Book Law LLP

On March 4, 2025, the New York State Senate passed Senate Bill S1514, which, if passed, would empower the New York Department of Labor (“NY DOL”) to issue stop-work orders against employers who improperly classify their employees as independent contractors, often called a “1099 worker.” The misclassification of employees as independent contractors has been called “one of the most serious issues impacting employees” by the U.S. Department of Labor.?The New York State legislature aims to remedy this issue by passing this bill to “ensure employees are able to access the protections entitled to them by law.” Importantly, this bill has a companion bill in the State Assembly, signaling the New York State legislature’s strong intent for it to become law.?The bill must be passed in the State Assembly before it proceeds to Governor Hochul for final approval. We will continue to monitor the status of this bill and issue updates as they come in. Employers must review employee classifications carefully to ensure workers are not mistakenly designated as independent contractors or 1099 workers. Reach out today with questions about employee classification or how this legislation may impact your business, please contact Sheryl Galler at [email protected] or Chaim Book at [email protected].

Work-Life Balance: A Lesson from Severance ???????????????????????????????????? Apple TV’s Severance presents a dystopian take on work-life balance—where employees undergo a surgical procedure to separate their work and personal memories. Inside the office, they have no recollection of their outside life, and vice versa. While this makes for a gripping psychological thriller, it also raises a question we see in the real world: How do we set boundaries between work and personal life??????? ? At Book Law LLP, we help employees and employers navigate workplace policies that respect these boundaries. In today’s always-connected world, burnout, excessive work expectations, and unclear employment policies are common issues. While Severance is fiction, the reality is that employees have rights, and employers have responsibilities to maintain a fair and balanced work environment.??????????? ????????????????????????? If you have concerns about workplace policies, overtime expectations, or employment contracts that blur the line between work and life, reach out to Book Law LLP.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? We’re here to provide guidance and help ensure a fair workplace for all. Contact us at [email protected] or 212-244-0344. ?#HR #LawyerLife #EmploymentAttorney #Severance?Book Law LLP https://lnkd.in/euP4pqvY

Wrk Receipts? Think Twice. One of our team members recently saw an advertisement for Wrk Receipts on a New York City subway. The moment she read it, alarm bells went off—because there is no way this platform can provide completely reliable legal guidance. Wrk Receipts claims to use AI for workplace advocacy, but here’s what you should consider: AI isn’t a lawyer – Workplace rights and legal protections are complex. AI-generated guidance can be misleading or incomplete. No guarantee of accuracy – The law is nuanced, and every case is unique. An automated system cannot replace real legal advice. Data and privacy concerns – If you're submitting sensitive workplace information, where is it going? How is it being used? Before relying on Wrk Receipts, ask yourself: Can an AI platform truly protect your rights? Have you tried this platform? What was your experience? If you need legal advice, reach out to Book Law LLP. Schedule a consultation today. For guidance on workplace policies and best practices for employee recognition, contact us at [email protected] or 212-244-0344. #HR #LawyerLife #EmploymentAttorney Book Law LLP

We are thrilled to congratulate our very own Charlotte Moriarty on being officially admitted to practice law in New York! Charlotte’s dedication and hard work continue to inspire us, and we are excited to see all the great accomplishments ahead in this next chapter of her career. Please join us in celebrating her achievement! #lawyer #employmentlaw #hr #emplymentlawyer

Given my prior background as a “deal” attorney, one of the most challenging aspects of my Managing Partner role at Book Law LLP, an employment boutique law firm, is discussing billing with clients.?In transactions, I charged flat fees (determined at the end of a deal). Why this way? I never wanted clients to hesitate to call me with issues due to concerns over cost of the call. I?wanted?them to call with small problems so I could resolve them?before?escalation. ? These days, it’s more nuanced. I often discuss with clients their dismay at their invoices containing charges for brief, non-substantive phone calls and emails. Clients rightly point out that these interactions don’t require an attorney’s expertise, but they still count as billable time. They have a point.?A really good one. ? On the other hand, I am unapologetic and enthusiastic about the level of service Book Law brings—the quality of our work, our experience, our professionalism. We have a team that is a pleasure to work with. On the other hand, I empathize with the client's perspective. ? So here’s the point to realize: ? You’re right.?There isn’t necessarily much expertise needed for certain of these calls and emails.?But that’s not what we’re charging for.?We charge for the?time and attention?to?your interests, which we invest even in?minor?interactions, because in doing so for you, it renders that time unavailable for?other?clients (thankfully, we are ultimately able to prioritize well so we cover it all).?I understand our clients’ frustration and wish there was a better way.?Some firms do flat fees for non-transactional work, and I'm open to the idea, and we may even roll out such a plan shortly.?But I remain unconvinced it alleviates concerns. Clients might still be billed the flat fee in months with little actual time used, which is equally frustrating.? ? Dear Client: Your thoughts? #employmentlaw #law #lawyers #lawfirms #hr #business #cx

Happy National Grammar Day! National Grammar Day is a great reminder of how clear communication is essential in employment law. Misinterpretations due to poor grammar or unclear wording can lead to disputes over contracts, policies, and workplace rights. A misplaced comma or vague phrasing in an employment agreement can alter critical terms, leading to legal conflicts over wages, benefits, or termination. Employee handbooks and workplace policies must also be written clearly to ensure compliance and protect both employers and employees. Strong grammar in both written and verbal communication enhances professionalism, prevents misunderstandings, and supports fair workplace practices. By prioritizing clarity, we foster better understanding, reduce legal risks, and create stronger policies. For any employment law questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 212-244-0344. #HR #LawFirms #BookLawLLP #NationalGrammerDay

Our September newsletter is out! https://conta.cc/3zvpct0 In this month’s issue, among other things, we have some reminders about employers’ obligations regarding the upcoming election, NYS requirement to have written contracts with freelance workers and NJ new requirement to have a retirement plan for employees

Very distressing & disappointing but not surprising to read that #sexualharassment has not disappeared from the #workplace & in fact is just as common today as it was 5 years ago. Neither the #metoo movement nor the new laws mandating anti-harassment training have impacted this phenomenon. https://lnkd.in/gRR_e9Tr

Book Law LLP is excited to welcome our newest Associate Attorney, Charlotte Moriarty, to the team!?Charlotte graduated on the Dean’s List from Fordham Law School, where she served as the Cooper-Walsh Colloquium & Articles Editor at the Fordham Urban Law Journal. During law school, Charlotte gained valuable experience interning at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and at an employment immigration firm. We are thrilled to have her bring her expertise and passion for the law to our firm. Charlotte may be reached at?[email protected].