Новости и статьи

Susanne Leone co-authored an article titled “EU–UK trade: not working in practice?” on June 18, 2021, in the UK publication New Law Journal. The article discusses the impact of Brexit on businesses from a German perspective. The exit of the UK as the third-largest EU member state is an enormous loss for the EU. The bureaucracy surges and German businesses change their supply chains. The small and medium UK businesses are the hardest hit. For more information on this topic, you can find the full article at the following link.

Susanne Leone published her article “U.S. Compliance for German SMEs in 2021” in an online corporate compliance journal (the Compliance Elliance Journal) that was created as a collaboration between the University of Miami and the University of Leipzig, Germany. The article focuses on U.S. compliance advice for German small and medium enterprises operating in the U.S. The article discusses the requirements of the U.S. market for companies in 2021, the compliance regime in the U.S., and the future of CMS for global operating SME’s. It further explains new U.S. legislation such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and current U.S. COVID regulations that German companies should be aware of. The article, which was co-authored with Stephan Ebner, can be found at the following link.

Мы рады сообщить, что в связи с растущим спросом со стороны наших клиентов из Восточной Европы, мы наконец открыли в этом месяце наш новый офис в Москве, Россия. Наш новый офис позволит нам лучше обслуживать наших клиентов в их родной стране - месте, где начинается планирование международной экспансии. Наши сотрудники в Москве свободно говорят на английском и русском языках, а наши юридические услуги соответствуют услугам нашей фирмы в США. Мы консультируем состоятельных лиц по вопросам планирования активов, включая иммиграционные вопросы, и помогаем компаниям в их международной экспансии в США. С нетерпением ждем встречи с Вами в нашем новом офисе.

Despite the continuing pandemic, effective the week of July 20, certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, and students may qualify for national interest exceptions under Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9993 (Schengen Area). Qualified business and student travelers who are applying for or have valid visas or ESTA authorization may travel to the United States even as PPs 9993 and 9996 remain in effect following the procedures below.

We observe frequently that businesses “test” the U.S. market first without forming a legal entity in the U.S. What is wrong with that approach? One of the main concerns in the United States is the risk of liability exposure for the foreign company. This exposure to litigation in the U.S. is a high risk factor and can cause excessive monetary damage to the business. Therefore, forming the appropriate legal entity and creating a legal structure from the beginning is of paramount importance. The choice of entity (e.g. Corporation or LLC) must be analyzed prior and individually for each client according to their needs. Besides the legal aspect, customers in the U.S. prefer to contract with a U.S. company and issue payments in U.S. currency.

After years of active involvement with the Florida Bar International Law Section Susanne Leone was appointed at this year’s annual meeting on June 19, 2020, to the Florida Bar ILS Executive Council.

In light of the pandemic, we want to assist our clients with their legal needs. We at Leone Zhgun are committed to keeping you well-informed of breaking legal news related to the coronavirus and we’ll continue to provide our legal services. 

Corporations are asking themselves to what extent the crisis will affect their business and the economy as a whole. Businesses and individuals face unknown struggles in uncertain times. Below you will find some useful information to navigate through this difficult time.

The German legal and business community of South Florida gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables in December at its annual holiday gala. The Consul General of Germany Andreas Siegel and numerous other well-known Germans of the legal and business community attended the gala. The event was a great opportunity for a mutual exchange of information and to get inspired by new visions and strategies of German business owners and executives for 2020.

The article focuses and educates on US laws and regulations a German Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) must comply with when operating a business in the USA.  Besides that the article explains German SME’s how to approach US authorities and overcome cultural differences. The United States of America is one of the most important economic markets for the middle class and an appearance in the US market is for any international company of substantial importance. Also, M&A deals in the United States are currently very interesting for German companies. This is a result of favorable tax laws in the United States and also a result of the current disruption in Europe caused by BREXIT. It is important that German companies obey all relevant laws in the US. In this context, the question often arises as to whether and to what extent SME’s should follow and implement US compliance guidelines. Another topic is the implementation of digital compliance. Finally, the consequences of government investigations against SMEs in the United States due to the lack of financial resources are regularly more serious than for a large enterprise. Society and the judiciary expect that German companies that operate in the US observe all US laws. German companies cannot hope of any favorable treatment by US authorities due to lack of knowledge. But all measures a SME decides to implement should be in relation to each company’s actual risks, its size and its industry. 

You can read the full article here: https://rsw.beck.de/zeitschriften/ccz

In the interview Susanne Leone explains what a German company needs to know when establishing or expanding its business into the United States. The information is based on the experience while working with various German companies expanding their business in the US. It seems obvious but it is important to begin with incorporating the business when starting entering the US market. Choosing the appropriate legal entity is a substantial subject that needs to be discussed prior with your attorney. Tax saving options considering the entire corporate structure including the German parent company should be evaluated and discussed. Additionally, once the business is established the US company needs to comply with US laws, corporate compliance regulations, and tax filing requirements on federal, state and local level. Another important factor is obtaining the appropriate and sufficient insurances for your company. Generally speaking, at a minimum a company that is doing business in the United States should have a general liability insurance and a product liability insurance. If you would like to have more information on that topic please contact us.

Susanne Leone represented the firm at a luncheon held in honor of the Consul General of India, Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni and Mr. K.V. Kumar, CEO and Chairman of the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce, Washington D.C. The event was attended by numerous participants, was a great networking opportunity and served as a forum to discuss future business opportunities between India and Florida. Attendance at the program was yet another effort by the firm to strengthen and expand its network into the Indian legal and business communities and build relationships.

Artem Zhgun is attending the AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law, which is the largest immigration law event of the year in Florida. Over 3,000 attendees from around the world are attending to learn the latest strategies and immigration law updates to best serve our clients.

The event organized by the German American Chambers of Commerce in cooperation with the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce and Industry targeted German companies that are seeking to establish business relationships within the U.S., and focused on consulting, discussions, as well as workshops addressing practical questions about doing business in the USA.

                          

The business forum provided an exclusive platform to network and exchange ideas with some of the highest-ranking representatives of German companies in the U.S, U.S. lawyers and CPA’s.

                          

The event had an impressive turnout and was attended by individuals of a variety of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, as well as financial services.

Artem Zhgun und Susanne Leone attended the Florida Sun Forum 2019 in Estero. The event was widely advertised in South Florida and in the Florida Sun Magazine and a great success. The forum focused on a German and German speaking audience and speakers educated the attendees in the areas of law, real estate and vacation rentals. Susanne Leone presented on the topic “EB-5 investor visa program” and the opportunities the program offers for investors to enter the United States and receive a Green Card with an investment of $500,000. This program allows an investor, his/her spouse and their children under 21 years old to work and live in the United States. If you have any questions or are interested in the EB-5 investor visa program please contact us.

This short article explains the new regulation and its effects. The European Union (“EU”) has one of the world's most open investment rules and is one of the main destinations for foreign direct investment (“FDI”) in the world. FDIs are substantial for innovation, growth and jobs in the EU. But takeovers of EU companies by non-EU investors in the past years and their cross-border effects raised concerns and led to this new legislation. This regulation is fundamental because it is the first time the screening of FDI is regulated at European Union level while major trading partners of the EU have already established such frameworks.

A key initiative of the Asia Committee of the Florida Bar International Law Section in 2018 was collaborating with the Indian National Bar Association’s (INBA) on their 7th Annual International Conference titled “69th Constitution Day” on November 26, 2018 at the Shangri La’s Eros Hotel, New Delhi. The joint conference brought together legal and business professionals from various parts of India, Europe and the United States for an open dialogue on various topics impacting law, business and investments in India.

                          

Susanne Leone, the Chair of the Asia Committee, presented the following topic at the conference: “Immigration Law Update - Gateways into North America.” She was also honored by the INBA with an award for “Emerging Lawyer of the Year 2018 (corporate and tax).”

                          

The conference was a great success and exposure for Leone Zhgun into India and the Asian market. The conference itself was mentioned in India’s second most widely read national English newspaper, the Hindustan Times. The morning after the conference, a photo appeared in the Hindustan Times with Susanne Leone honoring the legal team of HT Media Limited with an INBA Award for “Legal Team of the Year 2018.”

 

A significant achievement during the conference was the signing of a Bar Cooperation Agreement between the Florida Bar International Law Section by Susanne Leone on behalf of the Florida Bar International Law Section and the Indian National Bar Association as a symbol of collaboration and a mutual desire to strengthen the relationship between Florida and India. The Agreement was signed in English and Hindi.

The article points out the personal experience of Susanne Leone with Indian clients and the Indian community and gives an insight into India’s current developments and challenges. The article focuses on India’s potential and the opportunities that are waiting for U.S. lawyers to engage in one of the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets. India is ready for industrialization and it is ambitious in its desire to grow. India’s young population, its low dependency on welfare, and work force will boost India’s future economy over the next two decades. We can create an impact by being part of the still early stage of the world’s fastest-growing large economy and taking a chance now in this largely unchartered territory rather than competing later when everyone else does.

Clients being considered a U.S. tax resident and have one or more foreign bank accounts with an aggregate amount of $10,000 at any time during the year need to file FBAR’s. Many of our international clients forget to report their foreign bank accounts in Germany, Switzerland or Russia and file so called FBAR’s. This can have heavy civil as well criminal penalties. We can advise you how to be compliant and consequently to avoid heavy penalties imposed by the IRS for nondisclosure. Read the article for more information and contact us directly if you have any questions in regards to the filing of FBAR’s.