Real World Legal Updates

How Businesses Can Use Phantom Equity to Incentivize Their Employees | Real World Business Law

Employee retention and long-term incentive planning continue to be top priorities for growing businesses looking to attract and retain top talent.

In this episode of Real World Business Law, Partner Connie Phelps and Associate Attorney Shelby Julien discuss how businesses can use phantom equity as a strategic compensation tool to reward key employees without transferring actual ownership. They break down what phantom equity is and how it works, the benefits and potential challenges, and key considerations businesses should keep in mind when structuring these arrangements to align employee incentives with company growth and success.

To PIP or Not to PIP? That Is the Question | Real World Employment Law

To PIP, or not to PIP – that is the question.

In this episode of Real World Employment Law, Managing Partner Declan Leonard and Partner Kristin Zech take the stage to break down Performance Improvement Plans and discuss when they may be the right act for a business to take.

They cover what a PIP is (and isn’t), how to approach it thoughtfully, and how it can be used as a tool for improvement when performance becomes lackluster.

Tune in for a practical overview on navigating PIPs the right way to set up your team – and your company – for success.

What Celsius' Lawsuits Reveal About Brand Partnerships | Real World Business Law

Celsius has grown into one of the most popular energy drinks on the market, but its rapid rise has come with a series of legal battles.

 

In this episode of Real World Business Law, attorneys and real-life Celsius fans Shelby Julien and Cala Dossey break down the lawsuits behind the headlines and explore the bigger lesson for business leaders: strategic partnerships can be powerful growth tools, but only if they are structured the right way. From influencer marketing to employee incentives, they break down the common pitfalls companies face and what steps you can take now to avoid them.

What New Size Recertification Requirements Mean for GovCon Deals | Real World GovCon Law

Small business government contractors have new major considerations when evaluating potential M&A transactions following the recent implementation of an SBA rule on size and status recertification. In this episode of Real World GovCon Law, Partners Stephanie Wilson and Connie Phelps break down how SBA's new size and status recertification rule impacts an entity's eligibility for small business set-aside multiple award contracts and orders following an M&A transaction that occurred on or after January 17, 2026, and discuss how buyers and sellers should consider these changes in their due diligence processes.

You've Been Sued for Discrimination - Now What? | Real World Employment Law

No business ever plans on facing a discrimination lawsuit, but many do.

 

In this episode of Real World Employment Law, Managing Partner Declan Leonard and Counsel Drew Smith tackle an issue every employer hopes to avoid, and the immediate steps they can take to respond.

 

They offer a practical, high-level overview of the steps employers should take early on, how to navigate the legal process, and common pitfalls to avoid. They also explore insurance coverage, settlement options, and alternatives to trial.

 

Tune in to learn what to do if your company is faced with a discrimination lawsuit, and what steps it can take to reduce the risk of future claims.

8(a) and Small Business Contracting Updates | Real World GovCon Law

On January 16, 2026, the Department of Defense issued a video statement and memorandum directing a sweeping review of 8(a) and small business set-aside and sole source contracts over $20 million. Shortly after, on January 22, 2026, the Small Business Administration issued new 8(a) Program guidance and suspended more than 1,000 8(a) contractors for failing to submit their required audit documentation by the January 19th reporting deadline.

Together, these developments signal a major escalation in enforcement and compliance risks for small-business contractors. In this podcast, Declan Leonard and Stephanie Wilson tackle this breaking news, why it matters, and what contractors should be doing now to protect themselves.

What Businesses Need to Know About Recent Changes to Virginia's Wage Payment Act

A major ruling impacting Virginia businesses was recently issued by the Supreme Court of Virginia, which held that the Virginia Wage Payment Act does not treat commissions as wages. Following this decision, employees may no longer file wage theft claims against their employers for unpaid commissions under the Act.

In this episode of Real World Employment Law, Senior Associate Samy Abdallah and Associate Charles Bonani break down what the Virginia Wage Payment Act is, how the court's recent decision impacts it, and what developments businesses may see next as a new legislative session begins in Virginia.

What are the Origins of the "Student Athlete"? | Sports in the Courts

Massive NIL deals are changing the game for college athletes, and more developments are on the way as multiple acts have been introduced to Congress to create a federal standard for NIL legislation.

 

In this episode of Sports in the Courts, Associate Attorney Charles Bonani and Counsel Drew Smith examine how the unique legal history and meaning of the term "student athlete" continue to shape NIL policy, influence college sports governance, and impact athletes in today’s evolving landscape.

When Does Violence in Sports Become Criminal? | Sports in the Courts

With the 2025 seasons of high-contact sports like hockey and football underway, the debate is heating up once again: when does tough gameplay cross the line from physical to criminal?

 

In this episode of Sports in the Courts, Associate Attorney Charles Bonani and Counsel Drew Smith break down recent and historic examples where players took “full contact” too far — and ended up facing criminal charges.

How M&A Can Support Nonprofit Growth and Stability

As federal funding remains uncertain, many nonprofits are exploring new strategies to carry on their missions. Catch up on the education webinar hosted by The Center for Nonprofit Advancement, Berenzweig Leonard, LLP, and The Baldwin Group for a practical breakdown on how mergers and acquisitions can help nonprofits build stability, expand resources, and continue serving their communities through strategic partnerships.

• The state of the nonprofit market;

• Insights on the benefits of merging with another nonprofit;

• What factors to consider when thinking about a merger;

• The mechanics of merging; and

• Potential alternatives to M&A.

Reach out to our team with any questions: https://www.berenzweiglaw.com/contact/