Contracts and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic, and public and health and government responses to curtail it, have dramatically changed our daily lives. From school and daycare closures, to all but “essential” businesses shuttering, to cancelled events, the impact has been far-reaching. These changes implicate legal rights, particularly contractual relationships. This article identifies and briefly discusses various types of… Read more »
John Sweeney is elected President of the Downeast Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators
Libby O’Brien Kingsley & Champion, LLC is proud to announce that its Firm Administrator, John Sweeney, has been elected to serve as President of the Downeast Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators for a one-year term beginning April 1, 2020. Legal Administrators are responsible for the non-legal business functions of law firms and law-related… Read more »
Department of Labor releases Draft Final Rule on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and clarifies employee notice requirements
In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). FFCRA went into effect on April 1, 2020 and provides that covered employers with fewer than 500 employees must provide up to two weeks of emergency paid sick leave and up to twelve weeks of expanded family medical leave… Read more »
The State of Maine and City of Portland issue further restrictions to confront Coronavirus
On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, both Maine’s governor and the City of Portland issued new executive orders to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. The regulatory situation has been changing almost daily, as state and local governments implement increasingly restrictive measures. Maine Governor Janet Mills had already closed bars and restaurants by executive order on March 18… Read more »
Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire respond to coronavirus outbreak
State governments have responded swiftly to the public health emergency and threat posed by COVID-19. The situation is evolving daily and remains fluid and uncertain for employers, employees, and consumers. The following is a brief summary of recent executive orders regarding business operations, gatherings, and commerce. Massachusetts On March 23, Governor Charlie Baker issued an… Read more »
Can your childcare provider still charge you if they are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic?
One question receiving much attention regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is childcare. In some instances, daycares, childcare centers, and preschools have closed but are still charging families. Is this lawful? It depends. The first issue to consider when assessing whether a parent may be charged during an extended closure due to coronavirus is the contract… Read more »
The law of condominiums in Maine
Condominiums are coming into increased use, especially in Southern Maine. Condominiums are a unique form of property ownership in which thorny legal issues can arise. Management of a condo touches upon real estate, contract, insurance, corporate, nonprofit, and other areas of law. The basic condominium structure is a property divided into individual units, surrounded by… Read more »
Operating under the influence may include “mowing” under the influence
An unusual arrest by the Augusta Police Department serves as a good reminder about the breadth of Maine’s drunk driving laws. According to a February 10, 2020 post on its Facebook page, the Augusta Police Department recently arrested someone who was operating a lawnmower while under the influence. The Facebook post reads, “Although it’s not… Read more »
Brian Champion and Keith Richard obtain Rule 12(b)(6) dismissal in Middlesex Superior Court
Attorneys Brian L. Champion and Keith P. Richard recently obtained a Rule 12(b)(6) dismissal of a case brought against their client doctor in the Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Michael E. Saucier is appointed to Professional Ethics Commission
Libby O’Brien Kingsley & Champion is pleased to announce that the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar has unanimously voted to appoint Michael E. Saucier as a member of the Board’s Professional Ethics Commission for a three-year term that commenced on January 1, 2020. The Professional Ethics Commission is comprised of eight attorneys. Commission… Read more »