Court Says Daubert’s ‘Gatekeeper’ Role Favors Inclusion, Not Exclusion
Ferraro v. Convercent, Inc. This Daubert case illustrates how courts may interpret the role of “gatekeeper” differently. The dispute featured a company that provided software-based services. The defendants claimed the plaintiff’s expert was unqualified because he...
Is a New Individual Health Plan in Your Future?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires companies with at least 50 employees to provide health benefits and pay for a good portion of the coverage's cost. But many smaller employers in Maine and across the country provide health coverage too — even if they aren’t...
Exploring the Cashless Movement in Retail
Cash payments aren’t as obsolete as cassette tapes and VCRs, but they’re definitely becoming less popular. Only 30% of all retail transactions were completed using cash in 2018 — a 40% decrease since 2012, according to the Federal Reserve. And that trend is expected...
Courts Are Alert to Valuations Unmoored From the Facts
Cristofano v. Chahal Perhaps experts feel pressure from the hiring attorney or the client, perhaps they are unable to access key documents or information, or perhaps they simply lack valuation and litigation experience. Whatever the reason, case law provides too many...
How to Benefit from the Rising Average Age of American Workers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five workers is aged 55 or older. By 2026, that number is expected to be one in four — meaning the proportion of young workers in the overall labor pool will shrink. In a state such as Maine — which, according...
Analysis Holds Up in Divorce Litigation
Hultz v. Kuhn A Maryland divorce case illustrates the difficulties an appraiser charged with valuing a small company in the divorce context may face and how he or she may prevail in court. The wife was the sole shareholder in a tree services business. The issue at...
How Much Can Your Business Deduct for Vehicles Placed in Service in 2019?
While people are jumping in their cars and hitting the road here in Maine for some summer adventures, you and your small business may be hitting the road in a new vehicle. If you are adding a new car or truck to your business’ fleet, the purchase could qualify for...
Appeals Court Upholds Grocery Store Buyout Ruling and Fair Value Determination
Lund v. Lund A protracted Minnesota buyout dispute involving the heirs to a local grocery store empire may have reached the end. The state appeals court affirmed most of the district court’s rulings, including the buyout order and fair value determination. The...
When To Update Your Estate Plan
Between 2010 and 2018 the median age in Maine increased from 42.7 to 44.9, this according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That 2.2 year increase is twice the national average and a reminder that our state’s population is aging. When you consider this fact alongside the...
Balance Your Right to Monitor Communications with Employees’ Privacy Rights
Have you considered monitoring your employees’ communications at work? It’s a delicate balance to create a policy to monitor employees activities and protect your company without violating employees’ legal privacy protections. But you may have legitimate reasons for...