News

DOL Flies Alone: Guidance on the 100% COBRA Subsidy under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) provides that, for the period from April 1, 2021 until September 30, 2021, if an individual’s Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) qualifying event is an involuntary termination of employment or a reduction of hours (each, an “Assi

DOL to Seek Liquidated Damages in Pre-Litigation Settlements

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

In a new Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB), the Wage and Hour Division announced that it will return to pursuing liquidated damages from employers found due in its pre-litigation investigations provided that the Regional Solicitor or his/her designee concurs with the liquidated damages request.

Don’t Relax – COVID-19-Related Changes are NOT Slowing Down

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

This author much prefers the well-known (at least in some circles) advice from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – “DON’T PANIC.” Unfortunately, even with some hopeful signs of normal (or something close to normal) returning, it may be better to share the admonition of “Don’t Relax.” COVID-1

Opening Up to SLAT Opportunities

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

Estate tax planning can become complicated when multiple parties are involved. For example, you may be concerned about providing assets to a surviving spouse of a second marriage, while also providing for your children from your first marriage.

Window On Washington - Vol. 5, Issue 15

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

Outlook for This Week in the Nation’s Capital - Congress. The House and Senate are back in session this week. The House is set to consider the Paycheck Fairness Act this week (H.R.

Guidance Issued on Implementation of ARPA COBRA Premium Subsidy

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

Group health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) permits certain group health coverage to be continued by participants and beneficiaries (“qualified beneficiaries”) when coverage is lost due to certain “qualified events,” such as termination o

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Sunset the QM Patch

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

The qualified mortgage (QM) rules have become a world of contradictions.

Evaluating Smart Home Technology: It’s About More Than the Bottom Line

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

Outfitting a commercial real estate space with smart technology can be a significant cost. While the long-term benefits and strategic improvements we’ve discussed previously can make that investment worthwhile, the evaluation period is critical to ensure an impactful ROI.

The FCA’s recent focus on diversity, inclusion and psychological safety

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

Two senior members of the FCA have recently delivered significant speeches on the importance of diversity and inclusion (“D&I”) in regulated firms and why this should be considered a regulatory issue.

DOJ Continues Price Gouging Enforcement Under the Defense Production Act

By EsqSocial Corporation 13/04/21

On April 2, 2021, the acting U.S.

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