Category Archives: Legal

Cross-Border Catch-Up: The 468 Rule—What It Means for Hong Kong’s Part-Time Workforce



In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Skye Hao (Atlanta) and Lina Fernandez (Boston) explore the significant changes in Hong Kong’s employment regulations, specifically the transition from the 418 rule to the new 468 rule. The speakers discuss how this change, which will take effect in January 2026, aims to improve protections for part-time and casual workers by redefining the qualifications for continuous contracts. They also examine the implications of these changes for both employees and employers in Hong Kong’s dynamic labor market.


Payroll Brass Tax: SUB Plans—A Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Severance



In this installment of our Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Mike Mahoney, a shareholder in the firm’s Morristown and New York offices and chair of the Employment Tax Group, speaks with Elizabeth Lutes, Executive Vice President of Transition Services, Inc., to discuss supplemental unemployment benefits (SUBs), or SUB plans. They explore how SUB plans can provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional severance packages and cover the potential tax savings, design flexibility, and implementation strategies that make SUB plans a valuable resource for employers facing workforce reductions.


EEOC Exclusive: Looping in Loper Bright—The Discussion



In this inaugural episode of our EEOC Exclusive podcast series, Adam Dougherty (shareholder, Dallas) sits down with Jim Paul (shareholder, St. Louis and Tampa), D’Ontae Sylvertooth (shareholder, Washington) and Sean Oliveira (associate, St. Louis) to discuss the intricacies and processes of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The conversation focuses on the impact of the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision on EEOC regulations following the dismantling of Chevron deference, particularly in relation to the Prichard v. Long Island University case.


Ensuring Smooth Entry: Managing Business Travel in the U.S.



In this podcast, Meagan Dziura (Raleigh) and Derek Maka (Boston) discuss the intricacies of business travel to the United States and the importance of adhering to visa regulations. The speakers cover the limitations of B-1 visas and ESTA authorizations, the risks associated with unauthorized work, and alternative visa options such as the intermittent L-1 and TN visas for frequent business travelers.


Safety Basics XIII: From Inspections to Indictments—The Risks of Criminal Liability in Workplace Safety



In this episode of Ogletree Deakins’ Safety Basics podcast series, John Surma (shareholder, Houston) sits down with Ryan Swink (associate, Houston) to discuss the critical topic of criminal liability in relation to occupational safety and health law. The speakers explore the nuances of the criminal provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, the overlap with federal criminal law, and the implications for employers as they navigate the complexities of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigations and work to reduce potential criminal exposure.


Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region: Anatomy of an OSHA Whistleblower Investigation, Part 2



In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region podcast series, shareholders Frank Davis (Dallas) and John Surma (Houston) conclude their discussion with former federal whistleblower investigator Jeff Cedar. They delve into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) whistleblower process, focusing on the importance of credible evidence in determining whether a complaint is actionable. The speakers highlight the benefits for employers in understanding whistleblower protections under a myriad of laws. They reiterate that actionable complaints must demonstrate four key elements: evidence of a protected activity, the employer’s knowledge of that activity, an adverse employment action, and a causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse employment action.


Payroll Brass Tax: Changes in Tip and Overtime Taxation



In the latest installment of our Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Victoria Vish (shareholder, Dallas) and Stephen Kenney (associate, Dallas) discuss the implications of the recently signed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” highlighting the bill’s no-tax-on-tips and no-tax-on-overtime provisions. Stephen and Victoria also explain the expansion of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax credit to include the beauty and aesthetics industry. They conclude the episode with a discussion on the anticipated Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and its potential impact on reporting requirements.


In The Breakroom With Bill, 8: Workplace Affairs, HR Integrity, and Organizational Trust



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.


Cross-Border Catch-Up: Understanding Colombia’s New Labor Reform Law 2466



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.


The AI Workplace: French Court Rules on Works Councils’ Role in AI Tool Rollout



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.