The disruption to the economy caused by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has left many employers with difficult choices. Many businesses have been ordered to close, while others have seen a substantial decline in business. The results have included layoffs, furloughs and employee terminations. Congress has answered in several ways to help businesses and their employees. […]
(Updated March 28, 2020) On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) into law. We understand employers are trying to stay abreast of the changing legal landscape in the face of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and have many questions regarding what this new federal law means for their workforce. Below we […]
Following an extensive discovery process and a multi-day arbitration hearing, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba won dismissal of a wrongful and retaliatory discharge claim by the former controller of our client, a Pennsylvania-based startup company. The former employee claimed that the company fired her in retaliation for objecting to the company’s alleged fraudulent submissions to a […]
Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba (FLB), the Lehigh Valley’s leading law firm, announced today it has completed its relocation to downtown Allentown. The firm moved to a 20,000-square-foot space on the 8th Floor of Two City Center, consolidating its legal and administrative offices under one roof. “We are excited to officially be a part of downtown […]
Co-Managing Shareholder, Joseph A. Bubba is profiled in a special feature of Lehigh Valley Business, discussing why the law firm is in a position to grow in the new decade. The section featured 20 business leaders and asked them to provide insights into the new year (and decade) by answering a single question. Mr. Bubba […]
Stephanie A. Koenig, attorney in the Firm’s Employment Law and Labor Relations practice was recently interviewed by Lehigh Valley Business. The article, titled “Office politics: Kindness, communication and leadership can trump costly office political battles” examines what Lehigh Valley employers should do in the face of divisive political discussion in the workplace. Ms. Koenig specifically […]
For the third consecutive year, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, PC has been named by the readers of Lehigh Valley Business both the Top “Business Law Firm” and Top “Mergers & Acquisitions Firm” in the region. Thousands of votes were cast in Lehigh Valley Business’ reader rankings, and the results were published on October 7, 2019. […]
by Juan P. Camacho and Jacob M. Sitman On September 24, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule concerning overtime pay requirements, something that has not happened since 2004. You can find highlights of the final rule from the DOL here. Under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), covered nonexempt […]
Business owners, corporate executives and managers are often focused on promoting a great work culture while keeping employees committed and productive. However, at every stage of an employee’s engagement, there are legal pitfalls that could derail an employer’s efforts. Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba’s Employment Law team of Jacob M. Sitman, Stephanie A. Koenig and Juan P. Camacho can help guide you through […]
Stephanie A Koenig, an attorney in the Firm’s Employment Law & Labor Relations group, was recently interviewed by Lehigh Valley Business. The article, titled “Proactive Workplace Policies Needed to Address Gender Preference”, looks at the legal protections for transgender employees as well as strategies employers can use to create a supportive workplace environment for LGBTQ+ […]
After a 7-day jury trial in Federal Court in Allentown, Maraleen Shields and Doug Smillie obtained a $1.057 million verdict for their client, Arnold’s Office Furniture. The case involved claims against a former employee for breach of duty of loyalty, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of a non-solicitation agreement. During the pandemic, Arnold’s used […]
Estate planning attorney Sonny Beltrami was recently featured on Cornerstone Unplugged, a podcast hosted by Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management that features conversations with local business leaders aimed at helping mutual clients improve their financial acumen. In the podcast, Sonny recounts his journey to becoming an estate planning attorney and explains how he regularly expands his […]
Shareholder Kate Durso successfully represented Saucon Valley Solar Partners, LLC in its recent bid to build a 14-acre solar farm on property owned by Lehigh University in Bethlehem. The project is expected to help offset up to 90% of the electricity use on Lehigh’s Murray H. Goodman Campus and will be used for teaching and […]