Former PA Human Relations Commission Counsel Joins Willig, Williams & Davidson

Willig, Williams & Davidson is pleased to announce that employment law attorney Ryan A. Hancock has joined the firm as Of Counsel. Hancock previously served as Assistant Chief Counsel of the PA Human Relations Commission, which enforces Pennsylvania's anti-discrimination laws and investigates complaints of illegal discrimination.

Hancock focuses his practice on employment law and will be a valuable asset to the firm and to clients who have suffered discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Read more about Ryan Hancock's arrival...

Third Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Changes Legal Requirements for Employers' Notices

For years, the "mailbox rule" allowed parties to mail legal notices and other time-sensitive correspondence by U.S. mail, with the presumption that, unless returned by the postal service, the intended party actually received the mail.

But an August 2014 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit invalidated much of the protection, making it clear that parties who rely on the mailbox rule when mailing important documents do so at their peril.

Employers and Unions Must Prepare for 'Cadillac Tax'

Starting in 2018, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes another new tax on high-cost plans, called the "Cadillac Tax." The Cadillac Tax is a nondeductible 40% excise tax on any excess of the cost of an employer-sponsored health plan over a specified threshold.

While there is no need to panic, you should start to plan for the next contract cycle. Even if an employer wants to change its group health plan to avoid the Cadillac Tax, it still has an obligation to negotiate with the union regarding the health benefits it will provide to its employees.

Read more about the looming Cadillac Tax...

New Jersey Changes Alimony Laws

On Sept. 10, 2014, the state of New Jersey enacted sweeping and immediate changes to its laws governing alimony. Among its more significant changes, New Jersey's Alimony Reform Act of 2014 eliminates the longstanding category of "permanent alimony," and it also provides additional new reasons to modify or terminate existing alimony arrangements. The changes will affect anyone considering a divorce, going through a divorce, or paying alimony as the result of a divorce in New Jersey.

Read more about changes to alimony in New Jersey...

Don't Forget Your Pets When Updating Your Will

Everyone should have a Last Will and Testament, regardless of whether you think you have many assets. When considering those assets, don't forget your most precious belongings, your pets. People often forget that their pets may survive them, and they need to consider how best to provide for those family members in the event of their death.

Read more about including pets in your will...

Marianne Henry Saylor Discusses Disease Types Covered by PA Workers' Compensation

Attorney Marianne Henry Saylor reviews the injuries covered by Pennsylvania workers' compensation. Saylor specifically presents examples of work-related diseases, such as cancer from exposure to chemicals or heart attacks due to physical activity. Pennsylvania law allows specific diseases affiliated with certain professions to be accepted under workers' compensation. Click here to watch the full video...

Attorney Insights – Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyer Rick Poulson Addresses Police and Fire Contract Negotiations

Richard G. Poulson, a labor attorney and partner at Willig, Williams & Davidson, explains how the firm works with their clients as a team to negotiate strong contracts and elicit the best results from interest arbitration hearings. The employer's ability to pay is examined in detail as the teams work together with the bargaining committees to conduct a fair assessment. Rick advises and represents police, fire, paramedic and other uniformed employees regarding municipal affairs and public employment in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. Click here to watch the full video...

Featured Practice Area: Unemployment Compensation Benefits

In this challenging job market, many people are facing the uncertainty and worry that come with being unemployed. Understanding how Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation system (also known as PA UC) works will allow you to maximize the likelihood of receiving unemployment compensation benefits – benefits that you and your family rely on to withstand the financial hardship of unemployment.

If you are facing the uncertainty of unemployment or are having difficulty dealing with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, we strongly encourage you to contact our office at (215) 656-3600 to speak with one of our unemployment compensation attorneys. Read more about the firm's Unemployment Compensation Benefits practice here...

Workers' Compensation Q&A – Did You Know?

Our firm often answers questions about workers' compensation. Here are some of the most frequently asked:

• Is it legal for an employer to require me to sign a Final Receipt before I receive wage loss benefits?
• What is the difference between a Final Receipt and a Supplemental Agreement?
• What happens if my employer files a Petition to Terminate my workers' compensation benefits?
• If I am disabled from performing my pre-injury job and I am receiving total disability benefits, are there any limits on the time during which I may receive such benefits?