Legal Updates
Letter from the President – Mining Claim
It has been an honor to serve as your MAW Board President this past year and the past seven years on the MAW Board of Directors. During my time on the board, I have enjoyed getting to meet and become friends with great mining industry leaders. The Board appreciates...
Independent Contractor Law in Wyoming:
People are generally aware that there is a legal distinction between employees and independent contractors. In fact, many know that the IRS requires an employer to issue its employees a W2 form, while independent contractors receive a 1099. However, the form used to...
Status of Vaccine Mandates in Wyoming after Supreme Court Rulings
https://www.tagalliances.com/specialty-groups/healthcare/12705-status-of-vaccine-mandates-in-wyoming-after-supreme-court-rulings What is the status of the legal challenge to the CMS rule? The United States Supreme Court lifted the lower court injunctions that were...
The Right to Trial by Jury – The Balance Between Exercising Constitutional Rights and Protecting Contractual Rights
A recent decision from the United States District Court for North Dakota addresses the importance of the 7th Amendment right to trial by jury. The 7th Amendment provides, in relevant part, that “[i]n Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed...
WTA/WHP Truck Driver Survey Report
The Wyoming Truckers Association along with the WHP and Wyoming Workforce Services recently published the results of a survey of long haul truck drivers who transport loads through Wyoming. According to the report, they asked drivers about their views of safety on...
Hirst Applegate Partner to Present at Wyoming Nonprofit Conference
Billie Addleman will present “Why, How and When It’s time to Have Difficult Conversations with Members of Your Board” along with Craig Showalter, President/CEO of the Wyoming Community Foundation. The presentation will be part of the two day Wyoming Nonprofit...
Department of Labor Opinion Letters and New Guidance Regarding Employee Breaks, Travel Time, and Wage Garnishment
Last summer, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reinstated its practice of issuing opinion letters – official statements of DOL policy – to employers and employees regarding application of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). ...
Do I Have to Pay My Summer Intern?
As the days get longer and the summer season beckons, many employers are preparing their summer internship programs. An internship is a great opportunity for a college student or budding professional to gain hands-on experience, and at the same time provides an...
WYOMING’S “POLST” PROGRAM AND YOUR ESTATE PLAN
by: Shaina Case “POLST” stands for “Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment Program.” (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 35-22-501 et seq.). POLST is not an acronym commonly known among households, attorneys, or medical providers, even though it became effective three years ago...
DID YOU KNOW? – A BASIC OVERVIEW OF CHARITABLE LEAD TRUSTS
By Shaina Case As you recall, charitable trusts allow a donor to set aside assets for one or more charities. Two different types of charitable “split interest” or “mixed” trusts exist: (1) charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”); and (2) charitable lead trusts (“CLTs”)....