One question that often arises for employers is: “Can we terminate someone without cause?” This question touches on a set of legal considerations around employment status, contracts, and termination rights. Business owners benefit from understanding the nuances of “cause” in termination decisions, particularly in the contexts of at-will employment and contract provisions, to make decisions that protect both the Read More

When a company has to let someone go, the words used to describe it matter more than you might think. Whether someone is "laid off" or "terminated" isn’t just a technicality—it can have significant consequences for both the employee and the business. These terms get tossed around interchangeably, often to soften the blow, but they mean very different things. Understanding those differences is essential, especially Read More

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is in full effect. If you employ 15 or more people, this law applies to you, and the consequences of noncompliance are serious. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is already accepting charges for violations under the PWFA, and it’s critical that you take action now. Failure to accommodate pregnant workers or mishandling requests for accommodations could put Read More

In a significant move by the United States Department of Labor (DOL), a new rule set to reshape the threshold for overtime pay exemptions has been completed. This change not only underscores the DOL's commitment to adapting federal labor standards to modern economic realities but also poses critical implications for both employers and employees across various sectors. What You Need to Know About the New Rule April Read More

There’s no denying it. The use of AI and its rapid advancement is facing widespread speculation about the future of human jobs. Before we jump fatalistically onto one bandwagon or another, it’s important to sit back and think objectively about discerning the actual effects of AI on employment, particularly within the next decade or two.These developments will undoubtedly shape our professional industries, but it’s Read More

Garden leave, a common practice in the UK, is gradually making its way across the Atlantic, offering American businesses a compelling alternative to the traditional non-compete agreement. This practice involves a simple yet effective premise: when employees leave a company, they do so while still being paid for a predetermined period during which they are not allowed to begin new employment. This period allows the Read More

The term "at-will" implies that either the employer or the employee can end the employment relationship at any time, with or without reason. However, the freedom to dismiss an employee at will does not absolve employers of the need to conduct terminations judiciously. Proper procedure is not just important, it's crucial, to not only minimize legal risks but also to preserve the integrity and morale of the workplace. Read More

Hiring the right people is crucial for your business. These days, it's not just about skills and experience–it's about making sure they can legally work in the U.S. The recent updates to Form I-9 and the upcoming overhaul of the E-Verify system signal significant shifts in how companies must verify employee eligibility in the United States. These changes are not just bureaucratic red tape; they are pivotal in Read More

It’s in the best interest of every employer and employee to work toward maintaining a harmonious work environment. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to function as a team player, making contracts necessary in essentially every business interaction, including employment agreements. Luckily, not all conflicts require traditional court systems, making arbitration an especially appealing choice as alternative dispute Read More

Preemptive action against workplace discrimination isn't merely advisable; it's imperative for establishing an environment grounded in respect and inclusivity. More urgently, it also helps mitigate the risk of discrimination lawsuits. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, along with various state laws, underscores the legal obligations of employers to ensure an equitable workplace free from discrimination based on race, Read More