Law/Legal
Here's a look at documents from law firms and legal groups
Featured Stories
Attorney Austin Alderman Publishes Article Addressing Repeal of Florida State Sales Tax on Commercial Real Estate Leases
ORLANDO, Florida, July 9 -- Dean Mead, a law firm, issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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Attorney Austin Alderman Publishes Article Addressing Repeal of Florida State Sales Tax on Commercial Real Estate Leases
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(Orlando, FL) Tax attorney Austin Alderman has published "A Win for Florida Businesses & Property Owners: Florida Ends Sales Tax on Commercial Leases." The article addresses details signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 30, 2025, via House Bill 7031.
Per the author, the law marks a "significant shift in Florida's tax policy by repealing the state sales
... Show Full Article
ORLANDO, Florida, July 9 -- Dean Mead, a law firm, issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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Attorney Austin Alderman Publishes Article Addressing Repeal of Florida State Sales Tax on Commercial Real Estate Leases
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(Orlando, FL) Tax attorney Austin Alderman has published "A Win for Florida Businesses & Property Owners: Florida Ends Sales Tax on Commercial Leases." The article addresses details signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 30, 2025, via House Bill 7031.
Per the author, the law marks a "significant shift in Florida's tax policy by repealing the state salestax on commercial real estate leases. Florida has long stood out as the only U.S. state to tax commercial lease payments."
In the article, Austin details key takeaways for Florida businesses, such as reduced occupancy costs, and items not repealed, including parking facilities and garages. Additional guidance is anticipated from the Florida Department of Revenue.
Click HERE (https://www.deanmead.com/a-win-for-florida-businesses-property-owners-florida-ends-sales-tax-on-commercial-leases/) to review the article in its entirety.
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Original text here: https://www.deanmead.com/attorney-austin-alderman-publishes-article-addressing-repeal-of-florida-state-sales-tax-on-commercial-real-estate-leases/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe Announces Majority Investment in AIA Contract Documents
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 8 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe Announces Majority Investment in AIA Contract Documents
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Ropes & Gray represented Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS), a leading private equity firm with a 45-year track record of building exceptional technology companies, in its majority investment in AIA Contract Documents ("ACD"), the leading contracting, risk management and workflow platform for the architecture, engineering and construction industry ("AEC"). The deal was announced in
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 8 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe Announces Majority Investment in AIA Contract Documents
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Ropes & Gray represented Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS), a leading private equity firm with a 45-year track record of building exceptional technology companies, in its majority investment in AIA Contract Documents ("ACD"), the leading contracting, risk management and workflow platform for the architecture, engineering and construction industry ("AEC"). The deal was announced ina July 8 press release.
WCAS is partnering with The American Institute of Architects ("AIA"), a key strategic partner to ACD, and existing investor True Wind Capital. Together with WCAS, both AIA and True Wind will continue as investors. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Ropes & Gray team included private equity partners Jessica Murray and Scott Abramowitz, IP transactions partner Regina Sam Penti, finance partner Nichole Lopez-Tackett, executive compensation & employee benefits partner Allie Alperovich, tax partner Adam Greenwood, employment partner Megan Bisk, litigation & enforcement partner Jane Willis, and data, privacy & cybersecurity partner Ed McNicholas.
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Original text here: https://www.ropesgray.com/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/welsh-carson-anderson-stowe-announces-majority-investment-in-aia-contract-documents
Shervon Pierre set to lead Dentons' St. Lucia and Dominica practices
WASHINGTON, July 8 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Dentons, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Shervon Pierre set to lead Dentons' St. Lucia and Dominica practices
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Dentons has announced the elevation of Shervon Pierre to the Firm's partnership on the eve of its 7 th anniversary in the Caribbean as the region's only true pan-Caribbean law firm covering 14 jurisdictions with the formal addition of its 15 th later this year with Turks and Caicos extending the reach of the world's largest law firm.
Pierre was recognized for her consistent delivery of value and quality work product. Her
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 8 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Dentons, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Shervon Pierre set to lead Dentons' St. Lucia and Dominica practices
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Dentons has announced the elevation of Shervon Pierre to the Firm's partnership on the eve of its 7 th anniversary in the Caribbean as the region's only true pan-Caribbean law firm covering 14 jurisdictions with the formal addition of its 15 th later this year with Turks and Caicos extending the reach of the world's largest law firm.
Pierre was recognized for her consistent delivery of value and quality work product. Herleading role in multiple high-value transactions and complex disputes has recently been highlighted by Legal500. Pierre's promotion further solidifies Dentons' presence in the Eastern Caribbean and enhances the Firm's strategic cross-border capabilities across the region.
"Becoming partner is not only a personal achievement but an achievement for our entire team. We remain dedicated to serving with excellence and integrity, expressed Pierre, who will serve as lead partner in St. Lucia and Dominica.
Addressing the Firm during a virtual toast Dustin Delany, Dentons Delany Chair and Chief Managing Partner stated: "Solid leadership is essential to our Firm's continued growth and success locally, regionally, and globally; Shervon has been the epitome of one deserving of this promotion leading by example and meaningfully contributing to our Firm's progression as the region's pan-Caribbean law firm elevating standards in our legal services industry. Moreover, Shervon is equally as solid as a person as she is a professional which improves our partnership that much more."
"Shervon's elevation is a testament to her exceptional legal acumen and steadfast commitment to excellence. It is with great pride that welcome her to this distinguished chapter in her professional journey," commented Shalini Rose Campbell, Dentons Delany Deputy Chief Managing Partner.
July 2nd marks 7 years of Dentons' 14-jurisdiction Caribbean combination. Dentons continues to expand in numbers while fostering integration and innovation in critical markets. In March, the Firm announced its intention to combine with a prominent law firm in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Griffiths & Partners. With this highly anticipated addition, Dentons will become the sole global law firm with an established presence in the jurisdiction.
About Dentons
Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere. For more information visit dentons.com
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Original text here: https://www.dentons.com/en/about-dentons/news-events-and-awards/news/2025/july/shervon-pierre-set-to-lead-dentons-st-lucia-and-dominica-practices
In the News: Bill Principe Publishes Article on What Counsel Needs to Tell HR Supervisors on Day One
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 8 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Constangy, Brooks, Smith and Prophete, a law firm, posted the following news release:
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In the News: Bill Principe Publishes Article on What Counsel Needs to Tell HR Supervisors on Day One
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Constangy's Workplace Safety practice group co-chair, Bill Principe, authored an article for Law.com discussing what counsel needs to tell HR supervisors on day one in order to remain in compliance with OSHA, especially in the absence of a dedicated safety professional on staff.
Many companies do not have an in-house specialist dedicated to OSHA
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 8 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Constangy, Brooks, Smith and Prophete, a law firm, posted the following news release:
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In the News: Bill Principe Publishes Article on What Counsel Needs to Tell HR Supervisors on Day One
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Constangy's Workplace Safety practice group co-chair, Bill Principe, authored an article for Law.com discussing what counsel needs to tell HR supervisors on day one in order to remain in compliance with OSHA, especially in the absence of a dedicated safety professional on staff.
Many companies do not have an in-house specialist dedicated to OSHAcompliance, which means there are a few essential things to do in order to get your HR supervisor up to speed.
Ensuring your supervisor knows how to navigate the OSHA website is essential for accessing your company's inspection history. This history provides the compliance topics that your company must focus on, as well as the status of any issued citations.
The OSHA website provides an overview of important standards that are frequently cited for general industry employers, including hazard communication, respiratory protection, lockout tagout and machine guarding.
On-site OSHA inspections are most often triggered by lockout tagout or machine guarding standards. This is primarily due to hospitalizations and amputations that require employers to self-report injuries within 24 hours of the incident to OSHA. In response, OSHA conducts on-site inspections to ensure proper safety protocols are followed.
Bill established that it is important to maintain a quality OSHA 300 log to track work-related injuries or illness illustrated in SS 1904.7. Additionally, filling an OSHA 301 and OSHA 300A Annual Summary will ensure compliance with injury and illness related regulations.
"Consultants familiar with your industry or attorneys who specialize in OSHA law are more likely to provide you with useful, practical training," Bill says. "To ensure that you know what is needed to be in compliance and to keep your company out of trouble with OSHA."
To view the full article, subscribers may see below.
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Original text here: https://www.constangy.com/pressroom-1238
ITC Makes Affirmative Preliminary Determination in Trade Cases on Hardwood and Decorative Plywood From China, Indonesia, and Vietnam
WASHINGTON, July 8 -- Wiley Rein, a law firm, issued the following news release o July 7, 2025:
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ITC Makes Affirmative Preliminary Determination in Trade Cases on Hardwood and Decorative Plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam
Washington, DC - In a victory for U.S. producers of hardwood and decorative plywood (HWDP), the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on July 3, 2025, found that there is a reasonable indication that imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam are materially injuring the U.S. HWDP industry.
The Commission's vote comes in response to petitions filed by Wiley
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 8 -- Wiley Rein, a law firm, issued the following news release o July 7, 2025:
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ITC Makes Affirmative Preliminary Determination in Trade Cases on Hardwood and Decorative Plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam
Washington, DC - In a victory for U.S. producers of hardwood and decorative plywood (HWDP), the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on July 3, 2025, found that there is a reasonable indication that imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam are materially injuring the U.S. HWDP industry.
The Commission's vote comes in response to petitions filed by Wileyon May 22, 2025, on behalf of the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood, which consists of five leading U.S. HWDP producers - Columbia Forest Products, Commonwealth Plywood, Manthei Wood Products, States Industries, and Timber Products. The cases allege that unfairly dumped and subsidized imports of Chinese, Indonesian, and Vietnamese HWDP are injuring the domestic industry and threaten the industry with further injury.
"Domestic hardwood and decorative plywood producers and the thousands of American manufacturing jobs they support are being harmed as a result of dumped and subsidized imports from subject countries," said Timothy C. Brightbill, co-chair of Wiley's International Trade Practice and lead counsel to the Coalition. "The affirmative vote by the Commission takes the domestic industry one step closer to restoring fair competition on these products."
On June 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the initiation of antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations into imports of HWDP from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The petitions allege significant dumping margins as high as 540.07% for China, 84.94% for Indonesia, and 152.41% for Vietnam. Commerce is also examining at least 33 subsidy programs in China, 12 in Indonesia, and 26 in Vietnam.
The ITC's affirmative preliminary injury determination paves the way for Commerce to move forward with its investigations. Unless extended, Commerce is expected to issue its preliminary CVD determination in August 2025 and its preliminary AD determination in October 2025. If Commerce also reaches affirmative preliminary determinations in these cases, provisional AD and CVD duties will be collected from importers based on the preliminary margins calculated.
If both Commerce and the ITC ultimately reach affirmative final determinations, AD and CVD orders on HWDP from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam will be issued, imposing duties on the unfairly traded imports for a minimum of five years. Duty evasion, absorption, and circumvention are strictly illegal. Should importers of HWDP from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam surge into the U.S. market with imports prior to the preliminary determination, Commerce and the Commission may determine to impose retroactive duties on subject imports that entered the United States 90 days before the preliminary determination.
The Wiley team representing the Coalition also includes International Trade partner Stephanie M. Bell, associate Stephen A. Morrison, and International Trade analysts Richard F. DiDonna and Amy M. Sherman.
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Original text here: https://www.wiley.law/pressrelease-ITC-Makes-Affirmative-Preliminary-Determination-in-Trade-Cases-on-Hardwood-and-Decorative-Plywood-from-China-Indonesia-and-Vietnam
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Goodwin Guides Kymera Therapeutics in $750 Million Exclusive Option and License Agreement to Develop Novel Oral Molecular Glue CDK2 Degraders with Gilead Sciences
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 8 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Goodwin, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Goodwin Guides Kymera Therapeutics in $750 Million Exclusive Option and License Agreement to Develop Novel Oral Molecular Glue CDK2 Degraders with Gilead Sciences
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The Life Sciences team guided Kymera Therapeutics, Inc. on entering into an exclusive option and license agreement to accelerate the development and commercialization of a novel molecular glue degrader (MGD) program targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) with broad oncology treatment potential including in
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 8 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Goodwin, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Goodwin Guides Kymera Therapeutics in $750 Million Exclusive Option and License Agreement to Develop Novel Oral Molecular Glue CDK2 Degraders with Gilead Sciences
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The Life Sciences team guided Kymera Therapeutics, Inc. on entering into an exclusive option and license agreement to accelerate the development and commercialization of a novel molecular glue degrader (MGD) program targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) with broad oncology treatment potential including inbreast cancer and other solid tumors with Gilead Sciences, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Kymera is eligible to receive up to $750 million in total payments, including up to $85 million in upfront and potential option exercise payments. In addition, Kymera may also receive tiered royalties ranging from high single-digit to mid-teens on net product sales under the collaboration. Kymera will lead all research activities for the CDK2 program.
Kymera is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) to develop medicines that address critical health problems and have the potential to dramatically improve patients' lives. Kymera is deploying TPD to address disease targets and pathways inaccessible with conventional therapeutics. Having advanced the first degrader into the clinic for immunological diseases, Kymera is focused on building an industry-leading pipeline of oral small molecule degraders to provide a new generation of convenient, highly effective therapies for patients with these conditions. Founded in 2016, Kymera has been recognized as one of Boston's top workplaces for the past several years.
The Goodwin deal team on this was Sarah Solomon, Cathy McCarty and Jennifer Ford.
For more information on the deal, please read the press release.
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Original text here: https://www.goodwinlaw.com/en/news-and-events/news/2025/07/announcements-lifesciences-goodwin-guides-kymera-therapeutics
F-1, M-1, J-1 Visa Interviews Resume With Enhanced Screening of Applicants' Online Activity
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, July 8 -- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 7, 2025:
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F-1, M-1, J-1 Visa Interviews Resume With Enhanced Screening of Applicants' Online Activity
Officials Also Anticipate a Reduction in the Number of Available F, M and J Visa Appointment Slots
Authors: Emily R. Summers
At a Glance
* The new screening measures direct U.S. consular officers to thoroughly review visa applicants' social media accounts and overall online presence.
* The directive encourages applicants to set their social media profiles to "public,"
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, July 8 -- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 7, 2025:
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F-1, M-1, J-1 Visa Interviews Resume With Enhanced Screening of Applicants' Online Activity
Officials Also Anticipate a Reduction in the Number of Available F, M and J Visa Appointment Slots
Authors: Emily R. Summers
At a Glance
* The new screening measures direct U.S. consular officers to thoroughly review visa applicants' social media accounts and overall online presence.
* The directive encourages applicants to set their social media profiles to "public,"as private accounts may be perceived as an attempt to conceal information.
* Consular officers are instructed to look for signs of hostility toward the United States, support for national security threats or endorsement of antisemitic harassment.
* Due to the increased screening workload, the number of available visa appointment slots is expected to decline, resulting in longer appointment wait times and visa processing times.
History
On May 27, 2025, the U.S. State Department halted new visa interview appointments for foreign students and exchange visitors applying for F-1, M-1 and J-1 visas, citing concerns related to national security and public safety. At the time, the length and intent of the suspension were not clearly stated, though officials hinted at plans to introduce more rigorous vetting procedures, particularly related to social media vetting. This was later confirmed on June 18, 2025, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed U.S. embassies and consulates to resume scheduling interviews for new visa applicants under new screening guidelines.
These heightened screening measures aim to protect the United States from "foreign terrorists and other threats to national security and public safety." Additionally, the enhanced protocols are intended to aggressively counter antisemitism and to prioritize thorough vetting of visa applicants before they are allowed to enter the United States.
New Guidelines
U.S. consular officers are now instructed to conduct thorough reviews of the social media activity and overall online presence of each F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa applicant, including both first-time and returning applicants. Visa applicants are asked to set their social media accounts to "public" so that their content is accessible for review. The directive states that refusing to make profiles public or a lack of an online presence may be interpreted as an attempt to conceal information and could negatively affect the applicant's credibility. Additionally, consular officers are directed to examine not only social media but also any other online content related to the applicant that can be found through search engines or online databases.
The directive emphasizes that there should be no quotas or targets applied during the administrative processing of visa applications. Instead, consular officers are expected to take as much time as necessary to carefully assess each applicant's qualifications. Officers are authorized to create official social media accounts on various platforms in order to access applicants' profiles. The goal is to identify any potentially concerning information and to exercise heightened vigilance throughout the review process.
Specific Flags
U.S. consular officers are instructed to actively search for "any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States; of advocacy for, aid or of support for designated foreign terrorists and other threats to U.S. national security; or of support for unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence." Officers are also directed to identify and flag "applicants who demonstrate a history of political activism" and assess the likelihood of the applicant continuing such activism while in the United States. Furthermore, any inconsistencies uncovered between the vetting findings and the visa application must be investigated and could harm the credibility of the applicant.
Effect of New Guidelines and Practical Guidance
As resources are redirected toward enhanced vetting procedures, officials anticipate a reduction in the number of available F, J and M visa appointment slots. This may lead to longer wait times for interviews and extended visa processing periods. While expedited processing remains an option, U.S. consulates are directed to prioritize visa appointments for foreign-born physicians participating in medical exchange programs and to students applying to U.S. institutions where international students represent less than 15% of the total enrollment. If an applicant's online presence reveals potentially concerning information, the visa officer may either deny the visa outright or request a follow-up interview before making a final determination.
Foreign students and exchange visitors applying for F, J or M visas, should submit visa applications and schedule interviews as early as possible. The application process is expected to take longer due to enhanced screening measures and a backlog resulting from the recent four-week pause in interviews. Current visa holders who will need to renew their visa if they travel abroad may consider changing their international travel plans, as the situation is subject to change. Visa applicants should ensure their social media accounts are accessible ahead of their interview and keep their sponsoring university or exchange program sponsors informed throughout the application process.
Other International Travel Updates
These enhanced vetting measures do not impact the separate immigration and travel restrictions implemented by the current administration earlier this year. Applicants from countries subject to the existing travel ban remain under those limitations. Additionally, the U.S. State Department is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security to revoke visas for Chinese students and increase scrutiny of future visa applications from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong. This policy is distinct from the global enhanced vetting procedures outlined above.
Presidential Proclamation 10949, which suspended visa issuance and admission to the United States to foreign nationals of certain countries, does include a national interest exception (NIE). Visa applicants who are subject to this proclamation and are otherwise ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States may be granted a visa based on a national interest exception on a limited, case-by-case basis. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their travel supports a U.S. national interest; however, standard academic study in the United States is generally not viewed as meeting this criterion.
For More Information
We will continue to watch for any changes in the F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa processes and provide updates.
Summer associate Nora West contributed to this update.
The material contained in this communication is informational, general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The material contained in this communication should not be relied upon or used without consulting a lawyer to consider your specific circumstances. This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this communication may be considered attorney advertising.
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Original text here: https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/insights/publications/2025/7/f1-m1-j1-visa-interviews-resume-with-enhanced-screening-of-applicants-online-activity
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
