Global Mutual Separation Agreements: A Strategic Guide for Employers
Mutual separation agreements (MSAs) are contracts that let multinational employers end overseas employment by mutual consent, typically adding an ex gratia payment to statutory entitlements. They are especially valuable in jurisdictions with strict termination rules, where unilateral dismissals can trigger costly litigation. The article outlines a four‑step framework—assessing local law, evaluating risk, confirming enforceability, and finalizing strategy—to help employers design compliant, region‑specific separation plans. Real‑world examples from China, Korea, Finland and Taiwan illustrate how local customs and procedural nuances shape MSA design and timing.
EPA Updates New Approach Methods to Replace Animal Testing for Chemical Assessments
The EPA unveiled two major actions to accelerate the replacement of animal testing with New Approach Methods for chemical and pesticide assessments. Thirteen new NAMs—including human‑cell eye‑hazard and 3‑D phototoxicity assays—were added to the agency’s approved list, and a streamlined...
Hi, I’m With the Government and I’d Like to Ask You a Question: What State-Licensed Medical Marijuana Operators Need to...
The DEA has moved state‑licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, triggering a mandatory registration process for operators. The registration form asks whether anyone involved previously manufactured, distributed, or dispensed a controlled substance without DEA authorization—a question most applicants will...
Executive Order Directs Agencies to Default to Fixed-Price (and Performance-Based) Contracting
On April 30, 2026 President Trump signed Executive Order 14402, directing federal agencies to treat firm‑fixed‑price contracts with performance‑based incentives as the default procurement method. The order requires written justification for any non‑fixed‑price award and senior‑level approval for contracts exceeding...
CFPB Final Rule Narrows Small Business Lending Data Collection Requirements
On May 1, 2026 the CFPB issued a Final Rule revising its Section 1071 data‑collection mandate. The rule raises the covered‑institution threshold to 1,000 small‑business originations, trims the revenue cap to $1 million, and excludes Farm Credit System lenders, agricultural loans, merchant...
The Nine-Step Playbook European Companies Can Follow to Help Their U.S. Operations Comply with U.S. Labor Laws
European firms eyeing U.S. expansion face steep legal hurdles under the National Labor Relations Act. A nine‑step playbook advises early retention of U.S.‑savvy counsel, leadership training, compensation benchmarking, and hiring HR executives with union‑relations experience. It also calls for a...
Pilot Models at Scale: What George V. Commissioner Teaches About the Research Credit
The Tax Court’s *George v. Commissioner* decision redefines how the federal research credit applies to large‑scale, production‑level experiments. By treating chickens raised under commercial conditions as eligible “supplies,” the court affirmed that technical uncertainty can exist even after laboratory success,...
USCIS Tightens Signature Rules for Immigration Filings: What Employers, Applicants Should Know
The Department of Homeland Security issued an interim final rule that expands USCIS authority to reject or deny immigration benefit requests with invalid signatures, even after a filing has been accepted. Effective July 10, 2026, the rule allows USCIS to keep filing...
Legal Update Article Virginia’s Workplace Changes for Employers- Paid Family Leave
Virginia’s General Assembly approved a statewide paid family and medical leave (PFML) insurance program that will be funded through payroll contributions beginning April 1, 2028. Eligible workers can receive up to 12 weeks of leave with wage replacement of up to 80%...
FAA’s “No-Protest” Clause Struck Down
The FAA’s Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition (ODRA) ruled that the SETIS contract’s G.8.3 “no‑protest” clause is unenforceable, reaffirming contractors’ right to protest task‑order awards below $25 million. The decision also clarified that the FAA cannot rely on Federal Acquisition...
Late-Stage Deals Dominate Latin American Funding in Q1
Latin American startups secured $1.03 billion in venture capital during Q1 2026, a 12% year‑over‑year increase but a 6% dip from the previous quarter. Late‑stage and growth rounds dominated, attracting $761 million—up 158% YoY. Mexico emerged as the regional leader, raising $404 million,...
In Liberty Global, the Tenth Circuit Leaves Taxpayers with an Opinion with Unresolved Questions
On April 21, 2026 the Tenth Circuit affirmed that the economic substance doctrine is relevant and applied it to deny Liberty Global, Inc. a $2.4 billion deduction tied to the “Project Soy” transaction, imposing a 40 % penalty. The court rejected the taxpayer’s claim that...
Pitfalls to Avoid When Hiring Jury Consulting Firms
Hiring a jury consulting firm can dramatically influence trial results, but firms vary widely in pricing, methodology, and expertise. Common missteps include focusing on headline rates without accounting for third‑party expenses, skipping foundational research before mock trials, and letting preferred...
“Joint” At the Hip? The DOL's New Proposal Could Reshape Joint Employer Liability
The U.S. Department of Labor issued a proposed rule on April 22, 2026 to create a uniform federal standard for determining joint‑employer status under the FLSA, FMLA and MSPA. The rule centers on actual control of workers, using a four‑factor test that...
Crypto Finally Gets Its Rulebook — But Congress Has to Finish Writing It First
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Congress to pass the CLARITY Act, the most comprehensive effort to codify U.S. crypto regulation. The bill, cleared by the House in July 2025, still faces Senate committee splits over stablecoin interest and the DeFi...