Equity

Massachusetts Ushers in Sweeping New Laws for 2025: From Workplace Equity to Climate Initiatives

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Boston, MA – As Massachusetts ushers in innovative changes with the new year, a number of critical laws are set to reshape the professional and personal lives of its residents. Signed by Governor Maura Healey, these laws span various aspects such as workplace rights, data transparency, family law amendments, and a push towards clean energy, mirroring the state’s commitment to adaptability and progress in an ever-evolving society. Among the pivotal changes is the Francis Perkins Workplace Equity Act, effective from Oct. 29, 2025, mandating that employers with at least 25 employees disclose salary ranges in … Read more

Minnesota Cannabis Licensing Lottery Paused by Judge Amidst Equity Dispute

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ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota judge has put a temporary stop to the state’s cannabis license lottery, originally set for Tuesday, amid ongoing legal challenges. This development delays the planned issuance of permits for cannabis businesses, which were set to begin under a new system purported to foster social equity. Earlier this summer, the state had begun accepting applications from businesses that qualified under its social equity criteria. These businesses were expected to enter a pre-approval stage, giving them a head start before the broader licensing phase rolls out next year. However, the process … Read more

Growing Number of States Embrace Pay Transparency, Boosting Job Application Rates and Promoting Pay Equity

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Washington, D.C. — A wave of legislative changes is sweeping through different states in the U.S., mandating employers to be clear about the salary ranges when they advertise job positions. As of today, Washington D.C. and thirteen states including prominent ones like California, New York, and Colorado have enacted pay transparency laws. These regulations are primarily aimed at enhancing wage equity and providing prospective employees a clearer picture of potential earnings. The trend towards salary transparency is not just confined to these states; recently, New Jersey also passed legislation and is awaiting Governor Phil Murphy’s … Read more

Behind the Scenes: How Private Equity is Powering Class Action Lawsuits in Consumer Markets

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New York — Beneath the surface of America’s legal landscape, a less-visible financial engine is driving many of today’s high-profile class action lawsuits, particularly those involving product liability. This burgeoning sector, known as private equity, has been stealthily investing in litigation, which has been profoundly changing the dynamics of how legal claims are pursued in the United States. Historically, funding for such lawsuits typically came from the plaintiffs themselves or their attorneys, working on a contingency basis. However, in recent times, private equity firms have begun to see litigation funding as a lucrative investment opportunity. … Read more