In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter draw on leadership lessons from the Tom Hanks classic, Saving Private Ryan, to show how military principles can elevate civilian workplaces. Joined by Retired.com VP of Human Resources, Rick Cuellar, Army veteran, they connect military best practices to corporate HR, sharing practical guidance on effective leadership, crisis management, and training. Tune in for actionable takeaways, including crisis readiness frameworks, compliance insights on military leave and caregiving, and strategies for meaningful veteran support.

Following the June 1, 2025, effective date of the New Jersey Pay and Benefit Transparency Act, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has issued proposed regulations explaining compliance with the Act. As we previously reported, the Act requires employers to disclose salary or wage ranges and benefits in job postings and to reasonably notify current employees of promotional opportunities.

Since the White House issued the executive order titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” requiring payment of $100,000 for foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S. in H-1B status, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has published guidance on its website to address ongoing ambiguities.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter explore critical lessons in workplace safety through the lens of the legendary film Apollo 13. Joined by Greg Narsh, Troutman Pepper Locke counsel from the firm’s Environmental & Natural Resources group, they share insights into whistleblower protections and emerging safety trends. Discover how OSHA regulations can guide employers in maintaining a safe work environment and learn about the importance of training and preparedness in preventing workplace accidents. Tune in for an engaging discussion that combines cinematic drama with practical safety strategies for employers and employees alike – “Houston, we have a problem!”

On September 19, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a False Claims Act (FCA) settlement with a New Jersey shipyard that allegedly hired subcontractors employing undocumented workers. The recent settlement highlights an ongoing shift in the federal government’s strategy to enforce immigration laws aimed at businesses with federal contracts. It also underscores the Trump administration’s stated focus on enforcing immigration laws through various legal avenues, including criminal, civil, and administrative investigations and enforcement actions against employers.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter delve into the viral Coldplay kisscam incident that led to the resignation of two top executives. Joined by Kristin Jones, Troutman Pepper Locke partner from the firm’s White Collar Litigation + Investigations group, they explore the intricate legal and ethical challenges that arise from workplace crises. The conversation highlights the importance of having a strong crisis management plan in place to navigate the fallout from such viral incidents and the broader impact of social media on corporate governance. Tune in to gain insights into how companies can transform potential PR disasters into opportunities for growth and learning.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs discuss the nuanced differences between mediation and arbitration. Joined by Eric Max, senior lecturer at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, they dive into why mediation often emerges as the preferred method for resolving employment disputes. Through entertaining clips from The Office, Grace and Frankie, and NCIS, they explore real-world mediation techniques and the importance of neutrality in conflict resolution. Tune in to discover valuable insights on how mediators can effectively manage emotions and facilitate problem-solving, ensuring a cost-effective and confidential resolution process.

The White House has issued a new executive order titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.” This order is directed at foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S. in H-1B status, suspending entry of such travelers unless a fee of $100,000 has been paid.

Labor + Employment Workforce Watch is a guide to the employment law developments most likely to impact your business. The Troutman Pepper Locke Labor + Employment Team represents employers in the most sensitive workplace matters, enabling our clients to concentrate on their core business operations. Our team is adept at handling and managing labor and employment issues on national, international, and local levels. Recognized as a leading law firm by Chambers USA, our attorneys provide comprehensive advice on every type of employment issue a company may encounter, at every stage of the employment life cycle.

Three nearly simultaneous actions of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed its intentions with respect to employee noncompetes. In the first two related actions, the FTC indicated it will not defend its 2024 rule banning virtually all worker noncompetes and will instead focus on efforts to rein in the use of “unfair and anticompetitive” noncompetes. The FTC’s third action notified the public of its intent to accomplish its goals, at least in part, through a wide-ranging request for the public to identify employers using noncompetes, followed by targeted enforcement actions.