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.
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
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
Ways Employers Can React to Employees Rescinding a Resignation
I was quoted in a recent article published by Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) exploring ways employers react to employees rescinding their resignation. In some cases, employers might allow the employee to stay, but I offered insight on the legal considerations when making this decision.Continue Reading Ways Employers Can React to Employees Rescinding a Resignation
Employers Must Switch to New Version of Form I-9 by October 31, 2023
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that it will publish a revised Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification), which is used by employers to verify an employee’s identity and employment authorization.Continue Reading Employers Must Switch to New Version of Form I-9 by October 31, 2023
Key Considerations for Emerging Companies: Employment Law Risks
The first few years of operations can be an overwhelming task for emerging companies, especially when it comes to navigating the wide range of employment laws that come with hiring new members of the team. Below is a list of issues to be aware of as you build and structure your workforce. Continue reading to
Don’t Miss Our Labor & Employment Law Seminar: Employee Terminations and Reductions-in-Force | February 13 in Nashville
Join us for a complimentary seminar where we will cover a broad range of issues employers face when discharging employees and provide guidance for successfully assessing and addressing the associated risks and liabilities.
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Program
Topics will include:
- Documenting the discharge
- Workplace violence
No-Nicotine Hiring Policies
In light of U-Haul’s recent announcement it will no longer hire nicotine users in many states, I recently discussed the laws governing this company policy. Many states, such as Tennessee, implemented laws decades ago that protect smokers.
However, as I stated in the article linked below, Tennessee’s “statute is silent as to whether this protects someone from not being hired.” My take is that “employers will likely be watching closely how refusing to hire smokers pans out since there are many other lifestyle choices that affect health.”Continue Reading No-Nicotine Hiring Policies
(Another) Big Bank Pays FCPA Penalty for Hiring Practice
Note: This post originally appeared on the Bass, Berry & Sims GovCon Trade blog. Subscribe to that blog for insight on the demanding and ever-changing regulatory environment of contracting with federal, state and local governments, and international trade issues when conducting a global business.
On September 27, 2019, Barclays PLC agreed to pay $6.3
Best Practices for Background Check Compliance
Tim Garrett provided insight on background check best practices as employers seek ways to balance the need to validate applicants’ background and experience with compliance and privacy issues, particularly amid a surge of legislation, litigation and public scrutiny.
Continue Reading Best Practices for Background Check Compliance