While some areas of the West Coast and Panhandle were fortunate to escape Hurricane Helene’s impact, others were not so lucky. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the storm, and we want to remind you that we are here to help. Our website contains a wealth of educational information for your community, including both pre- […]
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New Heat Protection Rule Is Set to Take Effect
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has proposed a new heat protection rule aimed at safeguarding employees who are exposed to excessive heat in their work environments. This rule is particularly relevant to condominium associations and homeowner associations, which often employ staff such as landscapers, maintenance workers, and pool attendants who spend extended time […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – March 2024
March marks the beginning of Spring and with a new season comes new opportunities. This issue of CUP will help your community association navigate elections and voting, insurance claims, and enforcement fines. Also featured this month are a few of the bills sent to the Governor for action following the 2024 Legislative Session. Don’t miss […]
Read MoreBecker Celebrates Women’s History Month: Meet Jamie Dokovna
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker is showcasing the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Jamie Dokovna is a shareholder in our West Palm Beach, FL office. She focuses her practice on business litigation, with an emphasis on employment law and commercial […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – February 2024
This issue of CUP features a helpful guide for board members, information on new term limits, and tips to save money on your property taxes. Don’t miss our featured podcast episode, “Navigating Defamation Lawsuits and Non-Compete Clauses!” Employers are relying more and more on independent contractors instead of employees. While using independent contractors can have […]
Read MoreThe Impact of the New Department of Labor Rule on Worker Classification and Ensuring Proper Classification of Workers
In the early 2000s, employers and established businesses rarely sought out the work of independent contractors. Now decades later this has changed significantly as employers are relying more and more on independent contractors instead of employees. While using independent contractors can have certain benefits, there can also be certain risks especially when it comes to […]
Read MoreBecker Advises the Quick Group on Yachting Marine Service Acquisition
New York, NY, February 9, 2024 – Becker & Poliakoff’s Corporate and International Practice Group acted as U.S. counsel to Quick S.p.A., and its wholly-owned subsidiary Quick USA, Inc., on its acquisition of Yachting Marine Service. Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici Studio Legale, led by corporate partner Andrea Giardino and associate Gianmarco Melillo, represented Quick S.p.A. […]
Read MoreBecker Advises Origin Brands, Inc., a Certified Origins Italia Group Company, in Its Acquisition of the Seggiano Group
New York, NY, October 25, 2023 – Becker & Poliakoff’s Corporate and International Practice Group led a multi-jurisdictional legal team that assisted Origin Brands Inc., a Certified Origins Italia group company, in its cross-border acquisition of Italian Realfoods Limited, known as Seggiano Group, a prominent global Italian food company. The transaction closed on October 25, […]
Read MoreBecker Service Announcement: Florida’s New Immigration Law
Florida employers with 25+ employees get ready for Florida’s new immigration law. Going into effect on July 1, 2023, covered employers must now use E-Verify to confirm an employee’s eligibility to work in the U.S. Listen to Shareholder Jamie Dokovna explain some of the law’s highlights and what you need to do to comply.
Read MoreBecker Service Announcement: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
If you’re an employer with 15 or more employees, this Becker Service Announcement is for you! The law is about to change for pregnant workers and soon pregnant workers will have more protections under the law, which means more compliance issues for employers. Listen to Shareholder Jamie Dokovna explain the highlights of the new […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – May 2023
This edition of Becker’s Community Update highlights remote voting, managing your personnel, and constitutional rights. Don’t miss the 50th anniversary video that showcases Becker’s rich history and culture. Also featured this month is our Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Guide. While we hope to be spared from the worst, it’s crucial that your community association is […]
Read More“Managing Your Personnel: Five Lessons That You Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way” – Florida Community Association Journal
Shareholder, Jamie Dokovna writes about the challenges that ensue when managing personnel by highlighting five important lessons: Lesson One – Hire the right people Lesson Two – Have policies and enforce them Lesson Three – Be flexible when necessary Lesson Four – The tools you have aren’t any good if you don’t use them Lesson […]
Read MoreBecker Advises Persico S.p.A in Its Acquisition of Precision Mold Services
April 26, 2023 – New York, NY – Becker & Poliakoff Corporate and International Practice Group teams assisted Persico S.p.A in their acquisition of CHH, Inc. (d/b/a Precision Mold Services), a leading U.S. rotomoulding service provider based in Minnesota. The transaction closed on April 20, 2023. The Becker team was led by corporate shareholder and […]
Read MoreCandid Conversations on Community Association Living
Becker’s Take It To The Board podcast, hosted by shareholder Donna DiMaggio Berger, explores the reality of life in a community association. Among many special guests, nine Becker attorneys from across the firm, have appeared and discussed their area of expertise as it relates to community living. Tune in for these candid discussions which just might […]
Read MoreWebinar: Employment Trends and Recurring Issues That Impact Community Associations as Employers
In this webinar, association employers will hear about changes in the employment landscape that impact them as employers. This webinar will also touch on recurring issues that associations face with personnel and best practices for handling them. Those who attend will learn about: Legal trends affecting the association workplace Independent contractor classification and the […]
Read MoreJamie Dokovna Quoted in Community Association Management Insider
Jamie Dokovna was quoted in the Community Association Management Insider article titled, “Are You Eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit?” To read the full article, please click here. Jamie Dokovna focuses her practice on business litigation, with an emphasis on employment law and commercial matters as well as condominium and homeowner association […]
Read MoreHeat Safety Tips for Employers
Record heat waves stretched across the U.S. this summer, but illness from exposure to heat is preventable. Employers have an obligation under the law to make sure employees have safe working conditions and should have a plan to protect them from heat-related illnesses. Here are few potentially life-saving tips! Be especially vigilant on the first […]
Read MoreBecker Announces Florida Relocation Advisory Team
An influx of individuals and businesses have flocked to Florida since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Lured by the lack of income and capital gains taxes, along with year round summer-like weather, a reported 1,000 individuals per day move to the Sunshine State. Boasting a favorable tax climate, business incentives, and a growing multicultural […]
Read MoreConversations on Community Association Living
Becker’s Take It To The Board podcast, hosted by shareholder Donna DiMaggio Berger, explores the reality of life in a community association, what’s really involved in serving on its board, and how to maintain that ever-so-delicate balance of being legally compliant and community spirited. Episodes feature a variety of guests including association leaders, experts, and […]
Read More“3 Tax Traps for Associations and Managers to Avoid” – Community Association Management Insider
Kickbacks might be easy to define, but sometimes in the day-to-day of work transactions, they can be difficult to spot. “It’s generally receiving something of value in exchange for getting a contract or a better deal and pocketing that money or gift,” says Jamie Dokovna, a shareholder in the Florida law firm Becker & Poliakoff […]
Read More“Cornering Kickbacks: How to Help Your Managers Avoid Them” – Community Association Management Insider
Kickbacks might be easy to define, but sometimes in the day-to-day of work transactions, they can be difficult to spot. “It’s generally receiving something of value in exchange for getting a contract or a better deal and pocketing that money or gift,” says Jamie Dokovna, a shareholder in the Florida law firm Becker & Poliakoff […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – December 2021
Before heading into the New Year, we look back at the year’s most popular reads. This month’s featured articles highlight the topics you found most interesting in 2021 – from fining committees to questions about remote meetings. From all of us at Becker, we wish you a happy holiday and a joyous, healthy, and prosperous […]
Read More“Work Opportunity Tax Credit Can Add to the Bottom Line,” Community Association Management Insider
Community association management companies and their clients may not be aware of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which is a useful tool available to them for simultaneously growing their staff and reducing their tax bills. “The credit is very overlooked,” says Jamie Dokovna, a shareholder in the Florida law firm Becker & Poliakoff who practices […]
Read More“3 Critical Issues to Cover in Today’s Board Training,” Community Association Management Insider
It is crucial for associations, board members, and managers to attend comprehensive board training as part of effective risk management, especially during our current climate. According to Jamie Dokovna, a shareholder in the Florida law firm Becker & Poliakoff who practices employment law and works with associations, one role board members frequently overlook is that […]
Read More“Supporting Your Staff’s Mental Health in Trying Times” – Community Association Management Insider
The stress experienced by community association managers can pose serious problems for their employers, including reduced productivity and staff levels. “We’ve had managers quit because they were burned out,” says Paul Grucza, director of education and client development at the Seattle-based management company CWD Group, Inc. Are you taking the steps you should to understand […]
Read MoreEmployment Law Change That Community Associations Should Be Aware Of
Senate Bill 1532 amending §409.2576, Florida Statutes went into effect. Previously, only employers with 250 or more employees were required to report newly hired and re-hired individuals to Florida’s State Directory of New Hires within 20 days of hiring. Independent contractors were excluded. Now, as of October 1, any employer, regardless of the number of […]
Read MoreHR Hacks with Jamie Dokovna Part II
For more episodes of Take It To The Board, click here! From building your workplace culture to breaking up with those who don’t fit into it, employing human beings is complex. Donna and Jamie continue the employment law conversation with an examination of the purpose and necessity of employee handbooks, the morass of legal guidelines requiring […]
Read MoreHR Hacks with Jamie Dokovna Part I
For more episodes of Take It To The Board, click here! Does your community association hire people? If so, you’ll definitely want to listen in as Donna and Jamie discuss the complicated network of federal, state, and, in some cases, municipal laws that protect both employers and employees – and outline the consequences of mistakenly […]
Read MoreEpisode 27: Can My Employer Require Me to Come to Work? – Can They Do That
“With all the confusion around COVID-19 safety precautions and vaccinations, I’m not entirely ready to be back in the office full-time. My employer, however, just sent an email to all employees requiring us to be onsite – Can they do that?” Becker Shareholder Jamie Dokovna discusses in a brand new episode! When it comes to […]
Read MoreEpisode 26: Can My Employer Require Me to Be Vaccinated? – Can They Do That?
“My employer has said that all employees will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccination, even though the vaccine doesn’t have full FDA approval – Can they do that?” Becker Shareholder Jamie Dokovna discusses in a brand new episode! When it comes to association rules and bylaws, there seem to be more questions than answers. […]
Read MoreEpisode 25: Can My Employer Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination? – Can They Do That?
“My employer has asked all staff to notify HR as to whether or not we’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 – Can they do that?” Becker Shareholder Jamie Dokovna discusses in a brand new episode! When it comes to association rules and bylaws, there seem to be more questions than answers. Becker’s video series, “Can They […]
Read MoreBecker Defends New Mother Accusing Former Employer of Pregnancy Bias
Becker successfully advocated for our client – a former sales executive with Nice Systems, Inc. – and helped her win the right to present her story of discrimination and retaliation before a trial. Employment litigator Jamie Dokovna represented new mom Stacey Malo, while counsel for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) presented their objective […]
Read MoreChallenge Accepted: Becker & Coworks International Take on Return-To-Work
The post-pandemic return to work is fraught with challenges – from ensuring the physical and mental well-being of employees and the safety of the actual workplace to attracting and retaining an empowered workforce who successfully maintained productivity without coming into the office for an entire year. Becker Shareholder and employment lawyer Jamie Dokovna invited Becker […]
Read More“Is That Contractor Really an Employee?” – Community Association Management Insider
The misclassification of an employee as an independent contractor can prove costly for employers — including both community associations and managers. So it was good news when the Trump administration finalized a rule that loosened the test for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. “Under Trump, the idea was to […]
Read MoreBECKER & THE BUSINESS: Jamie Dokovna Interviews Rosalyn Frazier, CEO, Broward Community & Family Health Center
Rosalyn Frazier firmly believes that your desire to be great should never outweigh your desire to be of great service – a heart-centered philosophy that infuses every decision she makes as CEO of Broward Community & Family Health Center. As she tells Becker Shareholder Jamie Dokovna, focusing on barriers – whether they are rooted in […]
Read MoreBECKER & THE BUSINESS: Jamie Dokovna Interviews Martina Joseph, CEO, Dr. Hauschka Skin Care
When your inspiration comes from astronaut Ellen Ochoa (the first Latina in space) and Justice Soña Sotomayor (the first Latina to sit on The Supreme Court), it’s only natural that you, too, become a pioneering leader. Martina Joseph, CEO of Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, believes in the power of authenticity, the importance of taking agency […]
Read MoreBECKER & THE BUSINESS: Jamie Dokovna Interviews Shannon Goldberg, Chief Zero Waste Officer, Izzy Beauty
Whether revolutionizing the beauty industry, launching a new line of zero waste makeup (Earth Day 2021), working with Madonna (yes, that one!) on her brand, or taking lessons in how to appreciate motherhood from Drew Barrymore (yes, that one!), Izzy Beauty’s Chief Zero Waste Officer Shannon Goldberg isn’t one to shy away from innovation. She […]
Read MoreSPOTLIGHT: Jamie Dokovna, Business Litigation & Employment Law
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker showcases the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Jamie Dokovna focuses her practice on business litigation, emphasizing employment law and community association law. She has extensive experience representing employers in litigating claims for wrongful termination, harassment, […]
Read MoreEmployer’s Playbook to COVID-19: Do You Have a Mental Health Policy in Place?
This week, Shareholder Jamie Dokovna comments on mental health. If you don’t have a Mental Health Policy for you business, it’s time to start thinking of one. Employee mental health is important even if you are not dealing with a pandemic. Tune in to episode 8 of The Employer’s Playbook! “The Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19,” […]
Read MoreEmployer’s Playbook to COVID-19: Can We Require Masks for Our Customers and for Our Employees?
This week in episode 7, Shareholder Jamie Dokovna answers the question, “Can we require masks for our customers and for our employees?” Find out the answer in the newest episode of The Employer’s Playbook! “The Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19,” is a video series led by Employment Law Shareholder Jamie Dokovna. Each episode, Jamie answers employers […]
Read MoreEmployer’s Playbook to COVID-19: Can an Employer Require Employees to Get Tested?
This week, Shareholder Jamie Dokovna discusses As COVID-19 cases increase across the country, can employers require employees to get a test? Shareholder Jamie Dokovna discusses this topic including what options an employer has if an employee refuses a test. Find out the answer in episode 6 of The Employer’s Playbook! “The Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19,” […]
Read MoreEmployer’s Playbook to COVID-19: What Happens If an Employee Refuses to Come to Work?
In episode 5, Shareholder Jamie Dokovna discusses what happens if an employee refuses to come to work because they are concerned about COVID-19. Can an employee do that? Find out the answer in the latest episode of The Employer’s Playbook! “The Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19,” is a video series led by Employment Law Shareholder Jamie […]
Read MoreWebinar: Community Associations in the Age of COVID-19: What Does the Future Hold?
As Florida’s COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, how do volunteer boards safeguard community residents and navigate guidelines and protocols? What can a board do in response to the COVID-19 pandemic? How can your professionals assist the board in these processes? Watch the replay of this in-depth discussion with leading experts from Becker, AKAM, USI Insurance […]
Read MoreEmployer’s Playbook to COVID-19: Can an Employee Stay Home Because Their Child Is Not In School?
This week, Shareholder Jamie Dokovna discusses whether an employee, under the Family First Coronavirus Response Act, is entitled to pay when staying home with a child who is not in school. Find out the answer in episode 4 of The Employer’s Playbook! “The Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19,” is a video series led by Employment Law […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – June 2020
June means the start of Hurricane season in Florida and while we always hope for a quiet year, it’s important that your community take steps now to ensure preparedness should disaster strike. This issue includes Becker’s newly interactive 2020 Hurricane Guide which provides important tips and information to help prepare and protect your community. Make […]
Read More“Pandemic-Proof Employee Wellness,” Corporate Wellness Magazine
Human Resource departments have long wished for better participation in their wellness programs. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, there is an even greater need nowadays to keep employees’ mental and emotional health at the forefront. That is why many companies are turning to technology as a way to help their employees succeed in […]
Read MoreWebinar: Employers Playbook: Continuing the Dialogue – When Safety is Not Enough
Becker Shareholder Jamie Dokovna and Dr. Shanequa Fleming, Founder and CEO of Culture Accelerators, joined up for another dynamic and engaging discussion about the workplace, COVID-19, and the impact of what is going on in the world around us. Watch the replay below. SPEAKERS: Jamie Dokovna Shareholder Becker Dr. Shanequa Fleming Founder and CEO Culture […]
Read MoreThe Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19: Employee Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
This week, Shareholder Jamie Dokovna answers the question: “Can an employee that’s taking leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act be entitled to additional time other than the twelve weeks allotted by the Family and Medical Leave Act?” Find out the answer in episode 3 of The Employer’s Playbook! “The Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19,” […]
Read MoreThe Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19: Implementing Procedures Prior to Reopening Offices
In episode 2 of the Employer’s Playbook, Shareholder Jamie Dokovna discusses how imperative it is to create procedures and protocols to keep employees safe upon their return. Jamie explores the types of questions employers should be asking themselves prior to reopening to ensure that their office spaces meet guidelines issued by the CDC. “The Employer’s […]
Read MoreThe Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19: What Do We Do If an Employee That Has a Temperature?
Becker is thrilled to introduce “The Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19,” a video series led by Employment Law Shareholder Jamie Dokovna. Each episode, Jamie answers employers questions on how best to handle certain situations in the workplace. In this episode, Jamie explores what to do if an employee has a temperature. Don’t miss out on the […]
Read MoreEpisode 16: Employer Mandated Quarantine after Traveling – “Can They Do That?”
“I’m planning a trip to visit my family, however my employer is telling me that if I go I’m not able to come back to work. My employer is mandating a 14-day quarantine that begins once I get back home.” Can they do that? Find out the answer from Employment Shareholder Jamie Dokovna. When it […]
Read MoreWebinar: Navigating COVID-19 in the Workplace: Are You on the Right Path?
Becker Shareholder Jamie Dokovna, who focuses her practice on employment law, and Dr. Shanequa Fleming, Founder and CEO of human potential development firm, Culture Accelerators came together for a candid conversation on returning to work in our current environment. ‘Navigating COVID-19 in the Workplace” emphasized how to safely return employees to the workplace and what […]
Read MoreWebinar: An Employer’s Playbook to COVID-19
Join us for an interactive employment law webinar where YOU provided the content. Becker Shareholder Jamie Dokovna is here to answer employers’ questions on navigating the impact of COVID-19 in the workplace. Watch Replay here. HELPFUL LINKS Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Occupational Safety […]
Read MoreCOVID-19: Risk Management of the Worksite
The Three Be’s Be flexible; Be mindful; and Be safe. Flexibility. You must be flexible with your policies and practices. This includes sick leave, vacation time and/or other paid time off as well as flexible with work schedules and remote work. You should review policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant with public health […]
Read MoreFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act
What is the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and how does it affect community associations with employees? Signed into law on March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provides, among other things, paid sick leave and expanded paid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FFCRA takes effect April 2, […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – March 2020
With a growing number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases throughout Florida and Governor DeSantis having issued a state of emergency, many are wondering what can be done. This month’s edition is focused on providing community association boards and managers with strategies that they can employ to help combat the spread of the virus. Know […]
Read MoreCOVID-19: Considerations for Community Associations with Employees
With rapidly evolving COVID-19 developments, we understand that this is a difficult time for community associations. As such, we are taking each day with a wait and see approach as it is hard to predict what the days and weeks ahead will look like. While businesses remain open, we recommend that employers follow CDC and […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – February 2019
This month’s update is all about lowering your risk profile. Read on for a playbook of best practices and procedures that your association should be aware of when dealing with difficult situations such as tenant enforcement actions, insurance company lawsuits, sexual harassment claims, and more. Our featured article, Enforcement Tool Belt – Fining and Suspension, […]
Read More“#MeToo – What is Old is New,” FLCAJ
You have to be living under a rock if you have not heard of the #MeToo movement. Although stories of sexual harassment in the workplace are nothing new and the law prohibiting sexual harassment has been around for almost 30 years, it seems as though stories of sexual harassment in the workplace are being told […]
Read MoreSmall Businesses Without Insurance Take Dangerous Risks
Steve Wynn’s Settlement With Worker Haunts Him in Ex-Wife’s Suit
More Employees to Get Overtime Pay
On May 18, 2016, nearly two years after President Obama directed the Secretary of Labor to update the overtime regulations, the final rule from the Department of Labor was announced. The final rule, which goes into effect December 1, 2016, gives employers six months to prepare and comply. The final rules raises the current salary […]
Read MoreUber Appeal Focuses on Question: Are Drivers Contractors or Not?
Celia Ampel, Daily Business Review Uber has a tough road ahead as it appeals Florida’s recent decision that a former driver was an employee, not an independent contractor, employment law experts said. “They vigorously fight these cases and, in my opinion, are trying very hard to keep their business model in place,” said employment lawyer Jamie […]
Read MoreStarbucks ‘Race Together’ May Brew Up Legal Risk
Same-Sex Marriage: Embracing the New Reality
With same-sex marriages now taking place throughout Florida, many employers will soon learn how it will affect their businesses and their bottom line. According to recent statistics, approximately 24,248 gay couples are expected to marry in the next three years. Many cities and counties in Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Tampa, West Palm Beach, […]
Read MoreBecker & Poliakoff Promotes Four to Shareholder
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, January 7, 2015 – The law firm of Becker & Poliakoff today announced that four of its top associates have been elected shareholders in the firm. Attorneys Michael Schwager (Miami) and Jamie Dokovna (West Palm Beach) focus on representing clients in a wide range of business matters as part of the firm’s Business Litigation Practice group. Ryan Carpenter (Ft. […]
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Toxic Co-op / Condo Boards: Why Your Professionals May Want to Drop You
In today’s troubled economy, it borders on blasphemy to even suggest that a property manager, attorney, CPA or other professional serving a co-op board or condo association may consider letting you go. Speaking as an attorney, most of us are very fortunate to work with great communities who appreciate what we do, follow the advice […]
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