Member News

Will the Jig Be Up for the Gig Economy?

Employers who rely heavily on independent contractors or temporary workers should take note: “Gig” economy companies are now a priority of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC recently approved its Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP) for fiscal years 2017 –2021, updating and identifying areas of priority for the agency. In particular, the EEOC is interested in “larifying the employment relationship and the application of workplace civil rights protections in light of the increasing complexity of employment relationships and...

Read more

Member News

Into the unknown: European M&A Outlook 2016

2016 has been dominated by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. With this in mind, our latest survey of senior Europe-based executives was taken once before the 23 June, and then again with the same participants in the months after the Brexit vote. The result is a unique contrast of expectations for European M&A pre- and post-referendum, as corporates and private equity firms wrestle with its consequences for their businesses and dealmaking prospects. The results show that, in...

Read more

Member News

The Most Cost-Effective Way You Can Protect Your Trade Secrets

I was giving a talk recently when a senior executive asked me, “If we have the time and resources to focus on just one thing to improve our information security, what would you suggest?” I didn’t hesitate: “Train your workforce.” As we know from multiple studies, the biggest threat to information assets comes from “insiders,” which means (mostly) your employees. It’s not that you have a team packed with spies; but employees notoriously misunderstand their confidentiality obligations. In a recent...

Read more

Member News

FDA Launches Website for Allegations Against Medical Device Manufacturers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently launched a website1 that will now make it easier to report allegations of medical device manufacturer misconduct to the agency.2 Misconduct reports were historically submitted electronically (e.g., by email) or by letter. As many reporters wished to maintain anonymity, third parties (e.g., law firms) were often engaged to submit these reports. And once a third-party report was submitted, it was difficult to determine if the FDA commenced an investigation until an...

Read more

Chapter News, New York Related News

News from the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs

New York City just released a Call For Innovations to implement pilot projects related to electricity and heat/hot water in public housing. The City seeks pilot project proposals that use innovative technologies to help the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the largest low-income residential landlord in North America, become an efficient and effective landlord while improving the comfort and well-being of its residents. Those selected will pilot their solutions at a NYCHA development, and if successful, NYCHA may...

Read more

Chapter News

EU and Canada sign CETA

Today, the EU and Canada signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and a new Strategic Partnership Agreement that deepens cooperation in vital areas such as human rights, international peace and security, economic and sustainable development, justice, freedom and security. European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, speaking at his joint press conference with the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and European Council President, Donald Tusk, said, “Today, the people of Canada and the European Union have opened a new chapter...

Read more

Chapter News

EU – Canada Summit: An historic juncture in our political and economic partnership

The 16th Summit between the European Union and Canada held today in Brussels marks a historic juncture in our political and economic partnership, in the 40th year of formal cooperation. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia, and Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, signed two landmark agreements: the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). "Today, the people of Canada and the...

Read more

Chapter News

Report on financial structures details structural changes in the euro area financial sector

Consolidation in the banking sector continued in 2015 Median CET 1 ratio increased to 14.6% from 14% in 2014 and profitability of the euro area banking sector improved In 2015 the median NPL ratio of banks, although still elevated, declined for the first time since 2008 The banking system increased its reliance on deposit funding and became less dependent on wholesale and central bank funding Insurance companies and pension funds are starting to adjust structurally to the low-yield environment The non-bank financial sector (including...

Read more

Member News

5 Tips for Negotiating Term Sheets with US VC Investors

Daniel Glazer and Collins Belton at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and leading UK VC firm Notion Capital have teamed up on a blog to offer their perspectives on transatlantic VC investment and considerations for UK and other non-US companies looking to raise VC funding from US investors. Check out the full series here. We’re often asked what to watch for when reviewing or negotiating US term sheets. Below are five key concepts non-US founders – and founders generally – should understand. Note that...

Read more

Member News

Germany: Update on Social Selection in Dismissal Cases

If the employment relationship comes under general protection against dismissal, a dismissal pursuant to the German Act on Protection Against Unfair Dismissal (KSchG) is justified if it is necessary due to urgent operational requirements. But even if these reasons are on hand and continued employment at the establishment or company is not possible, the employer generally may not select and dismiss his employees at his free discretion. On the contrary, he has to carry out a so-called social selection....

Read more