Smith + Malek, PLLC

Before pouring concrete, a solid legal foundation can protect you from severe structural damage. When meeting with a contractor, ensure they are licensed in your state, insured, and bonded–otherwise, filing legal claims can be null, and you’ll be fronting the time, costs, and risks associated with your construction project. #CostsSavings #ConstructionProjects

Mining and law are coming together at the Idaho Mining Conference in Boise this week! Peter Smith, mining lawyer and co-founder, is discussing how Idaho’s mining history impacts today’s federal and state regulations. As an Associate Member of the Idaho Mining Association, our attorneys are committed to helping clients navigate claim staking, essential legal requirements, and best practices for establishing and maintaining mining claims in the Gem State. #MiningLaw #Idaho

The heartbeats of our communities are local health centers. From routine check-ups to in-house procedures and lab tests to behavioral health assessments, accessing healthcare within one’s community eliminates barriers to health, such as long waitlists and out-of-town travel. We’re dedicated to helping our clients provide quality healthcare accessible to all. We take pride in strengthening the communities we serve in this manner. Navigating legal considerations with Community Health Centers and FQHCs is something we’ve done for nearly ten years–and a commitment we will continue to uphold for years to come. #CommunityImpact #BuildingBetterFutures

Breakups happen. And when there are business assets involved–separation can be even trickier. If you’re dissolving a business partnership, here are three best practices to protect yourself and your legal entity. ➡️ Do your due diligence. Ensure operating agreements are in place to protect your personal liability and ensure business operations continue to run smoothly. ➡️ Don’t conflate personal and business accounts. To manage business finances efficiently, create all new accounts, separate credit and business accounts, and have all business accounts under the legal business name.  ➡️ Consult a lawyer. A business lawyer can help plan and develop a path forward, including the process of dissolving a partnership, business implications, and mitigating personal and business risks. #StartingABusiness #BusinessLaw #BusinessLawyer #BusinessStrategy

A first for Idaho, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) as property tax exempt. In a landmark decision, the Idaho Supreme Court overturned the lower court’s decision and unequivocally held that Rexburg-based Grand Peaks Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health, and Pharmacy qualified for a full property tax exemption.   The ruling provided much-needed clarity for non-profit organizations in Idaho and set a precedent for future disputes for charitable organizations in the state. We’re honored to have provided the legal representation that led to a successful outcome of preserving accessible and affordable healthcare in our communities. A truly collaborative case, Smith + Malek attorney Kolby Reddish presented the oral argument, which McKenzie Lawrence, Alaina Harrington, Luke Malek, and Lauren Smyser supported during the briefing. Read a more in-depth summary on our blog: https://lnkd.in/dyg3m9Zj #Idaho #HealthcareLaw

Collaboration. Work-life balance. Mentorship. Not exactly the values used to describe your average law firm. At Smith + Malek, however, these values drive our mission to change the world for the better so our clients experience the best work and our employees show up as their best selves. #LawFirmLife #CollaborationOverCompetition #AttorneyWellness

We’re keeping a watchful eye as emerging AI technology impacts organization’s compliance with laws and regulations. From using AI to draft contracts to privacy concerns surrounding personal data, businesses staying abreast of the ever-evolving legal landscape need a legal partner. That's why we’re here. To partner with community leaders to protect their business interests and contribute to their long-term success. Get in touch with our dedicated business practice area team to partner to change the world for the better. #AI #LegalCounsel 

Clarity. Not just helpful when reviewing employee contracts, but in understanding your rights when it comes to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA is key to job-protected leave so you can care for your health and well-being, so we’re here to clarify questions. “Does FMLA cover mental health?” 💡In short, yes, anxiety or depression may qualify for FMLA eligibility. However, it must qualify as a serious health condition requiring either inpatient care or continuing treatment. 💡To qualify as a serious health condition, continuing treatment that includes a period of being unable to work and receiving care from a healthcare provider at least twice a year or ongoing treatment is required. 💡 An employee is eligible for FMLA if they work for a covered employer for at least 12 months and work at a location with at least 50 employees within 75 miles. Contact a member of our team today if you have experienced discrimination, retaliation, or discharge for exercising FMLA rights. #EmploymentLaw #FMLA

Saying goodbye to an employee doesn’t just come with heartache–but legal implications as well. That’s where non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) come in. How do NDAs work? An NDA sets ground rules between parties as to what constitutes confidential information and how, when and to whom it may be disclosed. NDAs can safeguard an organization’s invaluable knowledge and confidential information. NDAs are essential for fast-growing businesses that want to maintain a competitive edge in situations involving partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, employee relationships, and contractors or vendors. Need help setting up an NDA? Contact us today to learn how we can help safeguard your business interests. #Noncompete #EmploymentLaw

We’ve cast aside traditional processes to change the world for the better. That looks like: Team-based collaboration, where our employees work in small teams, which helps ensure that no one person stays late to finish the job. A mentorship focus built into our firm’s structure. Open discussions and strategies to manage stress efficiently and prevent burnout. #ClearCommunication #CollaborationOverCompetition #BurnOut