Employment Law Advisory: Repeal of "Combined Limit" Requires the Immediate Attention of Defined Benefit Plan Sponsors "Employers who sponsor both defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans must give immediate attention to the impending elimination from the tax law of the so-called "combined limit" on benefit accruals. As discussed in this advisory, it may be necessary to take action by mid-December 1999." The New Y2K Act: Will It Protect Against the Litigation Avalanche? Paul Gupta Cullen G. Taylor "On July 20, President Clinton signed into law H.R. 775, the 'Y2K Act.' Generally, the Act establishes a number of new substantive and procedural rules aimed at 'screen[ing] out frivolous claims without blocking or unduly burdening legitimate suits,' according to the Statement by the President." "It remains an open question whether the ... Y2K Act will minimize the number of computer error lawsuits. However, this much is known: Maintaining good records and providing information to potential plaintiffs will diminish defendants' liability exposure, and opportunities remain to minimize exposure through contract." Employment Law Advisory: Important New Supreme Court Decision Limits Scope of Covered Disabilities Under the Americans With Disabilities Act "In a decision with profound implications for employers and disabled employees, the Supreme Court recently decided that an employee whose disability is successfully managed with corrective measures such as eye glasses or medication may no longer be considered disabled for purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This case is significant because it marks a shift from the prior consensus on how determinations of a disability are made pursuant to the ADA. While it remains uncertain how lower courts will decide new cases in light of Sutton v. United Airlines, employers should be aware that this decision affects whether an employee has a cause of action under the ADA." Lou Rodriques, head of our employment group, was also quoted in a Boston Business Journal article regarding this recent ruling: "Disability rulings may need time to sort out". Employee And Benefits Practice Group Newsletter Summer 1999 Requires Acrobat Reader to view This material may be considered advertising under the rules of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. To the extent the State Bar Rules in your jurisdiction require us to designate a principal office we designate our office in Boston, Massachusetts as our principal office. © 1998, 1999 Sullivan & Worcester LLP Last updated: Monday, October 4, 1999.