In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) and the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) began releasing notices that provided for relief to taxpayers by postponing the due date of particular tax returns from April 15,… Read More
The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered businesses and as a result many California employers are currently in a position where they are forced to lay off their workforce. Even though Governor Newsom issued an executive order on March 17, 2020 in attempt to relieve employers of the 60 day notice… Read More
Bay Area Counties San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz and the City of Berkeley have executed updated orders extending the shelter-in-place mandates through at least May 3, 2020. The orders went into effect at 11:59 p.m. on March 31 and are… Read More
Updated Information on New Paid Leave Requirements The United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued new guidelines, clarifying in part how the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSL”) and the Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act (“EFMLA”) will be… Read More
Week 1 - Week 2 Federal Paid Sick Leave for COVID 100% of Pay for Employee COVID or Closure ($511 p/day or $5110 total) Or 2/3 due to Child Care or Family Member ($200 per day or $2000) Federal Sick Leave Week 3 - Week 12 EMERGENCY FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE 12 Weeks Total Available 2 WEEKS UNPAID… Read More
Effective April 1, 2020, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued temporary regulations answering many key questions about the implementation of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave and the Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act. The temporary regulations are in effect from April 1… Read More
Businesses around the country, and world, are grappling with how to handle the myriad of issues arising in the wake of COVID-19. This FAQ Sheet is meant to address some of the most common questions that Berliner Cohen is fielding from companies. The law is changing daily. We are doing our best to… Read More
The continuing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting workplaces in the Bay Area and employers should be aware of the practical guidelines aimed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Last week Santa Clara County’s Public Health Department (SCCPH) issued new guidance for… Read More
It would be a rare case that an Employer hasn’t heard about the spreading of coronavirus through California, other states as well as Internationally. Coronavirus is a respiratory virus originating from China. The spread of the coronavirus coupled with migrant workforce raises a web of… Read More
Pursuant to Civil Code Section 1749.5, it is unlawful to sell gift certificates or gift cards with an expiration date. It is also unlawful to refuse to redeem for cash when the certificate value is less than $10. Different rules may apply to promotional and discount certificates, or group gift… Read More
Types of service animals Restaurants must allow access to customers accompanied by service animals trained to assist disabled persons, regardless of any conflicting health regulations, local ordinances or internal policies. Both disabled persons and trainers are allowed access with their service… Read More
There are numerous articles and seminars going over the hundreds of new California laws. The amount of changes business and employers are facing is downright overwhelming. However, there are a few achievable goals Employers can take now to start off the new year. Update Your Forms on New Posting… Read More
Cancellations cost many business owners hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year. Many restaurants have been trying to find ways to avoid losses that otherwise would be incurred due to customers cancelling reservations or otherwise over reserving space and then at the last minute changing… Read More
Berliner Cohen values building long-lasting relationships with our clients and we are dedicated to protecting and preserving what is important to each client. We foster collaborative, innovative problem solving and are structured to leverage the expertise of all our staff in order to provide the… Read More
Disputes are a fact of life and courts exist to resolve them. Yet the costs of traditional litigation, frequent delays, and lack of faith in juries compel consideration of other options, collected under the term “Alternative Dispute Resolution” or “ADR.” The… Read More