Pierson Ferdinand LLP

Tiffany N. Comprés, Esq., LL.M., FCIArb, B.C.S., has been recognized as a top performer in and out of the law office. She was recognized in the Legal Elite Notable Women Leaders in Law in December’s issue of Florida Trend Media Company. According to Florida Trend, “In 2023, more than one-quarter (28%) of all law firm partners in Florida were women, according to the National Association of Law Placement’s 2023 Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms. By comparison, in 2013 women accounted for 20% of law firm partners nationwide. And, during that same time in Florida, the number of active lawyers increased nearly 24%, the nation’s highest growth rate. The tally includes both men and women, but it doesn’t take much to draw a conclusion. So, this year’s list? It’s filled with top performers today and the promise of much more to come in the future.” Tiffany’s experience encompasses a range of disputes, with particular experience in international agriculture, food/beverage, cryptocurrency, shipping, construction and energy sectors. She is one of only three attorneys board-certified by The Florida Bar as an expert in both International Law and International Arbitration & Litigation. Congratulations Tiffany, we are very proud of you! You can read the December issue here: https://lnkd.in/gfY7yirY (subscription required) #PierFerd #WomenInLaw #EliteLawyers #NotableWomeninLaw #FloridaLawyers

Law360’s Amanda Ottoway explains that the EFAA, which amended the Federal Arbitration Act, precludes an employers’ predispute arbitration agreements from being enforced in cases alleging sexual harassment or sexual assault. The law applies to any “dispute or claim that arises or accrues” on or after its enactment on March 3, 2022. PierFerd partner, Amy Epstein Gluck, explained one court’s analysis that “No predispute arbitration agreement … shall be valid or enforceable with respect to a case … which is filed under … state law and relates to … the sexual harassment dispute,” is the “crux” of these cases. Amy said, “When you look at the plain language of the statute, it says that ‘an arbitration agreement or provision within an agreement is not going to be enforceable with respect to a case which is filed under state law and relates to the dispute.’ It doesn’t say ‘claim,’ it says a ‘case,’ right?” As courts consider what claims would fall under the EFAA’s ambit given this language, Amy discussed another court’s helpful insight into how broadly courts may interpret the EFAA, particularly when it comes to continuing violations for claims that accrue before the EFAA went into effect and continued after its enactment. More and more cases that employers thought would be determined in arbitration are now headed to court. You can read the full article with Amy’s opinion on these cases here: https://lnkd.in/dzFDpq3R (subscription required). #PierFerd #EFAA #Law360 #LaborandEmployment

As the festive season approaches, many employees are keen to combine work with travel, visiting family and friends abroad. But what does this mean for employers? Sophie Fletcher Watson and Peter Finding explain what it may mean for employers in their latest article. Supporting staff in their overseas work endeavours can enhance well-being and productivity, but it also brings significant tax and regulatory challenges. They explore the intricacies of temporary overseas working, providing valuable insights on: - The distinctions between temporary overseas working and remote working - Crucial factors for employers to consider - Key risk categories to be mindful of - Practical recommendations for managing these requests Ensure your business is well-prepared and compliant. Read the full article to stay ahead of the curve! https://lnkd.in/e-FXiShA #PierFerd #RemoteWork #HR #TaxCompliance #LaborandEmploymentLaw

Over the weekend, Sekou Campbell, a partner in our Sports and Entertainment department, received an award for his role as Co-Chair of the BlackStar Projects Board and his crucial importance to the group’s annual BlackStar Film Festival, which was recently held in Philadelphia. “As a board member, he has brought incredible energy [and] resources that have helped transform BlackStar and worked tirelessly to protect the role of the artist in pursuit of collective liberation.” - BlackStar Projects founder Maori Karmael Holmes. You can read all about it in the article posted by Essence, here: https://lnkd.in/gxt8EBeU Congratulations Sekou, we are very proud of you! #entertainmentlaw #blackstargala #blackstarfilmfestival #PierFerdPartner

*Client Alert* December 9, 2024 On December 5, 2024, the Department of Justice appealed the nationwide preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals follows the court's December 3 decision, which questioned the constitutionality of the CTA and halted its enforcement. What are the implications of this appeal for your business? Stay updated and read the full alert on our website here: https://lnkd.in/ec3vcHYu PierFerd will continue observing developments regarding the CTA.  For additional information, please contact Ahpaly Coradin at [email protected] or your regular PierFerd contact. #clientalert #PierFerd #CTA #courtofappeals

Bloomberg Law recently quoted Employment Chair Amy Epstein Gluck about employer considerations for permitting pets in the workplace. While she reminded employers to consider pets as an accommodation, Amy noted “allowing dogs in the workplace requires careful consideration, as some employees may have allergies or phobias that could lead to discomfort or health issues, said Amy Epstein Gluck, a partner at Pierson Ferdinand LLP. These policies can also create liability risks for companies if incidents result in lawsuits or workers’ compensation claims.” The article, “Pet-Friendly Perks for Employees Come With Liability Risks” can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/etwEJ2g5

Please join us in welcoming Matthew Rebus to PierFerd, as our newest Junior Partner in our Corporate Department in London. He joins us from premier Canadian law firm, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, based in Toronto. He brings diverse corporate law experience to PierFerd, specializing in M&A, fund formation, private equity, venture capital, securities, structured finance, and securitization. Peter Finding, our London Managing Partner, shared his thoughts: “Matthew’s arrival at PierFerd complements our long-term strategy of hiring industry-leading, entrepreneurial, talent – strengthening our London office as we continue to attract new clients from across the City and further afield.” To learn more about Matt and his impressive background, check out the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eUfJ5HQr #PierFerd #CoporateLaw #GlobalLawFirm

**Client Alert** December 3, 2024 In a pivotal ruling, a Texas District Court has issued an injunction preventing the federal government from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This decision has significant implications for businesses nationwide, potentially altering compliance requirements and corporate governance practices. Stay informed and understand how this could impact your organization by reading the full client alert by PierFerd partner, Ahpaly Coradin, here: https://lnkd.in/eMDKq7CM #clientalert #PierFerd #CorporateTransparencyAct

In a landmark development, the U.S. courts have affirmed their jurisdiction over enforcing intra-EU investment arbitration awards. However, the final decision on enforcement has been deferred to the district courts. This pivotal article delves into the intricate legal landscape, examining the implications for investors and the future of cross-border arbitration. How will this decision transform the enforcement of arbitration awards in the EU and beyond? Read the full article in Wolters Kluwer: International Arbitration & Mediation blog, published by Co-Chair of International Disputes, Gene M. Burd: https://lnkd.in/emF4VxNy

Please join us in welcoming Lauren Langham to PierFerd, as a Partner in our expanding Real Estate practice.   Lauren brings a comprehensive real estate practice covering key markets in Florida, with an emphasis on retail, office, and industrial properties. Her client work scope is broad, including lease review, drafting, and negotiation; loan workouts, modifications, and restructures; purchase and sales contracts and closing; and landlord-tenant dispute counseling and advocacy.   Lauren is well-respected in the Florida legal community and nationwide. In addition to her practice work, she also develops exam questions and grades papers for the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.   Leanne Prendergast, Partner at PierFerd, noted, "The high esteem in which Lauren is held by her peers and clients speaks volumes about her high-quality work and reputation as one of Florida's leading commercial real estate lawyers. Her arrival will help catalyze PierFerd's growth in a key market for real estate."   For the full press release, please visit https://lnkd.in/ejKd5MWC   #RealEstateLaw #FloridaRealEstate #LegalCommunity #PierFerd #NewHire #CommercialRealEstate