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Almost two years ago, in March 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued a Charge of Discrimination against Nike, alleging that aspects of the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) policies may have resulted in discrimination against white employees and job applicants. Most recently, in an escalation of its investigation, on February 4, 2026, the EEOC took the unusual step of filing a subpoena […]
Following in the workplace comedy mockumentary footsteps of shows like The Office and Superstore, St. Denis Medical focuses on the staff of an Oregon hospital as they navigate the stress of medical emergencies amidst the often absurd details of their personal and professional relationships. This all-star ensemble cast includes the hilarious Wendi McLendon-Covey as Joyce, the hospital administrator, who is equal parts […]
Many business disputes are effectively lost long before a lawsuit is ever filed. With only 24 hours in a day and constant operational demands competing for attention, business owners frequently postpone addressing emerging conflicts, often under the mistaken belief that “we can deal with it later.” In reality, delay can be costly. By the time […]
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools have quietly moved from novelty to fixture in how lawyers and their clients research, write, and prepare for litigation. Two U.S. federal courts just issued the first rulings of their kind addressing the legal consequences of that shift. The decisions are must-reads, and they carry immediate, practical lessons for anyone […]
The Massachusetts Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) workforce data reporting deadline of February 2 – established by the Wage Transparency Act that became effective in 2025- has now passed. Covered employers were required to file their EEO reports with the secretary of the commonwealth by that date. Employers who met the deadline should retain confirmation of their submission for their records. Those who did not file on time […]
The U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to all West Virginia employers) has been busy deciding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation cases this year. In at least two cases, it found that the employees were not protected by the ADA with regard to discrimination and failure-to-accommodate claims because they were not […]
As HR professionals, and really as people, we opt to be nice and polite when dealing with anything in the workplace. But what happens when that blanket “agreeable”-ness produces a stagnant and stale environment instead of something productive? When the status quo becomes more harm than good, how can you break the mold? Amira Barger, […]
The Department of Labor (DOL) rang in the new year with some new guidance for employers covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This time, the DOL addressed whether an employee’s travel to and from medical appointments qualified as FMLA-protected time. Example Scenario An employee who works from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. […]
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a half-day program on January 27, 2026, focused on employee noncompetes. The FTC indicated its intent to pursue prosecution of agreements that violate antitrust or otherwise inappropriately limit employee choice. However, the commission is not reproposing the prior rule banning all noncompetes. If workers have issues, the agency suggests […]
Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are getting ready to cast their ballots ahead of the fast-approaching 98th Academy Awards. Final voting opens on February 26th and closes on March 5th, ten days before the golden statuettes are awarded to the winners. This year’s final Oscar voting is especially noteworthy: Academy members must watch all the films nominated […]