News & Insights

New Jersey’s New Independent Contractor Rules

third-party agreements for independent contractor

New Jersey businesses that use freelancers, consultants, gig workers, or other independent contractors should pay close attention to recently adopted regulations from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). On May 5, 2026, the NJDOL adopted N.J.A.C. 12:11, a comprehensive regulatory framework codifying how the state applies its strict “ABC Test” to worker classification. The new rules carry an operative date of October 1, 2026.

Although New Jersey has applied the ABC Test for decades through statutes and court decisions, N.J.A.C. 12:11 represents the first comprehensive regulatory framework explaining how the NJDOL interprets and enforces the test. The regulations apply uniformly across the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law, the Wage and Hour Law, the Wage Payment Law, the Earned Sick Leave Law, and the Temporary Disability Benefits Law.

For startups and businesses that rely heavily on 1099 workers, these regulations significantly increase the importance of properly structuring independent contractor relationships. In this blog, our New Jersey business attorneys break down the rule.

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FAQs about Wyoming LLCs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming LLCs

What is a Wyoming LLC?

A Wyoming LLC is a limited liability company formed under the laws of Wyoming. Like LLCs in other states, a Wyoming LLC is a flexible business structure that combines liability protection with pass-through taxation, but Wyoming’s statutory framework offers additional tax and privacy benefits that many business owners find attractive.

Why would someone choose to form their LLC in Wyoming?

Entrepreneurs and business owners often choose Wyoming because: (i) No state income tax on personal or corporate income; (ii) Strong privacy protections – member or manager names are not required on public filings; (iii) Low filing and maintenance costs relative to comparable states; and (iv) Flexible management structures (member-managed or manager-managed). Together, these features can make Wyoming a compelling choice for domestic and international owners alike.

Can a non-resident form a Wyoming LLC?

Yes. Wyoming does not require LLC members or managers to be U.S. residents or to be physically located in Wyoming. Non-residents may form and own a Wyoming LLC, subject only to federal requirements and ongoing compliance obligations.

What are the basic formation requirements?

To form a Wyoming LLC you must: (1) Select a unique business name that complies with Wyoming naming rules; (2) Appoint a Wyoming registered agent with a physical address in the state; (3) File Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State; and (4) Pay the state’s filing fee. An operating agreement, while not required by statute, is strongly recommended to document ownership and governance.

How much does it cost to form and maintain a Wyoming LLC?

Initial filing fee: Typically around $100 for the Articles of Organization.
Annual report fee: Generally around $60 or more depending on Wyoming asset values.
Registered Agent fee: Generally between $40 and $120 depending on the service.

Navigating a Shareholders Agreement

In the world of closely held corporations, a Shareholders’ Agreement (or Stockholders’ Agreement) is a pivotal document that governs the relationship among the shareholders of the corporation. A shareholders’ agreement may not be proper for every corporation. However, it is highly recommended for small and medium-sized businesses. Understanding the key elements of this agreement is crucial for any shareholder or prospective investor in a corporation. This blog from our business lawyers provides a high-level overview of the common provisions found in a shareholders’ agreement.

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Making Sense of Wyoming LLCs

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Forming a limited liability company is one of the most important foundational decisions a business owner makes. While many entrepreneurs default to forming an LLC in their home state, Wyoming LLCs have gained national popularity due to their tax treatment, privacy protections, and low administrative burden.

That popularity, however, has also led to misuse and misunderstanding. A Wyoming LLC can be an excellent tool in the right circumstances, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Below, we break down what Wyoming LLCs offer, why they are attractive, and when they may not be the right choice.

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Understanding USPTO Trademark Classes: A Guide for Businesses

trademark written in a brand strategy book for NJ trademark attorney

If you’re considering registering a trademark, one of the most important steps in the process is properly identifying the class—or classes—of goods or services your mark will cover. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) organizes trademarks into 45 different classes, and each application must specify the relevant ones.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to figure that out on your own.

Choosing the right trademark classes is a legal and strategic decision that your trademark and business attorney will handle as part of the application process. At our firm, we work closely with clients to understand how their brand is used (or will be used) in the marketplace and ensure that the application reflects the full scope of their business activities.

In this post, we’ll give you an overview of how the classification system works, what it means for your trademark rights, and how attorneys use it to build strong, enforceable protection for your brand.

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New York Cannabis Law and Licensing: A Brief Overview

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In recent years, the legal landscape around cannabis has undergone a significant transformation, especially in New York. As New York joins a growing list of states to legalize recreational cannabis use, businesses and individuals must familiarize themselves with the state’s specific regulations. In this blog post, we’ll provide a concise overview of New York’s cannabis laws, focusing on the various license types available.

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