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Taxpayers have received additional guidance from the IRS regarding the deductibility of expenses paid for with Paycheck Protection Program loans, but not in the direction many would have appreciated. Background. First, pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security… more Continue reading IRS Offers Guidance on PPP Loan Expenses

How many of us can remember home mortgage interest rates of 10% per annum? During that same time, commercial loan interest rates often topped 18% per annum. Imagine, now, the current economic madness involving negative interest rates. Within the last… more Continue reading Gavel to Gavel: Negative Interest Rates – Probability or Problem?

While the pandemic has forced many employees to work from home, employer expectations and performance goals have changed considerably. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Michael W. Bowling discusses why employers may want to revise workplace policies regarding schedules, timekeeping… more Continue reading Working from Home Leads to Changes in Job Policy Manuals

Since the start of the pandemic, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed penalties totaling $3.3 million for violations relating to the coronavirus. Mary P. Snyder, a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, explains why… more Continue reading OSHA Fines for COVID-19

As production of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to progress, the question of whether employers can require their employees to be immunized before they return to the workplace has become a high-priority issue. Adam W. Childers, Co-chair of the firm’s Labor… more Continue reading A COVID Vaccine is Coming, which Raises the Question: Can Employers Mandate Immunizations for Employees before Returning to Work?

Oklahomans are still debating the ramifications of the Supreme Court’s July ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma. While McGirt’s impacts could be profound in some legal and business sectors, the tribal gaming industry in Oklahoma may see comparatively modest changes. Tribal nations that… more Continue reading McGirt Ruling Could Affect Tribal Gaming

Properly addressing mental health issues is an important step in fostering a supportive and accommodating workplace environment. Tanya S. Bryant, a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, discusses what is considered a mental disability and the reasonable… more Continue reading Mental Health Days are Real for Employees and Employers

Individuals and businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic are beginning to confront the financial realities related to the ongoing economic fallout. In a recent JR Now forum, Bankruptcy & Creditor’s Rights Practice Group members William H. Hoch and Crissie… more Continue reading Bankruptcies Spiraling for Companies Large and Small

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals recently found that the failure to accommodate disabled employees can itself be considered an act of unlawful discrimination. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Michael R. Pacewicz discusses the court’s interpretation of the Americans… more Continue reading Appeals Court Puts ADA Burden on Employer