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How Can I Avoid Suits Related to Hiring Practices?

In yesterday’s Advisor, attorney Allison West offered tips for avoiding defamation and fraud lawsuits. Today, her tips on recruiting, plus an introduction to a unique, web-based, turnkey employee training system. West, principal of Employment Practices Specialists in Pacifica, CA, gave her advice at SHRM’s Employment Law and Legislative Conference, held recently in Washington, DC. Here […]

IRS on How 401(k) Administration Is Affected by Excess Compensation

When an employee’s compensation exceeds the annual limit, how does that affect 401(k) salary deferrals and what employers and plan administrators have to do? In the March 20, 2012 edition of Employee Plans News, the IRS provides an answer. The IRS says that unless plan terms provide otherwise, the 401(k) salary (elective) deferral limit is […]

Here’s to the Crazy Ones

I’ve been reading Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs. It’s an interesting read because Jobs was a fascinating character. Jobs was a polarizing figure, revered by many and hated by others. But regardless of how anyone might feel about him, there’s no denying the man was a creative genius. Shortly after Jobs’ death I wrote […]

Office Romance in the Real World

Office romances are one of the biggest legal risks managers can take, says attorney Jonathan Segal. Even when relationships appear to be totally consensual, they’re dangerous from a legal standpoint.

Blue-Pencil Correction of Noncompete Gets Red Light from Canadian Court

By Marisa Victor and Yael Wexler Noncompetition clauses in employment contracts are difficult to enforce in Canada. Courts tend to regard them as unreasonable restraints on trade. Any ambiguity usually will be fatal. Nor will the courts generally use a “blue pencil” to remove ambiguous words. This was made clear in the recent appellate decision […]

Beyond Discrimination: What Else Can You Be Sued for?

Most employers are all too aware of the danger of discrimination lawsuits, but there are many other legal threats in the HR arena. In today’s Advisor, attorney Allison West SPHR briefs employers on defamation, negligence, and fraud lawsuits . West, principal of Employment Practices Specialists in Pacifica, CA, offered her tips at SHRM’s Employment Law […]

Final Health Reform Exchange Rules Flesh Out Privacy and Security Requirements

Final rules that will govern the state-based insurance exchanges created by health reform include more detailed privacy and security requirements for the exchanges themselves and participating insurers. These restrictions also will apply indirectly to agents, brokers and others involved in this process. In the rules, published March 27 (77 Fed. Reg. 18310), the U.S. Department […]

Splish Splash

Litigation Value:  California and his cohorts swimming nude in front of employees = far too much to calculate; Andy trying to get his “monog” on = one trip to the hospital for an oxygen-deprived Dwight; and Kevin getting to create a party without the party planning committee’s input = priceless. This was certainly not our […]