Blog

July 1, 2024

Workplace Misconduct Investigations: How Involving Legal Counsel can Help Employers Mitigate Risk for their Organization

Even the most seasoned organizational leaders and human resources teams should consider involving legal counsel to assist with complaints and allegations of workplace misconduct. Legal counsel can assist with workplace investigations in a variety of ways, from advising on the necessary steps to take to becoming directly involved and even conducting the investigation on behalf of the employer. It may even be best to let counsel conduct the investigation to ensure thoroughness and impartiality.
May 21, 2024

Exempt Employees May Be Due for a Raise

On April 23, 2024, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor published a final rule updating these exemptions by increasing the minimum salary requirements. Beginning on July 1, 2024, the minimum annual salary to qualify for the EAP exemption will increase from $35,568 to $43,888; on January 1, 2025, it will increase to $58,656. For highly compensated employees, the minimum annual salary will increase on July 1, 2024 from $107,432 to $132,964; on January 1, 2025, it will increase to $151,164.
May 13, 2024

Well, That’s a Surprise: Common Governance Pitfalls

I regularly advise community association executive boards (often called boards of directors) and property managers that the governing documents – the declaration, bylaws and rules - should be regularly reviewed to ensure that they conform to current law. Here are some little known facts that HOA Boards should know.
April 23, 2024

Be Careful Not To Discriminate When Requiring An Employee To Transfer To A New Department

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that a job transfer could serve as the basis of a discrimination claim under Title VII, without a showing of “significant” harm. In Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, Missouri, the Court rejected a significant harm requirement to bring such a claim, indicating that the claimant need only show some injury in their employment.
February 2, 2024

Planning for the Future in HOAs: Start with Knowing the Past

The new year is a great time to plan for the future. There are many useful articles and resources discussing planning for an HOA community’s physical and financial future needs, and it’s great to see that reserve studies and professional property inspections are now common.