Construction and Real Estate E-Note August 2021
Resources
Federal Regulators Taking Aim at Anti-Competitive Employment Practices
Employers in every sector use restrictive covenants to guard against loss of institutional knowledge, relationships, and training. These restrictive covenants come in three forms: "non-competition," "non-solicitation," and "no-poach" agreements.
This article was written by Cheri Gatlin, Devin Dolive and Mike Rich. Contact Cheri in Jackson, MS at (601) 709-3444 or cgatlin@burr.com. Contact Devin in Birmingham, AL at (205) 458-5332 or ddolive@burr.com. Contact Mike in Mobile, AL at (251) 345-8216 or mrich@burr.com.
Emily Mack Discusses Employer Vaccination Policies in SHRM
Emily Mack was quoted in an August 2, 2021 article published by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) discussing employer vaccination policies. As employers face renewed challenges for managing safe operations as the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads, Mack shared considerations for employees who choose not to get vaccinated for medical or religious reasons and request an exemption or accommodation from a mandatory vaccine policy. Emily is a partner in the firm's Nashville, TN office and may be reached at (615) 724-3204 or emack@burr.com.
Immigration Insights: Episode 5
In Episode Five, host Melissa Azallion Kenny discusses travel considerations particularly for international employees who may need to return to the United States to resume their jobs.
Melissa is a partner in the firm's Hilton Head Island, SC office and may be reached at (843) 785-2171 or makenny@burr.com.
Department of State Extends Validity of National Interest Exceptions to Regional COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
On July 6, 2021, the Department of State updated its National Interest Exception ("NIE") guidelines. Going forward, NIEs to the regional travel restrictions will be valid for twelve months and multiple entries, provided they are used for the purpose for which they were originally approved. The updated guidelines are a welcome change for foreign national workers who regularly travel to restricted countries. This article was written by Jon Eggert, a partner in the firm's Hilton Head Island, SC office. Jon may be reached at (843) 785-2171 or jeggert@burr.com.
Firm News
Mike Rich Joins Burr & Forman's Mobile Office
Mike Rich joins Burr & Forman's Mobile, Alabama office as Counsel in the firm's Construction and Project Development practice group. His experience includes representation of government contractor clients in bid protest, Contract Disputes Act, and False Claims Act litigation. He has assisted government contractor clients with employment discrimination and wage and hour litigation and has additional experience in handling insurance defense, general commercial, and prime-subcontractor litigation in state and federal courts. Mike may be reached at (251) 345-8216 or mrich@burr.com.
Columbia Office Grows with Addition of John F. Wall, IV
John F. Wall, IV joins Burr & Forman's Columbia, South Carolina office as Counsel in its Government Relations practice group. John joins the firm from the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, where he served as the General Counsel and Vice President of Government Relations. His practice will focus on governmental and economic development matters. John may be reached at (803) 753-3206 or jwall@burr.com.
Jacksonville Office Grows with Addition of Jason Gabriel
Jason R. Gabriel joins Burr & Forman as a partner in the firm's Jacksonville, Florida office. Gabriel joins the firm's Real Estate practice group after 11 years at the City of Jacksonville, serving as General Counsel to the entire consolidated City government for the past 7 years. Jason may be reached at (904) 232-7211 or jgabriel@burr.com.
Birmingham Office Grows with Addition of Laura Bell
Burr & Forman announces the addition of Laura Bell to the firm's Lending practice group. Laura is an associate located in the Birmingham office. Her practice will focus on representation of lenders in various financing transactions, including commercial real estate loans. Laura also has litigation experience in construction defect, environmental defense, and premises liability cases. Laura may be reached at (205) 458-5259 or lbell@burr.com.
Adam Artigliere Elected to Board of Directors of The Palmetto Land Title Association
Adam Artigliere has been elected to the board of directors of the Palmetto Land Title Association ("PLTA"). The association, composed of title insurance underwriters and agents, attorneys, and other real estate business professionals, has represented the title industry in South Carolina for more than 40 years. PLTA provides advocacy, continuing education, networking and business opportunities, publications and other resources, and scholarships to members and students interested in the field. Adam is a member of the firm's Real Estate practice group and is located in the firm's Greenville, South Carolina office. He may be reached at (864) 552-9364 or aartigliere@burr.com.
Headlines
OSHA Issues New Guidance to Protect Workers from Coronavirus (Source: EHS Today, 2021-08-13)
Data Show Residential Construction Gaining Strength (Source: Archinect, 2021-07-21)
Report Finds Lodging Construction Pipeline Down 14% Over Year (Source: HotelBusiness.com, 2021-07-26)
Construction Firms Use Five Strategies to Lower Tax Rates (Source: Construction Dive, 2021-07-08)
Investors Showing Renewed Interest in Commercial Real Estate (Source: Mortgage Professional America, 2021-08-13)