Serving the Community: Fighting Homelessness in Portland
Williams Kastner strongly believes in the importance of giving back to the communities that have contributed so deeply to the firm’s success. Our commitment to our local community enriches us as professionals, adds depth to our perspective, and gives credence to our roots as a Pacific Northwest law firm. Tom Ped, a Member of Williams...
Williams Kastner: Northwest Insurance Law Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2022
Please find the Summer 2022 edition of the Williams Kastner Northwest Insurance Law Newsletter. Our newsletter features articles regarding some of the most important decisions and developments in insurance law over the past few months. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Eliot Harris. Follow us on LinkedIn for more legal updates.
Scarred by SCCAR and Marred by MAR: Why to Avoid Arbitration Like COVID in the COVID Era (And What to Do When You Can’t)
I. Introduction I was crestfallen after my first arbitration. Here I was, on my own finally: “Eddy on the case.” I had total creative control…I had a defense-minded arbitrator…I felt comfortable during the process. I was a regular Clarence Darrow in there. And then the result came back: a decision in the Plaintiff’s favor. I had...
Sheryl Willert Named 2022 MOST INFLUENTIAL BLACK LAWYERS
Sheryl Willert is a Member in the firm’s Seattle office and served as the firm’s Managing Director from 1996-2001 and again from 2006-2013. Willert continues to serve the firm on its Board of Directors and chairs the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group as well as the Diversity Committee. Willert concentrates her legal practice on...
WHEN IS COVID-19 A DISABILITY UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT?
On December 14, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) updated its COVID related guidance: “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” to address when COVID-19 may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The updated guidance makes clear that the ADA’s...
EEOC Update to COVID-19 Guidance: “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,”
On May 28, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) updated its COVID related guidance: “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” to address whether incentivizing employees to vaccinate complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The following are key updates: Employers may require employees...
Short-Term Solutions, Long Term Impact: The Fluidity of Federal Hours of Service in the Time of COVID-19
One of the few constants during this period of unprecedented turmoil and economic uncertainty in America has been the steady and unwavering dependability of truck drivers, who continue to transport crucial goods and products across a country that needs them more than ever. Recognizing the indispensable role that truck drivers play in ensuring that all...
Washington State Issues New Guidance on Corona Virus and High Risk Employees:
On July 29, 2020 , Governor Jay Inslee issued new guidance based on recommendations from the CDC regarding employees at risk for contracting Covid-19. The governor’s proclamation extends indefinitely, or until otherwise amended, protections provided to employees who are at high risk. High risk employees are defined as employees age 65 or older, employees who...
Summer 2020 Northwest Insurance Law Quarterly Newsletter
Please find the Summer 2020 edition of the Williams Kastner Northwest Insurance Law Newsletter. Our newsletter features articles regarding some of the most important decisions and developments in insurance law over the past few months. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Eliot Harris.
EEOC SAYS, “ANTIBODY TESTING NOT PERMITTED”
On June 17, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) updated the “Disability-Related Inquiries and Medical Exams” portion of its COVID related guidance, What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws, to make clear that employers cannot require employees to undergo antibody testing before returning to the...
EEOC COMMISSION ISSUES UPDATE TO COVID-19 TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
On June 11, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its technical guidance, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws.” The Guidance is designed help employers navigate the unique employment issues raised by COVID-19. Below is a summary of the updated guidance: No Required Accommodation...
New PPP Legislation —Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (H.R. 7010)
In the midst of national and global turmoil, President Trump signed into law new legislation on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The new law makes significant changes to the original provisions of the law. Employee Compensation and Business Expenses: Originally, any employer who obtained a PPP loan was required to use 75% of the funds...