What is Biomimicry?

Have you heard of the Fibonacci sequence?

What is Biomimicry?

Learn more from Reinhard von Hennigs' Morning Musing

 

Thank you, Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions for doing a great job producing the Morning musings.

"Champagne of Beers" Musing

Miller High Life's long-running slogan "Champagne of Beers" has created problems for the brand in Europe. Recently, a shipment of the brew was destroyed in Antwerp, Belgium because the use of the word "Champagne" on the label was considered a violation of France's protected designation of origin (PDO) for Champagne.

The term "Champagne" is reserved for wines produced within a specific geographic area in France and must adhere to certain vineyard practices. While it is unlikely that consumers would mistake Miller High Life for actual Champagne, the use of the term was still enough to cause issues.

The destroyed shipment contained 2,352 cans of Miller High Life, and the decision was made by Belgian customs workers in collaboration with Le Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) and the General Administration of Belgian Customs. The beer was recycled in an environmentally responsible manner due to the utmost respect for environmental concerns.

U.S. Immigration auf Deutsch

Das amerikanische Einwanderungssystem ist ein komplexes System aus verschiedenen Arten von Visa, die je nach Bedarf und Zweck unterschieden werden können.

Es gibt zwei Kategorien von Visa: Einwanderungsvisum (IV) und Nichteinwanderungsvisum (NIV).

Einwanderungsvisa sind für Personen gedacht, die dauerhaft in den Vereinigten Staaten leben und arbeiten möchten.

Nichteinwanderungsvisa sind für Personen gedacht, die vorübergehend in die Vereinigten Staaten reisen möchten, sei es aus geschäftlichen, touristischen oder anderen Gründen.

Einwanderungsvisa werden in der Regel durch ein Petitionsverfahren von einem Familienmitglied, Arbeitgeber oder Investor beantragt und von einem US-Konsulat im Ausland ausgestellt.

Bei der Einreise in die Vereinigten Staaten erhalten Visumempfänger eine dauerhafte Aufenthaltserlaubnis, die "Green Card".

Zu den Kategorien von Nichteinwanderungsvisa gehören Besuchervisa (B-1/B-2), Studentenvisa (F-1/M-1), Arbeitsvisa (H-1B), Investorenvisa (E-2), Visa für Austauschprogramme ( J-1) und andere.

NIVs werden in der Regel für einen begrenzten Zeitraum von US-Botschaften oder Konsulaten im Ausland ausgestellt, die es den Inhabern ermöglichen, zu einem bestimmten Zweck in die USA zu reisen

Deutsche Staatsangehörige können in der Regel ein NIV oder IV beantragen, indem sie einen Online-Antrag beim US-Außenministerium stellen.

Für deutsche Staatsangehörige, die ein USA-Visum benötigen, sind neben dem Investorenvisum das Besuchervisum (B-1/B-2) und das Arbeitsvisum (H-1B) die gängigsten Visumarten.

Das B-1/B-2-Visum ist ein Nichteinwanderungsvisum, welches es deutschen Staatsangehörigen ermöglicht, vorübergehend in die Vereinigten Staaten zu reisen, sei es geschäftlich oder zum Vergnügen.

Das B-2-Visum ist für Touristen, die die Vereinigten Staaten besuchen, um Freunde und Familie zu besuchen oder um Urlaub zu machen.

Das H-1B-Visum ist ein Arbeitsvisum, das es deutschen Staatsangehörigen erlaubt, in den Vereinigten Staaten zu arbeiten, wenn sie eine qualifizierte Position in einem Fachgebiet innehaben.

Qualifizierte Fachkräfte werden in den Bereichen Informatik, Naturwissenschaften, Ingenieurwesen oder Gesundheitswesen benötigt. Die meisten H-1B-Visa sind auf 3 Jahre begrenzt, können aber um 3 Jahre verlängert werden

Das Visum, welches ich am häufigsten empfehle, ist das E-Visum. Das E-Visum ist für deutsche Investoren attraktiv.

Es gibt zwei Arten von E-Visa: das E-1-Visum und das E-2-Visum für Geschäftsinhaber, die entweder mit den Vereinigten Staaten Handel treiben oder in den Vereinigten Staaten investieren.

Die Arbeitserlaubnis für Ehepartner hängt von der Art des E-Visums ab, das der Investor besitzt. Mit einem E-1-Visum kann Ehepartnern, die in die Vereinigten Staaten einreisen, nicht automatisch eine Arbeitserlaubnis erteilt werden.

Sie können jedoch eine Arbeitserlaubnis beantragen und müssen nachweisen, dass sie in den Vereinigten Staaten leben, um die wirtschaftliche Unterstützung ihres Ehepartners zu erhalten.

Thank you to Judgement War Productions LLC and Colin Verba for producing this video.

Step-by-Step Guide for Expediting Your Green Card Application

Before reading this step-by-step guide, please confirm that you have a qualifying reason for submitting an expedited adjudication request through the USCIS by reviewing Bridgehouse Law’s guidance. 

If you meet one or more of the eligibility requirements listed on our blog, please follow these next steps: 

Step 1: Wait for Your Receipt Notice

The first step of this process is to wait to receive your receipt notice(s). This receipt notice(s) will contain your receipt number(s). You must wait for your receipt notice because you will need this when contacting USCIS.

Step 2: Call USCIS and Speak to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Officer

You can request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833). The phone representative will forward you to the USCIS service center that handles your case.

Individuals will typically wait more extended periods to speak with a USCIS representative. You should request to speak with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 USCIS officer who can assist you with your expedited request.  The USCIS Contact Center creates and forwards a service request to the office with jurisdiction over your application or petition. 

Step 3: Submit Your Request and Take Note of Your Expedite Service Request Number

The USCIS officer will ask for (1) your receipt number; (2) your email address; and (3) any additional identification information so they can begin your request. Once the USCIS officer has placed your request, they will provide you with an expedited request service number. Record and keep this number for future identification of your request.

Step 4: Submit Requested Documentation and Track Expedite Request Process

After receiving the service request, the reviewing office may request additional documentation to support expedited processing. The supporting documents USCIS requests from you will depend on the circumstances behind your expedited request.

You must respond to the email request as soon as possible with the supporting documentation requested from USCIS. Supporting documentation should be combined into ONE PDF file and include at most 15 pages. Ensure to include all supporting documentation in ONE email, so proofread and double-check documents before sending the files. USCIS will only accept one email response to their request for supplemental documentation.

You can track your expedited request using the expedited service request number referred to in Step 4. This website will also prompt you to create a USCIS online account. You can check any updates to your expedited request via this online account.

Step 5: Receive Decision on Expedite Request, Petition, or Application

Please note that a decision on an expedited request is not an approval or a denial of the underlying benefit request. The expedited decision informs the requestor whether USCIS will take the benefit request out of date order and issue a decision (approval or denial) faster than the average processing time. This process can take up to 30 days. USCIS will email you their final decision on your request to the email provided on your original application. 

If USCIS approves your expedited request, you should be able to see USCIS’s final decision on your applicant portal in about a week. Continue to track your expedited request via the online system.

Should you have further questions or concerns about this process, please contact one of our attorneys at Bridgehouse Law. We look forward to assisting you with your applications! 

Notes

This is a reference to Immigrants Like Us, How to Expedite Your Immigration Application available at https://www.immigrationhelp.org/learning-center/how-to-expedite-your-immigration-application (updated December 7, 2022).

This is also a reference to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, How to Make an Expedite Request available at https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request (last modified Oct. 10, 2023). 

The Risks of Uncertified Tattoo Ink

Tattoos have become increasingly popular over the years, with many people choosing to get inked for various reasons, such as self-expression, commemoration, or cultural significance. However, the use of uncertified tattoo ink poses a significant risk to human health.

Uncertified tattoo ink is a serious concern because it can contain harmful ingredients that are not safe for human use. Some of the most common harmful ingredients found in uncertified tattoo ink include heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, as well as toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and arsenic. These ingredients can cause a range of health problems, including allergic reactions, skin irritation, infections, and even cancer.

Furthermore, the use of uncertified tattoo ink can lead to poor quality tattoos that may not heal properly or last as long as they should. This can result in the need for touch-ups or even tattoo removal, which can be both costly and painful.

Thank you,Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions, LLC for profucing the Morning musing videos.

Fiduciary Duties: Best Practices for Directors Overseeing Corporations and LLCs

When operating within the director role for a private corporation or LLC, it is vital that you are mindful of your fiduciary duties to the other directors and your entity. Future Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo underlined the importance of fiduciary duties in the groundbreaking 1928 case Meinhard v. Salmon: 

"Joint adventurers, like copartners, owe to one another, while the enterprise continues, the duty of the finest loyalty. Many forms of conduct permissible in a workaday world for those acting at arm’s length, are forbidden to those bound by fiduciary ties. A trustee is held to something stricter than the morals of the market place. Not honesty alone, but the punctilio of an honor the most sensitive, it is then the standard of behavior. As to this there has developed a tradition that is unbending and inveterate. Uncompromising rigidity has been the attitude of the courts of equity when petitioned to undermine the rule of undivided loyalty by the ‘disintegrating erosion’ of particular exceptions."

This very high standard laid out by Justice Cardozo prevents director behaviors that may lead to dangerous outcomes, including corporate implosion, bankruptcy, or international scandals. For example, FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was recently charged with conspiracy and fraud for stealing customer funds to cover losses at his personal hedge fund and of conspiring to bribe Chinese officials to violate campaign finance laws.

Directors have fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to the company they serve and its stockholders. Under the duty of loyalty, directors must put the best interests of the company over their own personal interests when making decisions for the Company and evaluating opportunities. Under the duty of care, directors mut exercise care when making decisions as a director, based on sufficient information and a good faith belief that their decisions are in the best interest of the company and its stockholders.

So, what are best practices for fulfilling your fiduciary duties as directors?

• Adhere to the due diligence standard. Practice due diligence in evaluating significant negotiations, deals, contracts, hiring, investors, and business partners.

• Keep Track of Accountability Standards. Gino Wickman, author of Get a Grip On Your Business, recommends knowing the numbers your entity needs to hit per quarter or fiscal year in order to create clarity and commitment amongst leadership. 

• Regular and Accurate Reporting. The company should hold regular board meetings where management provides information regarding the company’s business. An accurate description of board meeting minutes will determine how the company needs to succeed in the present time and in the future.

• Regular Board Meetings. Gino Wickman discusses the benefits of holding regular board meetings. Regular board meetings are important for non-employee directors who are not as close to the company’s daily operations. Even if the board consists of company employees, many decision-making issues come up in board meetings that don’t typically arise during the course of day-to-day business.

• Speak Up and Disclose Conflicts. Good governance, according to Jim Collins, author of How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In, emphasizes that good governance requires a director’s ability to speak up when acting on behalf of the company’s best interest. Board members should pay special attention to matters in times of conflict to ensure the corporation’s success.

Notes

This is a reference to “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business,” Gino Wickman (Gino Wickman 2007).

This is also a reference to “How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In,” Jim Collins (Jim Collins 2009) and Meinhard v. Salmon, 249 N.Y. 458, 463, 164 N.E. 545, 546 (1928). 

Michelle Aguilar, Law Clerk, BridgehouseLaw LLP

Trademark Dispute Over Apple Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxvo8snCoyQ

The Apple Music trademark is registered for "Entertainment services, namely, providing music, information in the field of music, and commentary and articles about music, all online or through mobile devices." This registration may not cover the use of the Apple Music trademark in connection with live performances, as the trademark is not registered for "live performances" or "entertainment services featuring live music."

But this is now the basis for a trademark dispute over the use of the "Apple Music" name between Apple Inc. and trumpeter Charles Bertini. Bertini claims that he has been using the "Apple Jazz" brand for live performances since 1985, and he sees a risk of confusion with Apple's "Apple Music" trademark. The Court of Appeals in Washington has sided with Bertini and rejected the registration of "Apple Music" for live performances, among other things.

Thank you, Colin and Judgement War Productions LLC for producing Reinhard's Morning Musing.

Lidl – Tesco Trademark Battle

Who is allowed to use a yellow circle in the square blue background?

Discounter Lidl has won a trademark battle against the UK's biggest supermarket chain Tesco.The High Court ruled that Tesco's Clubcard logo copied Lidl's logo, which both use a yellow circle on a square blue background. Lidl said Tesco had infringed its copyright, letting Tesco "take unfair advantage" of Lidl's "reputation for great value". Tesco said it was "disappointed" by the ruling and that it intended to appeal.

What is this all about? Lidl started its lawsuit in 2020, shortly after Tesco started using the logo to promote its Clubcard discount scheme.

It argued that Tesco deliberately copied its trademark to deceive customers into thinking its prices were comparable.  Judge Joanna Smith said in a written ruling on Wednesday that Tesco had "taken unfair advantage of the distinctive reputation" for low prices held by Lidl's trademarks. However, she said that Tesco had not been seeking "deliberately to ride on the coat tails of Lidl's reputation", as Lidl had argued.

Thank you, Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions LLC for producing this video.

What is an SPAC? What happened to Pegasus Europe?

Pegasus Europe, the biggest blank-check company in Europe, backed by LVMH founder and world’s richest man Bernard Arnault, and former UniCredit chief Jean Pierre Mustier, is set to be wound up after failing to find a target in the financial services sector. Pegasus Europe announced that it will cease operations and is preparing to return capital to its investors at the beginning of May, subject to approval by shareholders, the Financial Times reports. The SPAC floated on the Amsterdam exchange in December 2021, raising 200 million euros ($226 million).

The company is preparing to return capital to its investors at the beginning of May 2023, subject to approval by shareholders. The failure to find a suitable target within the specified timeframe is a risk that SPAC investors face, and this case highlights the potential downside of investing in SPACs.

Thank you, Judgement War Productions LLC and Colin Verba for the Morning Musing production.

What is vegan leather?

Vegan leather is a type of leather alternative that is made from non-animal materials. It is often referred to as "faux leather" or "synthetic leather." There are several different materials that can be used to make vegan leather, including polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as natural materials like cork, mushroom leather, and pineapple leather. And these are the ones getting more and more fashionable. The market for vegan leather is expected to continue growing in the coming years, as more consumers seek out ethical and sustainable alternatives to animal products.

Thank you to Judgement War Productions LLC and Colin Verba for producing this Morning Musing.

What do you do when your flight is delayed?

 

How about you enjoy an Aperol Spritz? What is that, you may ask? The Aperol Spritz is a famous cocktail that originated in Italy, specifically in the northern region of Veneto, in the early 20th century. It is made with Aperol, an Italian aperitif made from bitter orange, rhubarb, and other ingredients, Prosecco, and soda water. It is typically served over ice with a slice of orange. The popularity of the Aperol Spritz has increased in recent years, particularly in Europe, where it has been dubbed a "fashionable" drink. The cocktail's bright orange color, refreshing taste, and low alcohol content have made it a popular choice for social occasions, such as brunches and outdoor gatherings. It has been featured in numerous advertisements and social media posts. The plaintiffs in a case in Germany felt the need to cheer themselves up with alcohol. They had booked a flight from Hanover via London to Miami and a return flight from Miami via New York and London to Hanover. Even with the outbound flight, the plaintiffs only reached their destination with a delay of more than three hours. The return flight was even canceled. The travelers were transported via Madrid to Hamburg, where they continued by train to Hanover. They got there four and a half hours late. What does the law say here?

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 is a European Union law that states passengers' rights in flight disruptions, such as delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. The regulation applies to all flights departing from EU airports and flights arriving in the EU from outside the EU operated by EU airlines. Overall, the plaintiffs asserted claims for compensation, compensation, and damages as well as reimbursement of meal costs during the stopovers in Madrid and London because of the delay and the cancellation - the meal costs amounted to a reasonable hundred euros, including two Aperol Spritz, at 15 pounds sterling in London, or more than 17 euros at the time. Does this lead to whether this is a no to alcohol or Aperol? And the court said no to alcohol. Would the court have decided differently with beer, affectionately known as "liquid bread" in Germany?

Thank you, Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions, LLC, for producing Reinhard von Hennigs' Morning Musings.

Crowdfunding & OcculusVR

 OculusVR is currently the largest company in the world that was crowdfunded, acquired by Facebook in 2014 for $2 billion. Oculus VR is a technology company that develops virtual reality hardware and software, including the Oculus Rift headset.

Crowdfunding can be a powerful way to raise capital and engage with investors, but it requires careful planning and execution. By understanding the legal and regulatory requirements, choosing the right platform, developing a clear value proposition, and executing a targeted marketing strategy, you can increase your chances of success and build a strong foundation for future growth.

Thank you, Judgement War Productions, LLC and Colin Verba for producing the Morning Musings by Reinhard von Hennigs.

Why did Tupperware fail?

Tupperware is a brand of food storage containers that have become a household name in many parts of the world.

Tupperware was invented by Earl Tupper in the late 1940s. Tupper was a chemist who had developed a new type of plastic that was both durable and flexible. He used this plastic to create a line of airtight containers that could keep food fresh for longer periods. He named the product "Tupperware" and began selling it through a direct-sales model, where independent distributors would host Tupperware parties in their homes to sell the product to their friends and neighbors.

 

As always, a big thank you to Judgement War Productions, LLC and Colin Verba for producing the Morning Musings.

When Can I Expedite My Case with USCIS?

As you wait for your immigration application to be processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they might ask themselves, "Can I expedite the green card application process?” The answer is yes, but USCIS decides to expedite requests on a case-by-case basis.

There are specific requirements and situations that USCIS considers when determining whether an expedited request is appropriate for the applicant’s case. USCIS contemplates an expedited request if the applicant meets one or more of the following criteria or circumstances:

• Severe financial loss to a company or person, provided that the need for urgent action is not the result of the petitioner’s or applicant’s failure to:

• 
  Timely file the benefit request, or 
• Timely response to any requests for additional evidence;

A company can demonstrate severe financial loss through evidence of its risk of failing, losing a critical contract, or having to lay off several employees. For example, a manufacturing company may suffer severe financial loss if a gap in one of their executive’s employment authorization requires the company to lapse on a pivotal contract.

Job loss may be sufficient to establish severe financial loss for a person depending on the individual circumstances. However, the need to obtain employment authorization without evidence of severe financial loss does not guarantee expedited treatment.

• Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons;

Humanitarian reasons are those circumstances related to human welfare; including but not limited to: (1) illness; (2) disability; (3) extreme living conditions; (4) death in the family; or (5) a critical need to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time. For example, an emergency may include the nation’s urgent need to expedite employment authorization for healthcare emergencies during a national emergency (such as COVID-19). A requestor’s desire to travel for vacation does not meet the definition of an emergency.

• Nonprofit organization (as designated by the Internal Revenue Service) whose request is in furtherance of the cultural or social interests of the United States; 

A nonprofit organization must demonstrate an urgent need to expedite the case because of the beneficiary’s distinct role in furthering special interests.  

• U.S. government interests (such cases identified as urgent by federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board, Equal Opportunity Commission, or other public safety or national security interests; or

This expedited circumstance occurs when specific cases are identified as urgent by other government agencies, including those working on labor, employment, public safety, or national security. For expedited requests by a federal agency, the national interest need must be immediate and substantive. A senior-level official of the agency must make expedited requests from government agencies (federal, state, and local). 

• Clear USCIS error

If a USCIS mistake causes you to lose time in status, this reason may apply. This case applies if USCIS issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) in error or included incorrect dates that cut short the validity period of your status, for example. 

In sum, it is essential to remember that not every situation that fits in one of the categories above will result in expedited processing. Supporting documentation is the best way to prove your eligibility for an expedited circumstance. For a step-by-step guide to expediting your case with USCIS, please use the following link to see Bridgehouse Law’s guidance.

Notes

This is a reference to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, How to Make an Expedite Request available at https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request (last modified Oct. 10, 2023). 

This is also a reference to Immigrants Like Us, How to Expedite Your Immigration Application available at https://www.immigrationhelp.org/learning-center/how-to-expedite-your-immigration-application (updated December 7, 2022).

Asimov law, legal implications and AI

 

Thank you Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions, LLC for producing the Morning Musing.

What does Trigger Cut have to do with Brexit?

Who is Trigger Cut? Trigger Cut is a rock band from Bern, Switzerland. They have played several shows throughout Europe and received critical acclaim for their live performances. While Trigger Cut may not be a household name, they have a dedicated following in the alternative rock community and have earned a reputation for their high-energy live shows and innovative sound. And they were recently denied entry to the United Kingdom to perform at several concerts on their tour. Why you may ask. Well, let's start with the rules. As of 1 January 2021, following the UK's departure from the European Union, there are new travel restrictions and requirements for EU citizens visiting the UK including artists.

Here are the key things you need to know:

Passport Requirements: EU citizens visiting the UK will need a valid passport. ID cards are no longer accepted.

Visa Requirements: EU citizens can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. You may need to apply for a visa if you plan to stay longer or work. Travel Insurance: EU citizens are advised to purchase travel insurance that includes health coverage for the duration of their stay in the UK.

But what about artists trying to enter the UK? If you are a musician planning to perform in the UK, you can enter the country using a "certificate of sponsorship" (COS) from each venue you want to perform in. This is an alternative to the "permitted paid engagement" (PPE) exemption, which is free, but has more limited eligibility criteria.

Thank you to Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions, LLC.
 

Will drone taxis (eVTOLs) become a reality?

 

Thank you to Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions LLC for video production.

Do You Drink Milk?

Remember that milk carton you had to drink every day at lunchtime at school to keep your bones from disintegrating into dust? Gen Z, though, isn't into it. According to a recent study in the USA, Gen Z, a generation that was - in the USA - not exposed to the once-pervasive Got Milk? ads are more interested in the expanding range of milk replacements or beverages that contain no milk at all. In 2022, they spent 20% less on milk than the average American, although still eating yogurt, cheese, and other dairy items.

 Many thanks to Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions for the production of Morning Musing #542

Gwyneth Paltrow VS Terry Sanderson

Sanderson accused Paltrow of "slamming" into him, while skiing. He claimed this crash left him with broken ribs and symptoms of a brain injury. Sanderson sued for $ 3 million.

 

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a large language model created by OpenAI, a leading AI research institute founded in 2015 by tech luminaries like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, and others. ChatGPT is based on the GPT-3.5 architecture, which allows it to understand and generate human-like responses to a wide variety of questions and prompts.

 

Thank you to Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions LLC for the edit

Attorney Host Program: Attorney Becker’s Charlotte-Cologne Experience

BridgehouseLaw’s Attorney Host Program (AHP) provides enriching professional opportunities for attorneys to work from a different BridgehouseLaw office. In early 2023, I was selected as part of the pilot program for BridgehouseLaw’s Attorney Host Program from Charlotte, North Carolina, and for the past two months, I have been living and working in the German city of Cologne. 

The past two months I have spent in Cologne have been fantastic for my professional development. 

Working from BridgehouseLaw’s U.S. Desk in its Cologne office, I have developed my German language abilities, gained exposure to and understanding of German and European Union law, and provided international legal advice to BridgehouseLaw Cologne’s clients. I have observed German legal proceedings, written legal opinions submitted to the German court, and even traveled to the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt to learn and observe the practice of U.S. international notaries. Of all my experiences these past two months, the most valuable has been the opportunity to observe and work closely with two of BridgehouseLaw’s German attorneys and partners, Attorney Kevin Villwock and Attorney Michael Heinze. 

Attorney Villwock and Attorney Heinze lead a well-organized office of attorneys, law clerks, and legal assistants in Cologne, providing complex and sophisticated legal advice in a wide variety of matters. Attorney Villwock is specialized in banking law and capital market law and regularly attends to complex estate administration and probate matters, and Attorney Heinze is specialized in commercial and corporate law, but the legal knowledge and capacity of their office are by no means limited to these areas. The Cologne office serves clients domestically and internationally with attention, care, and efficiency to achieve the client’s goals. 

Contributing to BridgehouseLaw Cologne’s international practice has been an immensely rewarding experience. I have greatly enjoyed working with BridgehouseLaw Cologne’s team of professionals and providing U.S. legal advice to its clients via client meetings, legal memos, or otherwise. 

On a personal level, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the unique cultural experiences I’ve had in Cologne, from celebrating Karneval to attending an FC Köln soccer match—all of which have made me appreciate what it means to be a Kölner.

I am now excited to return to BridgehouseLaw’s Charlotte office, equipped with new and developed skills to serve my international clients as well as BridgehouseLaw Cologne’s clients from abroad. Und nach Köln sage ich, bis zum nächsten Mal!

Caitlin Becker, Attorney at Law, BridgehouseLaw Charlotte

For the First Time, the United States Department of Labor Grants U & T Visa Certification Authority to OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has historically been responsible for enforcing occupational health and safety laws that allow workers to perform jobs under safe protocols that provide them with recourse when subject to workplace retaliation.

On February 13, 2023, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh joined OSHA Assistant Secretary Doug Parker to sign a memorandum that provides OSHA with the authority to issue certifications in support of applications for U nonimmigrant status and T nonimmigrant status visas.

U & T Visa Certifications

The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 established two types of immigration benefits available to certain victims of crime. The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) provides temporary status to victims of an enumerated list of “qualifying criminal activities” (QCAs) who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the criminal activity. The T nonimmigrant status (T visa) provides temporary status to certain victims of human trafficking who have or are willing to assist law enforcement authorities in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of trafficking crimes.

Effective March 30, 2023, this authority will allow OSHA to authorize certifications when the agency, during a workplace safety investigation, identifies certain criminal activities, including forced labor, involuntary servitude, witness tampering, perjury, murder, manslaughter, blackmail, trafficking, extortion, felonious assault, obstruction of justice, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the listed crimes.

                                    VTA

What does this mean for employers?

This grant of authority may change the nature of OSHA workplace investigations. OSHA’s new grant of authority will permit the agency to issue U & T visa certifications during their inspections when the agency identifies QCAs. It is important for employers to note that OSHA inspections are serious activities that have the potential to raise grave ramifications.

Resources

Human trafficking fact sheet

Click here to access the U.S. Department of Labor’s February 2023 press release concerning this news.

Click here to learn more about worker protections and rights.

Michelle Aguilar, Law Clerk, BridgehouseLaw Charlotte

2023 Select USA Investment Summit

 

We are happy to announce that Reinhard von Hennigs will be a featured speaker at the 2023 #SelectUSASummit! Learn more about the top FDI event in the USA: http://www.selectusasummit.us

Thank you for the edit, Colin Vebra and Judgement War Productions LLC