Year-End Benefit Planning and Accounting Treatment
September 02, 2013
A '79 group benefit plan has funding and timing opportunities similar to qualified plans without the added expenses and discrimination testing of '401(a)-type plans. The reporting at the employer level is less complex and draconian. Nevertheless, as with all accounting issues, it is up to the employer's accountant to interpret FASB statements and opinions, and make the final decision as to how individual transactions are reflected on the employer's financial statements.
Does the SEC Still Care About Financial Reporting Cases?
September 02, 2013
In recent years, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) has brought far fewer revenue recognition and other financial reporting cases than it had historically. That leads us naturally to wonder whether this trend will continue in the future. Not likely.
Commercial Real Estate Debt Restructuring
August 23, 2013
For real estate bankruptcy law practices, there is significant opportunity in distressed real estate. This article discusses real estate restructuring teams and how they work.
Marketplace Fairness Act May Help Clear Muddy Tax Waters
August 02, 2013
With my mom probably one of a handful of people who haven't made an Internet purchase, I think it is fair to say that we have all seen certain online retailers almost bragging that there is no sales tax on merchandise ordered from their e-store. The first question this raises is whether the "qualifying order" language refers to the shipping, the sales tax or both.
The Future of the Legal Profession
August 02, 2013
The future has already happened. During the past five years, the legal industry has been going through a dramatic transformation that is driven by a number of changes. This restructuring in the way legal services are delivered affects all law firms. As a result, developments that law firms did not expect are impacting the industry.
Law by the Numbers
August 02, 2013
Every law firm is a business and every business should know where it's going. Lawyers who understand statistical analysis of their firm's operation can explore operating efficiencies, gauge the firm's performance relative to its financial goals, and better assess and reflect value to clients in their bills.
What Does the Affordable Care Act Mean for Law Firms?
July 29, 2013
Many law firms have seen an uptick in business since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), aka Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010. Health care reform has brought clients seeking legal advice on how to comply with the complex health care laws. Business owners might need help revising benefits offerings and updating employee manuals or separation agreements to avoid employment-related lawsuits. And clients in the health care industry may be looking for'
Consumer Fraud
July 26, 2013
On May 1, federal prosecutors brought the first criminal case based on a referral from the CFPB. This clearly signals that this new agency will not be confined to seeking civil and administrative remedies.
What to Do About High Data Breach Costs
July 02, 2013
It's not always good to be Number One. Faced with continuing front-page stories of cyberattacks and data breaches, e-commerce firms must avoid a "who would want my data" approach to issues of data security and breaches, and instead adopt a "when, not if" mind set.
