As you are hopefully aware, in April 2018, Governor Cuomo signed into law a comprehensive policy requiring all New York State employers to provide sexual harassment prevention training and a sexual harassment prevention policy to all employees. The Governor tasked the Department of Labor (“DOL”) and Division of Human Rights with promulgating the exact requirements,…
A recent Newsday article reported that a Smithtown body shop had to pay $400,000 to settle federal charges that it failed to properly pay employees overtime. That amount includes $185,000 in back wages, $185,000 in damages and $30,000 in civil penalties. Violations of wage and hour laws carry significant liability (and notoriety) that few businesses…
You decided to buy or sell a business and found an interested party. Prior to entering into a contract, both of you need to share more information, so you can decide whether and how to move forward. There are 2 essential documents necessary to protect your discussions. Nondisclosure Agreement Before a seller undertakes any detailed…
Not keeping up to date on employment law changes. Every year brings new laws and enforcement priorities from the government with respect to regulating the employer-employee relationship. Employers must keep abreast of these changes to avoid liability. For a recap of some of the recent changes, read Employment Law Changes Employers Need to Know for…
Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy The legislation will require every New York employer to maintain a specific written sexual harassment prevention policy. The Division of Human Rights and Department of Labor have been tasked with creating a model policy, which will include specific complaint forms, access to New York State and Federal Law, anti-relation language and…
Stormy Daniels. Now the most famous porn star in the country, if not the world. Great for water cooler conversation, but very few lawyers ever envisioned her issues with President Trump would have any real legal significance. But her recent lawsuit against the President has brought forth an interesting question: Can a party effectively invalidate…
New York State and New York City laws are ever-changing, and the more employers know, the less risk they face. The following is a primer for employment law changes going in to effect in 2018. New York State Paid Leave Employers should already be aware of this new law, which provides paid leave to employees…
I want to provide an example in my own experience relating to sexual harassment. I was recently at an event where I had an interaction with three other colleagues. Let’s call them Mike, Judy, and Ann. I was sitting with Judy and Ann when Mike approached and gave Judy a long and awkward hug. He…
