Well, that was weird. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly has changed the way we work. While employees are returning to the office after two years of remote working, not everything is returning to normal. Many employers are adopting hybrid-working schedules, which allow...
Distorted patents and exorbitant premiums
In June 2014, Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted a blog on the company’s website announcing the company would treats its patents as open-source designs to encourage more companies to build and sell all-electric vehicles.[1] In typical Musk fashion, the blog post raised more...
N.Y.: Amendment to dog breed law signed
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed A.9284-A on Dec. 16, 2022. It closes a loophole in the law by prohibiting insurers from excluding, limiting, restricting or reducing coverage on homeowners insurance policies based solely on insureds owning specific breeds of dogs....
The FLSA: Attack of the overtime
“What do you do?” We have heard that question a thousand times. It is one of those standard conversation pieces along with: “What do you think of this weather?” and “How about that local sports team!” Every time you meet someone new, it is a virtual guarantee that you...
Two PIANJ-supported bills signed into law
The state Legislature may have been on summer recess, but its impact was still felt as two compulsory insurance bills were signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on Aug. 5. Increase in auto limits S-481, sponsored by Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-22, and Assemblyman Louis...
Part VII: The do’s and don’ts of advocacy
Now that we have talked about what the various types of advocacy and how you can give of your time or money to candidates or parties you support, we should review some general do’s and don’ts before you go out and advocate for issues you support or against those who...
E&S market: Why can’t I find that in the law?
The answer to the question posed in the headline is because many excess- and surplus-lines insurance companies’ actions are covered by the contract. Have you ever asked yourself why E&S insurance carriers can cancel a policy with only 30 days’ notice when in most...
Part VI: Advocacy tips for meetings
In our last advocacy article, we talked about what to do when you call or send a letter to your elected representatives. While these methods of communication are vital to a well-rounded advocacy strategy, and they are certainly the best method when time is of the...
Part V: Advocacy tips for letters/email
For this installment of our advocacy series, we are going to talk about best practices when you write a letter or an email to your legislators. While snail mail and electronic mail are different mediums, they are essentially both a letter, so the rules for writing...
Protect your agency: Copyright and trademarks
Several years ago, Lebron James filed a trademark application for the phrase Taco Tuesday that, predictably, caused an uproar on the internet. Apart from the fact the internet consistently needs to get outraged over something, it struck many rational people as a bit...