News & Insights

EPA Proposes Rule to Repeal Federal Drinking Water Regulations for Certain PFAS Compounds

In an article written for the Legal Intelligencer, partner Charlie Dennen explains that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule to repeal federal drinking water regulations for several PFAS compounds—specifically PFHxS, PFNA, GenX (HFPO-DA), and the Hazard Index used for mixtures involving those chemicals and PFBS—arguing that the prior standards were promulgated through an “unlawful process” and did not properly follow the Safe Drinking Water Act’s required steps for setting enforceable limits. The article outlines the EPA’s prior 2024 rule establishing maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS, the agency’s subsequent reconsideration in 2025, and its current position that the mixture-based Hazard Index and several individual PFAS limits exceeded statutory authority and misapplied feasibility and risk-assessment requirements. Charlie further highlights the EPA’s reliance on the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which eliminated Chevron deference and requires courts to independently interpret statutory meaning, increasing legal risk for agency rulemaking. While the proposal would remove monitoring and treatment obligations for the affected PFAS, he notes the relief may be temporary because the EPA has indicated it will continue evaluating these substances for possible future regulation, even as separate standards for PFOA and PFOS remain in place and continue to drive most PFAS-related compliance obligations. ...read more

QSBS Tax Break Rules Expanded for Investors

Partners Bonnie Diaz and Justin Csik recently authored an article for NJBIZ examining significant federal and state law changes that expand the tax benefits available through Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS). ...read more

Tax Planning: New Exclusions Under New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act and Changes to QSBS Exclusion Under OBBBA

Recent federal and state tax law changes have significantly expanded planning opportunities involving Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS). In this article for the Philadelphia Business Journal, attorneys Bonnie Diaz, Justin Csik, and Marty Babitz analyze New Jersey’s newly enacted conformity with the federal QSBS exclusion under Internal Revenue Code §1202, as well as key changes introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). ...read more

Federal Court Vacates $100,000 H-1B Fee; Implications for Higher Education Remain Uncertain

On June 8, 2026, a federal district court in Massachusetts issued an opinion and order vacating U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies implementing President Donald Trump’s September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation. The Proclamation required payment of a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visa applications (See New H-1B Application Fee Requirement Announced). USCIS subsequently issued policies describing when the fee would apply and how it would be collected. ...read more

What Can Single-Sex Institutions Do in Light of DOE’s Title IX Attack on Transgender Admissions at Smith College?

In June 2025, a group calling itself “Defend Education” filed a complaint against Smith College for discrimination on the basis of sex-based discrimination based on its admission of transgender women.  Smith has admitted transgender women since 2015 and currently considers “any applicants who self-identify as women.” On May 4, 2026, the Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation. ...read more

Executive Order on Collegiate Athletics: A Reset or a Rewind?

On Friday, April 3, 2026, the President signed an executive order on collegiate athletics in an effort to restore a regulatory posture that resembles, in essence, a pre–name, image, and likeness (NIL) power structure. Despite the clear enforceability and legal questions presented by this order, the NCAA has already indicated its intention to implement rules aligned with the order’s demands. The framework sets forth guidelines that favor institutional stability over athlete freedom. In reality, however, these guidelines reflect substantial deference to the NCAA and its historical compliance architecture, signaling a policy preference for centralized governance over athlete-driven market dynamics. In practical terms, the order narrows the scope of student-athlete discretion by circumscribing pathways that have recently expanded under NIL and a more open market, prioritizing uniformity and institutional control. It is too early to determine the exact ramifications of this executive order; however, its existence further emphasizes that change in the collegiate sports industry is coming. ...read more

Using AI Tools Without Jeopardizing Confidentiality or Privilege

Generative artificial intelligence tools have moved from novelty to ubiquity over the last year. Employees across all industries and departments are routinely feeding company and customer information into AI chatbots, AI “assistants,” and other AI tools to increase productivity. Much of this adoption is happening informally, without legal or IT sign-off, and often without anyone considering what happens to the data once it is typed into a prompt window. ...read more

CMS Moratorium: Home Health Agencies and Hospices

Hospices and Home Health Agencies: Now may not be the time to restructure.  In May 2026, CMS implemented a temporary nationwide enrollment moratorium on Home Health Agencies (HHAs) and Hospices.  The term of this initial moratorium will expire on November 12, 2026, but CMS left open the possibility of extending it for additional successive 6-month increments.  ...read more

New Jersey Adopts Revised Worker Classification Regulations Effective October 1, 2026

On May 5, 2026, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (“NJDOL”) adopted revised regulations interpreting the state’s “ABC Test” for determining whether workers are employees or independent contractors. The regulations will take effect on October 1, 2026. ...read more

Implementing AI While Regulations Are Pending

As businesses increasingly adopt artificial intelligence in the workplace, regulators and employers continue to grapple with how to establish effective guardrails for a rapidly evolving technology landscape. Archer partner Kate Sherlock served as a panelist during a panel discussion at NJBIA's Tech Forward NJ conference, where lawmakers and industry experts discussed the challenges of implementing AI responsibly while regulatory frameworks are still being developed. ...read more

New Jersey's New 'ABC Test' Rules Leave Room for Further Clarification, Litigators Say

Scott Sears was recently quoted in a Law.com article discussing New Jersey’s newly adopted regulations governing employee versus independent contractor classification under the state’s “ABC Test.” ...read more

AI Companies Spending Big on ‘Business Backed Sponsorships’

AI companies are rapidly emerging as dominant sports sponsors, but unlike traditional brands, they prioritize “business-backed sponsorships” focused on enterprise access, operational integration, and proving real-world use cases rather than mass visibility. This shift is reshaping how teams and leagues package partnerships, emphasizing data integration, decision-maker access, and measurable business outcomes as AI firms compete for exclusive footholds. ...read more

Placement Agents and the SEC's Marketing Rule Revisited

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Marketing Rule went into full effect three years ago. The Marketing Rule applies a principles-based approach to regulating marketing and advertising by SEC-registered investment advisers (“RIAs”). A major change brought by the Marketing Rule was to include within “advertising” the solicitation activities by placement agents raising capital for private funds, thereby affixing new responsibilities on RIAs. ...read more

Law, Co-op and Career Growth With Kate Sherlock

Partner Kate Sherlock was a guest on the Drexel University Sports Business Roundtable podcast where she discussed her journey from Drexel University alum to attorney working in the sports industry. ...read more

Planning Ahead for Dementia: What Every Family Needs to Know

In this informative ACTEC Estate Planning Essentials podcast, Archer partner Steven Mignogna and  Gerard Brew (McCarter & English) outline the critical steps families should take when facing early signs of cognitive decline. They explain how to select the right Power of Attorney, the differences between durable and springing POAs, when a revocable trust can help, and how to avoid costly and stressful guardianship proceedings. ...read more

The Future of DEI in Legal

The legal landscape around diversity, equity, and inclusion has shifted significantly in the wake of several significant judicial opinions. While the legal profession has been notoriously slow to make progress in its efforts to nurture more inclusive practice environments, there is optimism about the advancement of inclusion in the profession.  ...read more

Archer Expands Business Litigation Group with Addition of Partner PJ Farinella

Archer today announced that PJ Farinella has joined the firm as a partner in its Business Litigation Practice Group, based in the Voorhees office. With a practice focused on complex commercial litigation, PJ’s arrival underscores the firm’s continued investment in expanding the depth, breadth, and sophistication of its litigation platform. ...read more

Archer Welcomes Alexander Andrews to Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Insolvency Group in Hackensack Office

Archer is pleased to announce that Alexander J. Andrews has joined the firm as an Associate in its Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Insolvency Group in the firm's Hackensack office. Alex represents clients in bankruptcy, restructuring, and insolvency matters, both in and out of court. His practice includes advising a broad range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, corporate clients, indenture trustees, institutional investors, insurers, Chapter 7 trustees, trade creditors, and lessors and lessees, in both transactional matters and litigation. ...read more

Lisa Bothwell Joins Archer as Of Counsel in Corporate Practice

Archer today announced that Lisa A. Bothwell has joined the firm’s Corporate Practice Group as Of Counsel in its Princeton office. Lisa brings extensive experience advising businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, private offerings, and day-to-day operational needs. ...read more

Advanced Land Use and Zoning Disputes With Local Governments

Partner Andrew Fede will present two sessions at the National Business Institute’s full-day program, “Advanced Land Use and Zoning Disputes With Local Governments.” The program examines today’s increasingly complex land use and zoning landscape. Topics include expert insights on digital sign and billboard regulation, land use challenges created by recent technologies, legislative updates and case law developments, variances, litigation hurdles under zoning ordinances, eminent domain practice tips, and strategies for drafting development agreements. ...read more

Executive Crises of Ethical Decision-Making

Partner Eric Yun will be among the presenters at the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) 39th Annual Leadership Convention, where he will lead a session examining the challenges of ethical decision-making in leadership. ...read more

Recent Developments in New Jersey Law 2026

Archer attorneys Peter Frattarelli and Matthew Nicodemo will participate in the New Jersey State Bar Association's program, "Recent Developments in New Jersey Law 2026.” This program brings together New Jersey's leading legal authorities to share their expertise on the latest developments across a range of key practice areas. Attendees will come away with current knowledge of New Jersey law and practical strategies they can apply across a variety of cases. Peter will serve as program moderator and present the session, “New Laws Affecting Hiring and Recruiting, Wages/Pay Transparency Laws.” Matthew will present the session “Recent Developments in Estate and Trust Law.” ...read more