New laws were enacted in Illinois pertaining to pregnancy and employment. The “Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act” (P.A. 98-50) amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. (775 ILCS 5/2-102) that previously touched upon this area. This blog post will discuss how reasonable accommodations are addressed under the current law. Most people know that employers cannot hire, fire, segregate, select for training, promote, …
Illinois Family Law: Retirement Options for Teachers in Illinois
Retirement issues can be confusing, especially when there is a pension involved and one spouse has Social Security benefits. It is up to each state to decide whether (and which) government employees would be covered by Social Security. Therefore, a state could choose for teachers to participate in Social Security even if they are covered by a stand-alone retirement plan …
Animal Law: Federal and Illinois State Treatment of Emotional Support Pets
Pets are a large part of people’s lives, and many depend on them for emotional support. Thus, the issue of whether emotional support pets or service animals can accompany its owner to public places becomes an issue. This post will discuss some common questions that come up when evaluating whether a pet can accompany its owner in a public place. …
Book Review: The Christian Prenuptial Agreement
A Christian prenup. Isn’t that an oxymoron? No, no, it’s not. I recently read Patricia Hartman’s book “The Christian Prenuptial Agreement: The Power of Marriage Unleashed” and she makes a solid argument why it’s not. The author is not an attorney; instead, she is a CPA and approaches things from a financial perspective. You can order the book on Amazon …
Choice of Business Entities For Illinois Farmers & Agri-Businesses
[slideshare id=90556988&doc=businessentities-180313203829] I’m looking forward to speaking on Friday at the Women in Ag Conference in Rock Island, Illinois on choices of business entities. The above presentation gives a nice overview of various choices in Illinois including sole proprietorships, partnerships (general and limited), corporations, limited liability companies, etc. Share this Article
Cari Rincker on the “Horse Sense” Podcast
Hear me speak on Christine Rolando‘s podcast, “Horse Sense“, originally aired on WTBQ in Orange County, New York on February 24, 2018. The recording is available here. Christine and I started New York Agri-Women together many years ago. Was great to catch-up with her again. Share this Article
Bar Licensed in the Great State of Texas
As some of you know, Texas is near and dear to my heart. I spent 2 years in College Station attending Texas A & M University and I worked for a Texas Congressman after I graduated. it’s long overdue, but I am officially a licensed attorney in the great state of Texas! And for those of you who are counting… …
About Cari Rincker: How Community College Has Shaped My Life
As some of you know, I received an A.S. in Agriculture from Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois. I was recently awarded the 2018 alumnus of the year award and will be speaking at the graduation ceremony in May ( #pressure!) . Here are some of my thoughts on my community college experience. When I reflect on my community college …
Illinois Federal Court Admissions
I’m proud to announce that I’ve now been admitted to all three federal district courts in Illinois. Although I practice primarily in state courts, I want to be prepared for my clients in case an issue arises in their life or business that will require a federal court appearance. I’m excited to have these credentials to better serve my Illinois …
Agriculture Law: Overview of Farm Labor Law Issues
[slideshare id=86116441&doc=farmlaborlaws-whatyouneedtoknow-180113203306] I gave this presentation last week at the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agri-Tourism and Organic Conference in Springfield, Illinois. It gives an overview of labor and employment law issues that affect farms and small to mid-sized agribusinesses. It discuss employee vs. independent contractor classifications, unpaid labor, hiring practices, minimum wage and overtime, child labor, Family Medical Leave Act, employment …
New York Matrimonial Law: Forensic Accountants and Closely Held-Businesses
A forensic accountant is a useful tool in divorces, especially where there is a closely-held business. Many times, these are family businesses or businesses where the person works individually. Unfortunately, a closely-held business is often a way for a spouse to hide assets. Having a closely-held business can enable a spouse to take additional income by: (1) paying personal debts …