Avoiding State Law Pitfalls
May 28, 2008
Navigating the treacherous waters of federal employment law is not easy. Well-intentioned employers can unknowingly violate some of the more complicated (albeit well-known) laws like the Family & Medical Leave Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act due to a lack of familiarity with the applicable regulations or the case law interpreting them. When an employer has operations in multiple jurisdictions, the analysis becomes even more complex due to circuit splits on pivotal issues.
Reasonable Accommodation of Religion Under Title VII
May 28, 2008
Employers are increasingly faced with the challenge of responding to employee requests to be relieved of work requirements related to religious beliefs and observance. This article provides general background regarding the definition of 'religion' and 'religious belief' in the context of providing a religious accommodation, and an overview of the growing body of case law that deals with the employee's right to seek and the employer's obligation to provide a 'reasonable accommodation.'
Rediscovering Chapter 9 As Financial Woes of Municipalities Escalate
May 27, 2008
Last month, the authors discussed the fact that even though Chapter 9 of the Bankruptcy Code has been in effect for over 30 years, fewer than 100 Chapter 9 cases have been filed during that time. Municipal bankruptcy cases ' or, more accurately, proceedings involving the adjustment of a municipality's debts ' are a rarity, compared with reorganization cases under Chapter 11. This, however, may be changing. The authors now continue that discussion.
Mother Loses Custody after Tour in Iraq
April 28, 2008
A New York appellate court affirmed a family court ruling that granted primary physical custody of a child to his father after the mother went through a period of absence and upheaval starting with her tour of duty in Iraq.
Even Non-Union Employees Have Rights Under the NLRA
April 28, 2008
Even in today's increasingly non-union workplace, management must not ignore laws enacted primarily to protect unions. To do so could have a serious impact on non-union environments. All employers should exercise caution before taking disciplinary or other adverse action against employees for conduct that could be perceived as group activity. Here's why.
The Employment Discrimination Class Action Is Alive and Well
April 28, 2008
Just when some thought it might be safe to presume that class action discrimination lawsuits under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act were on the wane, several recent decisions involving the huge retailer, Wal-Mart, Inc., should give many employers pause for thought.
A New Avenue for Retaliatory Discharge Claims
April 28, 2008
As courts across the country continue to visit the issue of employment-at-will, the results show states continuing to chip away at the once mighty doctrine. Here's a look at one such case in Tennessee.
Background Checks: Handle with Care!
April 28, 2008
Many employers routinely conduct background checks on applicants and employees to verify their prior employment history. Oftentimes, an outside service is used to obtain the critical information and then provide a brief analysis as to its significance. However, as demonstrated in a decision from the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, both the employer and outside contractor can be sued for defamation ...
Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell: What Lessons Lie Here for Your Firm?
March 28, 2008
You might not have followed, or might not even be aware of, a suit by former Sullivan & Cromwell associate Aaron Charney against his firm, and the firm's subsequent suit against Charney. Gossip aside, the case, which settled on Oct. 25, 2007, should be noted by law firms, if for no other reason, than to learn how not to handle discrimination and retaliation complaints.
