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Michael Best Acquires North Carolina Firm, Adding 23 Lawyers & Seven Offices

To visit Michael Best’s website, click here. Michael Best is pleased to announce the addition of 23 lawyers and 13 professionals from Forrest Firm in a strategic combination to expand the… Read More

Client FAQs

To visit Michael Best’s website, click here. CLIENT SERVICE When will Forrest Firm officially become a part of Michael Best?Forrest Firm joins Michael Best on January 1, 2022. Who will be… Read More

A New Year Begins a New Chapter: Forrest Firm Announces Joining Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Over the past decade, it has been our privilege to provide strategic, proactive legal services to help our clients achieve their full potential. We have assisted thousands of people and organizations since our inception… Read More

Celebrating Giving Tuesday with Practicing with Purpose

This Giving Tuesday, we are thrilled to announce the selection of two start-up organizations for Practicing with Purpose, 321 Coffee and Durham Success Summit! Both organizations align with Forrest Firm’s purpose to empower… Read More

Forrest Firm Attorney Jonathan Bogues Honored as NCCU Forty Under Forty, ABA Fellow

This month Forrest Firm attorney Jonathan Bogues is in the spotlight! Jonathan joined the Firm earlier this year, bringing strong ties to the community and exceptional client service. He currently counsels… Read More

Meet our Fall Practicing with Purpose Judges

This fall, we are excited to be awarding $5,000 in pro bono legal services to two North Carolina start-up organizations! In addition, we are partnering with Durham-based accounting firm DMJ & Co., PLLC, who will… Read More

Employers with 100+ employees must begin rolling out new COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements, per OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS)

By Nicole MurpheyUpdated 12/22/21 On December 17, 2021, the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit revived the OSHA ETS mandate for employers with 100 or more employees. This has… Read More

Practicing with a Purpose: Pro Bono Services for Start-ups

At Forrest Firm, we believe in empowering the people in our communities to reach their full potential. Last spring, we launched “Practicing with Purpose,” a platform for giving away $5,000 in free legal services to… Read More

Lessons Learned from the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill: The Importance of Bylaws

By Keith Richardson and James Forrest Over the past 18 months, American religious organizations, like much of the country, have experienced deep division over numerous issues: politics, race,… Read More

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Mail Theft

Over the last several months we have become increasingly aware of mail theft victimizing businesses. As the pandemic has forced many businesses to pivot to remote work, organizations have received more payments by mail and… Read More

Forrest Firm in the Community with Guardian Ad Litem

Our highest goal here at Forrest Firm is to empower the people in our communities to achieve their full potential. One organization that many of our attorneys are passionate about supporting is Guardian Ad Litem… Read More

The Department of Labor Rescinds Previous Administration’s Joint Employer Rule: What Employers Need to Know

On July 29, 2021, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued its final rule rescinding the Trump-era joint employer rule, “Joint Employer Status under the Fair Labor Standards Act,” which took effect in March 2020. The… Read More

Is Your Church a Mail Theft Victim?

Over the last several months we have become increasingly aware of mail theft victimizing churches, religious organizations and non-profits. See a USA Today article HERE as one example. As the pandemic… Read More

NC Employers: 3 Important Changes to Pay Notice and Final Wages for Separated Employees

By Nicole Murphey On July 8, 2021, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 208 (SB 208), which amended portions of the NC Wage and Hour Act regarding pay… Read More

The Biden Administration Attempts to Regulate Non-Compete Clauses

By Janean Dunn In an effort to promote fair competition in the American economy, on July 9th, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14036 (Promoting Competition in the American Economy). Read More

Can Employers Require Their Employees to Get Vaccinated?

By Nicole Murphey Among the most common hot topic items is, of course, if employers can legally require their employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The quick answer is: Yes, but… Read More

Understanding Joint Ventures: An Alternative to M&A

By David Morris As our economy evolves and more companies specialize with niche approaches to the marketplace, many entrepreneurs are pursuing joint ventures (“JVs”). Although typically associated with large corporations, JVs… Read More

What is the Best Way to Structure My New Business?

By Virginia Pleasants There are numerous ways a business can be structured. As the founder of a startup, you need to have a good understanding of your options when setting up your new business,… Read More

Forrest Firm Honors 12 Attorneys as Legal Elite and Super Lawyers

Forrest Firm is proud to recognize seven outstanding attorneys as 2021 Legal Elite by Business North Carolina, an honor less than 3% the state’s thousands of attorneys earned this year. North Carolina Super Lawyers named… Read More

Ablr and Forrest Firm to Host Free Webinar on Digital Accessibility

Speakers to present valuable information on iADA compliance & user experience Forrest Firm and Ablr are joining forces this month to co-host a free webinar that will address digital accessibility… Read More

Are You Required to Pay COVID-related Sick Leave?

By Nicole Murphey, Employment Attorney The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) that required all private employers with 1 to 499 employees to provide paid, job-protected leave for COVID-19-related reasons… Read More

FAQs: What If My Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19?

By Nicole Murphey Question: I run a small business with fewer than 50 employees. One of my employees tested positive for COVID-19 and is demanding “COVID sick pay.” Am I required… Read More

Attorneys Swinson and LaCivita Join Forrest Firm

Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and a certified B Corporation, announces the addition of two attorneys to the Firm’s practice– Anthony LaCivita and Gwynn… Read More

Two Experienced Leaders Added to Back Office

The Forrest Firm is excited to welcome two new leaders to the Firm: Lauren Fuhrer, Operations Director, and Sylina Phelan, HR & Finance Director. She has previously served in Operations, Marketing, Finance, Project Management, and… Read More

What Does the Supreme Court Have to Say About Church Gatherings?

Two recent actions by the United States Supreme Court are of significant interest to churches and religious institutions. First, on May 11, 2020, the Court agreed to hear two pending cases regarding the scope of… Read More

More Changes to The Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020

By Brian Bernhardt On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act became law. As part of the CARES Act, Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) to provide, after an amendment increasing the amount… Read More

Experienced Attorney Tom Babel Joins Forrest Firm

Despite this extraordinary season, the Forrest Firm continues to attract new talent. This month the firm is excited to welcome attorney Thomas S. Babel to the Wilmington office. With 20 years… Read More

Loan Forgiveness Under the Paycheck Protection Program Updated to Include the Final Interim Rule (Current Through May 22, 2020)

By Brian Bernhardt As part of the CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The PPP is… Read More

Loan Forgiveness Under the Paycheck Protection Program

By Brian Bernhardt As part of the CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The PPP is designed to, in general,… Read More

Re-Opening and In-Person Gatherings: Legal Considerations for Religious Institutions

Effective 5pm today, North Carolina will be entering Phase 1 of Governor Roy Cooper’s three-phased approach to lifting the statewide Stay at Home Order. Although the Stay at Home Order that began March 30th… Read More

Phase 1 – What does it mean for North Carolina Businesses?

In a significant change to the restrictions imposed by NC Governor Roy Cooper in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor announced that the state would be moving to what he called “Phase 1” beginning… Read More

Rare Unanimous Action by the NC General Assembly Offers Lifeline for Small Business

This week, both houses of the North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed two bills which provide over $1.6 Billion in COVID-19 relief. The bills were signed by Governor Cooper on Monday, May 4. While the… Read More

What Congress Giveth, the IRS Taketh Away: PPP Loan Forgiveness and Disappearing Business Deductions

By Brian Bernhardt As part of the CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The PPP is designed to, in general,… Read More

So You Received Your PPP Loan: Awesome, Wow! What Comes Next? Do You Have a Clue What Happens Now? (with apologies to Lin-Manuel Miranda)

By Brian Bernhardt, John Burns, and Lyle Gravatt $349 billion later or, perhaps, depending on when you are reading this blog article, $659 billion later, the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) has disbursed all of… Read More

Reopening Your Business After (or during) a Pandemic: Insurance Issues to Review

By Andy Lax, Updated 5/06/20 If your North Carolina business is currently closed due to the COVID–19 pandemic, at some point – hopefully soon – you will want to attempt to reopen your doors. Before… Read More

The “New Normal” – Governor Cooper Announces Phased Plan to Lift Stay-At-Home Restrictions

By John D. Burns Today, April 23, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued a new Emergency Executive Order No. 135, updating his orders and keeping stay-at-home restrictions in place until May 8. Read More

Not All Bills Are Created Equal: Prioritizing Payments in a Cash Crunch

By Jason Pfister The Coronavirus pandemic has caused countless businesses to suffer unprecedented cashflow problems as they face mandatory closures and overwhelming declines in revenue in a short period of time. As business leaders… Read More

Title IV– Economic Stabilization and Assistance to Severely Distressed Sectors of the United States Economy

Early in the morning on Thursday, March 26, 2020, the Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). On Friday, March 27, 2020, the House of Representatives also passed the… Read More

Title III – Supporting America’s Health Care System in the Fight Against Coronavirus, Subtitle F – Over the Counter Drug Provisions

Title III – Supporting America’s Health Care System in the Fight Against Coronavirus, Subtitle E – Health and Human Services Provisions

Title III – Supporting America’s Health Care System in the Fight Against Coronavirus, Subtitle D – Finance Provisions

Title III – Supporting America’s Health Care System in the Fight Against Coronavirus, Subtitle C – Labor Provisions

Patent and Trademark and Copyright Offices Extend Deadlines, Modify Procedures

By Kelli Ovies May 28, 2020 Update: The Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”) has announced that it will waive the fees to petition to revive abandoned patent or trademark applications or reinstate trademark registrations… Read More

Title III – Supporting America’s Health Care System in the Fight Against Coronavirus Subtitle B – Education Provisions

Title III – Supporting America’s Healthcare System in the Fight Against Coronavirus, Subtitle A – Health Provisions

Title II – Assistance for American Workers, Families, and Businesses, Subtitle A – Unemployment Insurance Provisions

Title II – Assistance for American Workers, Families, and Businesses, Subtitle B – Individual Provisions

Title II – Assistance for American Workers, Families, and Businesses, Subtitle C – Business Provisions

The CARES Act – Title 1: Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act

C’est Impossible: What if my contract doesn’t have a Force Majeure clause?

Force Majeure articles have abounded in this pandemic, and if there is one lesson contract drafters will have learned from it, it’s that they should try to or be prepared to negotiate a Force Majeure clause in… Read More

Governor’s Executive Order— Stay at Home, North Carolina

By James Forrest Governor Cooper released an Executive Order for the State of North Carolina on Friday afternoon that goes into effect on Monday, March 30th, 2020, at 5 pm. This type of… Read More

Stay-At-Home or Shelter-In-Place Orders are NOT the Same Thing as Quarantine

Several clients have recently contacted us to ask questions about the new Emergency Family and Medical Leave employee rights which were passed last week. You can download a white paper with detailed analysis on the… Read More

Forrest Firm Response to COVID-19

Like all of you, we’re quickly responding to the sudden changes in the business landscape due to COVID-19. Our mindset continues to be community-focused, and we desire to be a resource for our clients and… Read More

How Does a “Work From Anywhere” Policy Actually Work at a Law Firm?

Here at the Forrest Firm, we recognize the need for attorneys to take time away from work to creatively recharge and that not everyone works the best during traditional business hours or in a… Read More

Employer’s Guide to Navigating COVID-19

By Nicole Murphy As an increasing number of businesses must make tough decisions regarding if and how their employees should work, we seek to be a helpful resource for employers. We’ve compiled information… Read More

The Startup Hats for Entrepreneurs

Forrest Firm is proud to be the exclusive sponsor of the audiobook and podcast series, “The Startup Hats: Master the Many Roles of the Entrepreneur” by David Gardner of Cofounders Capital. David… Read More

Test Your Contracts Before COVID-19 Does

By John D. Burns Have you considered that Coronavirus could potentially affect your business’s supply chain? Your events? Even your sponsorships? With the outbreak of a novel Coronavirus called COVID-19 in Wuhan province in… Read More

Clearing the Pathway for Digital Marketing and Branding

by Kelli Ovies You will be hard pressed to find a company today that doesn’t use some form of digital marketing. Social media has changed the way we do business and in a… Read More

The Forrest Firm Gives Back

At the Forrest Firm, we are dedicated to putting people over profits. Our attorneys adhere to a pro bono and volunteerism policy that encourages each full-time employee to participate in pro bono work as well… Read More

New Year, New Branding

To celebrate a new chapter for the Forrest Firm, we’re unveiling our new brand identity. The rapid growth of the firm since our original logo was created in 2010 caused a need for a visual… Read More

Forrest Firm Announces Leadership Team for 2020

Forrest Firm is pleased to announce its new leadership team for 2020. “We have grown faster than I could have ever envisioned since 2014 based on our commitment to client service,” firm founder James… Read More

Forrest Firm Attorneys Named 2020 Super Lawyers

The Forrest Firm is pleased to announce that nine of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the annual ranking of North Carolina attorneys by Super Lawyers magazine. Among the honored attorneys are… Read More

My Land is Worth What!? 2020 Wake County Real Property Tax Reappraisals and Homeowner Rights

by John D. Burns and Jason C. Pfister In January 2020, the Wake County Department of Revenue published the latest reappraisal of the tax value of every parcel of land in the County. It… Read More

Four Forrest Firm Attorneys Named Legal Elite

Forrest Firm is proud to announce that four of the firm’s attorneys have been included in Business North Carolina’s 2020 edition Legal Elite. Those honored this year include Rachel Blunk, Cory… Read More

You’ve been served: What to do (and not to do) when your business is sued

When a business is formed as a legal entity, the application process requires the identification of a registered agent, a person or corporation listed with the state Secretary of State as the proper agent for… Read More

An Overview of the Holding Company

Whether you’re relatively new to business or you’re a longtime entrepreneur or investor, you are likely familiar, at least to some degree, with the concept of a holding company. Many entrepreneurs and investors use holding… Read More

Department of Labor establishes new rule

On Tuesday, September 24, 2019 the U.S. Department of Labor made a final rule which, among other things, increases the minimum salary threshold required for employees to be classified as “exempt” under the white… Read More

What it means to be a Certified B Corporation®

The most frequent question I get from someone seeing my business card for the first time is: “What’s a B Corp?” On the days when I can shift out of lawyer brain and speak… Read More

Three Tips for Protecting Your Important Legal Paperwork in a Natural Disaster

By Jen Hoverstad Year after year, North Carolina continues to be threatened by and experience serious natural disaster. From earthquakes to raging wildfires, to hurricanes like the 500 year Hurricane Florence to today’s Hurricane… Read More

The IRS is Sending out Letters About Cryptocurrencies. What Should I Do if I Get One?

By Brian Bernhardt and Adam Goldblatt Last month, the IRS began sending letters to taxpayers with cryptocurrency transactions who did not properly report a transaction or entirely failed to report the… Read More

Attorney John Burns and client Magnolia Title prevail at NC Court of Appeals

In an August 6, 2019 published decision, the North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld a trial court’s dismissal of a lawsuit against Forrest Firm client Magnolia Title Company, LLC and its owner Laura… Read More

Eidson and Murphey Join Forrest Firm

In an effort to ensure that our clients are served thoroughly and efficiently, the Forrest Firm continues to grow over the summer! This month we welcomed Debra Eidson and Nicole Murphey to our Durham and… Read More

The C-Corp Advantage for Startups

There are numerous ways a business can be structured. As the founder of a startup, you need to have a good understanding of your options when setting up your new business. While many startups begin… Read More

New State Law Complicates Short-Term Rental Issue

The waters surrounding proposed regulation of short-term rentals in Raleigh and other North Carolina municipalities got a little murkier last week, as a seemingly simple bill passed both houses of the General Assembly and was… Read More

Andy Jones elected chair of the Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. Board of Trustees

Forrest Firm attorney Andy Jones will be installed as chairman of the board of trustees of Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. effective July 1, 2019. One of the largest social service organizations in Eastern… Read More

Estate Planning Considerations for Same Sex Couples

For many couples, regardless of sexual orientation, the idea of having to decide what to do if their spouse dies can be a tedious and emotional process. With so many resources for heterosexual couples, the… Read More

Third Party Beneficiaries in Development Deals

As any developer knows, it’s always better to try to split the costs of the design and approval of a project than to bear them alone. Developers will typically go through the design and approval… Read More

10 Easy Steps to Protect Your Business When Extending Credit

As a business lawyer, I am often asked how businesses can best ensure that their customers pay outstanding bills in a timely manner. For all but the largest businesses, this is more than a… Read More

Announcing the Transportation & Logistics Practice Group

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Transportation & Logistics Practice Group at Forrest Firm. “Our attorneys have long represented transportation and logistics clients on a variety of legal issues,” noted… Read More

Eight Forrest Firm Attorneys Join Flywheel Course on Protecting Startups

Davidson’s Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Eight Forrest Firm attorneys have joined forces with Flywheel Coworking, Wake Forest University School of Law, and Davidson’s Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship… Read More

Lessons Learned from Maternity Leave

Leslie Lasher is an employment law attorney with the Forrest Firm. Earlier this year, she had her second child and took 12 weeks of maternity leave. In April, Leslie returned to the firm with… Read More

Attorney June Allison Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney June Allison to the firm’s Charlotte office. June Allison The Forrest Firm is a provider… Read More

Forrest Firm Nonprofit Series: A Quick Guide to Nonprofit Governance in North Carolina

By Virginia Pleasants and Brian Bernhardt At the Forrest Firm, we often work with faith-based organizations, certified B Corporations, and mission-driven businesses. The largest segment of these types of businesses are those… Read More

Attorney Ashley Johnson Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Ashley Johnson in an of counsel role in the firm’s Raleigh office. Ashley Johnson The Forrest… Read More

Attorney Travis Albea Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Travis Albea to the firm’s Wilmington office. Travis Albea The Forrest Firm is a provider… Read More

Forrest Firm Nonprofit Series: A Quick Guide to Nonprofit Compliance in North Carolina

Forrest Firm Attorneys Serve NC on NCBF’s 4ALL Service Day

Multiple Forrest Firm attorneys throughout North Carolina provided the public with free legal information and referral resources during the North Carolina Bar Association’s annual 4ALL Service Day on March 1. Attorneys Jen Hoverstad… Read More

Attorney Melvin Davis Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Melvin Davis to the firm’s Durham office. Melvin Davis The Forrest Firm is a provider… Read More

Funding Your Company: Convertible Notes

For many early stage companies seeking to raise capital to fund their operations, the conversation often revolves around “how much equity must we give up.” This point leads to awkward discussions regarding valuation at a… Read More

Attorney Heather Benjamin Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Heather Benjamin as of counsel to the firm’s Durham office. Heather Benjamin The Forrest Firm is… Read More

Attorney Beth Stanfield Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Beth Stanfield to the firm’s Wilmington office. Beth Stanfield The Forrest Firm is a provider… Read More

Forrest Firm Sponsors NCCU Ignite Case Competition

Next weekend, one lucky group of bright undergraduate students will receive a potentially life-changing opportunity: to impress industry professionals and gain real-world experience in a two-day case competition and hackathon. The North Carolina Central… Read More

Forrest Firm Nonprofit Series: A Quick Guide to Starting Your Nonprofit in North Carolina

Forrest Firm Sponsors NC State’s 2019 Lulu eGames, Fields and Gravatt to Judge

The Forrest Firm is proud to announce its sponsorship of North Carolina State University’s 2019 Lulu eGames, the university’s largest startup competition. Taking place during the school’s 2019 spring semester, the Lulu eGames includes two… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Bradley Moderates B Corp Panel at MountainBizWorks

The Forrest Firm’s Martha Bradley will moderate a panel on the process of becoming a certified B Corporation next week at Asheville’s MountainBizWorks. Martha Bradley The B Corp panel will feature representatives from different corners… Read More

Forrest Firm’s Ovies Hosts Collider Lunch & Learn on Brand Building

On Tuesday, February 12, the Forrest Firm’s Kelli Ovies will be the latest of the firm’s attorneys to host a lunch and learn event at Asheville’s hub for climate entrepreneurship, The Collider. Joining Ovies… Read More

Forrest Firm Joins Forces with Collective Hustle, SoGal for Charlotte Tax and Beers Event

The Forrest Firm is supporting an innovative collaboration in Charlotte next week, joining venture platform SoGal and Queen City entrepreneurship network Collective Hustle for an educational event for startups. “Discuss Business… Read More

Attorney Sonya Rikhye Joins Forrest Firm

The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Sonya Rikhye to the firm’s Asheville office. The Forrest Firm is a provider of legal services… Read More

Forrest Firm Attorneys Named to 2019 Super Lawyers

The Forrest Firm is pleased to announce that seven of the firm’s attorneys have earned recognition in the annual ranking of North Carolina attorneys by Super Lawyers magazine. Among the honored attorneys are Monica Webb-Shackleford, Kelli… Read More

Mind the New Rules Governing Partnership Audits

In coming months, partnerships (and limited liability companies taxed as partnerships) will begin filing tax returns which are, for the first time, subject to the new partnership audit rules Congress established in 2015. These… Read More

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