United States: Employment and HR

A restaurant chain will pay over $1.1 million to settle EEOC allegations that it systematically refused to hire male applicants for front-of-house positions like servers, bartenders, and hosts. The case highlights how gender-based hiring practices, whether overt or subtle, violate Title VII's merit-based employment requirements.

New York State Senators have introduced legislation that would prohibit post-employment non-compete agreements for licensed healthcare professionals across the state, with enforcement through mandatory liquidated damages and private lawsuits. The bill creates a broad ban affecting physicians, nurses, dentists, and other licensed practitioners, while preserving certain restrictive covenants like confidentiality and client non-solicitation agreements.

The Delaware Supreme Court has reversed a lower court decision that dismissed breach of contract claims against a former employee who allegedly violated restrictive covenants. At the heart of the dispute is a critical question about contract law: when should courts measure consideration—at the time a contract is formed or when it's enforced? The ruling establishes important precedent for employers seeking to enforce noncompete agreements and other restrictive covenants when the consideration provided

A restaurant chain will pay over $1.1 million to settle EEOC allegations that it systematically refused to hire male applicants for front-of-house positions like servers, bartenders, and hosts. The case highlights how gender-based hiring practices, whether overt or subtle, violate Title VII's merit-based employment requirements.

As prevention obligations expand across the UK, California, New York State, and New York City, employers face heightened duties to prevent workplace sexual harassment before it occurs. With the UK's new "all reasonable steps" standard taking effect in October 2026 and US jurisdictions lowering liability thresholds, how can multinational employers navigate these evolving transatlantic requirements?

Universities and organizations face mounting pressure to demonstrate that their sexual misconduct policies are effective and credible in practice. Recent legislation extending statutes of limitations and heightened public scrutiny mean institutions can no longer wait for crises to emerge. This article examines best practices for conducting independent, trauma-informed reviews that address historical failures while building durable compliance frameworks for the future.

Employee benefit plans may require an initial independent qualified public accountant (IQPA) financial statement audit when participant counts or business changes trigger regulatory requirements.

Explore the latest developments in global employment law, including AI's impact on disputes, France's extended duty of vigilance, US noncompete law changes, Brazil's court fee waiver standards, UK pension surplus rules, and new immigration enforcement actions. This edition covers critical updates across multiple jurisdictions affecting employers worldwide.

Explore the latest updates in employee benefits law, including innovations in retirement services, mental health parity guidance, ICHRA regulations, ESOP valuation legislation, and Medicare Part D pharmacy contracting standards. Stay informed on critical developments affecting healthcare compliance, paid family leave, and marketplace enrollment protections.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two new AI in employment bills that will go into effect as of January 1, 2027. These bills will limit and regulate the use of artificial intelligence decision making in the employer-employee relationship.

California's new "No Robo Bosses Act" (SB 947) prohibits employers from relying solely on artificial intelligence or automated decision systems when disciplining or terminating employees, requiring meaningful human review and written notice to affected workers. The law, effective July 1, 2027, establishes strict compliance requirements including corroboration protocols, employee data access rights, and anti-retaliation protections that will fundamentally reshape how California employers deploy AI-driven wor

California workers who report sexual harassment may face subtle retaliation through schedule changes, reduced hours, or sudden performance issues. Understanding how employers...