New York employers are now obliged to provide both current and former employees with access to their personnel files. Based on recently passed legislation by the New York State Legislature titled the Employee Personnel Record Access Law (“EPSA”), employees will now have unprecedented access to their employment files. Beginning November 8, 2026, employers will be…
Artificial intelligence has rapidly moved from a novelty to an everyday business tool. From drafting emails and summarizing documents to analyzing data, preparing marketing materials, and screening applicants, employees across Long Island and New York City are actively using tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini. For New York business owners, this widespread adoption raises a…
Many business owners sign merchant cash advance agreements (MCAs) because they need money fast. The problem is that these deals can be expensive, sometimes much more expensive than what they first appear to be. What looks like quick funding can turn into a costly obligation that continuously drains the business every day. If your company…
Has a legal claim been asserted against you? Do you think you have a claim against someone else and want to know whether to pursue it? Think twice before “chatting” with an AI chatbot about your legal matters. A recent court ruling, United States v. Bradley Heppner, from the U.S. District Court for the Southern…
Significant amendments to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) have officially taken effect. These updates broaden employee entitlements and introduce new administrative requirements for any employer with staff operating within the five boroughs. The New 32-Hour Unpaid Bank In addition to existing paid safe and sick leave (40 or 56…
Both federally and in New York State, legislators and Departments of Labor have pushed for laws removing or limiting the use of non-competes to restrict employees from working in their field of choice after exiting employment. While New York Courts have already limited an employer’s ability to create “unreasonable” restrictions, the state has yet to…
In late 2025, New York enacted the Trapped at Work Act, which restricts an employer’s ability to require repayment of sign-up bonuses, relocation allowances, tuition and education payments (often called “stay-or-pay” provisions). The 2026 Amendments: Following significant feedback from the business community regarding the law’s unintended consequences, the Legislature passed Chapter Amendments in January 2026….
Maintaining compliance with wage and hour laws is essential for all New York employers. As of January 1, 2026, the final phase of the state’s scheduled minimum wage increases has taken effect: NYC, Long Island, and Westchester Counties: $17.00 per hour. Remainder of the State: $16.00 per hour. Exempt Salary Thresholds A key aspect of…
