winter Storm Recovery site.

As we approach the one-year mark of COVID-19 lockdowns, state and federal courts continue to struggle with the scheduling of civil cases – with some cases backed up to the end of 2022 and even the beginning of 2023. For parties wishing to speed up the resolution of their disputes, arbitration may be the perfect solution. Jackson Walker Labor & Employment partner Lonnie Schooler, who serves as Chair of the Texas Chapter of the North American Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, discusses how arbitrations work, the role of the arbitrator, how the parties can set the rules of the arbitration, and the flexibility and cost savings over a traditional court trial.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

While the topic of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace is not new, the events of the past year have amplified the desire for employees and employers to create formalized D&I programs in the workplace. Though the motives for creating these programs may be well-intentioned, employers still need to understand certain guidelines before launching a D&I initiative, especially as the Biden administration modifies labor and employment regulations. Jackson Walker Labor & Employment attorneys Jamila Brinson and Michelle Miller discuss some of the basic issues for employers to know before creating a formal D&I program. 

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With a new presidential administration and a shift in power in Congress, there are some ambitious goals set forth in the first 100 days of Biden’s presidency, and employment laws are included in those announced policy goals. Jackson Walker Labor & Employment attorney Jackie Staple discusses a few of the issues facing employers as a result, including COVID-19 relief, a possible wage increase, and Biden’s push to increase union representation.

For additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As many businesses and those in the health care industry wonder what protections, if any, they have against COVID-19-related litigation claims, Jackson Walker's Healthcare practice chair, Virginia Mimmack, and healthcare litigator Brad Nitschke discuss the patchwork laws and regulations of federal, state, and local governments. While the PREP Act allows for certain "covered countermeasures" for litigation claims, the expansion of telehealth services beyond traditional state borders raises questions about what protections are provided for COVID-19-related activities performed by telehealth workers.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As potential investors contemplate getting into the blockchain and cryptocurrency market, Jackson Walker Corporate & Securities partner Michael Laussade discussed some of the practical and legal implications surrounding these issues. Prior to jumping into this complex, technical area, there are multiple legal pitfalls to consider, including the potential for fraud and white collar issues, and how startups and existing businesses are leveraging these modern technologies into their operations.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Jackson Walker immigration attorney Sang Shin rejoins the podcast to provide an update on the Trump administration's recent proclamations to extend bans on all new H-1, L-1, and J-1 visas until March 31, 2021. In addition, there are a number of COVID-19-related immigration restrictions in place now that limit entry into the U.S. from certain hotspots across the globe. Finally, with Democrats now in the majority in the U.S. Senate, will this mean President Biden has a more aggressive agenda for his first 100 days in office when it comes to immigration issues?

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed. 

As the rollout of the two current FDA-approved vaccines for COVID-19 takes place, many employers may be looking toward reopening offices for vaccinated employees. Can an employer require employees to be vaccinated as a requirement to return to the office? Jackson Walker attorneys Sarah Mitchell Montgomery and Sara Harris discuss this issue.

Traditionally, U.S. courts have upheld vaccination requirements for work in the past, but as with all things COVID-related, this issue is novel. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued guidance approving employers to require vaccinations, but there were key exceptions based on the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. There are also other employee protections under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and exemptions for employees based on a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

In addition to the immediate rules, regulations, laws, and exemptions, there may be long-term risks for future tort actions based on the overall safety of these vaccines due to the current vaccines being approved under the Emergency Use Authorization. So there are many issues for employers to consider as they look to reopen workplaces and bring vaccinated and unvaccinated employees back.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

In achieving a compromise in the latest COVID-19 relief package, one of the items cut from the final bill was Senator McConnell's business immunity protections from coronavirus-related lawsuits. Jackson Walker attorneys Brad Nitschke and Amanda Crouch discuss what that means for business liability issues, and how federal, state, and local regulations play a role going forward.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With just six weeks left before Joe Biden's inauguration, businesses are preparing for a number of tax issues that will arise before and after January 20, 2021. In this episode, Jackson Walker Tax partner Nate Smithson discusses some anticipated changes and what businesses should be doing right now. 

For more insights on potential policy changes under a Biden administration, view the article “Tax Planning for a Biden Presidency” and webinar “Employment Law After the Election.”

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Subject to pending federal litigation and the Electoral College vote, Joe Biden is the projected president-elect with approximately 60 days remaining until Inauguration Day. Leading up to January 20th, Jackson Walker immigration attorney Sang Shin discusses current immigration policy and what changes may occur once Biden is sworn in. While immigration law has not changed in more than 30 years, some anticipated moves include presidential orders, regulatory changes, and negotiations with a potentially split Congress to pass meaningful immigration laws.

For more insights on potential policy changes under a Biden administration, view the article "Tax Planning for a Biden Presidency" and the webinar "Employment Law After the Election."

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As we enter the winter season with COVID-19 infections at record highs, businesses are preparing for an unusual holiday workplace where typical travels and gatherings are hindered. With the Thanksgiving holiday just weeks away, Jackson Walker Labor & Employment partner Sarah Mitchell Montgomery and Litigation partner Brad Nitschke discuss some of the issues they are hearing from businesses, including:

What should businesses do to reduce the risk of holiday parties, business development events, or other traditional gatherings this year? What about office rules regarding gatherings, both inside and outside of the workplace? How are businesses handling the coronavirus fatigue that many of us are experiencing? Will the recent news of a possible Pfizer vaccine change how we approach the holidays?

For advice about getting back to work safely, read Sarah Mitchell Montgomery's insights in the D CEO article "Can Employers Force Their Employees to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?"

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

For guidance on business entities in Texas and Delaware, look no further than Jackson Walker's resident expert, Byron Egan, who literally wrote the book on choice of entity. The third edition of his treatise, EGAN ON ENTITIES: Corporations, Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies in Texas, will be available through LexisNexis in November, and while the last update was released just two years ago, practically every page was updated to include changes in legislation and court decisions. 

In this Fast Takes episode, Byron addresses some of those updates, including one of Texas' favorite company's recent board liability, and how the decision of where you choose to incorporate makes a significant difference in liability exposure. Byron also discusses how corporate statutes allowed for reasonable actions by the corporations even under the pressures of the pandemic and the social justice issues seen in 2020.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

When it comes to government contracts and procurement issues, even the savviest of businesses can need help navigating the applicable laws and the often-complicated regulations. From the initial request for proposal (RFP) process to the winning or losing of those bids, and all the way through the performance of the government contract, there are pitfalls businesses need to understand.  Jackson Walker Government Procurement and Contracts Partners John Edwards and William Stowe discuss the common issues they see when businesses seek to procure government contracts. 

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

The recent temporary halt on residential evictions by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) raises a number of legal and logistical questions. Jackson Walker partner Brad Nitschke, who leads the Firm's COVID-19 Task Force, and governmental affairs consultant Kate Goodrich discuss how these issues affect both landlords and tenants and what the order does and does not cover. In this episode, Kate explains how this is not an automatic protection for tenants, and that this is not a waiver on rent or fees owed, while Brad discusses three legal arguments that landlords may bring against the federal government challenging the CDC director's authorization to issue such a moratorium. 

Check out "Federal Eviction Moratorium Broadened and Extended Through the End of 2020" for more information about the federal eviction moratorium.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

While Texas is considered pro-employer, the state has seen a significant increase in Fair Labor Standards Act employment litigation so far in 2020. Labor & Employment partner Jamila Brinson joins to explain the rise in litigation cases – particularly in the Southern District of Texas. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in the rise, but employees are finding creative approaches to bringing their lawsuits, which employers should understand in order to reduce their overall risk to these suits.

To learn more about the rise in FLSA lawsuits, check out The Texas Lawbook article "Wage and Hour Litigation Back on the Rise in Midst of COVID-19" (subscription required), which features Jamila discussing the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis that arbitration provisions can be included in employment contracts with respect to collective action claims.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Cybersecurity and data privacy regulations were complicated well before the global pandemic. Since COVID-19 swept the world, Brazil has delayed enacting its new general data protection law, California's CCPA has gone through enforcement changes, and businesses in the U.S. are in limbo after the European Union Court of Justice overturned a Privacy Shield commonly used to satisfy US/EU data transfers. John Jackson, who chairs Jackson Walker's Cybersecurity Litigation group, provides an update on the current status of the alphabet soup of data security regulations involving Brazil's LGPD, the European Union's GDPR, and California's CCPA. 

Note: There was an update to the Brazilian LGPD on August 26th. The podcast was updated on August 27th to adjust for the change in enactment dates.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Not all bankruptcy plans need to be drawn-out or costly affairs. Jackson Walker attorney Veronica Polnick explains how a bankruptcy prepack plan speeds up the time it takes to emerge from bankruptcy proceedings. One such example is Jackson Walker's representation of Mood Media Corp. and its 17 affiliates in filing a prepackaged reorganization plan and emerging from bankruptcy in just over 30 hours—a record for the Southern District of Texas.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Nonprofits are some of the best providers of necessary services in the United States. However, many run on shoestring budgets and require a mix of paid staff, volunteers, and internships to fulfill their missions, and there are still labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations they must follow. We discuss some of the issues around staff classification and benefits with Jackson Walker Labor & Employment attorney Brooke Leondar and Kenesha Starling, a third-year South Texas College of Law student and 2020 summer associate at Jackson Walker.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Schools across the country are announcing their reopening plans. For some, this means students will physically return to the classroom; for others, it means online classes or a hybrid operation. For working parents, what the schools decide may determine whether they need to take leave from work if their children remain at home. Jackson Walker Labor & Employment attorney Judy Garner walks through some of the issues that both employers and employees are facing right now regarding employee leave eligibility made available through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) or the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Employers should understand how they are affected by the FFCRA when it comes to their employee's benefits for emergency paid sick leave, and expanded family and medical leave. Different states have different requirements, and employers should know how these rules across different jurisdictions come into play and adjust their employee policies accordingly. 

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

While many undergraduates across the U.S. aspire to have a career in the legal profession, the path to law school requires more than a good transcript and desire. Navigating the law school admission process, preparing for the LSAT, and handling the workload of law school classes can be daunting—especially for first-generation, low-income, and minority students. Designed to help members of underrepresented groups in the legal profession, the University of Houston Law Center's Pre-Law Pipeline Program provides crucial support, including LSAT training, introductory classes, internships, and professional development workshops, to help talented students become familiar with the processes of getting in and succeeding in law school.

UHLC Dean and Professor of Law Leonard Baynes, program mentor and Jackson Walker partner Luke Gilman, and student participant and JW summer intern Jordyn Simmons discuss the pipeline program's mission and the value of attracting diverse talent to law schools. As Dean Baynes puts it, the pipeline program is "diversifying the legal profession, one student at a time."

Jackson Walker is a proud supporter of the UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Project. To explore the Firm's commitment to developing a pipeline of diverse talent through initiatives such as the UHLC program, visit JW.com/Diversity.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Many of us have a basic understanding of U.S. bankruptcy filings under chapters 7, 11, and 13, but we may not know very much about chapter 15. Jackson Walker Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery attorneys Kristhy Peguero and Jennifer Wertz discuss chapter 15's cross-border insolvency and its invocation of the jurisdiction of the U.S. bankruptcy court to assist in the administration of foreign insolvency and restructuring proceedings. With chapter 15 filings, you'll see novel orders between domestic and foreign courts in an attempt to create harmony for international debtors. Typically, this is to address issues related to property located inside the United States.

The issues of jurisdiction and venue are important within the context of chapter 15 filings. Where the debtor has a main interest, or comity, this is traditionally where the proceedings are held. However, it could also be where the debtor's headquarters is located. There are some interesting twists with how the debtor may be able to shift the comity in anticipation of a filing. Separate from jurisdiction, the debtor may also seek a venue recognition within the United States, depending upon their operations here. To make it even more interesting, the debtor may have their choice between several different venues within the United States. Texas bankruptcy courts, especially the Southern District of Texas, have become more popular recently with its connection to international commerce, technology advancements, sophistication, and consistency of judges.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

While heightened restrictions on employment visas are not new, the COVID-19 pandemic and high unemployment numbers have led the U.S. to increase the limitations placed on a number of visas that businesses commonly use to fill their employment needs. Jackson Walker Investment Immigration attorney Sang Shin returns to provide a Fast Take on what the April 22nd and June 22nd restrictions on H-1B, L-1, and other visas mean for employers, how the nation got to this point, and what to expect for the remainder of year.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

While the deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan has passed, an August 8th extension is en route to President Trump for his signature. Since the program's implementation in April, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has paid out $520 billion in loans to nearly 4.9 million self-employed individuals and businesses. Jackson Walker Finance & Banking partners Lindsey Berwick and John Wittenberg discuss what is happening with the PPP and how the proposed legislation to extend the deadline may help small businesses that took out loans under $150,000. There's a big push for this enactment, and it even has its own hashtag, #PPPFreedom.

For more pandemic-related information, visit JW.com/Coronavirus.

For additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With the recent spike in COVID-19 infection rates and increases in hospital occupancy across Texas, Governor Greg Abbott and local officials issued a number of restrictions on businesses and citizens in an attempt to slow the spread. Jackson Walker attorneys Brad Nitschke and Amanda Crouch give an update on a few of the critical issues affecting Texas citizens and businesses, including Governor Abbott's order, GA-28, which placed the following restrictions:

1) Ban on outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people, with certain exemptions, like religious gatherings.
2) Bans individuals from visiting bars or other TABC licensed “similar establishments.”
3) Bans commercial rafting or river-tubing.
4)As of June 29th, restaurant capacity is limited to no more than 50%.

A number of local restrictions are in effect, as well. For more information about those restrictions, go to JW.com/Coronavirus.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With the rate of COVID-19 infections increasing in Texas, states including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are imposing travel restrictions which may affect business travel in and out of Texas. Jackson Walker Labor & Employment attorney Judy Garner discusses a few issues that Texas business leaders should consider before sending employees on out-of-state business trips.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

On June 15, 2020, in a 6-3 opinion, the U.S. Supreme Court held that firing an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII’s prohibition against sex discrimination. Jackson Walker Labor & Employment partner Gary Fowler discusses this landmark ruling, what it means for both employers and LGBTQ+ employees, and gives three practical implications employers should consider to prevent sexual discrimination liability.

1) Look at your employee handbook—update if it does not reference harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
2) Consider your training to specifically cover harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Include examples of behavior that is specifically prohibited.
3) Review your hiring practices to ensure that there are no questions used in interviews that may in any way implicate sexual orientation or gender identity, which will be perceived as sexual discrimination.

For insights about the Bostock opinion, view Gary Fowler's analysis on the Jackson Walker website.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As governments begin lifting more and more restrictions to restart the economy, the issue of eviction orders is on the minds of both landlords and tenants. Nearly one month after residential eviction proceedings were allowed to resume across Texas, Jackson Walker governmental affairs consultant Kate Goodrich discusses where we are regarding eviction-related orders and what issues we should be concerned about over the next few weeks.

Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Texas Law Help
- University of Texas- Protections for Texas Renters: COVID-19
- Texas Apartment Association
- Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
- Lone Star Legal Aid
- National Low-Income Housing Coalition

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With the current economic crisis and high unemployment numbers, the H-1B visa seems like an easy target for those looking for ways to improve unemployment within the U.S. Jackson Walker senior counsel Sang Shin discusses the H-1B visa’s role in our economy, and what issues employers who use this visa should consider right now.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

A longstanding and ongoing commitment to the community is an important part of Jackson Walker’s culture. While known for his legal work in the oil and gas industry, Dallas partner John Holden's passion for working with Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is another example of how we are putting that commitment into action. Uniquely suited for the COVID-19 pandemic, Fossil Rim is open for business and continues its efforts to help rewild endangered species, including the Texas native Attwater's prairie chickens, North American wolves, African cheetahs, and scimitar-horned oryx.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis force businesses to shutter for months, more creditors are suddenly finding their contracts have changed as debtors restructure their debt or file for bankruptcy. Jennifer Wertz, a partner in Jackson Walker's Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery practice, discusses what creditors should consider right now before a bankruptcy case is filed, whether they have a contractual arrangement as a landlord or counterparty or if they are a vendor, supplier, or unsecured creditor.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As the economy continues to struggle, many businesses will find they need to restructure debt with their creditors or file for bankruptcy. Liz Freeman, a partner in Jackson Walker's Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery practice, lists three things for struggling business owners to consider right now.

1) "Cash is King." Maintaining liquidity is important for a business to continue operations through the process. It is possible to be too broke to go bankrupt.
2) There are creditors (and taxes) that still need to be paid.
3) Gather data about your business, and make sure you know your business operations well enough to understand if there is a viable business to be saved.

Timing is important as well. Do not wait too long before contacting a restructuring advisor, as delays could destroy a good business.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As a result of plunging oil prices, unstable markets have led to an uptick in litigation. Reagan Marble discusses what that means for contracting parties in the oil and gas industry as they get creative in enforcing and invalidating contracts to protect their individual positions.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

A longstanding and ongoing commitment to the community is an important part of Jackson Walker’s culture. Houston partner Jamila Brinson's work with the Houston Bar Association (HBA) AIDS Outreach Committee is one example. Jamila's prior experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in St. Lucia inspired her to work with the HBA committee. Now, she leverages her position with JW to ask other firms and local businesses to help Houston families dealing with HIV/AIDS.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

While Jackson Walker's primary mission is to provide excellent legal service and counsel to our clients, we pride ourselves on our involvement in our local communities. Dallas partner Jonathan Neerman shares his pro bono work helping families navigate the issues involved in international adoption processes. Having went through the adoption process over 14 years ago with his family, Jonathan has helped some 250 families since then.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

The Texas Medical Board issued emergency rules earlier this month for physicians who come in contact with patients in their facilities. For hospitals, this includes keeping 15% of their capacity for COVID-19 patients. Doctor's offices are required to post a sign in their offices stating that they would be following the four rules set forth in the Board's order.

Jackson Walker Healthcare chair Virginia Mimmack breaks down the four rules, and what would happen if those rules are not followed.

1) Everyone must wear masks.
2) Patients must abide by screening procedures.
3) Offices must establish screening procedures.
4) N-95 masks and proper PPE are required whenever there is contact with a mucus membrane.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

As Texas begins the second phase of Governor Abbott's plan to reopen the state's economy, employers need to understand and prepare for the ramifications of bringing employees back to the workplace. Jackson Walker Labor & Employment partner Scott Fiddler breaks down five key considerations to think about as employers plan for reopening:

1) Prepare a company taskforce
2) Prepare your process (plans and policies)
3) Prepare the workplace
4) Focus on preparing your workforce for returning to work
5) Prepare for the unexpected

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Jackson Walker's contribution to the communities in which we live and work goes far beyond just legal counsel. In our Austin office, partner Tim Taylor works with the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) to provide access to affordable healthcare for Austin’s low-income working musicians – with a focus on prevention and wellness. With the cancellation of SXSW and the social distancing rules that closed music venues in Austin, HAAM's work is needed more than ever. Tim discusses his role in HAAM and how they are helping Austin musicians in this time of need. 

Check out the video of "Someday We'll Be Together" by Robert Harrison and Suzanna Choffel for more information on HAAM.

For more information and additional JW Fast Takes podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

May 1, 2020, marked the beginning of Governor Greg Abbott's plan to reopen the Texas economy. Jackson Walker government relations and public policy partner Denise Rose discusses what Phase 1 of Abbott's plan means for the Texas business community. She discusses the limitations placed on these businesses, as well as which businesses are included within the Governor's plan, Texans Helping Texans: The Governor’s Report to Open Texas.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Jackson Walker partner Gordon Shapiro is an experienced litigator who specializes in business litigation. In his nearly 40 years at the Firm, he has seen many ups and downs in Texas financial institutions, and he's litigated through unexpected events that completely disrupt the economy—known in the industry as Black Swan events. 

One such event that parallels the COVID-19 pandemic of today is the Texas commercial banking failures of the 1980s. Gordon breaks down some of the events that happened then and how he and the Jackson Walker team holistically addressed the situation. He also describes how that experience helps today's Jackson Walker team be better prepared for the current issues facing lenders and borrowers.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

There is a lot of confusion about what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to do during this pandemic. Jackson Walker partner Jon Mark Hogg explains that while COVID-19 is considered a recordable illness, OSHA wants employers to focus on prioritizing good hygiene and preventative practices in the workplace rather than trying to figure out if an employee’s COVID-19 diagnosis is work-related. For more information about OSHA standards and directives during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Courts in Texas are still functioning and are successfully implementing technologies like Zoom and YouTube to help keep the courts open and available to the public. Jackson Walker partner Luke Gilman talks about how Texas courts use Zoom and other technologies to help keep court personnel, lawyers, litigants, and the public safe, and keep the wheels of justice moving.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

While many of us are sheltering in place, the world of mergers and acquisitions marches on. Jackson Walker partner Natalie Kosydar discusses four points that those currently involved in M&A deals should think about right now. 

1) How the timing and deal flow are important to both the buyers and the targets.
2) Due diligence considerations.
3) Reps & Warranties Insurance issues.
4) Material Adverse Effects (MAE or MAC) language.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

There has been a steady rise in the use and popularity of telemedicine services over the past few years, but with social distancing and shelter-in-place rules, these services have become a vital resource within the medical industry. Jackson Walker Healthcare Chair Virginia Mimmack discusses the updates in policies on the federal and state level allowing telemedicine practices to expand and the effects on doctors, hospitals, insurance coverage, and state and federal regulations.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

In Texas and most of the United States, three major factors affect wealth and estate planning: first, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the stock market to tumble; second, we are looking at extremely low oil prices; and third, interest rates are near zero. However, there are opportunities for estate planning despite these negative factors. Jackson Walker partner Scott Schepps walks through some of the tools available to help mitigate the damages and help reduce the tax burden on the estate.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With the public need to flatten the curve when it comes to COVID-19 infections, hospitals, first responders, and other sectors may need to know when someone is infected. Jackson Walker partner Jeff Drummond discusses how the government is clarifying its flexible guidelines on how industries may apply privacy rules during this pandemic, and how once the emergency goes away, the rules will most likely return to their more rigid application. 

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

With a large number of businesses shut down, the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a strain on relationships between commercial landlords and businesses. Jackson Walker partner Wayne Malecha discusses a number of issues that both landlords and tenants must think about during this unprecedented time. 

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

While the State of Texas implements social distancing and restrictions on public movement, the state's administrative agencies are still conducting business. However, it is not business as usual. Jackson Walker senior counsel Craig Bennett discusses how the agencies are conducting business and the alternative processes they are offering to help with filing, hearings, and submissions. The thing to remember is that if you have matters pending before the Texas State Office Administrative Hearings (SOAH), they are still open for business and there are many options and requirements you need to know right now.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Even with most U.S. businesses shifting to remote work policies, companies must continue to address ongoing immigration concerns. Jackson Walker attorneys Sang Shin and Christian Triantaphyllis discuss some of the major immigration issues businesses should think about, even during the Coronavirus pandemic. For many of these issues, the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) is still open for business and can address travel restrictions, hearings, investigations, and EB-5 investment and job creation requirements.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

The State of Texas is proud of the fact that almost all governmental meetings are subject to the Open Meetings Act, and our ability to listen to and address our governmental officials. However, with the COVID-19 outbreak and rules regarding social distancing, Governor Abbott made some temporary modifications to the act. Jackson Walker associate Alyca Riley Garrison walks us through some of the changes and what government officials need to consider when holding a meeting.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

The IRS extended the federal tax filing date to July 15, 2020 in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. But, as with most things with taxes, it's not that simple. Jackson Walker attorney Ashley Withers discusses a few things to think about as you prepare to file your taxes, and what it means for those who file quarterly returns and those who may get a refund or a stimulus check.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Over the past few weeks, Texas city and county governments have put in place local orders in order to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. On March 31, 2020, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an executive order with the intent of creating a statewide set of limitations. Jackson Walker partner Brad Nitschke joins us to talk about what the executive order says and what Texas businesses need to think about right now.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The music is by Eve Searls. 

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

While the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is designed to incentivize employers to keep employees on the payroll, there are certain aspects of the CARES Act that every employer—big and small—should understand. Jackson Walker partner Scott McElhaney walks through a number of these issues.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal or medical advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Jackson Walker senior counsel Erica Benites Giese discusses the issue of price gouging and common things businesses must consider when raising prices during a declared emergency. On March 19, 2020, the Texas Attorney General issued a public health disaster declaration as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This triggered certain prohibitions under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. While these restrictions typically apply to retailers, wholesalers may also be subject to many of the same restrictions. Erica highlights some of those restrictions and what businesses should consider before raising prices.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

Jackson Walker Labor & Employment Co-Chair Gary Fowler walks us through five key aspects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which goes into effect on April 1, 2020. 

1) Get the poster out to employees.
2) Understand the exemptions, including a broad definition of healthcare workers.
3) Know the alternatives and the relief available to businesses.
4) Consider the alternatives and the relief that is available to businesses.
5) Use the Department of Labor's Q&A site for guidance on the Act.

For more information and additional JW Fast Take podcasts and webinars, visit JW.com/Fast. Follow Jackson Walker LLP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This podcast is made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal or medical advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. Your use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.