Insights | PilieroMazza, Law Firm, Government Contracts Attorney

SBA Seeks Comments on Proposed Updates to the HUBZone Program, and Clarifications to Other Small Business Programs

Blog, Small Business Programs, Government Contracts 08.29.24

On August 23, 2024, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published a proposed rule that would make changes to its regulations for the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program to clarify certain policies. In 2019, SBA made significant revisions to these regulations to enhance the program’s efficiency and effectiveness. The proposed rule aims to further clarify and refine some of these changes, particularly by requiring that any certified HUBZone small business to be eligible as of the date of offer for any HUBZone contract. . . . Read More

FTC Non-Compete Ban Will NOT Become Effective September 4, 2024

Client Alerts 08.22.24

By: Nichole D. Atallah, Sarah L. Nash

As suspected and previewed in PilieroMazza’s April 24, 2024 blog , a Texas federal judge permanently blocked the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) impending restriction on non-competition agreements (Non-Compete Rule). This means, at least for now, businesses will not need to follow the Non-Compete Rule and can maintain non-compete provisions in their agreements with employees, so long as those agreements are state law compliant. U.S. District Judge Ada E. Brown indicated earlier this summer (see our coverage here ) she was likely to . . . Read More

PilieroMazza Attorneys Earn Recognition in 2025 Best Lawyers in America®

News 08.21.24

By: Nichole D. Atallah, Jessica A. duHoffmann, Akinyi Orinda

PilieroMazza is pleased to announce that partners Nichole D. Atallah and Jessica A. duHoffmann are listed in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for their work in advising and counseling clients in the areas of Litigation: Labor and Employment and Construction Law , respectively. This is Nichole’s third year and Jessica’s eighth year earning this distinguished recognition. Furthermore, Akinyi Orinda , an Associate in the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group , is listed among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® for 2025 for her contributions. Congratulations to Nichole, Jessica, and Akinyi for continuing PilieroMazza’s tradition of excellence! . . . Read More

Win or Lose: Using CMMC 2.0 Proposed Rule to Position Yourself for DOD Contracts

Government Contracts, Client Alerts 08.15.24

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Daniel Figuenick, III

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification ( CMMC ) Program has been a headache for many defense contractors since the idea was first introduced in 2019. The program seeks to protect unclassified information, including federal contract information (FCI) and controlled unclassified information (CUI) not intended for public release, shared by the Department of Defense (DOD) with its contractors and subcontractors. In December 2023, the DOD proposed a rule to formally codify the CMMC Program in a phased rollout. The DOD has now released . . . Read More

Call It What It Is: D.C. Cracks Down on Employee Misclassification in Construction

Blog, Litigation & Dispute Resolution 08.15.24

By: Matthew E. Feinberg, Jonathan “Jon” R. Neri

Employee misclassification is an area of employment law that has steadily become a prominent subject of litigation in recent years. The decision of whether a specific worker is properly identified as an employee or independent contractor is not always easy to make and depends on the specific policies and practices applicable to each worker. Making the correct decision is critical. Consistent with numerous other jurisdictions across the country, a new lawsuit filed by the District of Columbia Attorney General demonstrates . . . Read More

Supreme Court Opens Door to Broader Spectrum of Employment Discrimination Cases

Blog 08.15.24

By: Sarah L. Nash, Georgianne “Georgi” Kokenis

In April 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court held that transferring an employee to a new position with the same rank and pay may constitute an adverse action under Title VII. The recent decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, Missouri may have a substantial impact on employers. Employers nationwide should be aware of the new standard, implement internal processes to avoid discrimination claims, and understand how these changes will impact future personnel decisions. What Is Title VII? Most employers know that it is unlawful to . . . Read More

Managing Small Business Risk, Part I: Expect Litigation Even When It Seems Unlikely

Blog 08.14.24

By: Mark F. Rosenow

No business wants to be investigated or charged by the government, sued by a competitor, or compelled to defend against an employment lawsuit. The risks of such litigation to any company are so predictable, though, that large businesses with in-house legal departments regularly employ attorneys focusing exclusively on these practices. Prior to the start of any specific dispute, lawyers in litigation and related roles guide business leaders and units in shaping internal policies and developing cultures of compliance. Indeed, the . . . Read More