Tag: litigation

College Shoots ‘Airball’ in Basketball Coach’s FMLA Lawsuit

An “airball,” or a basketball shot that misses the backboard, rim, and net entirely, sums up an appeals court’s recent opinion about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) retaliation and interference claims filed by a college coach. The ruling contains multiple lessons for all Texas employers covered by the Act.

Lessons on Drafting Employee Agreements

The U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia) recently issued a published decision on an employer’s second appeal of a judgment in favor of its former employee on claims of breaching an employment agreement and misappropriating trade secrets under the Maryland Uniform Trade Secrets Act […]

Companies Report Rise in Labor and Employment Class Actions

Aggressive regulatory action and an increase in workplace safety claims, including many related to the COVID-19 pandemic, have fueled a rise in labor and employment (L&E) collective claims, including “follow-on” class actions, according to Carlton Fields’ 2022 class action survey. 

Customer Contact Info May Be Trade Secret, Georgia Federal Court Rules

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia recently decided a case involving trade secrets and restrictive covenants after a former employee took a customer contact list with him when he left to work with a competitor. The court’s ruling serves as an important reminder for employers.

Federal Appeals Court Finds Town’s Decision Not to Reappoint Employee on FMLA Leave Lawful

The town of Kingston didn’t violate the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or state disability discrimination laws when it decided not to reappoint an employee on FMLA leave to her position after her predetermined term expired, the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Massachusetts employers) recently ruled, upholding a lower court’s opinion. […]

Unconditional Offer to Reinstate Employee Prevents Wrongful Discharge Claim

I often receive calls from employers that say they just met with an employee to talk about job performance, the session didn’t go well, and now the company has received a bizarre communication from the individual and doesn’t know how to proceed. After I’ve read the message and talked with the employer, it becomes clear […]

Timing Matters: Employee Fired During FMLA Leave for Months-Old Problems

Though the following case is still in its infancy, it tees up several common concerns in employment litigation. A new supervisor arrives on the scene and starts pointing out performance problems for the first time (calling into question the veracity of the critique). The employee goes out on leave for medical conditions. The employer decides […]

arbitration

Employee ‘Unaware’ of Signed Arbitration Agreement Compelled to Arbitrate

When launching an arbitration agreement, you must understand the pros and cons of requiring your employees to sign one as well as which workers should be covered and the hurdles of enforcement. Depending on the potential value of the claim to be arbitrated, the filing fee could result in a five-figure charge just to initiate […]

HR

10 Mostly Nonpandemic-Related Challenges Facing HR Pros

The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing but isn’t the only challenge employers face. Here are 10 goals you would do well to consider in the months ahead to mitigate against the risk of an employment lawsuit or agency complaint and position your business to comply with new workplace laws and regulations.