In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs delve into the complexities of employing foreign workers with special guest Robert Lee, partner at Troutman Pepper who leads the firm’s immigration practice. Listen as they discuss various work visas and legal compliance issues involving business immigration. The episode also explores the real-life implications of visa denials and the process of marriage-based citizenship, featuring clips from the popular film, The Proposal, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

Continue Reading Employing Foreign Talent: Visa Challenges and Compliance Insights, Featuring <em>The Proposal</em>

Q. Is there a new standard in New Jersey for disparate impact discrimination?

A. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights recently proposed new rules revising the legal standard for disparate impact discrimination and outlining the burdens of proof required under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. In addition to outlining a new standard for disparate impact discrimination in employment, the rules also include updated standards and guidance for housing, housing financial assistance, public accommodations, and contracting sectors.

Continue Reading New Jersey Proposal for New Rules Pertaining to Disparate Impact Discrimination

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs are joined by Terri Gillespie, general counsel at Stateside Brands, a family-run business. The three draw parallels from the popular TV series, Modern Family, and share their own personal experiences working with family members. Join us for an engaging conversation, offering practical advice on how to navigate the unique challenges of working with family while making the most of its benefits.

Continue Reading Unique Challenges and Benefits of Family-Run Businesses, Inspired by <em>Modern Family</em>

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosts Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs, along with Erin Cannon, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Troutman Pepper, draw parallels between the popular reality TV show Big Brother to discuss the future of corporate DEI programs after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. They discuss the benefits of affinity groups, the importance of allyship, and the significance of focusing on inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

Continue Reading The Reality of DEI Programs: A <em>Big Brother</em> Perspective

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Tuesday, May 21 • 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently voted along party lines to enact a comprehensive ban on nearly all worker noncompetition provisions. This final rule, which applies to a broad range of employers and employees – from entry-level to executives, is scheduled to become effective on September 4, 2024, 120 days following its publication in the Federal Register on May 7, 2024.

Continue Reading Understanding the FTC’s Noncompete Ban: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers

In this insightful episode of our Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Considerations in Mergers and Acquisitions podcast series, attorneys Paul Porretta and Christopher Stock delve into the complex world of multiemployer pension plans. They discuss critical considerations for businesses contemplating the purchase of entities that contribute to these plans. Topics include evaluating the implications of multiemployer pension plan contribution obligations and withdrawal liability exposure, key diligence to focus on, and deal points the parties may consider. Join us to uncover the significant risks and liabilities associated with these plans and gain valuable insights into strategic planning for your business’ future.

Continue Reading Multiemployer Pension Plans in Mergers and Acquisitions

Q. Has OSHA issued any new rules addressing employees’ rights to have representation during an OSHA inspection at a private employer’s worksite?

A. Yes. Earlier this month, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a Final Rule that significantly revises OSHA’s longstanding regulations concerning an employee’s right to choose a representative to participate during OSHA’s physical inspection of a workplace. Under the new final rule, employees will be permitted to bring other employees or nonemployee third parties (including nonemployee union representatives) on OSHA walkarounds at union and nonunion workplaces, if these individuals are “reasonably necessary to the conduct of an effective and thorough physical inspection of the workplace by virtue of their knowledge, skills, or experience.” The new rule will take effect on May 31.

Continue Reading OSHA’s “Walkaround” Rule Allows Union Reps and Others Access to Private Worksites During Inspections

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a final rule, “Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees,” which significantly raises the salary thresholds for exemption from overtime pay for bona fide executive, administrative, and professional employees.

Continue Reading New DOL Rule: Changes to Salary Thresholds for Overtime Exemptions

This article was republished on EACC-NY on April 25, 2024.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted along party lines (3 to 2) to ban all worker noncompetition provisions. The final rule applies to all employees, including senior executives, and will become effective on September 4, 2024.

Continue Reading FTC Bans Employee Noncompete Clauses

In this episode of the Hiring to Firing Podcast, Partners Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs, along with Dan Sieck, a partner in the firm’s Corporate practice group, discuss the hit TV show Silicon Valley and the concept of garden leave. What are the pros and cons of having employees sit on the bench? What is the difference between garden leave and noncompete agreements? Tune in for an engaging dialogue on this unique aspect of employment transition.

Continue Reading Unraveling the Concept of Garden Leave: Insights From <em>Silicon Valley</em>