Pittsburgh Business And Securities Litigation Blog
What should brokers learn from Edward Jones’ recent censure?
Brokers have a responsibility to act in the best interests of their clients. By acting in good faith and understanding the client's needs, they can make proper recommendations to protect their client's investments—and their own reputation. This duty of loyalty to the...
Three critical signs of accounting malpractice to look out for
Entrusting an accountant with personal or business finances can reduce a considerable amount of stress. However, it is still critical for individuals to review an accountant's work and their finances to protect themselves against fraud or malpractice. An accountant's...
Regulation Best Interest vote set for June 5
Back in 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a new rule, commonly called Regulation Best Interest. This rule would raise the standard for how broker-dealers act in the best interest of their customers when they make a financial recommendation....
NLRB rules that Uber drivers aren’t employees, can’t unionize
Late last month, the U.S. Department of Labor issued an opinion letter that could have a major impact on “gig economy” workers. When people get work from an app or technology platform -- a “virtual marketplace” -- they can be considered independent contractors rather...
It is smart to take a breach of contract seriously
Businesses that enter into an agreement ideally fulfill them with mutually beneficial results. One side gets services they need to be more competitive, and the other side increases their bottom line, or they can work collaboratively on a large project with each party...
Fulfilling the “reasonable efforts to maintain secrecy” requirement for trade secret protection
The vast majority of businesses possess information they would like to keep away from competitors. Whether it comes in the form of an essential formula or a marketing strategy, this information has value as long as it is kept secret. What many are surprised to learn...
Supreme Court: Contract language must be clear for class arbitration
Classwide arbitration is fundamentally different from individual arbitration, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled recently in the case of Lamps Plus, Inc., et al, v. Varela. The majority in the 5-4 decision held that classwide arbitration lacks many of the advantages of...
Resolving disputes through mediation
Two parties may have a dispute, but that does not mean that they are headed to court. Often used as an alternative to litigation, mediation is one of the most common and efficient forms of alternative dispute resolution. Many like it because it avoids the expense,...
Trade secrets must be carefully protected
Many businesses’ success depends on protecting information as trade secrets. This can be a special sauce for a lunch counter’s signature sandwich or details of relationships with business partners. There are a variety of laws based on the Uniform Trade Secret Act that...
Are Your Non-Compete Agreements Actually Enforceable?
Many companies use restrictive covenants such as non-compete, nondisclosure and non-solicitation agreements to protect legitimate business interests. However, courts are increasingly scrutinizing such agreements, particularly non-competes, as part of employment...
