Misclassification a Hot Topic As Economy Sputters, Law Changes

Tampa partner Steve Bernstein was quoted in the December 2 Tampa Bay Business Journal article "Misclassification a Hot Topic As Economy Sputters, Law Changes." The article noted the recent trend of businesses hiring independent contractors in lieu of employees. Steve said there are legal risks involved if the process is not monitored closely. Employers should seek preventive counseling to ensure they are compliant with wage/hour and tax laws. "A business may assume they are in compliance based on counsel they received three years ago, but they need to understand it's evolving. It's important to build your strategy based on a current understanding of the context. Laws do change. It surprises folks."