Writings by Michael J. Sheppeard

When New York businesses were required to close their doors last March, there was little advance notice, and many were caught unprepared... When New York businesses were required to close their doors last March, there was little advance notice, and many were caught unprepared. With COVID-19 cases spiking in several areas across the state, mandatory […]

The Small Business Association (SBA) recently issued a Procedural Notice regarding the procedures required when an entity that has received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds is contemplating a change in ownership... The Small Business Association (SBA) recently issued a Procedural Notice regarding the procedures required when an entity that has received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) […]

The Department of Labor (DOL) wants to make it easier for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors… The Department of Labor (DOL) wants to make it easier for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors. The DOL’s recently published rule proposal establishes a new framework for determining when employers may legally classify workers as […]

If you haven’t yet updated your contracts to address COVID-19, time is of the essence... If you haven’t yet updated your contracts to address COVID-19, time is of the essence. The ongoing pandemic has created a wide range of unique issues that can impact the parties’ respective rights and responsibilities. For instance, do your contracts […]

The EEOC recently released new guidance regarding opioid addiction and employment… Although COVID-19 remains a top compliance concern for New York and New Jersey employers, it’s important to remember that regulators continue to address a wide range of other issues. On August 5, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released new guidance regarding opioid addiction and […]

While many offices are reopening, not all workers are comfortable returning to work right now... While many offices are reopening, not all workers are comfortable returning to work right now. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued guidance regarding when employers will be required to grant telework accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act […]

COVID-19 continues to significantly impact NY and NJ businesses, creating a challenging environment for the collection of payments for businesses of all sizes… COVID-19 continues to significantly impact New York and New Jersey businesses, creating a challenging environment for the collection of payments for businesses of all sizes.  While late payments can drastically impact cash […]

New York City’s comptroller Scott Stringer recently unveiled a plan to help the city’s small businesses deal with the impact of COVID-19… New York City’s comptroller Scott Stringer recently unveiled a plan to help the city’s small businesses deal with the impact of COVID-19. The comptroller’s recommendations include a series of tax credits for retailers, […]