In this insightful episode of our "Eyes on Washington" election mini-series, Holland & Knight Partners Elizabeth "Liz" Craddock and Jim Noe explore what a potential Harris Administration could mean for the oil and gas industry. Drawing from their extensive experience in energy policy and the oil and gas sector, Ms. Craddock and Mr. Noe discuss Vice President Kamala Harris's evolving stance on energy issues and how it might shape future policies. They also examine the potential continuation or expansion of Biden Administration policies, regulatory challenges and the role of environmental regulations in shaping the industry's future.

This podcast was taped in late August and some issues have updates since then but on a whole the podcast lays out relevant issues for next Administration.

Election Roundup: How a Harris Administration Could Shape the Oil and Gas Landscape

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the art of persuasive delivery in the courtroom. He shares invaluable strategies emphasizing the significance of factors such as cadence, modulation and the strategic use of silence to convey a powerful and impactful message. Mr. Small also underscores the importance of speaking credibly and sincerely to effectively persuade the jury.

Presentation is Paramount

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small talks about the importance of one's appearance while in the courtroom. He especially emphasizes that the wrong clothing can be distracting to the jury and that style choices should strike a balance between being authentic and being professional. He also mentions that it is equally important for clients and client witnesses to wear clothing that is appropriate for the venue.

Getting Dressed for Court

In Episode 15 of "Are We All Clear? Facilitating Security Clearances," host Molly O'Casey and members of Holland & Knight's International Trade Group discuss the complexities of Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) and its implications for security clearances in government contracting. They explain how foreign entities can influence cleared companies, impacting classified contracts, and detail the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency's (DCSA) role in overseeing FOCI assessments through the SF-328 form. Mitigation strategies such as proxy agreements and outside directors are highlighted to ensure compliance and safeguard national security.

The episode also revisits Section 847 from the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which mandates FOCI assessments for non-classified U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contracts valued at $5 million or more and represents a significant expansion of FOCI regulations. This discussion reinforces the need for companies to effectively navigate these complexities while utilizing supplemental documents like Affiliated Operations Plans and Technology Control Plans to maintain compliance.

A Comprehensive Overview of FOCI Mitigation

En este episodio de "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos", el socio Edwin Cortés conversa con María Alejandra Mercado, abogada del área corporativa, sobre la película "Monsters Inc." y lo que nos enseña acerca de la reorganización empresarial. Como explica la Sra. Mercado, muchas veces las reorganizaciones comienzan con una crisis. En el caso de "Monsters Inc.", la empresa no pudo producir suficiente energía para la ciudad y estaba secuestrando niños, hasta que a Mike Wazowski se le ocurrió la idea de producir energía utilizando las risas, lo cual resultó más efectivo. Los abogados dialogan sobre las lecciones que ofrece esta historia en materia de cómo superar una crisis, aplicando las mejores prácticas corporativas en Colombia.

"Monsters Inc." y la reorganización empresarial

In this episode of his "Clearly Conspicuous" podcast series, "The CFPB Takes Action Against VyStar Credit Union," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta examines the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) action against VyStar Credit Union ordering the company to pay $1.5 million for a failed online banking system rollout that left consumers unable to access their accounts. The CFPB found that VyStar violated the Consumer Financial Protection Act by ignoring red flags and rushing an untested platform, resulting in significant harm to its members. In this episode, Mr. DiResta highlights the CFPB's authority to take action against large credit unions and the importance of proper planning and testing when implementing new financial technology.
For more, visit: https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/media-entities/2024/12/podcast---the-cfpb-takes-action-against-vystar-credit-union

The CFPB Takes Action Against VyStar Credit Union

In this episode of his "Clearly Conspicuous" podcast series, "Hidden Fees in the Live-Event Ticketing and Short-Term Lodging Industries," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta discusses the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) new rule targeting mandatory hidden fees and enhanced transparency in pricing disclosures. The rule, finalized after significant public feedback, specifically addresses the live-event ticketing and short-term lodging sectors, requiring businesses to include all mandatory fees in the prominently displayed total price. Although certain fees, such as government-imposed taxes and optional amenities, can be excluded, they must be clearly disclosed before purchase. Mr. DiResta emphasizes that though the rule currently targets only two industries, it reflects the FTC's broader intent to tackle deceptive pricing practices across various sectors.

For more, visit: https://hklaw.com/en/insights/media-entities/2025/01/podcast---hidden-fees-in-the-live-event-ticketing-and-short-term

Hidden Fees in the Live-Event Ticketing and Short-Term Lodging Industries

En este episodio de "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos," el socio Edwin Cortés conversa con el abogado inmobiliario Esteban García-Jiméno sobre la diferencia entre los arrendamientos de vivienda a corto plazo y los servicios hoteleros en Colombia, destacando que las propiedades arrendadas por menos de 30 días se consideran vivienda turística y deben cumplir con regulaciones especiales. La discusión abarca las leyes y decretos que han comenzado a regular este sector desde 2006, así como las obligaciones que los propietarios y administradores de propiedades deben cumplir, como el registro en el Registro Nacional de Turismo y el pago de contribuciones fiscales. Además, se aborda la relación entre estos contratos y las normas de propiedad horizontal, enfatizando que solo las propiedades expresamente autorizadas pueden participar en actividades de arrendamiento a corto plazo. Este tema de gran relevancia ofrece una visión integral de las implicaciones legales que rodean los arrendamientos a corto plazo en Colombia.

Arrendamientos a corto plazo, una realidad en Colombia

In this episode of "Are We All Clear? Facilitating Security Clearances," host Molly O'Casey discusses the intersection of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and Foreign Ownership, Control and Influence (FOCI) mitigation with Libby Bloxom, a fellow member of Holland & Knight's International Trade Group. They highlight the importance of understanding both CFIUS actions and FOCI requirements, as they can overlap and inform one another, particularly regarding national security measures in critical industries. They also note that companies should be proactive in navigating the regulations and timelines of the multiple agencies involved in security clearances.

Analyzing the Overlap Between CFIUS and FOCI

In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Healthcare Transactions attorneys David Marks and Eric Scalzo, along with Chartis Strategic Innovation Partners Sri Mani and Eric Mayeda, discuss the increasing scrutiny of investor-owned healthcare entities. They note state legislatures and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alike have expressed increasing concerns over consolidation's potential negative impacts. Mr. Mani and Mr. Mayeda share insights into how new regulations and rising public skepticism are shaping the healthcare investment environment, emphasizing the need for private equity firms to articulate their value proposition and focus on sustainable, long-term opportunities for growth.
The discussion also seeks to counter some of the negative publicity by highlighting the critical role of private equity in addressing healthcare industry challenges, such as access to care in underserved areas. The speakers argue that a nuanced approach to private capital that recognizes its potential to drive innovation is essential, along with a data-driven narrative that can effectively respond to negative perceptions. As they look toward 2025, the group expresses optimism about the future, suggesting that investment in healthcare is poised to increase, fueled by a commitment to improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.


Election Roundup: How a Harris Administration Could Shape the Oil and Gas Landscape

Holland & Knight Legal Podcast