Law articles and updates by the attorneys of Gawthrop Greenwood.
Making a Campaign Contribution? Make Sure You’re Compliant
By Anthony T. Verwey -- As the political season continues the rush toward November, all businesses and their employees should be paying attention to recent reporting regarding “conduit” campaign contributions, which have the potential to put both parties in jeopardy. While such contributions are illegal at both the federal level…
Using COVID-19 Liability Waivers to Protect Your Business
By John Rafferty — As many institutions take further steps to reopen, most are interested in creating a safe environment and simultaneously, reducing liability for future COVID-related issues. Some institutions have gone so far as to ask that persons receiving services sign liability waivers, which are essentially agreements not to sue, should COVID-mitigation…
Now You Know: Your Rights on Insurance Claims
By John Rafferty — Nearly everyone who pays insurance premiums expects that when they submit a claim for a loss believed to be covered, the insurance company will, having been paid the premiums, cover the loss. Sometimes, when claims are denied, the reason given is that it was “not a covered…
Order Issued Requiring Face Coverings in Pennsylvania
On July 1, 2020, the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the first Order in Pennsylvania requiring universal face coverings that fully cover the nose and mouth to be worn to prevent further transmission of COVID-19. The Order requires that all individuals over the age of two must…
New PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications Issued
By Gordon W. Prince, Esq. In light of the newly executed Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (the “Act”), discussed fully here, the SBA (in consultation with the U.S. Department of Treasury) issued a revised PPP loan forgiveness application, as well as a new “EZ” version of the forgiveness application. It…
New Rules for Forgiveness in Paycheck Protection Program Reform Bill
By Gordon W. Prince, Esq. The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, a bill that focuses on easing restrictions on small businesses who will be seeking to have their PPP loans forgiven, has been signed into law by the President. PPP loan borrowers should breathe a sigh of relief…
What It Means: Pennsylvania’s Judicial Emergency to End June 1
By Salvia Yi, Esq. On May 27, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared that the statewide judicial emergency will end as of June 1, 2020. Notwithstanding, the President Judges in each county are authorized to extend or declare local judicial emergencies should they deem it necessary to protect the health…
Small Businesses: What You Need to Know About Important Changes to Bankruptcy
By David W. deBruin, Esq. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted to provide emergency financial assistance for individuals, families and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A lesser publicized part of the CARES Act made some very important changes to various provisions of the…
Keep It or Return It: Major Update for PPP Loans Under $2 Million
By Gordon W. Prince, Esq. The SBA has automatically extended the safe harbor Paycheck Protection Program loan repayment deadline to May 18, 2020, in light of the new guidance it has issued regarding the good faith certification all PPP loan recipients were required to make when they applied. The new…
Domestic Violence and Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders During Coronavirus Lockdown
By Lauren Dentone, Esq. During this time of shelter-in-place and community lockdowns, the landscape of criminal activity has changed dramatically. In an analysis done by The Economist of data collected from five large cities, most crime has plummeted in the wake of COVID-19 by more than 25%. While this appears…