As the implications of COVID-19 continue to evolve, we stand committed to providing insight from across the firm to help you respond to any legal and business issues that may arise during these uncertain times.

The COVID-19 pandemic (commonly referred to as the “Coronavirus”) has disrupted economic life.  In an example of a response to the reality of social-distancing and closures, Governor Cuomo, by Executive Order No. 202.7 (“the Order”), will allow notarial acts required under New York State law to be performed using audio-video technology (while not mentioned in the Order, presumably, Skype, Zoom or other similar technology). 

The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.”

Now that the new year is in full swing, it is a good time for employers to evaluate their sexual harassment prevention training initiatives.

The New York Labor Law now bans discrimination based on an employee’s “reproductive health decision making.”  You may recall that in May of 2019, New York City prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of an employee’s “sexual and reproductive health decisions.”  The new state law goes even further to extend the protected class status statewide and also adds additional requirements described below.