Category Archives: Uncategorized

Executive Order 14173: What Federal Contractors Need to Know



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.


Cross-Border Catch-Up: Understanding South Korea’s Childcare Law Updates



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.


Cross-Border Catch-Up: Tips for Implementing Probationary Periods in APAC



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.


The AI Workplace: Understanding the EU Platform Work Directive



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.


Dirty Steel-Toe Boots, Episode 26: OSHA’s Role During President Trump’s Second Term



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.


Cross-Border Catch-Up: Norway, Denmark, and Sweden’s New Employment Laws



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.


California’s New Workplace Violence TRO Law: What Employers Need to Know



In this podcast, shareholders Karen Tynan (Sacramento) and Charles Thompson (San Francisco) discuss California Code of Civil Procedure Section 527.8, which allows employers and unions to obtain temporary restraining orders (TROs) in response to credible threats of violence in the workplace. Charles, who co-chairs the firm’s Leaves of Absence/Reasonable Accommodation Practice Group, and Karen, who co-chairs the Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, review the nuances involved in securing TROs and share best practices to help prepare employers for situations where a TRO may be necessary. The episode concludes with practical tips for actions employers can take after the new law goes into effect on January 1, 2025.


Safety Basics IX: Understanding OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard



In this installment of Ogletree Deakins’ Safety Basics podcast series, John Surma (Houston) is joined by Jeff Leslie (Dallas) and Ryan Swink (Houston) to discuss OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. The speakers cover the criteria for what constitutes a hazardous chemical and outline the five key elements of the Hazard Communication Standard: (1) identification, (2) labeling, (3) safety data sheets, (4) employee training, and (5) program implementation. They also provide insights on how employers can achieve compliance with OSHA regulations.


Nevada’s New Safety Rules: Can Employers Beat the Heat?



In this podcast, Karen Tynan, the West Coast chair of the firm’s Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group, and Noel Hernandez from the firm’s Las Vegas office discuss Nevada’s newly adopted heat illness regulation. The regulation, which went into effect on November 15, 2024, applies to employers with more than ten employees and requires them to provide employee training and conduct a written job hazard analysis. Noel and Karen review the regulation’s trigger temperature and outline the responsibilities of employers, which include providing drinking water, scheduled rest breaks, and cooling measures. They also share valuable insights for Nevada employers affected by the new regulation.


Top Issues for U.S. Employers in Germany



In this podcast Jim McGrew, Ogletree’s chief client services officer and Dr. Martin Römermann a shareholder in the Berlin office, discuss some of the top issues (e.g. employer of records, data protection and formal requirements) U.S. employers face when conducting business in Germany.