Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Complete Works of Global Solutions (Abridged and Revised): A Recap and Updates from Previous Episodes of the Global Solutions Series



In this recap edition of our Global Solutions series, Ethan Isaac, Bonnie Puckett, and Carson Burnham look back on the last six episodes and reflect on trends in remote work arrangements in Europe and across the globe, Chinese privacy laws, the new Chinese sexual harassment law, and other topics that have emerged across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic.


TECHPLACE Talk: Political Speech, Social Media, and Off-Duty Employee Conduct—The Trending Risks of Digital Reputational Damage



In this podcast, Danielle Ochs, Jenn Betts, and John Merrell address employer regulation of digital speech and how organizations can be aware of and protect against reputational damage caused by employees both on- an off-duty. The speakers discuss employee commentary (on social media platforms and elsewhere) about social issues, political issues, and protected statuses and groups, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the 2020 elections.


Workplace Safety in California: Riding the Coming Wave of Cal/OSHA Inspections and Citations



In this podcast, Karen Tynan and Kevin Bland discuss how employers can strategize and prepare for the coming wave of COVID-19-related California Division of Occupational Safety (Cal/OSHA) complaints, citations, and inspections, in addition to litigation. The speakers address the trending interplay between Cal/OSHA citations and California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims and other civil actions as well as potential employer missteps such as a lack of documentation.


Global Solutions, Episode 12: Getting Down to Business in a COVID-19 Era



In this episode of the Global Solutions series, Katie Krouse and Adolfo Blonval address sector-specific COVID-19 guidelines that multinational employers may want to consider as they navigate an evolving COVID-19 business environment. The speakers discuss country-specific guidance for various industries, including manufacturing, retail, personal services, tourism, and hospitality.

Katherine Krouse is an associate in Ogletree Deakins’ Atlanta office. Adolfo M. Blonval is a 2018 graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law and is currently awaiting admission to the state bar of Connecticut.


Face Coverings, Vaccines, and the ADA, Part II: What Employers Need to Know



In part two of our two-part series focused on workplace rules and accommodation issues in the COVID-19 era, Jim Paul and Andrew Metcalf discuss flu vaccines, employer policies mandating vaccines, and other wellness decisions that employers may be considering in the next few months. The speakers address the best practices for implementing mandatory vaccine policies, depending on the relevant industry and company culture, in addition to considerations related to accommodation requests.


Face Coverings, Vaccines, and the ADA, Part I: What Employers Need to Know



In part one of our two-part series focused on workplace rules and accommodation issues in the COVID-19 era, Jim Paul and Andrew Metcalf discuss face-covering mandates and the potential employment and customer access concerns raised by masking orders at the local, state, and federal levels. The speakers address the requirements of Title I and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and consider how employers can better deal with the balancing of interests that the ADA requires.


Global Solutions, Episode 11: Stop in the Name of Leave—the Latest on COVID-19 Leave Laws



In this episode of the Global Solutions series, Rebecca Emery and Susanna Bramlett address leaves of absence from employment during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of employees who are ill, considered to be in vulnerable populations, have been exposed to the virus, have an ill family member, or facing childcare challenges as a result of schools that are opening virtually. The speakers also discuss the statutory leave laws that have been enacted since the beginning of the pandemic as well as COVID-19-related reasons that precipitate a leave of absence.


Employment Law Legends, Episode 5: Keeping the Sabbath: Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Hardison



In the fifth episode of the Employment Law Legends podcast series, Paul Rinnan examines the legal battle surrounding the definition of religious accommodations in the workplace and the origins of the de minimis burden standard.


Telecommuting and State Payroll Taxes: The Importance of Nexus During the COVID-19 Pandemic



In this podcast, Randle Pollard and Deborah Andrews discuss how working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic may affect employers’ state payroll tax obligations. The speakers cover how even temporary work-from-home situations, such as those imposed in response to emergency orders, may create a nexus with the employee’s home state, even if the employer does not have an office in that state. The speakers also consider other factors such as reciprocal tax agreements and the “convenience of the employer” rule.


COVID-19 Litigation Series: Leave of Absence Trends and Pitfalls During the COVID-19 Pandemic



In this episode of our COVID-19 Litigation series, Ashley Cuttino, Charles Thompson, and Tina Bengs address the latest litigation trends surrounding leave of absence requests and accommodations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The speakers discuss the possibility of remote work as an alternative to leave, documentation best practices given that agency guidance is in flux, and litigation involving individuals in vulnerable populations.