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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 can be effective structures for small-to-medium sized… Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Patrick Lineberry to the firm’s Greensboro office. The Forrest Firm is a provider of… Read More
The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of Brian Bernhardt, an attorney with over 20 years’ experience in tax and litigation matters, to the firm’s… Read More
Strategies to Enhance Your Success By Cory Howes Estate planning is complex and continually evolving. That’s why our team is committed to staying up-to-date on the newest and best strategies that can be… Read More
Sadly, most Americans are indifferent to estate planning – at best – or completely ignore the issue – at worst. When it comes to estate planning, however, there are just some mistakes that you… Read More
If you or someone you know has received an inheritance, it is important for you to understand how to manage your basis “step up.” A “step up” in basis is the adjustment of the… Read More
Being the new year, now is a great time to revisit (or create) your estate plan. If something were to happen to you this year, there’s no better gift for your family than to… Read More
Fresh off a recertification of its certified B corporation status, the Forrest Firm has earned selection to the inaugural listing of the 100 Top Impact Companies from RealLeaders magazine. The RealLeaders 100 Top Impact… Read More
Business North Carolina has named eight Forrest Firm attorneys to its 2019 list of the state’s Legal Elite. The 2019 Forrest Firm honorees are James Forrest, Leslie Lasher, Cory Howes, Rachel Blunk, John… Read More
The Forrest Firm is proud to support longtime partner American Underground’s 2018 End-of-Year Celebration, happening next week in downtown Durham. This year’s celebration, which welcomes AU members, city and startup leaders, media, and the… Read More
Earlier this month, the US Department of Labor rescinded the Obama administration’s guidance which was known as the “80/20 Rule” and clarified its stance on how employers should properly compensate tipped employees, most prevalent… Read More
The Forrest Firm recently earned its first nationwide recognition for excellence, as US News and World Report, in conjunction with Best Lawyers magazine, released their 2019 “Best Law Firms” rankings. Collaborating for the… Read More
In my last post, I gave a high-level overview of the recently-passed Music Modernization Act (MMA), new federal legislation that has the potential to revolutionize music copyrights and at a minimum, harmonizes our archaic… Read More
After careful consideration of dozens of impressive candidates, the Forrest Firm is thrilled to announce the winners of its 2018 Social Impact Challenge, a celebration of North Carolina non-profits, faith-based organizations, and mission-driven businesses. Read More
By Leslie Lasher Over the past few years, I have often received questions regarding whether an employer can perform a post-accident drug or alcohol test in light of a 2016 Occupational Safety… Read More
On October 11, 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Music Modernization Act (MMA) into law (H.R. 1551). This new law, at over 60 pages, is one of the largest reforms to copyright law in… Read More
The Forrest Firm will sponsor the upcoming Techstars Triad Startup Weekend in Winston-Salem, as part of its ongoing commitment to support the work of North Carolina entrepreneurs and investors. Triad Startup Weekend… Read More
The Forrest Firm, a North Carolina-based business law firm and certified B Corporation, announces the addition of attorney Virginia Pleasants to its Winston-Salem office. Now in its eighth year of operation, the Forrest… Read More
Retiring from your business can spark some tough decisions. To ensure that what you have built continues, there needs to be a succession plan. Some business owners have spent years grooming a child or… Read More
Monica Webb-Shackleford and Keith Richardson of the Forrest Firm’s Raleigh office joined the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Wilmington on October 26 for a day of providing pro bono legal counsel to survivors of… Read More
Estate planning is an important task that everyone should undertake, as it helps to protect your family and loved one’s financial future. But estate planning can do much more than focus on finances. It… Read More
