How You Can Keep Customer Data Safe

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

In today’s data-driven world, small businesses often find themselves in possession of sensitive customer data. As the collection of data increases, customers grow more suspicious of the means and methods used to collect and store data. In response to this growing concern, we are seeing increased legislation pertaining to the collection, storage, and distribution of data. Laws like the California …

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Ask Cari: Does Your Website Need a Privacy Policy or Terms of Use?

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Food & Ag Law

Conversations about data privacy policies and website terms of use have become more common in recent months. Large companies like Facebook,[1] Expedia,[2] and Dick’s Sporting Goods[3] have been involved in litigation involving agreements that address these very issues. The questions on most business owners’ minds are “What are these agreements?” and “Do I need them on my website?” Privacy policies …

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Doing the Pandemic Pivot: Consider Using “Virtual Mediation” to Resolve Your Dispute

Rincker LawAlternative Dispute Resolution

Boy, life has changed in the last month.  A client told me that it happened like an avalanche and I could not agree more.  I have been conducting meditations via Zoom and GoToMeeting  and it has been working great.  I have also been referring clients to virtual/online and they have had nice experiences so far.  Pandemics force us to change …

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Illinois Employment Law: What Issues Should Employment Handbooks Discuss? (Part 2)

Rincker LawEmployment Law

Here are a few suggestions for your employment handbook.. Remember that there is no one-size fits all.  Let Rincker Law help you tailor your employment handbook to your company. Vacation       Illinois law does not require employers to offer vacation benefits; however, if the employer has established a policy, promised, or contracted to provide these benefits, then it must. See 820 …

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Illinois Employment Law: What Issues Should Employment Handbooks Discuss? (Part 1)

Rincker LawEmployment Law

There is no one size fits all for employment handbooks but there are a few things that you should be sure your handbook discusses.   Here are a few pointers: Terms of Employment Open Door Policy Drug Free Workplace Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Polic Non-Union Status Statement Sexual Harassment Policy  Leave Policies Sick Leave Only a handful of states have their …

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Ask Cari: 3 Things Families Should Consider During COVID-19 Pandemic and Shelter in Place

Rincker LawEstate Planning, Family/Matrimonial Law

Our phones have been ringing off the hook during this pandemic – we have all been affected by this virus and it’s times like now that remind us about what is important in life.  Here are 3 considerations/ reminders during this time: Parenting Time During Shelter in Place- Most states have carve-outs during the shelter in place for parenting time.  Speak …

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Ask Cari: How to Choose the Right Business Lawyer

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

A skilled attorney is a critical part of any business owner’s advisory team. Business attorneys are equipped to assist you in handling a variety of tasks that can protect you from potential legal and business pitfalls, in addition to solving existing legal issues. As important as they are to your team, finding the right business attorney may be challenging if …

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Ask Cari: What are Legal Considerations for my Business during a Pandemic: Responding to COVID-19?

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

In a matter of weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world and forced communities to reevaluate everything. Despite the unpredictability that has accompanied this global crisis, it is not too late to implement changes to protect you, your employees, and your business. Here are some tips and strategies to help you navigate these challenges and the ones to come. …

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Ask Cari: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the COVID-19 Stimulus Package

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

As small business owners grapple with the economic realities of nationwide stay-home orders and social distancing mandates, legislatures have been updating laws and developing new programs to keep the economy afloat. The latest and most groundbreaking is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2.2 trillion stimulus package aimed at supporting individuals, businesses, and governments now and …

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Illinois Family Law: Parenting Time and Shelter in Place

Rincker LawFamily/Matrimonial Law

We have received a lot of questions from folks about what to do about parenting time orders in the midst of a shelter in place.The current Shelter in Place Executive Order in Response to COVID-19 presently in place specifically excludes under Paragraph 14(e) “[t]ravel required by law enforcement or court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement.” …

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Ask Stephanie: What are the Right to Privacy Concerns Facing Livestock Photographers?

Rincker LawFood & Ag Law, Intellectual Property

There are four major types of privacy law: unreasonable intrusion upon seclusion, unreasonable revelation of private facts, unreasonably placing another person in a false light; and, misappropriation of a person’s name or likeness. Intrusion: One who intentionally intrudes, physically or otherwise, upon the solitude or seclusion of another or his private affairs or concerns, is subject to liability to the …

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Ask Stephanie: What Trademark Issues Apply to Livestock Photographers?

Rincker LawIntellectual Property, Trademarks

The U.S. Trademark office states that a trademark is “a word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, use or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the good/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services.” Trademarks may either be on a mark or image. In order for something to …

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