Frantz Ward Associate and Host Josh A. Friedman sits down with Associate Ben F. Kerns to break down Cleveland’s new Pay Transparency Ordinance, which took effect Monday, October 27, 2025. They discuss which employers and applicants are covered, what the ordinance requires in job postings, and how restrictions on salary history inquiries will impact hiring practices. Josh and Ben also explore the enforcement process and offer practical compliance insights for employers operating in or around Cleveland.

In this episode, Labor & Employment Associates Katherine E. McLaughlin and Stacey M. Sanderson tackle one of the most common questions from clients in 2025: What’s going on with DEI? With host, firm Associate Josh A. Friedman, they break down the legal shifts employers must navigate following recent executive orders that impact DEI programs. The discussion covers new guidance from the EEOC and DOJ, including the increased risk of harassment and retaliation claims linked to DEI training, the scrutiny on employee resource groups (ERGs), and the implications of a recent Supreme Court decision that levels the playing field for reverse discrimination claims. They also offer practical guidance for employers reviewing their DEI policies and practices.

In the 13 years since Colorado legalized recreational cannabis, the industry has exploded in multiple states across the country. With Ohio as the latest to open its doors to the cannabis industry, Frantz Ward Of Counsel Mia Garcia and Partners Thomas Haren and Keenan Jones examine Colorado’s established cannabis industry and look forward to the expanding industry in Ohio.

The new Trump administration has already implemented significant changes to DEI policies, EEOC enforcement policies, and federal contractor requirements. Join Frantz Ward Partners Megan Bennett and Andrew Cleves as they break down the latest executive orders and discuss new compliance obligations businesses should consider moving forward.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how employers screen candidates and make hiring decisions—but with this power comes responsibility. Join Frantz Ward Partner Megan Bennett and Associate Stacey Sanderson as they explore the intersection of AI and employment law. Discover how is AI changing workplace dynamics, the legal implications of its use in hiring, and the risks of bias and discrimination. From real-world cases to emerging regulations, they provide practical guidance for employers looking to integrate AI into their hiring processes while ensuring fairness and compliance.

Cybersecurity isn't just a tech issue—it's a construction imperative. Join Frantz Ward Partner Brad Reed and Associate Brad Ouambo as they uncover the vulnerabilities within the industry and share actionable advice on defending against cyber attacks. Equip yourself with the knowledge to safeguard your projects and data.

With the Federal Trade Commission recently issuing their “Final Rule,” this leaves employers facing a lot of unknowns along with impending questions about the state of their companies. Labor and Employment Practice Group Chair Brian Kelly and Andrew Cleves join host Mike Smith to delve into what kinds of non-compete clauses will be barred by this rule and what this means for employers moving forward. 

In recent years, the number of OSHA Whistleblower complaints has been steadily on the rise, but why? In the newest episode of Shoveling Smoke, Frantz Ward Partner Christina Niro joins host Chris Koehler as they discuss current trends, how an OSHA whistleblower complaint gets filed and investigated, and how to prepare for and defend against them.

The labor and employment fields seem like they’re in a constant state of change. If you’re looking for an update, why not learn from the best? Labor & Employment Practice Group Partner Christina Niro joins host Chris Koehler as she summarizes some of the recent labor and employment updates that will be covered during the firm’s upcoming annual L&E seminar, “Avoiding Panda-monium in the Workplace,” happening June 14, 2023.  

As businesses continue to face challenges in locating and retaining employees, it’s clear that a key to the growth and success of Northeast Ohio’s economy is the development of the workforce and talent to fill existing job opportunities and those on the horizon. Team NEO’s Jacob Duritsky joins Frantz Ward’s Chris Koehler to discuss Team NEO’s 2022 Aligning Opportunities report, which provides data-driven insights into our region’s talent demand/supply gap. We address the results of the research and how businesses and employees can capitalize on those insights to close the gap to make the region more competitive and ensure prosperity for all Northeast Ohioans.