In part two of this two-part Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Mike Mahoney (shareholder, Morristown/New York), who is the chair of the Employment Tax Group, and Stephen Kenney (associate, Dallas) continue their conversation about unemployment tax rate notices. The speakers discuss managing claims to protect employers’ rates and different strategies like voluntary contributions, with special guidance for M&A, nonprofits, seasonal industries, and multistate employers.

n this podcast recorded at our 2025 Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive® seminar, Tiffany Stacy (office managing shareholder, San Antonio) and Lisa Burton (office managing shareholder, Boston, Portland, ME) explore the complexities of conducting investigations of highly sensitive issues. Lisa and Tiffany offer insights and tips for handling claims involving sexual harassment, alleged incidents of sexual assault or similar misconduct, and cases with potentially aggravating circumstances such as minor employees and/or the use of substances. The speakers cover important considerations such as maintaining confidentiality, preserving evidence, the value of attorney-client privilege, the importance of having an investigator with high emotional intelligence, handling interviews and making credibility assessments, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of employees and assigned investigators, and reporting responsibilities.

In part one of this two-part Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Mike Mahoney (shareholder, Morristown/New York), who is the chair of the Employment Tax Group, is joined by Stephen Kenney (associate, Dallas) to demystify unemployment tax rate notices—the one piece of mail that can swing your payroll costs by thousands or even millions. The speakers unpack how rates are calculated, what to check the moment a notice arrives, as well as when and how to appeal.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Shirin Aboujawde (New York) and Patty Shapiro (San Diego) discuss Spain’s new Royal Decree 1155/2024, which clarifies when non-European Union (EU) nationals holding a valid work permit in another EU member state can perform short-term, project-based work in Spain without securing a separate Spanish permit. The speakers explain the criteria for posted workers, outline the visa and residence requirements for assignments lasting up to 180 days, and offer practical takeaways for global employers managing cross-border deployments.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Patty Shapiro (shareholder, San Diego) and Shirin Aboujawde (of counsel, New York) discuss the complexities of conducting background checks from an international employment law perspective. The speakers review the varying regulations and practices across different jurisdictions, including limitations on criminal background checks, the nuances of employment references, and the permissibility of drug testing and medical exams.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Lina Fernandez (Boston) joins Julie Brooks (New York) to discuss Italy’s fast-evolving rules on fixed-term contracts, from the 12- and 24-month thresholds to the new grounds introduced by Law 85/2023. The speakers also explain caps on headcount, fresh prohibitions, heightened damages exposure and the practical steps multinationals must take now to avoid unintended conversions to open-ended employment.

In this podcast recorded at our recent Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive® seminar, Nonnie Shivers (office managing shareholder, Phoenix) and Scott Kelly (shareholder, Birmingham) discuss the rapidly changing and increasingly complex legal landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, focusing on recent enforcement trends and guidance from the EEOC and Department of Justice. Scott, who is chair of the firm’s Workforce Analytics and Compliance Practice Group and Government Contracting and Reporting Practice Group, and Nonnie, who is co-chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Compliance Practice Group, provide insights into new priorities, enforcement actions, and practical considerations for employers navigating DEI compliance, including the risks of rebranding or modifying programs without addressing underlying legal concerns. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding both current and emerging legal frameworks to effectively manage risk and opportunities in workplace DEI efforts.

In this podcast recorded at our recent Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive® seminar, Tae Phillips (shareholder, Birmingham), Jim Paul (shareholder, St. Louis/Tampa), and Scott Kelly (shareholder, Birmingham) continue their discussion of the EEOC’s evolving enforcement priorities—with a particular focus on gender identity issues. Scott (who chairs the firm’s Workforce Analytics and Compliance Practice Group) analyzes recent executive orders, legal challenges, and the impact of Supreme Court decisions such as Bostock and Muldrow on workplace protections for transgender individuals. Scott also highlights the complexities faced by nationwide employers due to varying federal, state, and local laws, as well as the intersection of gender identity and religious objections in the workplace—which underscores the importance of staying informed about both legal developments and practical workplace challenges.

In this podcast recorded at our recent Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive® seminar, Tae Phillips (shareholder, Birmingham), Jim Paul (shareholder, St. Louis/Tampa), and Scott Kelly (shareholder, Birmingham) continue their discussion of the EEOC’s evolving enforcement priorities—this time focusing on disability discrimination. Jim (who is co-chair of the firm’s Disability Access Practice Group) highlights a lack of new federal initiatives on disability access, a reduction in federal enforcement resources, and an increase in private and state-level actions regarding disability rights. The episode concludes with practical advice for employers to maintain strong disability accommodation policies and emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in handling disability accommodation requests despite shifting federal enforcement trends.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Goli Rahimi (Chicago) and Tatjana Serbina (Berlin) break down Germany’s evolving requirements for recording employee working hours. The speakers discuss the 2019 European Court of Justice ruling mandating all EU member states to require employers to establish an objective system of recording employee working hours under the working time directive and how Germany has since implemented this decision in its own laws. The speakers provide practical steps employers should take to ensure compliance—especially in the era of remote and flexible work.

In this podcast recorded at our recent Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive® seminar, Tae Phillips (shareholder, Birmingham), Jim Paul (shareholder, St. Louis/Tampa), and Scott Kelly (shareholder, Birmingham) continue their discussion of the EEOC’s evolving enforcement priorities—this time addressing religious discrimination, harassment, and accommodations in the workplace. Jim (who is co-chair of the firm’s Disability Access Practice Group) examines recent trends, including the rise in religious accommodation requests, the impact of federal executive orders, and the challenges employers face in navigating religious and political overlap in employee requests. The conversation highlights the complexities of accommodating diverse religious beliefs while maintaining compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and fostering a respectful work environment.

In this podcast recorded at Ogletree’s recent Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive® seminar, Kristin Higgins (office managing shareholder, Dallas) and Jenn Betts (office managing shareholder, Pittsburgh) discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by employers, including in hiring and recruiting. Jenn, who is co-chair of Ogletree Deakins’ Technology Practice Group, and Kristin provide an overview of California’s newly effective regulations prohibiting employers from using an “automated decision system” to discriminate against applicants or employees on a basis protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Kristin offers an overview of the consumer-focused Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, which goes into effect in January. They conclude the discussion with pointers for employers, such as forming workgroups to evaluate new AI tools before deploying them in the workplace.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Patty Shapiro (shareholder, San Diego) and Goli Rahimi (of counsel, Chicago) focus on the multifaceted Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, home to over 40 countries, each with its own legal system, language, and business culture. Goli and Patty explore the diverse landscape of employee protections and employer obligations, from hiring and onboarding to employment contracts and terminations.
They highlight critical stages where compliance risks may arise and the importance of understanding cultural norms. Patty and Goli also provide a brief overview of Japan's lifetime employment system and South Korea's similar approach to employee protections, as well as some of the unique challenges for employers in India, Australia, and Taiwan.