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Insights

Discovery of Communications Between Insurers and Reinsurers

In today's complex work of insurance, many insurance risks are "reinsured" by a separate insurance carrier.  In those instances, it is not unusual for insurers and reinsurers to have regular communications concerning the insured, and in particular, […]

It Matters Whether an Agreement is "Executory"

A recent decision by the full contingent of judges from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (covering seven Midwest states) demonstrates that a common bankruptcy term should be added to your vocabulary.  That term is "executory."  […]

The Hobby Lobby Decision and Religious-Based Exemptions

On June 30, 2014, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling which held that a closely held, for-profit entity can object to certain aspects of the birth control mandate imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by invoking the Religious […]

Employee Background Check

In Texas, criminal background checks are generally limited to a seven (7) year review period.  However, Texas Business and Commerce Code § 20.05 provides an exception if an applicant is applying to a job with an annual salary that exceeds or should […]

When the 90-day Preference Period is not 90 Days

It's generally known that Bankruptcy Code section 547(b)(4)(A) provides that for non-insider creditors, a preferential transfer is one made "on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of the petition."  The calculation of the 90-day "preference […]

Severance Payments to Terminated Employees are Taxable Wages

Employers must treat severance payments to involuntarily terminated employees as taxable wages.  In an 8-0 opinion, the Supreme Court held that such payments are "remuneration for employment" for which taxes much be withheld and paid under the Federal […]

Michael A. Logan

The Constitutional Powers of a Bankruptcy Judge: Why it Matters

On June 9, 2014, the United States Supreme Court issued the decision Executive Benefits Insurance Agency v. Arkinson, Trustee of the Estate of Bellingham Insurance Agency, Inc., which deals with the constitutional limits on bankruptcy judges.  The Bellingham […]

Joseph M. Coleman