Recent Articles in Legal

Member Content Tips & Insights for Negotiating Restaurant Space
May 3, 2010
Gary and his team have seen every possible construction-related issue present itself during a build-out, a renovation or a new construction project. He shares tips on how to best deal with these "surprises".
Member Content Shark Bait, Dipping a Toe Into The Tip Pool
Apr 22, 2010
In this article Tom and James answer the key questions of who is and who is not eligible to participate in tip pooling -- an important consideration for your restaurant so as to avoid potentially expensive litigation.
Member Content Immigration Enforcement to Heat Up - Expanding Targets Include Hospitality and Foodservice
Feb 12, 2010
The probability of an employer being targeted by the government has grown exponentially. The sooner employers start managing risk associated with unauthorized workers, the better they can withstand ICE scrutiny.
Member Content Protecting Your Restaurant From ICE - What You Should Know About Government Crack Downs on I-9s
Jan 12, 2010
Over the past few years, worksite investigations have been heating up across the United States. Michael shares why your I-9's are critical and how to best protect your business.
Member Content Cook Lines, Cocktails, and Complaints: Limiting Liability for Hostile Work Environment Claims in Food & Beverage Environments
Dec 17, 2009

Perhaps the biggest legal liability threat to food and beverage operators is that of harassment complaints by employees and the employer's failure to remedy the same. Brad and Megan shed light on the steps that operators can take to limit liability and promote good human resource practices.
Member Content My landlord wants me to sign a personal guaranty...should I?
Oct 15, 2009
John guides readers through the complex legal jargon toward a satisfying lease.
Member Content Tip Pooling: Are You Doing It Right?
Aug 12, 2009
It's a hot topic and one that restaurants easily have the potential to slip up on. Michael hits the key points on who is and who is not eligible to participate in tip pooling while also  highlighting a recent legal case dealing with the issue.
Member Content EEOC Initiatives Require Operators To Be Proactive In Preventing Discrimination Lawsuits
Jun 17, 2009
Taking a few proactive measures can go a long way to prevent litigation.  A good starting point is to understand what types of claims can expose your restaurant to significant liability. Just as there are trends in concepts and cuisine, there are trends in the law. Kenneth discusses the latest EEOC initiatives.
Member Content Supreme Court Set to Decide Title VII Protects Workers Who Voluntarily Participate in Employer Internal Investigations
May 28, 2009

Zamansky & Coppolo report on a case of interest and how it potentially impacts your restaurant.
Member Content Employee Free Choice Act Has Come Back With A Vengeance
Apr 3, 2009
Leonard highlights the three major changes that the Employee Free Choice Act will have on labor laws and how that impact employers.
Member Content Gird Your Loins, Hospitality, Here Comes The Perfect Storm! And, Organized Labor is smackin' their lips!
Apr 3, 2009
John wants you to get proactive about the Employee Free Choice Act. He doesn't quite like the alternative, and you might not either.
Member Content Court Challenges Of Tipping Practices May Affect Many Industries
Jan 8, 2009

Employers in a variety of industries where employees receive tips should expect court challenges to their tip practices in the wake of several recent high-profile rulings.