Photo of Tracey Diamond

Tracey Diamond counsels clients on workplace issues, provides harassment training, conducts internal investigations, drafts policies and procedures, negotiates employment and severance agreements, advises on independent contractor, FMLA and ADA compliance issues, and partners with clients to structure their workforce in the most efficient and effective way possible.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter explore the dynamics of teamwork, using the beloved characters Sully and Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. as prime examples. Joined by Emily Golden, founder and CEO of Golden Resources, they delve into the characteristics of effective teams, including the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and emotional intelligence. They also discuss strategies to foster effective teamwork among employees. Tune in for an engaging discussion on building strong, collaborative teams and the lessons we can learn from our favorite animated monsters.

Workplace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs face more scrutiny than ever after President Trump’s recent Executive Order targeting DEI policies and programs across the federal government, in private industries that do business with the federal government, and in the private sector generally. In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Emily Schifter and Tracey Diamond discuss the evolving DEI landscape. Joined by their colleague Nicole Edmonds, DEI Committee Chair at Troutman Pepper Locke, they explore the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on DEI initiatives, the rise of reverse discrimination claims, and practical steps employers can take to foster an inclusive work environment. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on navigating DEI opportunities and challenges in today’s evolving legal landscape.

PE Pathways, hosted by attorneys from our Private Equity practice, is a podcast series where experienced dealmakers share their thoughts on current private equity and M&A trends and developments. Stay informed about the latest market trends, regulatory changes, and innovative investment strategies that are shaping the future of private equity. Tune in to listen as our discussions delve into the intricacies of the private equity industry, with topics around deal sourcing and due diligence; portfolio company management; fund formation and compliance; tax and employment issues; and exit strategies among others.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Emily Schifter and Tracey Diamond explore the art of giving and receiving feedback in the workplace. Joined by Tara Weintritt from the Wicker Park Group, they discuss the importance of creating a culture of feedback, best practices in giving and receiving feedback, and the value of specificity and data in measuring and evaluating performance. Listen as Harry Potter favorites Professor Severus Snape, Professor Albus Dumbledore, and Hermione Granger help illustrate effective and ineffective feedback practices, providing practical tips for managers and employees alike. Tune in to learn how to enhance your feedback skills and foster a more productive and supportive work environment.

‘Tis the season for workplace holiday celebrations! In this festive episode of Hiring to Firing podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter are joined by guest Brett Schwab, corporate counsel at D&H Distributing, to delve into the intricacies of office festivities and celebrations. From unforgettable office party tales to crucial legal compliance issues and best practices, this episode has it all. Tune in for practical tips and entertaining anecdotes inspired by Office Christmas Party and Love Actually to help ensure your workplace holiday festivities are merry and bright, and not an HR headache. Happy holidays from the Hiring to Firing team!

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter delve into the critical topic of succession planning, drawing parallels with the popular TV show Succession. Joined by Jan Levine, an experienced attorney and executive coach, they discuss the importance of succession planning and its role in ensuring business continuity and leadership growth and development. The conversation covers managing transitions and practical steps for effective implementation of a succession plan, offering valuable insights for leaders and organizations.

Last Friday, a Texas federal court struck down the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2024 rule raising the minimum salary levels for certain exemptions to the overtime requirements of the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The decision by Judge Sean Jordan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to vacate the 2024 rule applies nationwide to all employers and comes weeks before another increase to the salary levels was set to take effect.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter explore the challenges and benefits of managing a multigenerational workforce, inspired by the movie The Intern. Joined by Naomi Barnett and Elizabeth Stephens from REPAY, they discuss the importance of avoiding stereotypes and fostering a culture of open communication and respect. Listen in for valuable insights and best practices for employers to use in navigating workplaces filled with four generations of workers.

In the final episode of the three-part Hiring to Firing pre-election series, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter continue to explore the various facets of leadership with Jennifer Dubrow Weiss, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. Drawing parallels with the iconic TV show The West Wing, the episode explores how leaders can navigate competing pressures, foster collaboration, and inspire their teams. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends real-world leadership challenges with timeless lessons from President Bartlett and his team.

In part two of the three-part Hiring to Firing series, host Tracey Diamond and new co-host Emily Schifter dive into the complexities of managing employees’ political beliefs and discourse in the workplace, just in time for the upcoming election. Join Tracey and Emily as they welcome Trisha Earls from The Hawkins Firm to discuss best practices for maintaining a professional environment amidst political fervor. With engaging clips from the iconic TV show Mad Men, the conversation explores the legal and practical implications of political speech at work, the importance of an open company culture, and strategies for fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.