By: Alexander J. Mezny The Illinois Freedom to Work Act bars employers from entering into covenants not to compete with employees who earn $13 per hour or less, effective January 1, 2017. Once the minimum wage increases beyond $13 per hour, the minimum wage will become the new threshold. The Act will not affect pre-existing […]
Alexander Mezny September 28th, 2016
Posted In: Employment & Labor, Policies & Agreements
Content Editor: Maryjo F. Pirages Reynolds Original Author Credit: Allison M. Huntley Trustees have numerous responsibilities surrounding trust administration. These duties range from filing tax returns to distributing trust assets. If the trust requires the trustee to distribute more than $4,000 worth of assets to a charitable organization, the trustee may be required to register […]
Maryjo Pirages Reynolds August 10th, 2016
Posted In: Trusts & Estates
By: Maryjo F. Pirages Reynolds The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs background checks which it refers to as “consumer reports.” Employers cannot be careful enough when running a background check on a current or prospective employee. Plaintiffs’ attorneys filed over 400 class action lawsuits last year in connection with improper background check procedures. Employers […]
Maryjo Pirages Reynolds August 10th, 2016
Posted In: Employment & Labor
By: Maryjo F. Pirages Reynolds I-9 audits can detect even inadvertent errors, saving employers from civil fines of up to $1,100 per improperly documented employee. Many employers are unintentionally violating the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and an I-9 audit can catch inaccuracies, instruct on best practices, and provide evidence of good faith […]
Maryjo Pirages Reynolds August 10th, 2016
Posted In: Employment & Labor, Immigration
By: Maryjo F. Pirages Reynolds In today’s world of non-stop social media, it may be tempting for an employer to do a quick search of an applicant’s name on Facebook. In less than 10 seconds, the employer can obtain access to an applicant’s photos and personal information, and likely, gain a decent understanding of his […]
Maryjo Pirages Reynolds June 21st, 2016
Posted In: Employment & Labor
By: Alexander J. Mezny On May 11, 2016, the President signed into law the Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”), which amends the Economic Espionage Act to create a federal civil cause of action for theft of trade secrets. While mostly similar to the Illinois Trade Secrets Act, it allows a court in exceptional circumstances to […]
Alexander Mezny May 23rd, 2016
Posted In: Privacy, Security & Information Technology, Trade Secrets
Content Editor: Maryjo F. Pirages Reynolds Original Author Credit: Stephanie A. Grattan The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that employers verify the identity and work authorization of their employees via Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification Form. Noncompliant employers may be subject to monetary fines, criminal penalties, and debarment from government contracts. […]
Maryjo Pirages Reynolds March 30th, 2016
Posted In: Employment & Labor, Immigration
Content Editor: Maryjo F. Pirages Reynolds Original Author Credit: Stephanie A. Grattan Employers must retain Forms I-9 for all current employees hired after November 6, 1986. Once an individual’s employment ends, the employer must retain Form I-9 for either three (3) years after the date of hire or one (1) year after the date employment […]
Maryjo Pirages Reynolds March 30th, 2016
Posted In: Employment & Labor, Immigration
Content Editor: Maryjo F. Pirages Reynolds Original Author Credit: Stephanie A. Grattan “E-Verify” is the federal government’s Internet-based system that allows employers to electronically verify the employment authorization of new hires. More than 500,000 employers of all sizes use the E-Verify system, with about 1,400 new companies joining each week. Approximately 200 employers use E-Verify […]
Maryjo Pirages Reynolds March 30th, 2016
Posted In: Employment & Labor, Immigration
Content Editor: Maryjo F. Pirages Reynolds Original Author Credit: Stephanie A. Grattan Self Check is a free online service offered by the federal government that enables workers over the age of sixteen (16) to check their own employment eligibility status. Self Check runs a worker’s biographical information against the same Social Security Administration and Department […]
Maryjo Pirages Reynolds March 30th, 2016
Posted In: Employment & Labor, Immigration