Few traditions are as anticipated or as legally risky as the company holiday party. When alcohol, social media, and workplace relationships mix, employers can face potential exposure ranging from harassment claims to off-duty conduct issues. Start with a written event policy: attendance should be voluntary, conduct expectations should be clear, and supervisors reminded that professional…
https://youtu.be/7c3xZh6iyRA As the holidays approach, many business owners focus on closing out the financial year, but legal readiness is equally important. Now is the time to confirm that your corporate filings are up to date, review major contracts, and ensure that your employment policies reflect any changes in wage and labor law that took effect…
If you lease or rent commercial space in Ohio, your focus likely is on providing a safe, functional, and clean space for your tenants. In return, you expect that your tenants will abide by the terms of their lease and pay their rent on time. Generally, people don’t enter into agreements thinking that someone isn’t…
Sobriety checkpoints, also known as DUI or OVI checkpoints, are a law enforcement tool used to deter and catch impaired drivers. In Ohio, these checkpoints are legal, provided they adhere to specific constitutional and procedural guidelines. In Ohio, sobriety checkpoints are permissible under both state and federal law. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that…
Imagine three friends—Alice, Bob, and Charlie—agree to paint their neighbor’s barn. Unfortunately, their efforts take an unfortunate turn when several gallons of red paint spill onto the neighbor’s new convertible, causing $10,000 in damage. The neighbor sues all three for negligence. This situation illustrates how joint and several liability operates under Ohio law. When multiple…
The Dayton Bar Association celebrated nine attorneys who have practiced law for 50 years—one of those attorneys, Beth Schaeffer, practiced at Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling from 1975 to 1996, focusing on estate planning and probate. Beth was the first female president of the Dayton Bar Association. Beth also helped lead the association through key transitions…
If you’ve been thinking about estate planning or have attended a seminar or two, you’ve probably heard the word “trust” thrown around a lot. Maybe someone told you that everyone needs one, or that it’s the only way to avoid probate. Or perhaps you’re wondering what the heck a trust even is—and whether you actually…
The Home Construction Services Act was passed in 2012 as a means to provide relief for certain home construction-related contracts and projects, and to create an exception to the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act, which, with its treble damage provisions, can present a significant challenge on larger dollar projects. However, due to some of the…
Did you know that Ohio has the highest number of haunted attractions in the United States? With over 140 attractions reported by The Scare Factor for the 2025 season, there are plenty of haunted houses, corn mazes, trails, and hayrides to enjoy. However, as with any thrill-based experience, accidents can occur. While a haunted house…
Running a business comes with risks—but knowing when to involve legal counsel can mean the difference between a minor issue and a major crisis. At Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling, we often meet business owners who waited too long to seek legal guidance. While not every situation requires litigation, here are five warning signs that your…
