A core determinant of business success: a well-executed contract

In Business Organizations by Coolidge Wall

Diverse business clients in Ohio, as well as nationally and across the globe, that the proven attorneys of Dayton-based Coolidge Wall — one of Ohio’s longest-tenured law firms — have successfully represented over many decades centrally share at least one important attribute. And that is this, as noted on a relevant page of our firm’s website: a “good contract.” That likely seems a flat truism to most of our readers, with it being an obvious fact that a successful business relationship between two or more entities is unlikely to ensue and sustain itself in the absence of a clear and …

IRS Extends Due Date for Furnishing Individual Reporting Statements under the Affordable Care Act

In Employee Benefits by Coolidge Wall

On November 18th, the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2016-70 which: Extends by 30 days the deadline for providing to employees the 2016 Forms 1095-B (Health Coverage) and 1095-C (Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage) from January 31, 2017 to March 2, 2017; and Extends certain good faith transition relief from penalties that apply to the 2016 ACA information reporting requirements. Form 1095-B must be furnished to individuals by insurers, employers with self-insured health plans, and certain other providers of minimum essential coverage. Form 1095-C must be provided by applicable large employers (those with 50 or more full-time employees, including …

An Overview of New Statute Regarding Disputes Alleging Denial of Access to Public Records

In General by Coolidge Wall

On September 28, 2016, Ohio Revised Code Section 2743.75 went into effect, which gives the Court of Claims exclusive and sole jurisdiction over disputes alleging denial of access to public records. This Section gives aggrieved individuals an alternative to filing a mandamus action if their public records request is denied. If an individual’s public records request is denied, they now have the option to file a complaint in the Court of Claims with a $25 filing fee. When a complaint is filed, a special master will be appointed. The special master will determine whether or not the case should go …

HALTED! Court Stops DOL Overtime Rules From Taking Effect

In Employment Law by Coolidge Wall

In a somewhat surprising and certainly controversial move, a federal court in Texas has issued a preliminary injunction stopping for the time being the DOL’s overtime rules from taking effect on December 1, 2016, as originally contemplated. Moreover, the court’s order applies to all employers on a nationwide basis. The primary DOL regulation at issue would have increased the minimum threshold salary for “white collar” exempt employees from $455 per week ($23,660 annually) to $913 per week ($47,476 annually). In granting an injunction, the court agreed with a number of states, including Ohio, that drastically raising the minimum salary needed …

Wilberding Receives Prestigious Lloyd O’Hara Public Interest Law Award

In News by Coolidge Wall

Merle Wilberding, senior attorney at Coolidge Wall Co., LPA, was presented the Lloyd O’Hara Public Interest Law Award at the 2016 Access to Justice Awards Gala on November 3. The event, held at the Ponitz Center at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, and was presented by Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) and the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyer Project (GDVLP). The annual Awards Gala recognizes individuals and organizations that have provided extraordinary assistance to disadvantaged individuals and families in the Dayton community. Wilberding was honored for his ongoing efforts to educate at-risk …

Coolidge Wall Receives 2017 Best Law Firms First-Tier Ranking

In News by Coolidge Wall

Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. has received first-tier Metropolitan ranking in nine practice areas by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers in the 2017 “Best Law Firms” list. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise among ranked law firms. The nine areas for which the firm received first-tier ranking are Corporate Law; Real Estate Law; Banking and Finance Law; Commercial Litigation; Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management; Litigation – Labor & Employment; Litigation – Land Use & Zoning; and Litigation – Real Estate. To be eligible for …