On March 25, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Young v. UPS, what could have been a landmark decision on the rules for accommodating pregnant workers under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (“PDA”).   But the Court punted on … Continue reading →

Layoffs are dominating the business news since West Texas Crude dropped in half.    The world’s three biggest oilfield service firms — Schlumberger, Halliburton and Baker Hughes — have announced a combined 22,000 layoffs in recent months according to a recent … Continue reading →

The recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of the historic civil rights march in Selma reminds me of a conversation I had with a shuttle van driver in Memphis, a city unfortunately associated with tragedy in the struggle for racial … Continue reading →

My first boss in the practice of law was the best boss anyone could ask for.  He gave me great projects and threw me into experiences other lawyers of my young tenure were not so privileged to be provided.  Once, … Continue reading →

We are coming to that time when small and mid-size employers conduct employee reviews and consider year-end bonuses and raises.   The question is should the holiday season be the moment for an employer to assess an employee’s productivity and for … Continue reading →

While at a recent PTO meeting at my 14 year old’s high school, I listened to an inspiring presentation about the HISD “Power Up” initiative. Of the ten identifying factors employers expect schools to educate future employees, two qualities were … Continue reading →

Every employer may be compelled at some point to investigate an employee complaint of harassment or discrimination.  There are simple guidelines to follow when investigating a claim: interview all known witnesses, obtain written statements, and document disciplinary action.  In this … Continue reading →

Having just celebrated the birth of our country, I think about a personal and one of my  favorite American stories. My father-in-law was born in a small town in Poland. In 1938, at age 5, his parents and brother boarded … Continue reading →

For many years as a practicing lawyer, I failed to appreciate vacations.  I was so driven that I could not comprehend that stepping away from work for more than just a long weekend was good for me, my job, and … Continue reading →

An employer can avoid workplace disputes by encouraging basic manners and common sense.  I cannot count the number of workplace lawsuits that stemmed from bad judgment and crass behavior.  Consider these three tips: stop the gossip; limit the alcohol; and … Continue reading →