October 2023

For Businesses, Entrepreneurs & Organizations

Should Employers Implement An AI Usage Policy?

Following the introduction of ChatGPT, the first widely available free artificial intelligence (AI) interface, use of generative AI in and out of the workplace is booming.

There are a multitude of risks associated with AI use in the workplace - so, should employers write off AI and prohibit employee usage? Not so fast - AI can provide considerable benefits to businesses. What should business owners know about the legal implications of AI? Is now the time for employers to implement an AI usage policy? Read more about how to navigate AI as a business owner.

Non-Competes: What New Legislation Means For You

Effective October 1, 2023, Maryland increased the amount of wages an employee must earn in order to have a valid non-compete provision or agreement. The new wage threshold amount is set at 150% of the State’s current minimum wage, meaning that non-competes are prohibited for employees earning a maximum of $19.88 an hour or $41,350 per year.

On January 1, 2024, the minimum wage rate will increase to $15.00 for all Maryland employers, and the wage threshold amount will be $22.50 per hour or approximately $46,800 per year.

This article provides more of our attorneys' expert insights into updates from the most recent legislative session.

For Individuals & Families

From Britney Spears To Michael Oher:

Demystifying Guardianship

Guardianship has become a trending topic in mainstream media and pop culture. Regarded as a helpful tool for those unable to make financial or personal decisions for themselves, guardianships have recently been exposed to have a potential dark side, with lawsuits filed by pop star Britney Spears and former NFL player Michael Oher seeking an end to their respective guardianships.

Before you dismiss guardianships as an issue unique to celebrities, our attorneys explain what they are, a recent call for change, and how this may affect you or your loved ones.

In The Community: DARS Gives Back

Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny was founded on core values that guide our approach to law and drive our mission of unparalleled client service. Our team is deeply committed to the core value of community, giving back through volunteer and board service, firm service projects, and more.

Earlier this month, team members came together to support the Autism Society of Maryland and Howard Community College. Our team walked and ran more than 60 miles in one weekend at the ASM's Every Step Counts walk/run and the HCC Challenge Race.

We are proud of our team, and grateful to the many nonprofits we collaborate with for their inspirational service to the communities where we live, work and play.

Upcoming Event

In today’s increasingly polarized political environment, many people desire a middle ground, or to simply speak without fear of ‘being canceled.’ How can we not only survive, but thrive, in this new normal of extreme politics?

What are the critical lessons learned from a moderate administration in a blue state, and how can we, as business owners, community leaders, and neighbors, leverage these lessons to find common ground? We invite you to be part of this candid conversation.

Event Schedule

5:30 p.m. Cocktails & Heavy Hors D’oeuvres

curated menu by Cured/18th & 21st restaurants and The Iron Bridge Wine Company

6:15 p.m. Fireside Chat

7:00 p.m. Dessert, Coffee & Tea

RSVP

Firm Spotlight: Meet Our New Team Members

Emily M. Shreve

Director of Marketing & Communications

Catherine S. Spalluzzi

Attorney, Commercial Litigation Practice Group

Kristen M. Basden

Receptionist &

Guest Services Associate

Our firm always has room to grow! We are looking for capable and hard-working

individuals to join our team. Are you are in search of a firm with a team-oriented culture, an

entrepreneurial spirit, and a “work hard, play hard” mentality? View career opportunities here.

News That Could Affect You, Your Business

& Your Community

Voice Cloning: How To Protect Yourself & Your Business

With the rise of AI, con artists are increasingly cloning voices to convince people that a loved one is in trouble in order to extort money. Not only families are targeted by scammers; even businesses are having to add steps to verify authorization before releasing payments.

If someone cloned the voice of your supervisor or a family member, would you be able to remain calm and verify that it is a scam? Would your employees or colleagues know it is not you giving them instructions if they heard your voice? Identifying a secret safe word or phrase to share with your business or family members can help you avoid potential scams and help keep your loved ones safe.

There are many local and national resources that can help to keep you and your business informed. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General maintains a website with resources for consumer alerts, and the National Fraud Information Center provides up-to-date information about current fraud alerts and how to protect yourself.

Can Emojis Constitute Binding Contracts?

Think twice before you use emojis when dashing off a quick text or otherwise communicating about business matters.

Recently, a Canadian court ruled that emojis constitute a binding legal agreement in response to a case arguing whether a thumbs-up emoji texted in response to a photo of a signed contract signaled acceptance of that contract.

As business communications via e-mail and text and the use of emojis, GIFs, and other symbols and images become the new normal, be prepared for the potential legal implications for you and your business.