ALFA International Publications

The world of human resources and labor and employment law has never been stagnant.  In recent years, however, labor and employment laws have changed at rapid speed.  Once general counsel or a human resources professional can catch their breath from the latest swath of changes, another new change is on the horizon.  This article highlights some of the most significant recent changes to labor and em…

Approximately two years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted workplaces around the globe.  The short-term impact was sudden and severe as workers were furloughed, laid off, and forced to adjust to working from home.  Employers adopted new policies to deal with remote working, social distancing, visitors in the workplace, and workplace safety.  Government agencies scrambled to issue guidance to hel…

As John Lennon famously sang, “You say you want a revolution? Well, you know, we all want to change the world.” But what can an employer do when its employees participate in protests or engage in other forms of social and political activism? This panel explored the rights of employees and employers in these situations, what some employers have done, and what employers should consider doing when em…

The Current Debate Regarding Equality v. Equity Federal and State laws have long required equal treatment for protected class members. Is that all that is needed to avoid legal liabilities? The lines between what is “legal” and what is needed to foster a diverse and productive work environment have become increasingly blurred. During the past six decades we have evolved from statutes banning discr…

"No One Will Believe You" Gaslighting involves a malicious and hidden form of mental and emotional abuse, designed to plant seeds of self-doubt and alter your perception of reality. Gaslighting can come up in sexual harassment claims and other types of discrimination cases. This panel discussed how to spot gaslighting when it happens and strategies for addressing it and preventing it. A. What is G…

Employment Litigation Employers cannot prevent every lawsuit that may occur.  However, many claims can be prevented or steps can be taken to ensure that the employer’s defenses are strong.  Regardless of the size of the employer, there are several common mistakes made by most employers that can lead to lengthy and costly litigation, and ultimately make defending a claim much more difficu…

REMOTE WORK IN THE COVID19 ERA COVID-19 catapulted businesses into an often unexplored, mostly-unknown world of remote work. Within just a few months after the COVID19 pandemic began in the United States, the number of full-time US remote workers increased drastically. Workers seemed, for the most part, to appreciate the ability to work remotely, with roughly two-thirds of employees working remote…

In this “turntable” session the panel will lead a group discussion on a variety of litigation topics affecting our respective industries.  Can you “Imagine” a world without virtual litigation . . or is that “Love Here to Stay?”   The panel will also discuss medical lien financing, (did somebody “Call for a Doctor?”),  and “Crazy” legislation affecting longstanding tort reform and other legal princ…

This paper is hitting the presses on the heels of one of the largest personal-injury verdicts to come out of the state of Texas, ever. On Monday of last week, a jury returned a verdict in the amount of $352,772,000.00. The verdict did not include an award for punitive damages. The plaintiff’s attorney had asked for between Five Hundred Million and One Billion dollars. The defense argument implored…

For people old enough to remember the Summer of Love (1967), Woodstock (1969) and President Nixon’s War on Drugs (1971), the events surrounding the cannabis industry present a fascinating social phenomenon, with numerous and far-reaching legal issues. A November 2020 Gallup Poll showed that 68% of US adults support the legislation of cannabis in the United States.  In 1969, the number was 12%. …