Publications and News

In the evening of April 2, 2020, mere hours before the application period was set to open, SBA and Treasury published interim regulations, a revised Borrower’s Application, and Lender’s Application for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). These rules are immediately effective, although there will be a 15 day comment period after which final rules will be issued which supersede the interim rules. KMK Law provides an overview of the material changes these regulations made to the PPP program as well as a longer summary of the important confirmations, clarifications and changes made in the regulations.

On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or “Act”) which provides support to both individuals and businesses. Lewis Wagner provides answers to some frequently asked questions and links to resources.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are various implications for the immigration world, including for those already in Canada, as well as those looking to travel to, or return to Canada, from abroad. In particular, there are travel restrictions in place for land and air travel, which will particularly impact foreign nationals that may wish to enter Canada for work or similar purposes. Stewart McKelvey provides an overview of current travel restrictions and other related immigration issues.

As life has been upended by COVID-19, we are quickly adapting to an intensified “on-line” world. Among other uncertainties, we have been thrown into a swirl of technological challenges surrounding the practice of law. Nilan Johnson Lewis shares some tips to ease the pain.

Norman Hanson & DeTroy provides an updated summary of the the CARES Act, which offers a variety of loan and other relief programs for small businesses.

As countries respond to the spread of the Coronavirus by restricting travel and closing borders, many foreign nationals have found themselves either unable to return home or enter the UK due to flight cancellations and border restrictions. Those outside the UK are often unable to access visa services or their passports are held at a Visa Application Centre that is experiencing delays or closure due to the virus. Many applications made within the UK are also on hold due to issues with enrolling biometrics as biometric processing centres are closed or running a reduced service. Charles Russell Speechlys' article sets out the current guidance issued by the Home Office to help individuals and employers navigate these unprecedented challenges.

ALFA International is pleased to announce the addition of three new Client Advisory Board Members, Nicole Brunson, Stacey Constas and Sonia Valdes. ALFAI looks forward to these dynamic women leaders joining its Client Advisory Board, and appreciates their time and feedback in support of the ALFA International network.

Buigas' article discusses the slowly developing new trend of litigation funding in Spain.

All covered employers must provide leave to eligible employees under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and post the Notice of Employee Rights in a conspicuous place and/or send electronically to teleworking employees starting today. Baylor Evnen provides an overview of pertinent information related to FFCRA Leave and Employee Rights Notice.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) is now in full force and effect. Leading up to today’s effective date, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) has continued to release additional “frequently asked questions” that further explain employer and employee rights under the new legislation. Stoll Keenon Ogden created an overview of a number of key issues provided in the DOL guidance.

The approval of Royal Decree Law 8/2020 of March 17th (RDL 8/2020) has led to the adoption of a series of extraordinary measures in Spain to face the economic and social impact of COVID-19. Buigas' article outlines the extraordinary measures that have been implemented that will have an impact on different areas of a company.

The COVID-19 crisis will undoubtedly impact the ability of businesses to fulfill their obligations under existing contracts. Stoll Keenon Ogden provides an overview of three overarching areas of law to contemplate in excusing nonperformance due to unforeseeable circumstances: (1) force majeure clauses; (2) Uniform Commercial Code provisions; and (3) common law.