Recent Tax Legislation Eliminates Deduction for Confidential Sexual Harassment Settlements

In Employment Law by Coolidge Wall

Last December, Congress responded to an avalanche of sexual harassment and abuse claims across the country by including a provision within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at Section 13307 impacting an employer’s ability to obtain a tax deduction for settlements paid that include nondisclosure agreements. Internal Revenue Code Section 162(q) now provides that no deduction will be allowed for any settlement or payment related to sexual harassment or sexual abuse if such settlement or payment is subject to a nondisclosure agreement. Deductions for attorney’s fees related to such confidential sexual harassment settlements or payments are also prohibited. The drafters …

New Paralegal Joins Coolidge Litigation Department

In News by Coolidge Wall

The law firm of Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that Erika Shellhammer has joined the firm as a paralegal in its Litigation Department. Erika brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm. She has focused on litigation paralegal support for the past 18 years with firms in Dayton and Troy. Erika supports attorneys in all aspects of litigation, including discovery, research and trial preparation. “Erika is a great addition to the Litigation team,” said Richard Talda, Chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. “She brings a wealth of litigation support experience to Coolidge and our clients.” …