Federal Court Strikes Down STEM OPT Extension Rule but Stays Action Until 2016 As you are likely aware, F-1 students granted 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) following graduation whose underlying degrees are in the field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) may be eligible for an additional period of 17 months of OPT, thanks to a 2008 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation. That regulation was issued by DHS without first asking the public to comment on...

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Adelson Strategies is thrilled to be serving as Ambassador to the Americas for the Agricultural Cold Chain Logistics Committee ("ACCC") established by the China Communications and Transportation Association based in Shanghai, China. ACCC was formed to boost the Chinese cold chain logistics industry and to promote cooperation between cold chain logistics companies, food importers in China and vegetable, meat and seafood distributors around the world seeking business opportunities in China's growing market. Together, they have co-organized the ACCC 2015 China Import...

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The $410 million One & Two Prudential Plaza loan has paid off, resulting in a 100% loss to the B note. The loan, which was modified and bifurcated two years ago, was split between JPMCC 2006-LDP7 and JPMCC 2006-CB16. Because of the timing of the payoff, the LDP7 deal reflects the payment and the loss with the August remittance. For CB16, the payment will have to wait until September. Accordingly, you should trade JPMCC 2006-CB16 very carefully. The underlying property is a 2.2 million square-foot office complex in Chicago...

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The Volcker Rule was enacted into law as Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”). The Volcker Rule generally prohibits banking entities1 and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and acquiring or retaining any equity, partnership, or other ownership interest in a “covered fund.” The ban on investing in and owning “covered funds” exempts certain types of funds, under specified conditions, and permits de minimis investment in any such funds. Click Here for an update...

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Directive 2014/91/EU (the “UCITS V”) is due to come into effect on 18 March, 2016 and will amend Directive 2009/65/EC (the “UCITS Directive”). Amongst other matters, it sets down rules which a UCITS Management Company must comply with when establishing and applying a remuneration policy for certain categories of its staff. UCITS V also provides that the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) shall issue guidelines addressed to competent authorities or financial market participants concerning the application of the...

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The following can be placed in the category of early speculation. Over the last week or so, several news outlets have published reports on Ernst & Young signing a lease for 125,000 square feet at The Corporate Office Centre at Tysons II in Fairfax County in Virginia. We've been looking high and low for indications as to whether this represents new, incremental EY space, or a relocation from other space in the DC area. At this point, we've been unable to definitely answer...

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Ogletree Deakins is pleased to announce the addition of the following business immigration attorneys: Chad Li joined the Austin office as an associate. His practice focuses on employment-based immigration matters, including assisting companies in managing non-immigrant visa matters, such as H-1B, E, L, and TN employees, and immigrant visa matters covering all aspects of the permanent residency process. He has spent his career representing multinational corporations sponsoring foreign national employees, with a focus in the software, technology, and engineering industries....

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Didit, an integrated marketing communications firm based in Mineola, N.Y., has acquired public relations firm Bridge Global Strategies LLC in Manhattan, Didit’s second PR agency acquisition within a year. Bridge Global Strategies is known for its PR services for startups, and for help to overseas companies with U.S. market entry. The acquisition adds additional heft and capabilities to Didit’s growing public relations services. “Bridge Global Strategies brings us international PR expertise and connections with companies around the world,” said David Pasternack,...

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INSIDE SELF-STORAGE BEST OF BUSINESS 2015 The Inside Self-Storage "Best of Business" reader-choice poll, launched in 2011, solicits online votes from industry professionals who elect their favorite suppliers in approximately 30 categories. Awards include Best Builder, Best Management Software, Most Innovative Product and Best Customer Service among many others. Winners are honored through profile pages in ISS magazine as well as during a special ceremony at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas. The results are published online year-round for ISS...

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