Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory Employment Arbitration Clauses, Even Those Prohibiting Class Action Proceedings

In Labor by Coolidge Wall

In a major victory for employers, the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that individualized arbitration clauses in employment contracts are enforceable. In Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis, the Supreme Court determined that the Federal Arbitration Act is compatible with, rather than opposed to, other federal statutes such as the National Labor Relations Act. The most recent Justice, Neil Gorsuch, wrote the 5-4 majority opinion. The decision provides that employers can insist on individualized arbitration clauses in their contracts with employees and preclude employees from bringing class or collective actions in court. The employees in the case had …

Deferring Taxes through Qualified Opportunity Funds

In Tax by Coolidge Wall

Background Most taxpayers are aware of the lower tax rates and the new pass-through business deduction implemented by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). However, two less publicized sections, 1400Z-1 and 1400Z-2, added by the Tax Act provide taxpayers an opportunity to defer and even reduce taxes on the sale of property. Under these sections, when a person sells or exchanges property, that person may defer paying taxes on any gain by reinvesting the proceeds in a “qualified opportunity fund” (a “Qualified Fund”). Generally, investing in a Qualified Fund allows a person to defer all …

New Associate Joins Coolidge Labor and Employment Department

In News by Coolidge Wall

The law firm of Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that Matthew T. Crawford has joined the firm as an associate in its Labor and Employment Department. Matt’s practice focuses on counseling employers in addressing and creating solutions for a wide variety of workplace issues. He has secured dismissal of unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board and State Employment Relations Board. In addition, he has successfully represented clients in arbitration proceedings, in litigation matters and before administrative agencies. Matt also brings experience in collective bargaining negotiations, public sector fact-finding, union elections, mediation and counseling …