Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
A blog by the attorneys at the law firm of Ford & Harrison about the popular television series “The Office.” Each article takes a look at a different episode, and summarizes the employment law lessons for the week.
Litigation Value: $2,000 for intentional infliction of emotional distress (caused by seeing Al Roker dance a jig before the commercial break) Watching the cast of The Office take on a group of American Gladiators in Celebrity Family Feud was just too great an opportunity for me to pass up last night. I was happy to […]
Though no repeat on NBC tonight, I have very good news to report! The cast of The Office will appear on a celebrity version of the Family Feud on NBC, Tuesday night at 8 p.m Eastern / 7 p.m. Central. Undoubtedly, with that cast (and others on that night – namely American Gladiators), there will […]
Another week without even a rerun, so to find something to write about, we turn to Steve Carrell’s movie catalogue. Anchorman proves to provide plenty of HR lessons — lessons that are strikingly similar to those we see with Michael Scott and gang in Scranton. LITIGATION VALUE: $1,000,000 (in pre-inflation, 1976 dollars). Obviously, there is […]
In “The Deposition” episode of “The Office,” Michael Scott tries to testify against his employer, Dundler Mifflin, after his girlfriend Jan Levinson sues the company for wrongful termination. While Michael is being deposed, his e-mail, personal diary, and performance reviews are used. Employment law attorney Troy Foster reminds us that “that nothing at work should […]
Dwight Shurte and Creed Bratton from The Office both have blogs. Dwight warns readers that they shouldn’t be reading his blog while they are at work. Employment law attorney Troy Foster reminds HR and employers that they should have policies about employees blogging about work as well as at work. With another week with no […]
My love of “The Office” causes me to lament these weeks where we don’t get a new episode (or even repeat) to enjoy. But while I certainly miss my weekly dose of Michael and gang, I need not look further than our very own United States Supreme Court to provide us with more scintillating material […]
LITIGATION VALUE: $200,000 (should Hunter lose interest in Jan and sue); $30,000+ (in emotional distress for those who had to witness Jan’s “love dance”). You know it’s a funny episode when you laugh out loud, even though you are all by yourself — and you’ve seen it before! For the second time, “Dinner Party” does not disappoint. Tonight’s […]
Last week’s episode of The Office, “Goodby Toby,” sure gave us plenty to chew on. So, I’m taking advantage of this week’s break to turn to another Dunder Mifflin pickle presented by the finale — Kevin. As we saw, Dwight planted the seed with Holly that Kevin is mentally disabled. Kevin’s natural demeanor certainly drove […]
Litigation Value: $300,000 per claim (until respected HR manager is in place). Though there is so much to write about — office romance, sexual harassment, what Kevin might be regarded as, pranks involving animals, and fraud — tonight, in honor of Toby’s departure, I want to focus on monsters. It is no secret that Michael […]
HARASSMENT CLAIMS: $200,000 – $300,000. NEGLIGENCE/PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS: $50,000 – $75,000. WATCHING ANDY EAT IT IN THE SAND PIT: Priceless. It is truly my honor to take over this blog for my good friend, Julie Elgar. She has provided us all with great practical and legal tips over the past year, and we will miss […]