Faegre Drinker

Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month? The month of April also includes National Volunteer Appreciation Week! At Faegre Drinker, service to others is one of our core values, and it is woven into who we are as a firm in a number of ways, including getting involved in our communities. Our work and activities address local needs, emphasizing children and families, education, job readiness, housing and homelessness, racial equity and social justice, veterans’ affairs and hunger. In recent months, we’ve had the privilege of serving nationwide at places such as: • Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa • Castro Elementary • Children's Hospital Colorado • Digs With Dignity • Downtown Women's Center • Fostering Hope for Children • GLIDEsf • HomeFront • Manhattan Youth Drop-in Center at The Door - A Center of Alternatives • The Minnesota Veterans Home • Miriam's Kitchen • nourish.NJ • Ronald McDonald House Charities • Second Helpings Many thanks to those at Faegre Drinker for their commitment to giving back, and to all those behind the scenes at these places and others who help make a difference in the lives of so many.

In this episode of “ERISA Moments,” Bradford Campbell and Fred Reish examine recent ERISA litigation matters, including those involving ESG, crypto and forfeitures.

The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee has filed antidumping duty petitions and countervailing duty petitions on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells — whether or not assembled into modules — from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Investigations by the U.S. Department of Commerce are expected to begin on May 14, 2024. You can learn more about the petitions in this alert by Douglas Heffner, Richard Ferrin and Carrie Bethea Connolly.

As part of its targeted exam of member firms’ social media practices for gaining new customers, FINRA announced an $850,000 fine against an online brokerage firm that stemmed from posts made by approximately 1,700 influencers hired to expand its customer base. In this post for our “Broker-Dealer Law” blog, Jamie Helman and Scott Wardell review the issue at hand and discuss takeaways for others looking to avoid this experience.

The DOL has issued its much-anticipated final rule raising the salary threshold for certain workers exempt from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employers should review their existing exempt workers’ salaries and identify whether any increases may need to be made to comply with the rule’s increases. However, they should also keep an eye on any challenges that are filed and be prepared to adjust and adapt as needed. You can learn more in this alert by Samantha Rollins and Samantha Barnfather.

Indiana Lawyer has announced its honorees for the 2024 Leadership in Law awards, and we are proud to share that the list included Scott Chinn and Abe Jentry Shanehsaz! Scott was named a “Distinguished Barrister,” a designation given to those who have practiced law for at least 20 years. Abe was selected as an “Up and Coming” honoree, which is a recognition given to attorneys who have been practicing for 10 years or less. All individuals are also selected based on their involvement in the legal community, contributions supporting social and civic community-based organizations and programs and mentoring relationships with young lawyers. Congratulations, Scott and Abe!

The U.S. Trade Representative has started a Section 301 investigation regarding China's practices in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors, following a petition by national labor unions. Allegations include unfair advantages for Chinese enterprises, intellectual property theft, and controlling shipping rates, which the petitioners claim negatively impact U.S. commerce. Possible remedies could involve imposing duties or import restrictions on Chinese goods, with a recommendation to establish a "U.S. Commercial Shipbuilding Revitalization Fund" funded by special port fees on Chinese-built vessels. You can learn more in this alert by Douglas Heffner, Richard Ferrin and Carrie Bethea Connolly.

Please help us welcome Gwen Williamson, who has joined our Washington, D.C. office as a partner in our investment management practice! Gwen thrives on working creatively to advise clients around the novel investment products that are the future of the asset management industry and in implementing SEC rulemakings and complying with the federal securities laws day to day. She is also highly experienced in environmental, social and governance and principles-based investing. Welcome, Gwen!

With a 3-2 vote along party lines, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued a final rule that will ban essentially all employment noncompete agreements nationwide. You can learn more about the key takeaways and what to expect next in this alert by Matthew Fontana, Lauren Wright Linderman, Harmony Mappes, Ken Vorrasi, John Yi, Erik Mosvick and Jillian S.B. Lukacik.

A recent trade secret case from New York highlights the importance of how damages are calculated and emphasizes the need to conform those damages calculations to the applicable standards in your jurisdiction. You can learn more about the matter in this alert by Randall Kahnke and Rachel Cardwell.