The SEC has flexed its (new…ish) muscles for the first time, penalizing Paradigm Capital Management Inc. in an enforcement action for retaliation against a whistleblower. The Dodd-Frank Act prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers, specifically providing that “No employer may discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass, directly or indirectly, or in any other…
Kang Haggerty News
Third Circuit Adopts Liberal Notice Pleading Standard for False Claims Act Cases
Refusing to adopt the heightened pleading standard under Rule 9(b), the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed the U.S. District Court for New Jersey’s order, which held that Plaintiff Foglia failed to meet the pleading requirements under Rule 9(b) for pleading a false claims act case. U.S.…
5 Ways to Transition Your Business to Next Generation
1. Define your goals. What is your ultimate goal in transitioning your business? Do you plan on funding your retirement through this transition? Is it to leave a legacy? The reason behind your desire to transition will determine how you proceed. 2. Plan & Implement Your Strategies. Create a clear plan as you move…
You Need to Make a Demand First Before Filing a Derivative Claim
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Robert FREEDMAN, Appellant v. Sumner M. REDSTONE; Philippe P. Dauman; Thomas E. Dooley; George S. Abrams; Alan C. Greenberg; Shari Redstone; Frederic V. Salerno; Blythe J. McGarvie; Charles E. Phillips, Jr.; William Schwartz; Robert K. Kraft; Viacom, Inc. No. 13–3372. Decided:…
Commerce Judges Offer Tips on Practice
Philadelphia Bar Reporter
Court Gives Yelp Zero Stars
Anonymous internet reviewers beware – particularly if what you post is harmful to a business’s reputation; and more importantly, untrue. The Virginia Supreme Court is currently considering a case that could have major implications with regard to unmasking the identity of anonymous internet reviewers who post false and defamatory comments about businesses. In…
Superior Court Clarifies Pennsylvania Law on Non-Compete Agreements
On May 13, 2014, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, in Socko v. Mid-Atlantic Systems, clarified the requirement of new consideration when an employer and employee enter into an employment agreement containing a non-competition restrictive covenant after commencement of employment. As an appellate decision, this new clarification leaves a lasting and…
Follow the Bright-Line Road!
In the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania No. 76 MAP 2012 On Appeal from Superior Court 11/23/2011 Docket Carl J. Barrick and Brenda L. Barrick v. Holy Spirit Hospital of the Sisters of Christian Charity Individually and d/b/a Holy Spirit Hospital, Sodexho Management, Inc., Sodexho Operations, LLC and Linda J. Lawrence …
Much Ado about Non-Competes
In energy, technology, healthcare and other key sectors of the economy, employers increasingly insist their employees agree to non-competes and other post employment restrictions. Yet when the employment relationship ends, the restrictive covenants are either ignored by both the employee and the employer or fought out in court with the…
Bad Sportsmanship? Class Action Filed Against NCAA for Student Compensation
The question of whether student-athletes in college sports are adequately compensated for their services is a debate that has persisted for many years. It has recently become a particularly hot topic in light of a decision by the National Labor Relations Board that Northwestern University’s football players can unionize; as…