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In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2026 podcast series, shareholders Robert Niccolini (Baltimore/Washington) and Anne Larson (Chicago) examine the full lifecycle of managing a challenging employee, from early identification of common types (including the workplace bully and the chronic social butterfly) to targeted strategies for communication, discipline, and documentation. Listeners will come away with a practical framework for prelitigation planning that helps organizations protect themselves before a personnel problem becomes a costly legal dispute.

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In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Patty Shapiro (San Diego) and Goli Rahimi (Chicago) examine a growing trend of companies citing AI adoption as a basis for workforce reductions and how courts around the world are beginning to weigh in on whether those terminations are legally defensible. The speakers discuss how recent rulings from China and Spain reached different conclusions when considering unfair dismissal claims resulting from AI adoption, underscoring why local law, process, and documentation remain critical for global employers navigating AI-driven restructuring decisions.

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In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2026 podcast series, shareholders Scott Kelly (Birmingham/Washington) and Nonnie Shivers (Phoenix) break down key compliance considerations in today’s enforcement environment, including how to identify and mitigate DOJ False Claims Act risks tied to unlawful “proxy” discrimination, the permissibility of recruiting practices in higher education, and the strategic use of privileged analytics to evaluate talent acquisition strategies and reduce legal exposure.

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In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2026 podcast series, shareholders Cynthia Bremer (Minneapolis), Scott James Preston (Indianapolis), and Bethany Wagner (Pittsburgh) examine the evolving landscape of workplace investigations, with a focus on how AI and remote work are reshaping the types and complexity of complaints employers face. The speakers discuss why thorough, well-documented investigations matter—from preserving employee morale to avoiding litigation exposure—and the value of involving in-house counsel early. They also walk through the most critical investigative mistakes to avoid, including selecting the wrong investigator, reaching premature conclusions, and dismissing complaints due to fatigue.

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In this podcast, Shir Fulga, Erin Schachter, and Susan Ivimey discuss important changes to employment standards in Canada that took effect on January 1, 2026, focusing on the extension of long-term illness leave in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and new rules in Saskatchewan that prohibit employers from withholding tips. Additionally, they cover the introduction of new job-protected leaves in Saskatchewan, which include maternity leave and leave for interpersonal violence, as well as new provisions allowing for the substitution of public holidays.

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The Department of Justice’s reclassification of certain marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III marks a significant shift in federal drug policy, and employers are now facing new questions about how to respond. In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2026 podcast series, shareholders Christina Mallatt (Indianapolis) and Tae Phillips (Birmingham), who co-chair the firm’s Drug Testing practice group, are joined by Phillip Russell (Tampa) to examine what the change means for workplace drug testing programs, ADA accommodation obligations, and the broader landscape of cannabis-related employment policies. Tune in for practical guidance on how employers can evaluate and update their policies in light of this evolving regulatory environment.

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As social and political expression in the workplace grows more charged, employers face mounting pressure to set clear boundaries—and enforce them consistently. In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2026 podcast series, shareholders Brandon Shelton (Charlotte/Indianapolis), Mike Bell (Denver/Dallas) and Virginia Wooten (Charlotte) explore the legal framework governing employee speech, the risks that come with inconsistent policy enforcement, and what in-house counsel and HR professionals need to know in today’s polarized environment. Listeners will come away with practical guidance on policy design, manager training, and how to respond when personal beliefs and workplace expectations collide.

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In this podcast, shareholders Kevin Bland (Orange County) and Karen Tynan (Sacramento) discuss strategies and tactics that Cal/OSHA attorneys commonly employ during administrative trials, including how they handle opening statements, inspector testimony, hearsay evidence, and cross-examination. Karen, who is chair of the firm’s Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group, and Kevin offer practical insights for employers on what to expect from opposing counsel—whether they are facing a seasoned litigator or a newer attorney—and how to effectively prepare witnesses and handle evidentiary challenges. The speakers provide a candid look at real courtroom dynamics and offer tips for achieving favorable outcomes in Cal/OSHA proceedings.

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In this podcast, shareholders Lauren Hicks (Indianapolis/Atlanta) and Chris Near (Columbia) deliver a quick update as of May 2026 on the current state of OFCCP, breaking down recent developments in data collection, pending rulemaking, changes in agency leadership, and the White House’s proposal to again defund OFCCP in next year’s budget.

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In this podcast, shareholders Lauren Hicks (Indianapolis/Atlanta) and Chris Near (Columbia) walk federal contractors and subcontractors through the key compliance obligations triggered by Executive Order (EO) 14398 and the FAR Council’s guidance implementing it. Lauren and Chris break down the new contract clause requirements, False Claims Act implications, and what the “known or reasonably knowable” standard means for prime contractors managing their supply chains. The speakers finish with practical takeaways on auditing internal DEI programs, mapping subcontractor exposure, and preparing for tight contract modification deadlines.