PS&H employment partner, Michael Gamboli, was quoted by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly and Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly in their article, Employers toe fine line to avoid misclassification liability. Michael commented on the ABC test, a three-factor test for determining independent contractor status in MA. He stated that the test is “extremely restrictive” and defendants often have a hard...
There has been a lot of press and hype about the use of blockchain technology. Although the technology sounds “cool,” it may not be the best solution for every business. What is blockchain technology? Blockchain technology is one version of a broader technology called “distributed ledger technology,” or DLT. Think of how businesses generally collect or...
ArticlesABC’s of Land Development
May 10, 2018
Developing land or repurposing existing structures can be profitable. It can also be frustrating, confusing and expensive. Before undertaking any development project, the developer must assemble a strong “team” of professionals. Usually, the team is comprised of: Site engineer Traffic engineer Architect Land Use Attorney Wetlands expert/engineer Depending upon unique circumstances, other specialties may be hired....
By Alicia J. Samolis and Christopher M. Wildenhain A Rhode Island federal district court has ruled in an employer’s favor in a recent decision concerning an employee arbitration agreement, an intriguing split from a decision months earlier by a separate session of the court. More specifically, in Britto v. St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode...
ArticlesAvoiding Personal Liability for Business Claims
April 19, 2018
One of the important considerations in starting a new business or operating an existing business is protecting the owner’s personal assets and limiting the owner’s personal exposure for the liabilities, debts and obligations of the business. A few simple steps can provide a significant level of personal protection and keep your business distinct and separate...
ArticlesStrategic Use of Referral Agreements
March 16, 2018
Insurance agencies rely on referrals as an important method of growing revenues, and many of those referrals happen organically from business-to-business relationships and personal introductions. In those circumstances, there are no written agreements and no expectations of compensation to the referral source. There may be times, however, when the unique relationship between an insurance agency...
By Alicia J. Samolis This article was originally published on March 6 by Law360. A federal judge in the Middle District of Florida has allowed a class action to proceed against Amazon, on allegations that Amazon engaged in unfair pre-employment background check practices. The cases, Hargrett v. Amazon and Austin v. Amazon DEDC LLC (Hargrett)[1], which involve...
ArticlesMassachusetts Employers Take Notice
February 22, 2018
#METOO MOVEMENT Perhaps no social awareness story has generated more publicity in recent memory than the #METOO movement. In January, PS&H Employment Lawyer, Michael Gamboli joined Juli Parker, Assistant Dean of Students, Director of the Center for Women, Gender & Sexuality at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and Andre Silva, a Representative from the Massachusetts...
ArticlesFive Questions With: Colin A. Coleman
February 7, 2018
According to The Global Risks Report 2018 by the World Economic Forum, 64 percent of all malicious phishing emails sent in 2017 contained malware. Colin A. Coleman, a partner at Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP in Providence, chairs the firm’s Cyber Liability and Data Security division. He spoke with Providence Business News about the importance...
ArticlesCyber Insurance – Some Questions to Ask
January 15, 2018
Reports of large-scale data breaches, hacking and cyber attacks appear in the media almost daily. The recent Equifax breach alone has exposed sensitive personal information of over 143 million Americans. Phishing and ransomware attacks are also on the rise. Phishing attacks are used to steal user data, such as bank account or social security numbers...
