Legal Blog
Maryland Acts to Close Operations of Non-Essential Businesses
On March 23, 2020, Governor Hogan issued an executive order providing that non-essential businesses “are hereby closed to the general public.” The Order defines non-essential businesses as “all businesses, organizations, establishments, and facilities that are not part of the critical infrastructure sectors identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.” The state has also provided a non-exhaustive list of essential businesses and a supplement as well as a reference to federal resources that provide even further information about essential and non-essential businesses. All business owners in Maryland should immediately review the Order and the guidance in order to determine if they may keep operations open to the general public.
Businesses that may not remain open to the public may still continue their operations in a remote fashion. While there are a number of issues that employers must address in connection with remote work , the best way for employers to address these issues is through an emergency remote work policy. Employers, whether they have no choice but to work remotely or whether they are following best practices by having some or all workers remote, should put into place a temporary remote work policy that spells out eligible participants, plans for work schedules and timekeeping, information security and other IT policies, plans detailing whether office equipment and supplies will be provided, and inserting legal notices. While many of these issues should be relatively straightforward, it makes sense for business owners to consult legal counsel in order to ensure they are adequately protected and providing clear guidance to employees.
The state has provided guidance as to what is an essential business. Business owners should review this guidance in order to determine how this Order applies to them.
For more legal information in regard to the COVID-19 outbreak, please check out our COVID-19 resource page here »
ABOUT RUSSELL BERGER
As an accomplished labor and employment attorney and Practice Group Director, Mr. Berger provides business counsel to employers on employee matters and is well-versed in litigating in both state and federal courts. Russell Berger is the trusted legal counsel every business owner needs to feel confident in their decision-making and secure with their assets. As a Practice Group Director at Offit Kurman, Mr. Berger has direct experience with managing other managers, which he draws from in advising his clients. He is a pragmatic problem-solver that works efficiently and tirelessly to present his clients the best possible solutions to their most complicated issues. He represents employers, businesses, and professionals in employment disputes across the nation.
ABOUT SARAH SAWYER
Sarah.Sawyer@offitkurman.com |
As an experienced business advisor and litigator, Sarah works with business owners to implement policies and practices that keep their businesses running smoothly, helps them avoid expensive legal battles, and fights for them when litigation arises. Sarah focuses her practice on providing her clients with general business advice, drafting and analyzing employment documents ranging from employment agreements and severance agreements to employee handbooks, and litigating all aspects of general civil and commercial disputes.
ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN
Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing full-service law firms in the United States. With 14 offices in seven states, and the District of Columbia, and growing by 50% in two years through expansions in New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina, Offit Kurman is well-positioned to meet the legal needs of dynamic businesses and the individuals who own and operate them. For over 30 years, we’ve represented privately held companies and families of wealth throughout their business life cycles.
Whatever and wherever your industry, Offit Kurman is the better way to protect your business, preserve your family’s wealth, and resolve your most challenging legal conflicts. At Offit Kurman, we distinguish ourselves by the quality and breadth of our legal services—as well as our unique operational structure, which encourages a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurialism. The same approach that makes our firm attractive to legal practitioners also gives clients access to experienced counsel in every area of the law.
Find out why Offit Kurman is The Better Way to protect your business, your assets and your family by connecting via our Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn pages. You can also sign up to receive LawMatters, Offit Kurman’s monthly newsletter covering a diverse selection of legal and corporate thought leadership content.
DELAWARE | MARYLAND | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK | NORTH CAROLINA | PENNSYLVANIA | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON, DC
