Ask Kym: What are Force Majeure Clauses?

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

You may have heard the term “force majeure” being discussed a lot with regard to parties fulfilling their contractual obligations in light of Coronavirus.  Businesses and individuals, alike, are wondering whether force majeure contract clauses will actually hold-up in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. Many businesses rely on their force majeure clauses regarding “acts of God,” when they have …

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4 Things Business Owners Can Do to Be Too Legit to Quit

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

Today’s topic is for fellow entrepreneurs on how to get your corporate formality “ducks in a row” — or what I call becoming too legit to quit! While in quarantine, with extra time available, it’s a great opportunity to assess and improve areas of your operations.  Get started by first conducting a corporate formalities check-up:  Operating agreement: Do you have …

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Retirement Updates Amid COVID-19

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Family/Matrimonial Law

On May 4, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published questions and answers regarding retirement provisions in Section 2202 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In addition to providing aid for individuals and businesses, the CARES Act increases accessibility to funds and loans from certain retirement plans and accounts. The information the IRS recently published clarifies …

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How to Reopen Your Business After COVID-19

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

Despite the uncertainty that has accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic and that still lies ahead, one thing remains certain: Most businesses will eventually reopen. On April 16, 2020, President Trump set forth guidelines for the reopening of businesses in the United States. Additionally, governors from various states continue to roll back statewide stay-home orders in the hopes of restarting economies that …

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Ask Cari: Force Majeure Clauses in Light of COVID-19

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

Businesses across the globe have experienced unprecedented interruptions and closures because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many businesses are finding it difficult to perform their contractual obligations. Consequently,  a common but often overlooked contractual clause is in the limelight: the force majeure clause. Contrary to popular belief, the mere existence of a force majeure clause does not invalidate …

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Ask Cari: How to Legally Terminate an Employee

Rincker LawEmployment Law

Almost all business owners eventually must make the difficult decision to terminate an employee. Whether that decision arises from failure on the employee’s part or economic turbulence, one thing is clear: How a business handles this delicate situation can either increase or decrease the risk of negative consequences like lawsuits and unfavorable public attention. Here are the best practices to …

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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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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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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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Ask Cari: What Laws Affect Agriculture and Livestock Photographers / Videographers?

Rincker LawCopyrights, Food & Ag Law, Intellectual Property, Trademarks

Here is a presentation that I did on the topic for an upcoming lecture at Purdue on the topic: Laws that Apply to Agriculture Photographers and Videographers from Cari Rincker

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