In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter take a close look at the legal landscape surrounding company retreats, inspired by the workplace antics on display at Rockin’ Grandma’s Hot Sauce company retreat in the hidden camera series “Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat.” Joined by Rachel Keene, vice president and assistant general counsel at Accolade, they discuss key considerations for employers when planning an off-site event. The conversation highlights the benefits of retreats for morale, team building, and connection, against the very real risks that emerge when professional boundaries begin to blur. They unpack how “mandatory fun” can create real legal exposure, from harassment concerns to employee injuries and wage-and-hour pitfalls that employers often overlook in the excitement of planning. Whether you are a seasoned HR professional or a manager planning your first company outing, this episode provides practical guidance on designing retreats that build culture while minimizing legal risk.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter revisit the series Emily in Paris to explore what happens when American work habits meet French employment law. Joined by guest Fabienne Haas, a partner at the leading French law firm August Debouzy, they unpack the cultural and legal challenges an American “Emily” might face in Paris — from strict limits on after-hours emails and mandatory vacation, to France’s approach to overtime, layoffs, and the use of contractors and employers of record, offering a candid comparison to the more flexible, at-will U.S. system. The conversation also takes on romance in the “City of Love,” privacy expectations, and France’s robust harassment and investigation requirements. Tune in to hear how multinational employers can avoid missteps, manage cross-border workforces, and adapt their U.S. playbook before it collides with French law.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter are joined by Paul White, a partner at Resolution Economics, to demystify the world of expert witnesses in employment matters. Using memorable clips from My Cousin Vinny, Legally Blonde, and The Big Short, they explore what it really means to be an “expert,” how courts evaluate expert qualifications and methodologies, and the tactics attorneys use to challenge or bolster expert testimony. The conversation examines the crucial role experts play in damages calculations, wage and hour disputes, discrimination and pay equity audits, and emerging AI bias reviews, while highlighting why clear, accessible storytelling is just as important as technical rigor. Tune in to learn how employers and their counsel can partner effectively with experts to turn complex data into practical guidance, manage risk, and control litigation and consulting costs.