The end of 2020 witnessed an alarming spread of multiple COVID-19 variants, including strains that first emerged in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Record high COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations were reported at similarly alarming rates, leading governments to take drastic action. In our December 22, 2020 blog, we reported on the travel restrictions imposed across multiple countries and regions across the globe, a trend that has continued at a rapid pace as governments…

On December 31, 2020, the Trump Administration issued Presidential Proclamation on Suspension of Entry of Immigrants and Nonimmigrants Who Continue to Present a Risk to the United States Labor Market, continuing restrictions on certain work visa and green card issuance through the end of March 2021.  Citing improved but still persistent unemployment figures caused by COVID-19, the new Proclamation extended two prior executive actions that have limited employers’ ability to sponsor foreign workers for…

Law firms have been among the countless workplaces faced with adapting to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to videoconferences and virtual collaboration has impacted the lawyer experience, and Liz Stern, head of Mayer Brown’s Global Mobility & Migration practice, emphasized the importance of maintaining communication—both with clients and employees—in a December 22 Legaltech News article (subscription required). “It’s very important to create new communication vehicles, whether it’s a digital tool or a…

Last night, US Congressional leaders announced an agreement on a $900 billion COVID relief bill. While the text of the bill has not been released as of this writing, people familiar with the negotiations have indicated that the deal will extend renewable energy tax credits for wind and solar projects and the Section 45Q carbon capture tax credit, with special provisions addressing offshore wind farms. Read more on Mayer Brown’s Tax Equity Times blog.…