On May 19, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the launch of the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which will use the federal False Claims Act (FCA) to pursue claims against recipients of federal funds that knowingly violate federal civil rights law.
Employee Handbooks and Policies
Navigating Tennessee Background Check Laws: A Guide for Employers
Employers in Tennessee face a complex legal landscape when conducting background checks on job applicants. Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws is essential to mitigate legal risks and maintain fair hiring practices. Below, we outline the key aspects of Tennessee background check laws and employer obligations.Continue Reading Navigating Tennessee Background Check Laws: A Guide for Employers
Webinar | ICE Workplace Raids: Best Practices and Preparation for Employers

Along with my colleagues Anna Grizzle, Lisa Rivera and Elizabeth Warren, I provide guidance and best practices on effectively responding to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid.Continue Reading Webinar | ICE Workplace Raids: Best Practices and Preparation for Employers
President Trump Revokes Executive Order 11246
“Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” (Order) is one of President Trump’s most recent executive orders. The Order was signed on January 21, 2025. The Order revoked Executive Order EO11246 (EO11246), along with several other previously enacted executive orders aimed at promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. EO11246 has been in effect since 1965. The White House stated in a fact sheet that the Order will streamline the federal contracting process to “enhance speed and efficiency, reduce costs, and require Federal contractors and subcontractors to comply with [] civil rights laws.”Continue Reading President Trump Revokes Executive Order 11246
Federal Judge Strikes Down Increased FLSA Salary Basis Threshold
A federal judge in Texas recently ruled that the Department of Labor (DOL) did not have the authority to increase the salary basis threshold for the so-called “white-collar” exemptions from overtime. This ruling means that the new rule has been vacated nationwide, will not go into effect, and the previous increase has been rescinded. Continue Reading Federal Judge Strikes Down Increased FLSA Salary Basis Threshold
Use of AI in Human Resources
We recently authored an article for HR.com’s HR Legal & Compliance Excellence magazine examining the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resources and considerations employers should watch for when adopting AI technology.Continue Reading Use of AI in Human Resources
Legal Risks Associated with Employee Handbooks
I recently discussed the use of employee handbooks and provided insight on how employers can avoid legal risks.Continue Reading Legal Risks Associated with Employee Handbooks
Register Now | A Step-by-Step Approach to Navigating EEOC Charges Webinar

Responding to a charge from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can often be a complex and opaque process, fraught with red tape. To alleviate this burden, we have developed a comprehensive roadmap to assist employers, in-house counsel and human resources professionals in managing EEOC charges from start to finish, while avoiding common pitfalls and mitigating potential risk exposure.Continue Reading Register Now | A Step-by-Step Approach to Navigating EEOC Charges Webinar
Notices Under FTC Rule on Non-Competes: What Should I Be Doing Now?
As previously covered on our HR Law Talk blog, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) non-compete ban (FTC Rule or the Rule) is scheduled to take effect on September 4, 2024. Issued in April, the FTC Rule prohibits all non-competes arising out of employment relationships – with the exception of existing agreements with “senior executives,” as defined by the Rule. Although many legal experts have hypothesized that the federal courts would enjoin the Rule, the future of the FTC Rule remains uncertain. Accordingly, employers must remain informed on the most recent court rulings involving the FTC Rule and prepare as though it will take effect on September 4.Continue Reading Notices Under FTC Rule on Non-Competes: What Should I Be Doing Now?
Scope and Impact of the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule for Employers
On April 23, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to adopt a monumental final rule prohibiting employers from entering into non-competes against all workers within the jurisdiction of the FTC – a move that is poised to reshape how employers approach employment agreements.Continue Reading Scope and Impact of the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule for Employers