StokesLaw™ Briefs

A prompt investigation into an employee complaint about a colleague will build employee morale by reinforcing your organization's commitment to equal employment opportunity. Aviva Kamm explains that investigating and responding appropriately to the complaint can also provide the employer with a complete defense to any claims of discrimination.

Certain employee activities on social media and email are protected under the National Labor Relations Act. Stokes Lawrence Employment attorney Krista Nelson reviews those activities and what employers should do to stay compliant. (12:22)

Wills do not typically govern "nonprobate assets." Jenna Ichikawa reminds readers that it is critical to consider what nonprobate assets they own, how those assets will pass at death, and whether the transfers are aligned with their overall estate plans.

A Washington Supreme Court decision fundamentally changed how agricultural businesses must think about the Farm Labor Contractor Act (FLCA) and the way in which farming and other agricultural operations are managed in Washington. The Stokes Lawrence Velikanje Moore & Shore Agriculture group explains what this means to Washington farmers.

On February 23, 2016, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit ruled in a long-awaited decision that the Department of Labor can regulate the tip pooling policies of employers around the country. Aviva Kamm and Krista Nelson explain the ruling's impact on employers.

The new Limited Liability Act, effective January 2016, is designed to simplify the process of entity formation and offer greater flexibility in the organizational structure. Practitioners should take this opportunity to re-evaluate their approach to advising clients on formation and management issues to account for changes in the Act.