If you’ve been waiting for more certainty before making a major investment, hiring decision, or acquisition, Congress changed the playing field. On July 4, 2025, when the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, it reshaped several core business tax rules—many of which had been scheduled to expire or phase down. Below…
https://youtu.be/Db0VEfp5yxASocial media has become one of the most misunderstood sources of evidence in workplace disputes. Employers often assume that publicly available posts can be used freely in investigations or disciplinary decisions. That assumption is only partly correct. Public posts may be considered, but context matters. Employers must ensure that social media evidence is authentic, accurately…
Worker classification has become one of the fastest-growing sources of employment litigation. Employers often believe classification issues only arise in gig economy businesses, but traditional companies are increasingly pulled into misclassification disputes. The legal analysis focuses less on job titles and more on control. Courts and regulators examine who controls the work, the schedule, the…
Employee handbooks are meant to reduce risk. In litigation, they often do the opposite. Courts regularly rely on handbook language when evaluating wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and wage claims. Unfortunately, many employers use outdated templates or overly rigid language that becomes a roadmap for plaintiffs’ attorneys. One of the most common problems is inconsistent language.…
Most employment disputes are not lost due to malicious intent. They are lost due to poor documentation. Inconsistent records weaken otherwise defensible decisions. Where Documentation Commonly Breaks Down Performance Reviews Generic or overly positive reviews undermine later discipline or termination decisions. Written evaluations should align with reality. Disciplinary Actions Verbal warnings that never make it…
Many business contracts quietly renew at the start of the year. Too often, companies discover outdated pricing, unfavorable terms, or lingering obligations after the renewal window has passed. Standard Contract Issues We See in the New Year Auto-Renewal Traps Automatic renewals can lock businesses into unfavorable pricing or outdated service levels. Missing a notice deadline…
Each year, the Boards of Revision, as established by each County, accept complaints challenging the value of real property. This year, the filing period runs through March 31, 2026. This window provides individuals or business property owners with the opportunity to file a complaint challenging the value of their property based on arm’s-length sales, appraisals,…
Position: Associate Attorney Location: Dayton, Ohio About Us: Pickrel Schaeffer & Ebeling is a well-established midwestern law firm specializing in litigation, real property, probate and estate planning, and labor and employment matters. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional legal services and fostering a collaborative and supportive workplace for our team. Position Overview: We are seeking…
Multiple types of trusts can be used in a well-structured estate plan. One type of trust that many people often overlook is an asset protection trust. An asset protection trust is a type of irrevocable trust that contains a person’s assets, placing them under the control of a trustee for the benefit of designated beneficiaries.…
https://youtu.be/Em2HFQEWsqEA new year brings new rules, new risks, and new expectations for employers. January is the ideal time to step back, audit your compliance posture, and address minor issues before they become costly. Key Areas Employers Should Review in 2026 Employment Policies and Handbooks Federal and Ohio employment laws continue to evolve. Employers should confirm…
