Business Better

Cyber Adviser – Your Data, My Headache: Consumer Health Data Laws

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security. Today, our lawyers discuss new state consumer health data laws in Connecticut, Nevada, and Washington, highlighting the laws’ scope, obligations for regulated entities, and enforcement mechanisms. Greg Szewczyk, Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, and Kelsey Fayer, an Associate in the Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.

Sustainability Spotlight – A Conversation with Aramark

This is the first episode in our new Sustainability Spotlight series, highlighting the sustainability efforts that businesses are taking to combat climate change and other environmental challenges. This episode features a discussion with Alan Horowitz, Vice President of Sustainability at Aramark, a leading global provider of food and facilities services. Alan provides insight on Aramark’s “Be Well. Do Well.” ESG platform. We also discuss Aramark’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, ...

Tax Audits, Investigations, and Global Enforcement: A Conversation with IRS Special Agent Jonathan Schnatz

In this episode, we are joined by Special Agent Jonathan Schnatz, Senior Analyst with IRS Criminal Investigation. Special Agent Schnatz will discuss his work with an international law enforcement and tax compliance group, and how that work directly impacts U.S. businesses and individuals. Peter Hardy and Chris Jones, co-leaders of Ballard Spahr's Tax Controversy team, are joined by team member Siana Danch to lead this discussion.

Strategic Partnership and Company-Building Investments – A Conversation with Prairie Capital

In today’s episode, we’re joined by D.J. Lipke, a Principal at Prairie Capital. Prairie Capital is a private equity firm that has provided businesses with thought partnership and strategic guidance for over two decades. Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts the discussion.

Cyber Adviser – Financial Services 2024 Privacy and Cybersecurity Preview

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security. The privacy and cybersecurity landscape is evolving in the financial sector, from more specific data security reporting requirements, to potential data subject rights and the use of artificial intelligence. Today, our lawyers will highlight key developments and provide practical insights on how to stay ahead of the regulatory, litigation, and hacker threats. Greg ...

Investing in the New Mainstream Economy: A Conversation with Palladium Equity Partners

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Meahgan O’Grady Martin, Head of Business Development at Palladium Equity Partners. Palladium is a private investment firm that targets opportunities in the middle-market, with a focus on companies in the U.S. Hispanic market, founder- and family-owned businesses, and companies with accretive M&A opportunities. Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts the discussion.

Distressed Office Buildings: A Look at Workout and Enforcement

Realigning an underperforming property and its attendant financing takes a high degree of detailed knowledge not only of the particular building, but the market and industry as a whole. In this episode, five members of our national Distressed Office Buildings team share their perspectives on the key considerations office building owners and their lenders should focus on as they take stock of their particular situation. Dominic De Simone, who co-chairs our national Finance Department, leads...

Investing in Consumer Brands – A Conversation with SBJ Capital

In this episode, we’re joined by Porter Hall, a Principal at SBJ Capital. SBJ Capital is a private investment firm with a focus on lower middle-market consumer, business services, and healthcare services companies. They provide strategic advice, domain expertise, and flexible solutions to support the value-creation goals of entrepreneurs, owners, and management teams. Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts the discussion.

Supporting Middle Market Manufacturing – A Conversation with Torque Capital Group

Is DEI at Risk? Considerations on the US Supreme Court Ruling Against Affirmative Action Programs

In this episode, we discuss the recent US Supreme Court ruling in the Students for Fair Admissions Inc.'s lawsuits against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, which challenged the constitutionality of their race conscious admission policies. We'll consider the potential implications across multiple settings, from university admissions policies, to workplace and other DEI programs. Bill Rhodes, a Partner in Ballard Spahr’s Public Finance Group and Leader of the firm’s E...

Accelerating Life Sciences: How Accelerators and Education Are Joining Forces to Catapult the Life Sciences Industry

Health Care Delivery Trends: Understanding Micro-Hospitals

In this episode, we discuss the current trend in the health care industry regarding the development of micro-hospitals, especially in certain rural areas. We explain what a micro-hospital is (and is not), the drivers behind the proliferation of micro-hospitals in certain areas of the country, and the various ways they are being financed. Phil Legendy, Of Counsel and Co-Leader of Ballard’s Health Care Industry Team, hosts the discussion. Phil is joined by Bill Rhodes, a Partner in our Publi...

Your Business From Theft of Trade Secrets, Loss of Customers, and Employees Being Hired Away

In this episode, we discuss what employers, in-house counsel, HR departments, and business owners need to know about effective confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements, and the future of non-compete agreements. Mitch Turbenson, an Associate in our Litigation Department, hosts the conversation. Leslie John and Jay Zweig, both of whom are Partners in our Litigation Department, and who focus their practices on antitrust and employment law matters, join Mitch.

Private Equity Investment in Eye Care: A Conversation with Sunvera Group

In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Nodland and Michael Ferkovic, CEO and Vice President of Business Development, respectively, at Ridgemont Equity Partners’ portfolio company Sunvera Group, a management services organization providing management and administrative solutions to ophthalmology practices across multiple subspecialties. Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts the discussion.

Building Neighborhoods – A Resilient Business Model with Paul Silverman

In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest Paul Silverman, Co-Founder and Principal of SILVERMAN. SILVERMAN is a real estate company that restores and transforms historic architecture into thoughtfully designed residences in Jersey City. Krishana Pleasant, Of Counsel in our Real Estate Finance Group, hosts the conversation.

Cyber Adviser – Artificial Intelligence: An Overview of the U.S. and EU Regulatory Landscape

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security. The emergence of tools like ChatGPT has demonstrated the tremendous business potential for artificial intelligence. At the same time, businesses need to be aware of the growing patchwork of laws and regulations in the U.S. and EU governing the development and use of AI. Our lawyers will provide an overview of the current regulatory landscape for AI in the U.S. and E...

Know The Facts: Silicon Valley Bank Receivership FAQs for Swaps

The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has caused concern across the country among investors, consumers, and businesses. Today, our lawyers recap on the series of events that unfolded since March 10, 2023, and answer the most frequently asked questions regarding SVB’s receivership and derivatives. Scott Diamond, Co-Leader of Ballard’s Derivatives, Structured Products, and Secondary Markets Team, and a member of the firm's Distressed Assets and Opportunities initiative steering committe...

2024 Advance Notice: Proposed Changes to the Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment Model

In this episode, we discuss the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ proposed changes to the Medicare Advantage risk adjustment payment model, which will take effect in 2024 if finalized. We’re joined by special guest Alex Oliphant, Director of Berkeley Research Group’s Health Analytics practice, who has extensive experience in the workings of the Medicare Advantage payment model. Phil Legendy, Of Counsel in Ballard’s New York office and a member of our Health Care Group, hosts the ...

An Update on Environmental Justice Under the Biden Administration

In this episode, we focus on environmental justice and how President Biden’s initial environmental justice policies and executive orders are playing out two years later. We also provide an update on the latest policies from the EPA and DOJ. Lea Phillips, a Partner in Ballard’s Phoenix office and a member of our Environment and Natural Resources Practice Group, and Alyssa Domzal, an Associate in Ballard’s Baltimore office and a member of our Real Estate Development and Transactions Practice...

Affordable Housing in Chinatown, Los Angeles: How To Better Serve Your Community

In this episode, we discuss affordable housing in Chinatown, Los Angeles. We’re joined by special guest Sissy Trinh, Founder and Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Community Alliance, a community organization. Spencer Eldred, an Associate in our Los Angeles office and member of our Real Estate Development and Transactions Group, hosts the conversation.

Cyber Adviser – 2023 Preview for Privacy and Data Security

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security. 2022 proved to be a historic year for privacy and data security, and 2023 is likely to follow suit. With privacy compliance deadlines looming under three state laws, a surge in data privacy litigation, new federal cyber-regulations, new state laws governing children’s data, and new EU legislation regulating digital services – privacy lawyers will be busy this year. ...

Fostering Attorney-Client Relationships, a Discussion with Lisa Stauffer from PNC Bank

In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Lisa Stauffer, Managing Senior Counsel at PNC Bank. We discuss Lisa’s career transition from practicing in a law firm to in-house counsel, and navigating notable challenges. We also discuss how she is preparing for the possibility of an economic downturn in 2023. David Zive, Of Counsel in our Philadelphia office and member of our Real Estate Finance Group, hosts the conversation.

Spending the $4.2 Billion in New York’s Environmental Bond Act

In this episode, we discuss how the $4.2 billion authorized in New York’s Environmental Bond Act will be spent. We talk about the types of projects that will be funded and financial benefits to the State, including short-term job creation and the longer-term benefits to residents and visitors of having improved infrastructure, as well as the ability to leverage these funds for billions of additional dollars. Bill Estes, Of Counsel in our New York office and a member of our P3/Infrastructur...

Investing in Communities: A Conversation with Marcus Randolph, CEO of Invest Newark

In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest Marcus Randolph, CEO and President of Invest Newark. Invest Newark is a nonprofit development agency who work to propel the City’s strong and diverse economy, build vibrant communities, and create opportunities for all residents of Newark. Invest Newark supports small, women and minority-owned businesses, invests in world-class internet service, spurs real estate development and executes economic development activities to produce and sustain ...

Cyber Adviser – The Colorado Privacy Act and Draft Rules

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security. With its draft rules, Colorado has set forth a new model for state privacy laws. While there are many areas that are interoperable with the California model, the Colorado draft rules include important differences, as well as rules on topics that have been notably absent from California’s draft rules. We discuss the highlights of the Colorado draft rules, differences...

Conversations with Women in Finance, with Special Guest Sherry Witt from KeyBank

This episode is part of our Women in Finance series and features an interview with Sherry Witt, Senior Vice President of the Commercial Mortgage Group in the Dallas, Texas office of KeyBank. Ms. Witt talks about the transition in her career from legal to business, and the balancing act of work and motherhood. Kelly Wrenn, a Partner in our national Finance Department, hosts the conversation.

Cyber Adviser – Assessing the Surge in Wiretap Litigation

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security. In the past several months, plaintiffs lawyers have filed dozens of class action lawsuits under state wiretap laws, some of which provide for statutory damages of $5,000 or more per occurrence. The lawsuits focus on the use of chatbots, “session replay” software, and tracking code embedded in websites. Plaintiffs contend these tools enable the surreptitious sharing ...

Is Captive Insurance Right for Your Business? A Deep Dive with AkinovA

In today’s episode, we look at the emerging interest in captive insurance. We explain what captive insurance is and the benefits that accompany it, the kind of coverage it provides, and more. Steven Burkhart, Of Counsel in Ballard's Litigation department, hosts the conversation. Special guests Dr. Henri Winand and David O’Gorman from AkinovA join us.

Conversations with Women in Finance, with Special Guest Natasha Holiday from RBC Capital Markets

This episode is part of our Women in Finance series, and features an interview with Natasha Holiday, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets with a focus on U.S. public infrastructure finance. Ms. Holiday talks about her career journey into finance, the current state of the market, and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with integrating family life with a hybrid work environment in a post-George Floyd world. Emilie Ninan, a Partner in our Wilmington, Delaware, and Washi...

BASE – A Legal Accelerator That Has Been Boosting Dorm Room Startups For The Past Decade

In today’s episode, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Ballard Academy for Student Entrepreneurs (BASE) program, an in-house legal accelerator that Ballard Spahr developed in 2013 to support student owned and operated ventures. We’re joined by the founders of mental wellness platform NeuroFlow, a fast-growing Philadelphia based startup, who participated in the BASE 3.0. Christopher Molaro, CEO, and Adam Pardes, COO, discuss starting a company during graduate school, leveraging BASE as ...

Affordable Housing on the Front Range: Inclusionary Housing Ordinances and the New Middle Income Housing Authority

In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest Jeremy Durham. Jeremy is the Executive Director of Boulder Housing Partners. BHP builds, owns, and manages affordable housing for low and moderate income residents. Alejandro Monarez, an Associate in our Denver office, hosts the conversation.

Conversations with Women in Finance, with Special Guest Allison Larr, Director in Municipal Banking at Citi

This episode is part of our Women in Finance series and features an interview with Allison Larr, a Director in Municipal Banking at Citi. Ms. Larr talks about her career path, professional challenges, and her insights on the future of ESG in municipal markets. Kim Magrini, a Partner in our Finance Department, hosts the conversation.

Trauma-Informed Investigations, Part Eight: When Victims Speak Out—The Legal and Wellbeing Considerations of Victims Engaging With the Press

This is episode eight of the “Trauma-Informed Investigations” series. In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guests Ariella Steinhorn and Amber Scorah from Lioness, a media company that brings to light the stories of everyday people dealing with corruption, harassment, and cover-ups. We discuss the inspiration for Lioness and the decision-making processes involved in their work with clients to publicly share their stories. Jill Steinberg, a Partner in our White Collar/Internal Investi...

Supply Chain Disruptions with Special Guest Chris Mills, CEO of Lion Brand Yarn

This episode is part of our series “Supply Chain Disruptions,” in which we explore how supply chain issues are affecting businesses everywhere, and when the flow of goods and services may settle into a new normal. This episode features a discussion with Chris Mills, CEO of Lion Brand Yarn. With over thirty years of experience managing traditional and e-commerce consumer goods businesses in North America and Oceania, Chris shares his perspectives on early pandemic disruptions, current chall...

Respect the Razorblade: How to Protect Your IP When Your Business’s Business Is Repeat Customers

In this episode, we discuss how your intellectual property can be leveraged to maximize the profitability of nonconsumable devices and their complementary consumable products. While profits can be made via the initial sale of larger items—like printers, video game consoles, or razor handles—even greater profits are possible with the repeat sale of complementary consumable items—like ink cartridges, video games, and razor blades. Establishing a strong IP portfolio that captures both the dev...

Trauma-Informed Investigations, Part Seven: Online Victimization

This is episode seven of the “Trauma-Informed Investigations” series. In this episode, we discuss online victimization and trauma-informed responses to crimes committed online. We also discuss prevention, how parents and guardians can support their children if they are victims of online exploitation, and working with law enforcement. We’re joined by special guest Catherine “Katie” Connell. Katie is employed with the FBI as the Victim Services Division, Unit Chief for Child Victim Services ...

Paving the Way for Energy in Net-Zero Transportation Infrastructure

In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Laura Rogers. Laura is the Deputy Director at The Ray, a non-profit charity on a mission to build net-zero highways. We discuss energy transitions that can be made in transportation infrastructure to achieve decarbonized highways, and the challenges that come with this vision. John Smolen, a Partner in our Baltimore office, hosts the conversation.

NFTs and Your Business – Separating Fact From Fiction

In this episode, our lawyers discuss non-fungible tokens, better known as NFTs. During the conversation, we define what an NFT is and what it is not, how to create one and post it to a marketplace, and the rights and responsibilities of ownership. Participating in this discussion are Brian Auerbach and Lara Ruggerio, both of whom Associates in Ballard’s Philadelphia office.

Trauma-Informed Investigations, Part Six: Victims’ Rights

This is episode six of the “Trauma Informed Investigations” series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. In this episode, we discuss federal and state laws that protect the rights of a victim of abuse and available compensation funds. Jill Steinberg, a Partner in our White Collar/Internal Investigations Practice Group, hosts the conversation. Katharine Manning, President of B...

Protecting the PB&J – Preserving IP Rights from Concept to Market

In this episode, our Ballard lawyers discuss intellectual property considerations for products before and after entering the market. Understanding the patent and trademark landscape before fully developing and launching a new product is critical to avoiding infringement of another’s IP and capitalizing on the protections available for your business. Insights for enforcement and potential remedies for infringement are also shared. Participating in this discussion are Carly Gubernick and Lar...

Developing Philly: The State of Philadelphia's Tax Abatements in 2022

Our new mini, “Developing Philly,” will explore issues that are top-of-mind for developers, owners, and commercial investors throughout the Philadelphia region. We’ll focus on zoning and land use regulations, development concerns, impending tax laws, and other pressing topics. In this first episode, we discuss the 2022 changes to the City of Philadelphia’s commercial and residential tax abatements. Those changes mean that the abatement for commercial developments, including Mixed-use condo...

Trauma-Informed Investigations, Part Five: The Investigation Continues With Forensic Interviews of Minors

This is episode five of the “Trauma-Informed Investigations” series. In this episode, we discuss Children’s Advocacy Centers, forensic interviews of children, and the multidisciplinary team approach to helping child victims of abuse. Jill Steinberg, a Partner in our White Collar/Internal Investigations Practice Group, hosts the conversation. Katharine Manning, President of Blackbird DC, and Rachel Booker, Forensic Services Program Director at Safe Shores, join Jill.

Innovation in Higher Education, Perspectives from a Pharma CEO - With Dr. David Bearss of U2TAH Therapeutics Accelerator

Supply Chain Disruptions with Special Guest Benjamin Siegrist, Director of Infrastructure, Innovation and Human Resources Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers

This is the first episode in our new series “Supply Chain Disruptions,” where we explore how supply chain issues are affecting businesses everywhere, and when the flow of goods and services may settle into a new normal. In this episode, Ben Siegrist shares his knowledge of port shipments, trucking and driver shortages, and how Congress, the Biden Administration, and other leaders are working together to address the effects of disruption. Ben also reveals recent survey information from NAM ...

Trauma-Informed Investigations, Part Four: Full Disclosure

This is episode four of the “Trauma Informed Investigations” series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. In today’s episode, we discuss the process of conducting an internal investigation and retaining outside counsel, notification processes, and mandatory reporting and communications with law enforcement. Leading the discussion is my Ballard Spahr colleague Jill Steinberg, ...

Trauma-Informed Investigations, Part Three: The Brain and Trauma

This is episode three of the “Trauma-Informed Investigations” series. Today’s episode features a discussion on the impacts that trauma can have on the brain, with special guest Anne DePrince, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Denver and author of “Every 90 Seconds: Our Common Cause Ending Violence against Women”. Speaking with Ms. DePrince is my Ballard Spahr colleague Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia Office; and Katharine Manning, ...

Innovation and Technology Investments in Infrastructure

This episode discusses innovative solutions for fixing and transforming infrastructure. From proposals, to marketing, to efficient trucking, to building in the metaverse, even to efficient excavation spoils markets; today we will share ideas for investment and collaboration opportunities afforded by the new infrastructure law. Leading this discussion is John Smolen, a Partner in our Baltimore office. John is joined by John Dionisio, a pioneering infrastructure entrepreneur who is the Manag...

Trauma-Informed Investigations, Part Two: The First Report

This is episode two of the “Trauma Informed Investigations” series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. In today’s episode, we discuss how a person who first receives a report of sexual abuse should respond, including effective listening techniques and how that person can support the victim through the disclosure process. We also discuss some best practices for an organization...

New Privacy Litigation Targets Sharing of Consumer Personal Data

Today’s episode features a discussion on the growing trends in privacy litigation, particularly companies sharing and selling consumer data, plaintiffs’ liability theories, including the right of publicity, and some best business practices to consider in anticipation of privacy claims. Leading this discussion is Aliza Karetnick, a Partner in our Philadelphia office. Aliza is joined by Philip Yannella, a Partner in our Philadelphia office, and Gregory Szewczyk, a Partner in our Denver office.

Trauma Informed Investigations, Part One: Setting Out the Hypothetical and Identifying Red Flags

This is episode one of the “Trauma Informed Investigations” series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. Today’s episode focuses on identifying red flags, and following your instincts. Leading the discussion is Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia Office. Jill is joined by Katharine Manning. Katharine is the author of “The Empathetic Workplace: Five Steps to a ...