Sonja Rice
Cleveland
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Articles by Sonja Rice
After 'Montgomery': A $604M Verdict and a Fifth Circuit Reversal Reshape Freight Broker Liability
(l-r) Frank Bayyari, Sonja Rice, and Evan Cernea, with Ice Miller. Courtesy photos In just the past two weeks, two significant cases have tested the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent pivotal decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, in which the court held that federal regulations do not insulate freight brokers from state-law tort actions.
What 'Montgomery v. Caribe Transport' Means for Brokers and Shippers
(l-r) Frank Bayyari, Sonja Rice, and Evan Cernea, with Ice Miller. Courtesy photos On May 14, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court of the United States issued a unanimous decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, holding that state-law negligent hiring claims against transportation brokers are not preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA).
Department of Justice Issues Guidance on Unlawful Conduct in Executive Order 14173
The Department of Justice recently released a memorandum titled “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination.” In this blog post, Hahn Loeser attorneys Sonja Rice, Matthew Wagner, J. Patrick White, and Matthew Grashoff analyze that memorandum, discuss what it does—and doesn’t—say about what may constitute “unlawful discrimination,” and provide key takeaways for federal contractors and recipients of federal funds going forward.
Department of Justice Issues Guidance on Unlawful Conduct in Executive Order 14173 | JD Supra
September 3, 2025 Matthew Grashoff, Sonja Rice, Matthew Wagner, Patrick White Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP + Follow x Following x Following - Unfollow Contact To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: The Department of Justice recently released a memorandum titled “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination.” In this blog post, Hahn Loeser attorneys Sonja Rice, Matthew Wagner, J.
Department of Justice Issues Guidance on Unlawful Conduct in Executive Order 14173
The Department of Justice recently released a memorandum titled “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination.” In this blog post, Hahn Loeser attorneys Sonja Rice, Matthew Wagner, J. Patrick White, and Matthew Grashoff analyze that memorandum, discuss what it does—and doesn’t—say about what may constitute “unlawful discrimination,” and provide key takeaways for federal contractors and recipients of federal funds going forward.
U.S. Northern District of California Grants Limited Preliminary Injunction of DEI-Related Executive Orders | JD Supra
On June 9, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction in San Francisco A.I.D.S. Foundation, et. al. v. Trump, 25-cv-01824-JST (N.D. Cal.), enjoining three of the nine provisions of Executive Orders 14151, 14173, and 14168.
U.S. Northern District of California Grants Limited Preliminary Injunction of DEI-Related Executive Orders
On June 9, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction in San Francisco A.I.D.S. Foundation, et. al. v. Trump, 25-cv-01824-JST (N.D. Cal.), enjoining three of the nine provisions of Executive Orders 14151, 14173, and 14168.
DOJ Civil Rights Fraud Initiative Set to Investigate Federal Government Contractors and Grantees
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launched the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative (the “Initiative”), which was announced on May 19, 2025 via Memorandum from Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, and a related press release (the “Memorandum”). The Initiative is a coordinated enforcement effort by various DOJ components and other federal agencies to investigate and prosecute alleged civil rights violations committed by recipients of federal funds.
DOJ Civil Rights Fraud Initiative Set to Target Federal Government Contractors and Grantees | JD Supra
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launched the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative (the “Initiative”), which was announced on May 19, 2025 via Memorandum from Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, and a related press release (the “Memorandum”). The Initiative is a coordinated enforcement effort by various DOJ components and other federal agencies to investigate and prosecute alleged civil rights violations committed by recipients of federal funds.
Update: Making Sense of the Evolving DEI Landscape and its Effects on Federal Contractors and Grantees | JD Supra
We recently wrote about the preliminary injunction entered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, blocking the Department of Labor from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Orders 14173 and 14151, both of which limit or prohibit federal grants or programs relating to “illegal,” “unlawful,” and “immoral” diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).
Update: Making Sense of the Evolving DEI Landscape and its Effects on Federal Contractors and Grantees
We recently wrote about the preliminary injunction entered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, blocking the Department of Labor from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Orders 14173 and 14151, both of which limit or prohibit federal grants or programs relating to “illegal,” “unlawful,” and “immoral” diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).
Update: Making Sense of the Evolving DEI Landscape and its Effects on Federal Contractors and Grantees
We recently wrote about the preliminary injunction entered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, blocking the Department of Labor from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Orders 14173 and 14151, both of which limit or prohibit federal grants or programs relating to “illegal,” “unlawful,” and “immoral” diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).
Department of Justice Rescinds Prior Report About Race and Sex in Federal Contracting
On April 23, 2025, the United States Department of Justice announced that it is rescinding the January 31, 2022 Notice of Report on Lawful Uses of Race or Sex in Federal Contracting Programs (the “2022 Report”). The April 23 announcement (the “Announcement”) does not clarify what practices or activities constitute inappropriate DEI programs.
Department of Justice Rescinds Prior Report About Race and Sex in Federal Contracting | JD Supra
On April 23, 2025, the United States Department of Justice announced that it is rescinding the January 31, 2022 Notice of Report on Lawful Uses of Race or Sex in Federal Contracting Programs (the “2022 Report”). The April 23 announcement (the “Announcement”) does not clarify what practices or activities constitute inappropriate DEI programs.
Department of Justice Rescinds Prior Report About Race and Sex in Federal Contracting
On April 23, 2025, the United States Department of Justice announced that it is rescinding the January 31, 2022 Notice of Report on Lawful Uses of Race or Sex in Federal Contracting Programs (the “2022 Report”). The April 23 announcement (the “Announcement”) does not clarify what practices or activities constitute inappropriate DEI programs.
U.S. District Court Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking Department of Labor from Enforcing Certain Provisions of DEI-Related Executive Orders | Open Legal Blog Archive
On April 2, we reported that Judge Matthew Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois had issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Department of Labor from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Orders 14173 and 14151, both of which limit or prohibit federal grants or programs relating to “illegal,” “unlawful,” and “immoral” diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).
U.S. District Court Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking Department of Labor from Enforcing Certain Provisions of DEI-Related Executive Orders | Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP - JDSupra
On April 2, we reported that Judge Matthew Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois had issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Department of Labor from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Orders 14173 and 14151, both of which limit or prohibit federal grants or programs relating to “illegal,” “unlawful,” and “immoral” diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).
U.S. District Court Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking Department of Labor from Enforcing Certain Provisions of DEI-Related Executive Orders
On April 2, we reported that Judge Matthew Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois had issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Department of Labor from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Orders 14173 and 14151, both of which limit or prohibit federal grants or programs relating to “illegal,” “unlawful,” and “immoral” diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).
On March 27, 2025, Judge Matthew Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Department of Labor from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Orders 14173 and 14151, both of which limited or prohibited federal grants or programs relating to “illegal,” “unlawful,” and “immoral” diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).
U.S. District Court Judge Temporarily Blocks Department of Labor from Enforcing Certain Provisions of DEI-Related Executive Orders | JD Supra
On March 27, 2025, Judge Matthew Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Department of Labor from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Orders 14173 and 14151, both of which limited or prohibited federal grants or programs relating to “illegal,” “unlawful,” and “immoral” diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).
U.S. District Court Judge Temporarily Blocks Department of Labor from Enforcing Certain Provisions of DEI-Related Executive Orders
On March 27, 2025, Judge Matthew Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Department of Labor from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Orders 14173 and 14151, both of which limited or prohibited federal grants or programs relating to “illegal,” “unlawful,” and “immoral” diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).
Construction Contracts for Manufacturing Facilities | JD Supra
The Federal Government’s recent imposition of tariffs appears designed largely to bring manufacturing back inside the United States. News reports indicate the Government understands that tariffs may initially cause pain but accepts that trade-off to press investment in future growth of U.S. manufacturing. As such, there may be increased opportunities for construction companies who build manufacturing facilities. Contracts for manufacturing require special planning and thinking.
Construction Contracts for Manufacturing Facilities
The Federal Government’s recent imposition of tariffs appears designed largely to bring manufacturing back inside the United States. News reports indicate the Government understands that tariffs may initially cause pain but accepts that trade-off to press investment in future growth of U.S. manufacturing. As such, there may be increased opportunities for construction companies who build manufacturing facilities. Contracts for manufacturing require special planning and thinking.
Construction Contracts for Manufacturing Facilities
The Federal Government’s recent imposition of tariffs appears designed largely to bring manufacturing back inside the United States. News reports indicate the Government understands that tariffs may initially cause pain but accepts that trade-off to press investment in future growth of U.S. manufacturing. As such, there may be increased opportunities for construction companies who build manufacturing facilities. Contracts for manufacturing require special planning and thinking.
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Allows for Enforcement of DEI-Related Executive Orders Pending Appeal
On March 14, 2025, The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit granted the government’s request to stay a nationwide preliminary injunction that blocked enforcement of elements of President Trump’s Executive Order 14173 (signed January 21, 2025) ending DEI programs within federal grant and contract processes, and his similar Executive Order 14151 (signed January 20, 2025) ending the federal government’s DEI initiatives, programs, and equity-related grants or contracts (collectively, the...
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Allows for Enforcement of DEI-Related Executive Orders Pending Appeal | JD Supra
On March 14, 2025, The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit granted the government’s request to stay a nationwide preliminary injunction that blocked enforcement of elements of President Trump’s Executive Order 14173 (signed January 21, 2025) ending DEI programs within federal grant and contract processes, and his similar Executive Order 14151 (signed January 20, 2025) ending the federal government’s DEI initiatives, programs, and equity-related grants or contracts (collectively, the...
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Allows for Enforcement of DEI-Related Executive Orders Pending Appeal
On March 14, 2025, The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit granted the government’s request to stay a nationwide preliminary injunction that blocked enforcement of elements of President Trump’s Executive Order 14173 (signed January 21, 2025) ending DEI programs within federal grant and contract processes, and his similar Executive Order 14151 (signed January 20, 2025) ending the federal government’s DEI initiatives, programs, and equity-related grants or contracts (collectively, the...
Executive Order 14173 Injunction and Updates | JD Supra
Background On January 21, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14173 titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” (the “Order”). As was noted in our February 10, 2025, article, the Order amounted to an initial step by the Trump administration to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) as well as diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (“DEIA”) in federal contracting.
Executive Order 14173: What it Means for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors | JD Supra
Recent actions by the federal government have called into question the use of measures intended to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) on federal construction projects or projects receiving federal funding. On January 21, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14173 (the “Order”) revoking Executive Order 11246 signed by President Johnson in 1965. The revoked Executive Order 11246 mandated equal employment opportunities for federal employees and federal contractors.
Executive Order 14173: What it Means for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors
Recent actions by the federal government have called into question the use of measures intended to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) on federal construction projects or projects receiving federal funding. On January 21, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14173 (the “Order”) revoking Executive Order 11246 signed by President Johnson in 1965. The revoked Executive Order 11246 mandated equal employment opportunities for federal employees and federal contractors.
Legal Contracting Basics
Date: April 22, 2024 Hahn Loeser Partner Sonja Rice served as a guest lecturer for the University of Akron Mechanical Engineering Senior Seminar, presenting “Legal Contracting Basics.”
Crain’s Selects Three Hahn Loeser Partners as 2023 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders
Three Hahn Loeser partners were among a select group of individuals honored by Crain’s Cleveland Business as 2023 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders. Christopher S.W. Blake (Cleveland International Film Festival), Lawrence E. Oscar (Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland) and Sonja C. Rice (Asian American Bar Association of Ohio) were recognized for leading their respective organizations and demonstrating a commitment to the public good that inspires and elevates.
“Greening” Your Contracts (Properties Magazine) | JD Supra
Properties Magazine- September 2023 Allocating the Risks and Benefits of Green Construction Sustainable (or “green”) construction practices and the trend toward green buildings are here to stay, driven not only by federal, state, and local legislation, tax credits, and incentives, but also by consumer, corporate, and shareholder demand.
Employing Minors in Construction | JD Supra
Are you a contractor that would like to employ 16 or 17-year-olds (“minors”)? House Bill 33 (establishing the state budget for 2023-25) permits minors to work on construction sites in certain limited situations.
Beware What Your Contract Says: It Just Might Be Enforced | JD Supra
When reviewing a contract, how often have you had the following thoughts: “That provision is so one-sided, there’s no way it will be enforced the way it’s written!” Or “I won’t worry about negotiating that provision; a court would never enforce it as written.” A recent decision from Ohio’s Tenth District Court of Appeals illustrates the risks of that kind of thinking.
Beware What Your Contract Says: It Just Might Be Enforced
When reviewing a contract, how often have you had the following thoughts: “That provision is so one-sided, there’s no way it will be enforced the way it’s written!” Or “I won’t worry about negotiating that provision; a court would never enforce it as written.” A recent decision from Ohio’s Tenth District Court of Appeals illustrates the risks of that kind of thinking.
“Time is of the Essence” – or is it? | JD Supra
It seems that almost every construction contract contains a clause proclaiming that “time is of the essence.” But what exactly does that clause mean? And why is it important? Or is it? The phrase “time is of the essence” means that timely performance is an essential obligation under a contract, and thus failure to perform in a timely manner amounts to a material breach of contract giving rise to the other party’s right to exercise its remedies for breach.
“Time is of the Essence” - or is it?
It seems that almost every construction contract contains a clause proclaiming that “time is of the essence.” But what exactly does that clause mean? And why is it important? Or is it? The phrase “time is of the essence” means that timely performance is an essential obligation under a contract, and thus failure to perform in a timely manner amounts to a material breach of contract giving rise to the other party’s right to exercise its remedies for breach.
Ohio House Of Representatives Passes Bill Considering Prompt Payment Protection For General Contractors | JD Supra
Yesterday, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill (H.B. No. 68) that would amend Ohio’s Prompt Pay Act (ORC Section 4113.61) to provide general contractors with payment protection akin to that currently enjoyed by subcontractors under the Act. House Bill 68 is similar to House Bill 380 (which was proposed in October 2019 but died in committee), but with two important differences. First, HB 68 shortens the proposed payment period from 35 days (as proposed by the House in 2019) to 30 days.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Coronavirus on Construction
The COVID-19 coronavirus is impacting every aspect of the economy, and construction will not be exempt. Materials and deliveries may be slowed, crews quarantined and unavailable, and projects delayed. We view COVID-19 as an event beyond the control of a party (an “act of G-d”), falling within the force majeure provision of most contracts. Some standard form construction agreements already define “force majeure” in such a way as to expressly include “epidemics” (which the COVID-19 coronavirus is).
Ohio Legislature Amends Bill Considering Payment Protection For General Contractors | JD Supra
Updated: May 25, 2018: JD Supra is a legal publishing service that connects experts and their content with broader audiences of professionals, journalists and associations.
Ohio Legislature Considers Payment Protection For General Contractors | JD Supra
Updated: May 25, 2018: JD Supra is a legal publishing service that connects experts and their content with broader audiences of professionals, journalists and associations.
Ohio Legislature Considers Payment Protection for General Contractors
On October 23, 2019, the Ohio House of Representatives introduced a bill (H.B. No. 380) that would amend Ohio’s Prompt Pay Act (ORC Section 4113.61) to provide general contractors with payment protection similar to that currently enjoyed by subcontractors under the Act. Specifically, the proposal would require project owners to pay contractors within 35 days of receiving the contractor’s invoice.
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