In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region podcast series, shareholders John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) are joined by former federal whistleblower investigator Jeff Cedar for a wide-ranging discussion of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) whistleblower investigation process. Jeff provides a helpful overview of the process, from receipt of a complaint and assignment to an investigator to interviewing complainants and decision-makers. The speakers also review the critical elements in establishing an actionable complaint, including engaging in protected activity, employer knowledge of that activity, an adverse employment action, and a nexus between the protected activity and the adverse employment action.

In this episode of In The Breakroom, host Bill Grob (shareholder, Tampa) is joined by Melissa Bailey (shareholder, Washington, D.C.) to discuss the viral Coldplay concert scandal involving high-profile executives. Melissa and Bill discuss the implications of workplace relationships, the importance of HR integrity, and the legal ramifications for companies, including the PR and financial consequences of going viral. Tune in to hear their analysis on how employers should navigate these tricky situations and the broader impact on organizational trust and culture.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Lina Fernandez (Boston) and Carlos Colón-Machargo (Atlanta) discuss Colombia’s Law 2466 of 2025, a significant labor reform aimed at strengthening workers’ rights. The speakers review the key changes introduced by the law, including the prioritization of indefinite term contracts, new regulations for workplace investigations, adjustments to working hours, expanded paid leave, and enhanced protections for vulnerable groups, among other important updates.

In this episode of our podcast series, The AI Workplace, Sam Sedaei (associate, Chicago) is joined by Cécile Martin (partner, Paris) to discuss a landmark French court case on a company’s pilot implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on select employees. The Nanterre Court of Justice ruled that deploying AI tool applications in an experimental or pilot phase required prior consultation with the works council due to significant employee interaction with the project. Cécile and Sam highlight the importance of assessing the scope of AI tool experimentation, including how many employees will be trained on and allowed to use AI tools, to determine whether works council consultation is required. Cécile also provides a general overview of the types of works councils in France, their powers, and the circumstances under which employers must inform and consult the councils.

In this installment of our Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Mike Mahoney (shareholder, Morristown/New York) and Stephen Kenney (associate, Dallas) discuss the many issues that come into play when determining how to make the final wage payment for a deceased employee. They outline a three-step process for handling these payments: 1) review state and federal laws to determine who is entitled to receive the final paycheck, how much can be paid, and the timing of the payment; 2) obtain the necessary documentation to release the final wages and verify the legal right of the beneficiary or estate representative to receive the payment; and 3) communicate clearly with beneficiaries or estate representatives to ensure they understand the process and requirements for receiving the final wage payment.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Shirin Aboujawde (New York) and Goli Rahimi (Chicago) discuss the complexities of reversing work-from-home policies from an international employment law perspective. Goli and Shirin review the legal intricacies and potential challenges global employers may face when asking employees to return to the office, highlighting the differences between U.S. and international practices and the importance of careful planning and consultation.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Diana Nehro (shareholder, New York/Boston), who is the chair of the Cross-Border Practice Group, and Skye Hao (associate, Atlanta) discuss the evolving legal landscape of retrenchment in Malaysia. The conversation highlights the importance of genuine selection criteria, the legal requirements established under Malaysian law, and best practices for employers to create a fair and compliant retrenchment process.

In part two of this podcast series, Jim Plunkett, a shareholder in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office, and Meagan Dziura, who serves as of counsel in Raleigh, continue their discussion on the immigration impacts of President Trump’s second term. The speakers examine the increased scrutiny surrounding employment-based visas, the effects of executive orders, and the heightened enforcement measures at the border. They also address the future outlook for temporary protected status (TPS) and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

In part one of this podcast series, Jim Plunkett (shareholder, Washington, D.C.) and Meagan Dziura (of counsel, Raleigh) discuss the significant impacts of immigration policies during President Trump’s second term. The speakers delve into the administration’s use of executive orders, the heightened scrutiny on student visas, and the broader implications for employment-based immigration, providing listeners with a comprehensive update on the evolving landscape and what to expect moving forward.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Patty Shapiro (shareholder, San Diego) and Goli Rahimi (of counsel, Chicago) discuss significant upcoming changes to South Korea’s Labor Standards Act. Goli and Patty cover the new amendments aimed at ensuring timely wage payments, eliminating comprehensive wage systems, and outlining the serious financial and reputational consequences for employers that fail to comply. These amendments are scheduled to take effect in October 2025