Updated Illinois Stay at Home Order – What This Means for Illinois Schools

by Elizabeth Kelly On April 30, 2020, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-32, which formally extended Illinois’ Stay-at-Home Order through May 30, 2020. Additionally, he issued Executive Order 2020-33, which extended previous executive order directives, such as the relaxation of the Open Meetings Act in-person attendance rules, teacher licensure renewal timelines, and the suspension of in-person school instruction. Below is an outline of some key provisions of the new Stay-at-Home Order that

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Jim Layton Trains Government Lawyers Nationwide On Remote Appellate Arguments

Jim Layton, who leads Tueth Keeney’s appellate practice group, presented “Preparing to Argue to Appellate Judges, From Your Home to Theirs: Remote Appellate Advocacy in the Wake of COVID-19.” Attending – by video feed – were 565 lawyers from 46 states and three U.S. territories; others have since watched a recording of the program. The program was presented by the National Attorneys General Teaching and Research Institute (NAGTRI), for which Jim is a regular instructor. Appellate

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Melanie Keeney Presents at ELA’s Webinar, “Managing a Global Workforce During the Pandemic: A US Immigration Law Perspective”

On April 2, 2020, Melanie Keeney will join a panel of top immigration law experts from across the country to discuss issues facing employers as they continue to navigate the complexities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Employment Law Alliance is hosting the webinar, “Managing a Global Workforce During the Pandemic: A U.S. Immigration Law Perspective.” Clients and friends of the Firm are encouraged to listen in tomorrow!


Melanie Gurley Keeney practices in the areas

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Department of Labor Issues Updated Guidance Regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

On March 24 and 26, 2020, the Department of Labor issued updated guidance regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”).   Specifically, the guidance addresses how employers should handle employee leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“EFMLA”).   The updated guidance addresses the following issues:

  • How to count employees for the 500-employee threshold
  • Documentation required to qualify for the small business exemption
  • Calculating hours and rates
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Illinois Schools: Illinois Open Meetings Act Temporary Guidance

Executive Order 2020-07, issued on March 16, 2020, suspended key elements of the OMA regarding board member attendance and participation at public meetings. Normally, the Open Meetings Act requires that a majority of a quorum be physically present at all meetings. Additionally, it places strict conditions on when a board member may participate in a meeting remotely. However, Executive Order 2020-07 has temporarily suspended both of these rules. Therefore, until April 8, 2020, all board members are permitted to participate

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An Important Message From Tueth Keeney Cooper Mohan & Jackstadt, PC

We take the health, well-being, and safety of our firm’s members and employees, their families and our clients seriously. TKCMJ previously upgraded its technology to allow attorneys and all staff members to be able to work remotely in an effective and efficient manner when needed. We are committed to being in regular contact with each other, primarily through email, telephone and video conference. These efforts have been put in place in order to continue to provide you with the personal

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Families First Coronavirus Response Act Update for Private Employers Regarding Expanded FMLA Provisions and Emergency Paid Sick Leave

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act.”   This law expands rights to Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) leave and provides paid leave for employees impacted by COVID-19.   These provisions go into effect on April 1, 2020 and will sunset on December 31, 2020. The provisions discussed in detail below apply to private employers with fewer than 500 employees.   Employers with fewer than 50 employees may be exempted from certain

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Families First Coronavirus Response Act Update for Public Education Employers Regarding Family and Paid Leave Requirements

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act.”   This law, among other provisions, expands rights to Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) leave and provides for paid leave for employees impacted by COVID-19.  This update provides guidance about provisions specific to public education employers.  The provisions discussed in this update all sunset on December 31, 2020. These provisions go into effect on April 1, 2020.  The law directs the Department of Labor (“DOL”)

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H-1B Compliance for Remote Workers – COVID-19 Update

by Melanie Keeney & Diane Metzger As you know, many H-1B employees may be working remotely from their homes to help combat the spread of COVID-19.  The applicable regulations require that notice be posted at the H-1B employee’s physical worksite location(s), regardless of whether the worksite is situated at an employer’s headquarters, a client office, a home office, etc.  When an employer contemplates an H-1B employee working from home at the time of hire, the safest approach is to include

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Coronavirus Pandemic Planning in Missouri – Holding Legally Compliant Board Meetings

Frequently Asked Questions

Coronavirus Pandemic Planning: Holding Legally Compliant Board Meetings During this Time of Uncertainty

Below, we are listing answers or guidance we are providing in response to questions we have received relating to holding board meetings during this time of uncertainty. As time progresses, we will continue to provide updates or amended guidance, where necessary.

Can we hold a meeting without having anyone physically attend the meeting? Yes. However, the manner in

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