Articles

Did You Tell Them? Employers' Notice Obligations Regarding Whistleblowers Under the Federal Defend Trade Secrets Act

The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act ("DTSA"), an amendment to the Theft of Trade Secrets Act, became effective May 12, 2016.  The DTSA provides trade secret owners an avenue to pursue claims for trade secret misappro…

At Long Last: The Department of Labor Issues Final Salary Threshold Rule Effective December 1, 2016

Written By Grant B. Osborne

After almost a year of speculation and concern, the U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL") today, May 18, 2016, issued its long-awaited Final Rule on overtime exemptions, making a major change to the minimum salary that an emplo…

Choosing Wisely - Selecting a Trustee

Written By Virginia S. Carter

Many people use a revocable trust as part of their estate plan because of its probate avoidance and privacy benefits after death.  In addition, many people, whether using a will or a revocable trust, want their benefi…

How to Recover a Bid Deposit When a High Bidder Defaults on a Foreclosure Bid

Written By Lance P. Martin

Recently, in In re Ballard, the North Carolina Court of Appeals issued an opinion that provides a blueprint for a lender to pocket a cash recovery if it is outbid at a foreclosure sale but the high bidder subsequently defa…

Insurance and Liability: What You Need to Know if You Are Injured in an Automobile Accident

Written By Jeremy M. Wilson

It's an unfortunate fact, but each year over 100,000 people are injured in automobile accidents in North Carolina, and statistics suggest that nearly every driver will be involved in at least one automobile accident during…

Stormwater Rules Get Another Facelift

Written By Amy P. Wang

On February 15, 2016, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission ("EMC") published proposed changes to various stormwater rules.  The public hearing process is currently underway, and the public has throug…