JDSA's Law Talk

Social media is a huge part of our lives. Most of us are on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat…and Instagram. We all, likely, follow people who post things that interest us. When they become highly popular and develop a loyal following, they can become known as influencers – but that can also be you! If you have a lot of followers on social media, and suddenly a company wants you to post stories about their products—your life can change—as instantly as a post can appear online. But what do you need to know about negotiating a contract to get paid to post? What are the best tactics? And what should be a red flag in any negotiation? In this special feature podcast, JDSA attorney Annie Robertson gives a detailed explanation of top negotiating skills, contract pitfalls, and what you should expect as a social media influencer – in Business on the ‘Gram.

Let’s start with what we all know: Workplace discrimination is illegal. Now, let’s look at what actions are specifically considered discriminatory in the workplace. That part is not always clear. As an employee, what are your rights? And what does the employer also need to know? Whichever side of the paycheck you’re on, this podcast episode is for you. Listen in as JDSA attorney Kellen Norwood talks in-depth about Workplace Discrimination – And What You Need to Know About It.

A will is your first step to being prepared for when you are gone. It’s something you do to protect your loved ones. But what about the taxes that are collected when you pass? What will your heirs end up with after the government receives their portion? Estate tax is complex. Careful planning, however, is how you protect those you leave behind from potentially excessive estate taxes. In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Evan McCauley explains the things most of us likely don’t know about estate tax - and how to minimize the impact on your loved ones – in this episode, Estate Tax: Will Your Estate Have To Pay?

In a job interview, there are always three parties involved; the hiring manager, the applicant, and the law. So why is the law part of the interview? Simply stated: Because in any job interview, there are several questions an employer cannot legally ask a potential employee. So, can you ask about a person’s accent? How many kids they have? Have they ever been in jail, done drugs, or like to drink? To find out the things that could get a company into trouble - and what an applicant can do in an awkward interview situation, listen in to this podcast episode featuring JDSA attorney Kellen Norwood as he discusses Common Interview Questions That Are Actually Illegal.

Season 3, Episode 23 – We all look to the future – for our family plans, holidays, and get togethers. But we also have to look further down the road, to our elderly years. Planning for future medical needs is vital – especially where Medicaid may be involved. For some, Medicaid planning is essential. For others, it’s about shifting assets to ensure they will qualify for Medicaid, should it be needed. The big questions are; why might this be necessary? When is it important? And what is the best way to ensure your entire retirement savings isn’t wiped out, should you or a family member become ill? In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Caitlyn Evans talks about your options and The Importance of Medicaid Planning.

Season 3, Episode 22 – Family disputes happen all the time. Siblings don’t always get along. And we all have “that” aunt or uncle. But when family members have a disagreement about the family estate, trust or other assets, hostility can further complicate the matter. So, how are estate and trust disputes resolved? Does everyone have a day in court? Or is there a more conciliatory method of dispute resolution that is a win-win for all parties? In this podcast episode, filled with thought-provoking examples, JDSA attorney Evan McCauley explains how disputes can be resolved while still maintaining family harmony in Using TEDRA Agreements to Settle Estate and Trust Disputes.

Season 3, Episode 21 – You’re going out on your own! From now on, you work for you! Congratulation! Being a business owner is the dream of many individuals. So…are you a Sole Proprietor? An LLC? A C-Class corporation? Or have you decided being an S-Class corporation is best? Already confused? Overwhelmed? Do you really know what’s best for you - and the future of your new business? You’re not alone. Starting a new business involves highly important decisions to ensure you are protected, compliant, and starting off on the right foot. In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Caitlyn Evans makes sense of the challenges business owners may face, and explains the various options in Key Issues to Consider When Starting a Business.

Season 3, Episode 20 – This is Part Two of the discussion about how the Federal and State governments see, interpret, and enforce our laws for the protection of workers, business owners, and our civil liberties and rights. Sound complex? It’s a topic that’s often in regional and national news, and recent court cases make for great examples in this lively discussion. Listen in, to this, the second of two-parts podcast, as JDSA attorney Devon Gray further explains how the Federal and State governments can differ in areas of workers’ rights and discrimination in When States’ Rights Collide with Federal Law - Part 2.

Season 3, Episode 19 – The Federal government says one thing, and then the State government says something different. You may hear this story in the news quite often, but what does it really mean for you - as a business owner, a consumer, a person? And why do the Federal and State governments differ so often? In this first of two-parts podcast filled with interesting court case examples, that make both the regional and national news, JDSA attorney Devon Gray explains how the Federal and State governments can differ in areas of workers’ rights and discrimination in When States’ Rights Collide with Federal Law - Part 1.

Season 3, Episode 18 – Product recalls are an increasingly frequent occurrence. Sometimes they involve product safety; other times they may involve situations such as food contamination. But have you ever thought about what the grower, manufacturer, or the retailer has to do when there’s a recall? Who shoulders the cost of pulling everything from the shelves? What other costs result from the issue? If you’re in the agriculture industry, manufacturing, or retail sector, you will want to listen to this podcast. JDSA attorney Colleen Frei discusses the importance of not only having insurance, but knowing for certain your policies are the right ones—to protect yourself—and cover unexpected expenses. Listen in, and get the details in this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk podcast highlighting Product Liability and Recalls – Is Your Business Protected?