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1927

It’s Okay to Say, “I Don’t”

Kelly Bensimon, star of the ‘Real Housewives of New York City,’ recently called off her wedding to Scott Litner after he refused to sign a prenuptial agreement. Bensimon understood the legal protections that a prenuptial agreement would offer her and her children, and refused to marry without those protections in place. If a prenuptial agreement

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Supreme Court

Supreme Court Upholds Protection for Domestic Violence Victims

On June 21, 2024, in United States v. Rahimi, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal statute prohibiting individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing a firearm. This ruling limited the scope of a Supreme Court decision in 2022—New York State Rifle and Pistol Assn., Inc. v. Bruen—that expanded gun rights in situations

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Navigating Oregon’s Leave Updates: SB 1515 Explained

It is no secret that the implementation of Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) over the last year has created many questions for employers and employees alike. To clear up some of these questions, the Oregon State Legislature passed SB 1515. Here’s what you need to know about the changes SB 1515 brings to PLO and other

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Non-Compete Agreement

FTC Votes to Ban Noncompete Agreements

On April 23, 2024, the United States Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to issue a Rule banning all new noncompete clauses after the effective date of the Rule.  The Rule – if it goes into effect – would prohibit companies from entering into new noncompete agreements with all employees.  There is a carve out in

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Wendy Williams: Planning to Avoid a Guardianship

TV host and personality, Wendy Williams, has been in the news recently for her challenging health issues, marital drama, and legal woes, after a bank froze her bank accounts due to concerns about whether she needed a protective proceeding/guardianship due to her mental and physical ailments. Her team recently revealed Ms. Williams has dementia, and rumors

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Staying Safe in Extreme Cold

With numerous winter storms ravaging the country, it is vital for each of us to take care, not only of ourselves, but also to take care of our vulnerable friends and neighbors. AARP explains, “Older people are especially vulnerable when temperatures drop because they have less efficient circulation. They may have medical conditions (such as thyroid

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Gina Lollobrigida: Financial Elder Abuse Is NOT “Loving Care”

Gina Lollobrigida, the successful 1950’s and 1960’s Italian actress, model, photojournalist, artist and politician, passed away in early 2023, at the age of 95. Her former personal assistant was recently found guilty for stealing millions from his former employer, after being charged with “circumvention of an incompetent person.” Although the trial started before Lollobrigida passed,

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SPPE: The Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination Provides a New Pathway to Becoming a Lawyer in Oregon

This month the Oregon Supreme Court unanimously approved a new pathway to becoming a licensed lawyer in Oregon for law school graduates, which avoids taking the bar exam – a test that raises concerns of discrimination, is expensive, and takes substantial time to prepare for, with the most recent passage rate of only 69%. Under the

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House under Construction

Construction Liens in Oregon

Contractors and suppliers on construction projects not paid on time may not be able to keep current or meet their financial obligations. Lack of payment and late payments also leads to wasted resources and reduced profits. Industry surveys indicate that contractors and suppliers on construction projects are often paid late and many of them don’t

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Scam Warning: Be Careful of The Geeks

Oregon’s Attorney General, Ellen Rosenblum warns, “If you get a text message or email that says you were or will be charged hundreds of dollars to renew your Geek Squad membership unless you call a phone number within 24 hours, don’t be fooled. This is a scam.” The report indicates such emails will often be accompanied by a

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Public Tax Shaming

In 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed SB523, which authorized the Department of Revenue to publicly disclose the individual and business taxpayers who owe $50,000 or more. During the pandemic, the Department of Revenue put this program on hold.  However, with the worst of the pandemic in the rearview mirror, the Department is moving forward. Taxpayers

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Oregon Attorney General Warns of Tax Season Scams

Tax season is here, and with it come scams and frauds that target unsuspecting taxpayers. The Attorney General of Oregon, Ellen Rosenblum, has issued a warning and provided some tips to help people stay safe. Be wary of government imposter scams, in which scammers pose as representatives of government agencies or businesses. These scams often

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We Are Leaders

SYK Family Law Attorney Adriana Gomez is featured in this month’s edition of the Oregon State Bar Bulletin as a recipient of the Oregon New Lawyers Division (ONLD) Member Services Award. The mission of the ONLD is to assist new lawyers with the transition to practicing law in Oregon and to engage and leverage new

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Online Education for Older Adults – Really, for ALL Of Us

Have you heard of, or been the target of, an online scheme?  Of course you have! Warning!  Your Account Has Been Locked Fake Government Threats From the IRS or FBI About Your Misdeeds Alleged Problems With Your Bank Account with “Vishing” (voice phone hacking) Demands For An Extended Car Warranty Text Message Scams (“Smishing”) Online

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How a Prenuptial Agreement May Keep You Happily Married

I am often asked by clients whether they should get a prenuptial agreement or not.  Some of my clients only come to see me because their parents are “making” them get a prenuptial agreement in order to secure some future inheritance or perhaps shares in the family business.  Others have been asked to sign a

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Your Employees’ Workday May Begin Sooner Than You Think

When a workday begins can depend on the type of work performed and necessary steps to start the work each day. But with the ever-growing presence of computer software use in the workforce, can starting up and shutting down a work computer add some extra time to a paycheck? The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of

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Important New Case Law Confirms Protection for Vulnerable Oregonians

SYK is proud to announce financial elder abusers under ORS 124.110 cannot wipe away debts to their victims just by filing for bankruptcy. While one would hope that would not be controversial, the previously reported cases provided too much gray area for abusers.  However, with SYK’s recent work, the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth

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SYK Partner Victoria Blachly’s Work on the Uniform Law Commission

Happy 130th Birthday to the Uniform Law Commission (“ULC”)! Samuels Yoelin Kantor Fiduciary Litigation Partner Victoria Blachly is an Oregon Commissioner for the ULC.  Read our interview with Victoria about her work on the ULC. What does the ULC do?   The ULC “provides states with non-partisan, well-conceived and well-drafted legislation that brings clarity and stability

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Too Good To Be True: Inheritance Scams

The Federal Trade Commission just posted a strong reminder on their Consumer Advice page:  If you get a letter from an alleged law firm claiming you are the beneficiary of large piles of money, to be split between the law firm, you and some charities – but you must keep it a SECRET – it

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