‘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!

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.
Succession Planning: Expert Strategies and Tips From Succession
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.
Federal Court Strikes Down DOL’s 2024 Rule on Overtime Exemptions Nationwide
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.
Navigating Multigenerational Dynamics: Inspired by The Intern
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.
Leadership Lessons From The West Wing
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.
Managing Political Discourse at Work With Lessons from Mad Men
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.
Leading the Ted Lasso Way: Cultivating a Positive Leadership Mindset
As the nation awaits the 2024 presidential election and its outcome, Hiring to Firing podcast introduces a three-part series focusing on key issues top of mind for company executives: inspirational messaging and managing political discourse in the workplace. In this first episode, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs discuss lessons learned from the beloved TV character, Ted Lasso. Joined by Steve Lewis, former chairman of Troutman Pepper, they explore the parallels between good parenting and effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of optimism, curiosity, and team collaboration. Steve shares his journey from practicing attorney to leading a top 50 law firm, offering insights on navigating a major merger during the pandemic. Tune in for practical wisdom on fostering a positive and productive workplace culture.
Exploring Employment Law Across Borders: Italy vs. US With White Lotus
In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs dive into international waters with Annalisa Reale, a Labor and Employment partner of the Chiomenti Law Firm in Milan, Italy. Inspired by season two of the popular TV show, White Lotus, set in Taormina, Sicily, Annalisa shares insights from representing Italy’s luxury fashion and hospitality clients in employment issues. Listen in as the group examines the differences between Italian and U.S. employment laws, touching on the evolving issue of enforceability of noncompete agreements across the world.
Hiring to Firing Podcast Named Finalist for PRNEWS Platinum Award
We are thrilled to announce that our own Hiring to Firing Podcast has been named a finalist for the prestigious PRNEWS Platinum Award in the Digital & Social Media – Podcast category. This recognition highlights the podcast’s innovative approach to discussing key labor and employment issues through the lens of popular culture. The winners will be revealed at an awards event in October.
Pennsylvania Limits Noncompete Agreements for Health Care Practitioners
On July 17, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill (HB) 1633, the Fair Contracting for Health Care Practitioners Act (the Act) into law. At a high level, the Act: (1) limits the enforceability of noncompetes against certain health care practitioners; and (2) imposes a notice obligation on employers of those practitioners.