Ogletree Deakins Podcasts

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Skye Hao (Atlanta) and Lina Fernandez (Boston) explore the significant changes in Hong Kong’s employment regulations, specifically the transition from the 418 rule to the new 468 rule. The speakers discuss how this change, which will take effect in January 2026, aims to improve protections for part-time and casual workers by redefining the qualifications for continuous contracts. They also examine the implications of these changes for both employees and employers in Hong Kong’s dynamic labor market.

In this installment of our Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Mike Mahoney, a shareholder in the firm’s Morristown and New York offices and chair of the Employment Tax Group, speaks with Elizabeth Lutes, Executive Vice President of Transition Services, Inc., to discuss supplemental unemployment benefits (SUBs), or SUB plans. They explore how SUB plans can provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional severance packages and cover the potential tax savings, design flexibility, and implementation strategies that make SUB plans a valuable resource for employers facing workforce reductions.

In this inaugural episode of our EEOC Exclusive podcast series, Adam Dougherty (shareholder, Dallas) sits down with Jim Paul (shareholder, St. Louis and Tampa), D’Ontae Sylvertooth (shareholder, Washington) and Sean Oliveira (associate, St. Louis) to discuss the intricacies and processes of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The conversation focuses on the impact of the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision on EEOC regulations following the dismantling of Chevron deference, particularly in relation to the Prichard v. Long Island University case.

In this podcast, Meagan Dziura (Raleigh) and Derek Maka (Boston) discuss the intricacies of business travel to the United States and the importance of adhering to visa regulations. The speakers cover the limitations of B-1 visas and ESTA authorizations, the risks associated with unauthorized work, and alternative visa options such as the intermittent L-1 and TN visas for frequent business travelers.

In this episode of Ogletree Deakins’ Safety Basics podcast series, John Surma (shareholder, Houston) sits down with Ryan Swink (associate, Houston) to discuss the critical topic of criminal liability in relation to occupational safety and health law. The speakers explore the nuances of the criminal provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, the overlap with federal criminal law, and the implications for employers as they navigate the complexities of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigations and work to reduce potential criminal exposure.

In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region podcast series, shareholders Frank Davis (Dallas) and John Surma (Houston) conclude their discussion with former federal whistleblower investigator Jeff Cedar. They delve into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) whistleblower process, focusing on the importance of credible evidence in determining whether a complaint is actionable. The speakers highlight the benefits for employers in understanding whistleblower protections under a myriad of laws. They reiterate that actionable complaints must demonstrate four key elements: evidence of a protected activity, the employer’s knowledge of that activity, an adverse employment action, and a causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse employment action.

In the latest installment of our Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Victoria Vish (shareholder, Dallas) and Stephen Kenney (associate, Dallas) discuss the implications of the recently signed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” highlighting the bill’s no-tax-on-tips and no-tax-on-overtime provisions. Stephen and Victoria also explain the expansion of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax credit to include the beauty and aesthetics industry. They conclude the episode with a discussion on the anticipated Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and its potential impact on reporting requirements.

In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region podcast series, shareholders John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) are joined by former federal whistleblower investigator Jeff Cedar for a wide-ranging discussion of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) whistleblower investigation process. Jeff provides a helpful overview of the process, from receipt of a complaint and assignment to an investigator to interviewing complainants and decision-makers. The speakers also review the critical elements in establishing an actionable complaint, including engaging in protected activity, employer knowledge of that activity, an adverse employment action, and a nexus between the protected activity and the adverse employment action.

In this episode of In The Breakroom, host Bill Grob (shareholder, Tampa) is joined by Melissa Bailey (shareholder, Washington, D.C.) to discuss the viral Coldplay concert scandal involving high-profile executives. Melissa and Bill discuss the implications of workplace relationships, the importance of HR integrity, and the legal ramifications for companies, including the PR and financial consequences of going viral. Tune in to hear their analysis on how employers should navigate these tricky situations and the broader impact on organizational trust and culture.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Lina Fernandez (Boston) and Carlos Colón-Machargo (Atlanta) discuss Colombia’s Law 2466 of 2025, a significant labor reform aimed at strengthening workers’ rights. The speakers review the key changes introduced by the law, including the prioritization of indefinite term contracts, new regulations for workplace investigations, adjustments to working hours, expanded paid leave, and enhanced protections for vulnerable groups, among other important updates.

In this episode of our podcast series, The AI Workplace, Sam Sedaei (associate, Chicago) is joined by Cécile Martin (partner, Paris) to discuss a landmark French court case on the a company’s pilot implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on select employees. The Nanterre Court of Justice ruled that deploying AI tool applications in an experimental or pilot phase required prior consultation with the works council due to significant employee interaction with the project. Cécile and Sam highlight the importance of assessing the scope of AI tool experimentation, including how many employees will be trained on and allowed to use AI tools, to determine whether works council consultation is required. Cécile also provides a general overview of the types of works councils in France, their powers, and the circumstances under which employers must inform and consult the councils.

In this installment of our Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Mike Mahoney (shareholder, Morristown/New York) and Stephen Kenney (associate, Dallas) discuss the many issues that come into play when determining how to make the final wage payment for a deceased employee. They outline a three-step process for handling these payments: 1) review state and federal laws to determine who is entitled to receive the final paycheck, how much can be paid, and the timing of the payment; 2) obtain the necessary documentation to release the final wages and verify the legal right of the beneficiary or estate representative to receive the payment; and 3) communicate clearly with beneficiaries or estate representatives to ensure they understand the process and requirements for receiving the final wage payment.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Shirin Aboujawde (New York) and Goli Rahimi (Chicago) discuss the complexities of reversing work-from-home policies from an international employment law perspective. Goli and Shirin review the legal intricacies and potential challenges global employers may face when asking employees to return to the office, highlighting the differences between U.S. and international practices and the importance of careful planning and consultation.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Diana Nehro (shareholder, New York/Boston), who is the chair of the Cross-Border Practice Group, and Skye Hao (associate, Atlanta) discuss the evolving legal landscape of retrenchment in Malaysia. The conversation highlights the importance of genuine selection criteria, the legal requirements established under Malaysian law, and best practices for employers to create a fair and compliant retrenchment process.

In part two of this podcast series, Jim Plunkett, a shareholder in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office, and Meagan Dziura, who serves as of counsel in Raleigh, continue their discussion on the immigration impacts of President Trump’s second term. The speakers examine the increased scrutiny surrounding employment-based visas, the effects of executive orders, and the heightened enforcement measures at the border. They also address the future outlook for temporary protected status (TPS) and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

In part one of this podcast series, Jim Plunkett (shareholder, Washington, D.C.) and Meagan Dziura (of counsel, Raleigh) discuss the significant impacts of immigration policies during President Trump’s second term. The speakers delve into the administration’s use of executive orders, the heightened scrutiny on student visas, and the broader implications for employment-based immigration, providing listeners with a comprehensive update on the evolving landscape and what to expect moving forward.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Patty Shapiro (shareholder, San Diego) and Goli Rahimi (of counsel, Chicago) discuss significant upcoming changes to South Korea’s Labor Standards Act. Goli and Patty cover the new amendments aimed at ensuring timely wage payments, eliminating comprehensive wage systems, and outlining the serious financial and reputational consequences for employers that fail to comply. These amendments are scheduled to take effect in October 2025

In the final installment of this three-part podcast series, Karen Tynan, co-chair of the firm’s Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, and Dan Skoczylas wrap up their discussion on active shooter incidents by focusing on training and practical preparedness tips. Karen, a shareholder based in Sacramento, and Dan emphasize the importance of effective active shooter preparedness training for employers. They discuss the nuances of different training methods and the critical role of policy and record-keeping in reducing the risks of workplace violence.

The second installment of the three-part podcast series features Karen Tynan, who co-chairs the Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, and guest speaker Dan Skoczylas as they continue their discussion of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 2024 report on “Active Shooter Incidents in the United States.” Karen (shareholder, Sacramento) and Dan, who is a workplace violence mitigation consultant, review the report’s data on the duration of incidents and law enforcement response times and what these mean for employer training and preparedness. They also explore the role of security personnel and the importance of recognizing behavioral warning signs.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Skye Hao (associate, Atlanta) discusses some of the hottest cross-border topics of 2025, from the European Union’s (EU) pay transparency directive and non-compete clause reforms to the evolving gig economy and artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. Tune in to stay informed on legislative reforms, case law updates, and emerging trends that are reshaping employer obligations, workplace practices, and employment laws worldwide.