Thompson Hine LLP

EEOC and DOJ Issue Warning Against Unlawful DEI-Related Discrimination On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued two technical assistance documents outlining their positions on discrimination related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. The DOJ released a one-page technical assistance document titled, “What To Do If You Experience Discrimination Related to DEI at Work," which summarizes protections under Title VII and provides steps to take if one encounters workplace discrimination. The EEOC’s guidance, "What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work," is a more detailed, question-and-answer-style resource explaining how DEI initiatives intersect with Title VII and offering examples of unlawful discrimination related to DEI practices. These guidance documents reflect the EEOC’s interpretations of Title VII and provide insight into potential future enforcement activity. Read more: https://bit.ly/429eMd5 Authors: Matt Kissling I Jessica M. #ThompsonHine #DEI #EEOC #DOJ

Thompson Hine is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of Dayton Art Institute’s Curated event on April 3, 2025! Curated offers guests an opportunity to sample a variety of handcrafted cocktails created by the region’s best bartenders. With a mission-based focus on art conservation, the event will raise funds to preserve and protect an object from our collection and allow an opportunity to learn more about our efforts to save Dayton’s art that the DAI treasures. Click the link to learn more about the event: https://bit.ly/4imJ3fl #ThompsonHine #DaytonArtInstitute #Curated #Community #SaveTheArt

We are proud to share that three of our partners have been recognized by Crain's Cleveland Business as Notable Litigators. Please join us in congratulating Kip Bollin, Robert Ware and Tony White on this outstanding achievement. ? Their dedication, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to client advocacy set them apart in the legal field. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to their impact in the courtroom and beyond. ? #NotableLitigators #CrainsCleveland #LegalLeadership #ThompsonHine

Check out the recent update on our Investment Management Regulatory Update blog, “SEC Extends Compliance Date for the Investment Company Act Names Rule,” by Michael Wible. On March 14, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) extended the compliance dates for the amendments to Rule 35d-1 (the Names Rule) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). The Names Rule requires that a registered investment company invest at least 80% of the value of the fund’s net assets, plus the… Continue reading ?? https://bit.ly/4ihBPsT #ThompsonHine #InvestmentManagement #SEC #NamesRule #InvestmentCompanies

Investment Management Coffee Chats Join us for Session 2: Recruiting New Board Members - Fulfilling Fiduciary Duties on Mutual Fund Boards: Nominating & Governance Essentials As a fund board leader, you are likely facing governance challenges like succession planning, board recruiting and onboarding the next generation of members. Join our three-part Coffee Chat series, where independent directors share insights and strategies for tackling these issues. Session 2 offers an interactive discussion on board recruitment and future skills needs. We’ll explore key findings from the MFDF Survey, discuss the evolving skills boards need based on market and technology changes, and identify skill gaps. The conversation will cover resources for sourcing board candidates, including networking, databases, and recruiting firms, as well as best practices for structuring inclusive interviews to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates. Presenters:? ?? Cassandra W. Borchers Borchers, Partner, Thompson Hine LLP ?? Dina Tantra, Independent Board Director and Chair for Heartland Funds, Chair of Nominating and Governance Committees for Boston Trust Walden Funds, Thornburg Income Builder Opportunities Trust and Mutual Fund Directors Forum ?? Carolyn McPhillips, President, Mutual Fund Directors Forum ?? Jeannette Lewis, Board Chair, CEF Accelerator Platform, U.S. Bank Register today https://bit.ly/4iBxZdY #ThompsonHine #BoardMembers #InvestmentManagement

Thompson Hine partner Ned Babbitt’s article has been published in Bloomberg Law. His article, titled "When Incorporating Your Business, Skip Delaware and Head to Ohio," explores the evolving landscape of corporate incorporation and highlights why Ohio is becoming an attractive alternative to Delaware for many companies. Check out the article to learn more about the benefits of incorporating in Ohio. ?? https://bit.ly/4hoAgYR #ThompsonHine #BusinessLitigation #CorporateLaw #BloombergLaw #OhioBusiness

BIS Seeks Public Comments on Section 232 Investigations of Imports of Copper and Lumber On March 13, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security issued Federal Register notices announcing that interested parties may submit written comments, data or other information pertinent to these newly initiated investigations. BIS is interested in issues such as current and projected demand, the role of foreign supply chains, the impact of foreign subsidies, and other domestic and foreign economic data. Comments are due no later than April 1, 2025. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g6aTr_rv #tariffs #bis #timber #lumber #copper

We are excited to announce the opening of our new office in Minneapolis, marking another significant milestone in our strategic growth. This expansion enhances our national presence and strengthens our Intellectual Property & Technology Litigation practice. Join us in welcoming partners Christopher Larus, William Manske, and Rajin Singh Olson. Read full press release here: https://bit.ly/4iYiTiD #ThompsonHine #Minneapolis #Expansion #IPLitigation #TechnologyLitigation #LawFirmNews

We’re excited to announce firm partners?Paul Allaer and Samir Varma will be panelists at the upcoming “Navigating the U.S. Market: Growth Strategies for Uncertain Times” seminar on March 26 in Gent, Belgium and?hosted by Voka - Flanders' Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Voka Oost-Vlaanderen, Voka - Kamer van Koophandel West-Vlaanderen. ? Paul will address the M&A outlook under Trump 2 and Samir will review trade issues including the increased US tariffs and correlating potential?trade wars.?Our thanks to Sophie Boutelegier, johan van gool, and Celine Janssens for making this event happen and having us.?

On Tuesday, April 8, join Lindsay Karas Stencel from Thompson Hine, alongside a distinguished panel featuring John Hutar and James Jumper for a 90-minute CLE webinar exploring the critical role of side letters in venture capital financing. The panel will examine the evolving use of these agreements, discussing how they function, the common rights investors seek, and their potential impact on future financing rounds, sales, or exit events. Key takeaways include: ?? Practical tips for drafting and negotiating side letters ?? Common rights investors request (management rights, board seats, pro rata participation) ?? Potential pitfalls and strategies to avoid them ?? Insights on emerging trends in venture capital financing Register today ?? https://bit.ly/4hFNgJF #ThompsonHine #VC #VenturCapital @Strafford