Conventional wisdom used to dictate that employers should refrain from taking political positions, and employees' personal political views had no place in the workplace. The widespread use of social media has changed this calculus today. While technically not part of an employee's workplace behavior, employees' personal social media accounts are...
Last month, the U.S. Copyright Office (the “Copyright Office”) proposed new rules that would make it easier to obtain copyright registration for frequently updated news websites. The Copyright Office invites comments on the proposal which must be in writing and received by the Copyright Office by February 20, 2024.[1] Background...
Under New York Labor Law (NYLL), employers generally must pay “manual workers” on a weekly basis. Following a 2019 appellate-level court decision recognizing a private right of action for violations of this requirement, numerous class action lawsuits have been filed by employees and former employees claiming damages for “late paid”...
RPJ Managing Partner Helen D. (Heidi) Reavis was recently interviewed by Above the Law’s Staci Zaretsky to discuss how RPJ, a progressive women-led law firm, has fostered its culture and ways in which other law firms might work to accomplish the same. Ms. Reavis emphasizes the role of support, flexibility,...
The classification of a worker as an employee or an independent contractor can make a big difference in terms of the worker’s rights and the employer’s obligations. For example, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (the “FLSA”), covered employers must pay their non-exempt employees no less than the then-current federal...
In this article, Alice K. Jump and Ethan Krasnoo explore some of the issues raised by recent changes in employment law, as well as some specific requirements regarding waiting periods, tax implications, case dismissal requirements and enforceability under New York and federal law. In a bygone era, parties could settle...
RPJ Partner Ethan Krasnoo’s legal analysis concerning the California Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act is featured prominently in a recent Fox News Digital article. In the article, Mr. Krasnoo explains the purpose of the Act, stating that "the purpose is to give alleged victims a second bite at...
By: Jill Kahn Marshall and Anna Beckelman At the end of 2023, following a breakdown in attempts at compromise with the State Legislature, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed Senate Bill S3100A, which was passed by both houses of the State Legislature earlier this year, and would have implemented...
By: Daniel J. Ain and Ariana Zhao With 2024 underway, it’s worth reflecting on the flurry of lawsuits brought in 2023 by creators against owners of artificial intelligence technology companies that have forced the intersection of AI and intellectual property rights under the legal spotlight. With the unprecedented growth of...
By: Alice K. Jump and Ariana Zhao It is a common practice to insert “non-solicitation” clauses in employment contracts and severance arrangements. But what does the term “solicit” really mean? Cracking open our dusty Black’s Law Dictionary, we find the word defined as “to appeal for something, to apply to...