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In this inaugural episode of 2025 for our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region podcast series, shareholders John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) discuss President Trump’s new executive orders and their impact on the Dallas region. Frank and John address staffing issues arising from the hiring freeze, explore the “fork in the road” email regarding deferred employee resignations, and examine the return-to-work executive order, among other topics.

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In the second part of our two-part podcast series on H-1B visa applications, Kara Lancaster (shareholder, Raleigh) and Meagan Dziura (of counsel, Raleigh) begin with a deep dive into the process of how individuals selected in the H-1B lottery file petitions (including related travel restrictions) the filing options for those selected (including change of status and consular notification), and the timeline for when individuals can enter the United States. Kara and Meagan touch on special provisions for F-1 students, the importance of considering L-1 visa holders, and other visa categories that may also benefit from entering the lottery. The speakers also cover recent updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the impact of increased fees, and strategies for managing various employee visa situations.

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In part one of this two-part podcast series on H-1B visa applications, Kara Lancaster (shareholder, Raleigh) and Meagan Dziura (of counsel, Raleigh) discuss recent updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and provide valuable insights on how to prepare for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B lottery. Meagan and Kara cover the basics of the H-1B visa, its benefits, and why it is a popular choice among employers. They share practical tips on what steps you can take now to prepare for the registration window, which typically opens in early March, including updates from USCIS and the importance of early planning. The conversation also covers the benefits of the H-1B visa, recent changes to the registration process, and the impact of increased fees on employers.

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In this podcast, shareholders Scott Kelly (Birmingham) and Lauren Hicks (Indianapolis/Atlanta) provide an update on the current status of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which has been in flux since President Trump’s inauguration. Lauren and Scott discuss the uncertainty that federal contractors have faced since the new administration issued Executive Order (EO) 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, which immediately revoked EO 11246 and gave federal contractors and subcontractors 90 days to comply. In addition, they address voluntary compliance options and the considerations for unwinding compliance with EO 11246 (for example, regarding job postings, career websites, self-identification, clauses with vendors and subcontractors, etc.). Lauren and Scott also highlight that the obligations under Section 503 and Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) remain in effect, meaning the annual affirmative action requirements under both programs are still applicable.

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In this podcast, shareholders Scott Kelly (Birmingham) and Lauren Hicks (Indianapolis/Atlanta) discuss the implications of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14173, which aims to end illegal discrimination and restore merit-based opportunities. Lauren and Scott delve into the executive order’s impact on federal contractors and subcontractors, particularly the revocation of Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action and non-discrimination obligations. They also explore the potential future actions of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and the broader ramifications of the executive order.

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In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Skye Hao (Atlanta) and Goli Rahimi (Chicago) discuss changes to South Korea’s childcare support laws that will go into effect on February 23, 2025, and how these amendments will affect South Korean employees and employers alike.

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In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Diana Nehro (New York, Boston), chair of the firm’s Cross-Border Practice Group, and Skye Hao (Atlanta) discuss the use of probationary periods for new employees in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Skye and Diana cover the ins and outs of probationary periods, including how probationary periods enable employers to evaluate a new hire’s performance. They also address common misconceptions about probationary periods, including who is eligible, employer documentation requirements, limitations on maximum duration, and employees’ entitlements to benefits.

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In this episode of our new podcast series, The AI Workplace, Patty Shapiro (shareholder, San Diego) and Sam Sedaei (associate, Chicago) discuss the European Union’s (EU) Platform Work Directive, which aims to regulate gig work and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Patty outlines the directive’s goals, including the classification of gig workers and the establishment of AI transparency requirements. In addition, Sam and Patty address the directive’s overlap with the EU AI Act and the potential consequences of non-compliance.

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In this first episode of our Dirty Steel-Toe Boots podcast series for the year, Tampa shareholders Phillip Russell and Dee Anna Hays discuss anticipated changes and developments within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) during President Trump’s second term. Dee Anna and Phillip address the status of the proposed heat illness standard and walkaround rule, expected changes in OSHA leadership, and the potential impact that the incoming administration’s policies, regulatory adjustments, and enforcement strategies may have on workplace safety and health.

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In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Patty Shapiro (shareholder, San Diego) and Kate Thompson (associate, Stamford) discuss recent updates to employment laws in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Kate kicks off the episode by highlighting amendments to Norway’s Working Environment Act, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. These amendments enhance employee rights and require detailed employment contracts. Patty and Kate also review changes to Denmark’s Posting of Workers Act and the Immigration Act, which will impact foreign service providers. These changes require new documentation uploads to the Danish register by 2025 and 2026. The episode concludes with a discussion about Sweden, where the new EU Blue Card Directive, effective January 1, 2025, aims to attract highly qualified workers by offering flexible employment and residency options.