Category Archives: Legal

Cross-Border Catch-Up: The Growing Global Trend of the Right to Disconnect



In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Lina Fernandez (Boston) and Kate Thompson (New York/Boston) discuss the growing trend of “right to disconnect” laws that permit employees to disengage from work-related communications and activities during non-working hours. Kate and Lina explore how right-to-disconnect legislation is being implemented in various countries, including Spain, Peru, Colombia, Thailand, and Canada. Lina and Kate also highlight the importance for global employers to stay informed and compliant with these evolving regulations.


Safety Basics XII: Key Insights Into OSHA Investigations and Inspections



In episode 12 of Ogletree Deakins’ Safety Basics podcast series, John Surma (shareholder, Houston) sits down with Karen Tynan (shareholder, Sacramento) to discuss the intricacies of OSHA inspections and investigations. Karen and John cover how to effectively manage interactions with OSHA and ensure compliance. They also discuss the various types of inspections, the importance of understanding employer rights, and best practices for handling document requests, walkarounds, and employee interviews.


Cross-Border Catch-Up: Flexible Global Hiring—The Non-Resident Employer Approach



In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Patty Shapiro (San Diego) and Shirin Aboujawde (London), both of whom are members of the firm’s Cross-Border Practice Group, discuss what it means to be a non-resident employer, including the benefits and challenges associated with employing staff abroad without establishing a legal entity. Shirin and Patty address key legal and compliance risks, such as the importance of adhering to local employment laws and managing tax liabilities. They also explore the flexibility that being a non-resident employer offers, such as the relative ease of hiring employees in foreign markets without the lengthy process involved in setting up or dismantling a local entity.


Unwinding Executive Order 11246: What Federal Contractors Need to Know



In this podcast, shareholders Chris Near (Columbia) and Lauren Hicks (Indianapolis, Atlanta) discuss federal contractors’ and subcontractors’ obligations in unwinding Executive Order (EO) 11246, which mandates affirmative action programs for women and minorities. Lauren and Chris focus on the new administration’s EO 14173, the ongoing requirements for affirmative action programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities, and the necessary adjustments contractors must make to their policies, self-identification processes, and internal communications.


Cross-Border Catch-Up: EORs and Their Impact on Global Workforce Management



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 Patty Shapiro (shareholder, San Diego) discuss the evolving legal landscape surrounding global Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements. Patty and Diana explore the concept of EORs and their implications for global employment, tax, and immigration policies. They highlight trends for employers to consider, such as the increasing assertion of jurisdiction by home countries over foreign companies hiring local talent through EORs, as well as the challenge that EORs face in sponsoring work visas. They also provide insights on recent and anticipated policy changes in Kenya, Canada, and Singapore.


Safety Basics XI: OSHA Citations—From Costs to Compliance



In this installment of Ogletree Deakins’ Safety Basics podcast series, John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) delve into the intricacies of handling Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations. Frank and John discuss the stakes involved with OSHA citations, explore the potential hidden costs that extend beyond just the fines, and outline the key steps employers should consider when they receive a citation. The speakers also cover the informal conference process, the procedure for contesting citations, and the importance of evaluating how citations can impact business operations.


Cross-Border Catch-Up: Compliance with Puerto Rico Meal Break Requirements



In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Carlos Colón-Machargo (shareholder, Atlanta) and Skye Hao (associate, Atlanta) discuss the specific regulations regarding meal periods for nonexempt employees in Puerto Rico. Carlos and Skye cover the unique rules, exceptions, and penalties related to meal breaks that employers must understand to ensure compliance and avoid costly liabilities.


Cross-Border Catch-Up: Japan’s Expanded Childcare and Caregiver Leave



In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Carlos Colón-Machargo (Atlanta) and Goli Rahimi (Chicago) delve into the upcoming amendments to Japan’s childcare and caregiver leave laws. Goli and Carlos discuss how these changes aim to promote flexible work arrangements and expand leave entitlements, as well as the implications of these expanded entitlements for employers.


Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region: Staying Safe During Texas Wildfire Season



In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region podcast series, shareholders John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) discuss the critical topic of workplace safety during wildfire season. With Texas currently facing significant wildfires, Frank and John discuss essential OSHA guidelines, preparedness steps, and emergency action plans to ensure the safety of employees in affected areas.


Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region: The DOJ’s New Position on ALJs—What Employers Need to Know



In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region podcast series, shareholders John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) discuss the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent statement concluding that the removal restrictions for administrative law judges (ALJs) are unconstitutional. Frank and John explore the implications of this decision for employers, particularly those facing OSHA citations, and examine its broader impact on the evolving legal landscape of OSH Act enforcement.