BW INSIGHTS

ERISA FIDUCIARY DUTIES AND CYBERSECURITY

The intersection of fiduciary duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and cybersecurity has become increasingly prominent in our digital world. ERISA fiduciaries are responsible for managing retirement plans prudently and solely in the interest of participants and beneficiaries. As cyber threats grow, ensuring the... Read More

IRS Issues Guidance on Matching Contributions for Student Loan Payments

Background On August 19, 2024, the IRS issued Notice 2024-63 (the “Notice”) to provide highly anticipated interim guidance on Section 110 of Secure 2.0 Act (“Secure 2.0”), which was enacted in 2022. Secure 2.0 amended the definition of matching contributions to allow an employer to make matching contributions beginning in 2024 to 401(k), 403(b),... Read More

Retiring from Chiropractic Practice

Deciding when to retire can be difficult after building and sustaining a successful chiropractic practice. When the time comes to retire, chiropractors should be aware of the following requirements involving notifying patients, retaining records, and updating licenses. Notifying Patients The Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) requires that retiring... Read More

ESOP Seller Perspectives – The Employee and Community Benefits of ESOP Sales

Selling a company to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) extends far beyond financial transactions—it fosters a symbiotic relationship between the business, its employees, and the surrounding community. The decision to sell to an ESOP brings forth a multitude of benefits that ripple through both the internal workforce and the broader... Read More

Texas Court Ruling on FTC Rule

On August 20, 2024, Judge Ada E. Brown for the Northern District of Texas issued a nationwide injunction barring the implementation of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) regulation banning noncompete agreements. In April 2023, the FTC issued a final rule banning most new and existing noncompetes nationwide. Judge Brown’s ruling means the FTC ban... Read More

Two Critical Considerations for Employers Ahead of the FTC's Final Rule Effective Date

As the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) final rule banning non-competes approaches its effective date of September 4, 2024, employers should begin preparing for its enforcement. Two key actions employers should consider now include: (1) initiating legal action for breaches of existing and enforceable non-competes, and (2) satisfying the final... Read More

ESOP Eligibility: Who’s In, and Who’s Out?

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) offer unique opportunities for employees to become owners of their company and share in its success. Understanding the rules surrounding ESOP eligibility and properly determining which employees are eligible for participation are crucial for sponsoring employers. In this client update, we will outline the... Read More

Questions about the Property Tax Sale

What is a Tax Sale? Tax sales are used by the County Treasurer to collect unpaid and delinquent real estate taxes. The tax sale is generally held on the third Monday of June every year. At the sale, the County Treasurer offers for sale each parcel with delinquent taxes for the total amount of taxes, interest, fees, and costs due against each... Read More

It’s Hip To Be Square! But Can You Protect A Square Cheese Curd With IP?

As famously said by Huey Lewis: It’s Hip To Be Square! But that raises the question: Can you protect the shape of a square cheese curd? Let’s find out! There is nothing I enjoy more in my career than finding ways to meaningfully protect what is unique about a brand through the use of creative Intellectual Property (“IP”) strategies. A fun and... Read More