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WEBINAR SERIES RECAP | Employment & Labor

Client Alert, Multimedia
November 15, 2023

BMD Partner and Co-Chair of the Employment & Labor Law Group, Bryan Meek, presented this four-part webinar series.

The Future of Non-Compete Enforcement and Methods for Employer Protection

Originally Aired October 11, 2023

Speakers: Bryan Meek and Amanda Waesch

Non-compete agreements are becoming heavily restricted, and proposed regulations from the federal government further threaten their existence as a tool for employers to protect trade secrets, customer bases, and exclusivity. Learn about the restrictive changes coming for non-competes, how employers can prepare, and other tools that are available to employers to protect business interests.

Employee Misclassification and Discrimination in the Workplace

Originally Aired October 25, 2023

Speaker: Bryan Meek

Terminated employees are increasingly filing for discrimination investigations at state and federal level discrimination agencies. These filings range from gender and race-based discrimination to improper coordination of the interactive process under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, employees are now banding together to bring filings challenging their exemption classifications or classifications as contractors, which lead to class action lawsuits against companies. We discuss the increase in discrimination and wage & hour filings, what employers can do to protect themselves, and what employers should do when they become subject to discrimination and harassment investigations.

Employee Marijuana Use in the Era of Legality

Originally Aired November 8, 2023

Speakers: Bryan Meek and Ashley Watson

Marijuana legalization is taking the country by storm with new states legalizing recreational or medical use of marijuana each year.  Are employers required to allow use of marijuana as a recreational drug outside of work hours? Can employees still be fired if they test positive for marijuana use? Do employers have to allow their employees to use marijuana as prescribed for the treatment of an ailment or disability? Are there added limitations for healthcare workers when it comes to the use of marijuana? Find out the answers to all of your questions regarding the use of marijuana in the workplace.

The New Pregnant Employee Protections in the Workplace

Originally Aired November 15, 2023

Speaker: Bryan Meek

This year, the United States witnessed the biggest changes to pregnant employee discrimination protections since the adoption of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. As a result, pregnant employees and those that are breastfeeding have more significant protections in the workplace than ever before. Get to know the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the Pump Act, as well as how to engage with pregnant employees when seeking accommodations.

Bryan MeekAmanda L. WaeschAshley WatsonLabor and Employment Law
Client Alert

Department of Education Proposes Redefinition of “Professional Degree,” Excluding Nursing and Limiting Graduate Loan Borrowing

February 20, 2026The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would redefine “professional degree” programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposal excludes nursing from the recognized list and would impose new borrowing limits for graduate students while eliminating the Grad PLUS program. Public comments are due by March 2, 2026.Client Alert

First-of-Its-Kind Federal Ruling Finds Use of Consumer AI Tool May Destroy Attorney-Client Privilege

February 17, 2026On February 10, 2026, Judge Jed Rakoff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a first-of-its-kind ruling finding that documents generated by a criminal defendant using a consumer AI platform were not protected by attorney-client privilege after being shared with counsel. The court treated the AI tool as a third party, concluding that entering sensitive information into a publicly available platform may waive confidentiality. The ruling also suggests that the work product doctrine may not apply where AI-generated materials are created independently by a client rather than at counsel’s direction. The decision signals that parties should exercise caution when using consumer AI tools in connection with legal matters.Client Alert

Your Golden Chance for H-1B Lottery Registration - March 2026

February 16, 2026USCIS H-1B registration opens March 4–19, 2026. U.S.-based employees on valid nonimmigrant status are exempt from the $100,000 fee for change of status petitions. The new weighted lottery favors higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, improving odds for advanced degree holders and Wage Level 3 or 4 workers.Client Alert

Invisible Algorithms: The Hidden Role of Artificial Intelligence in USCIS Immigration Processing

February 10, 2026The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now integrated into numerous operational functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These tools are described as mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and assist officers in managing an unprecedented volume of applications. DHS emphasizes that human adjudicators retain decision-making authority and that AI systems do not independently grant or deny immigration benefits. Find out how AI affects the U.S. immigration process.Client Alert

OAAPN | Year In Review: 2026 Ohio Board of Nursing and Ohio Law Rules

February 9, 2026Find out key changes to Ohio law and the Ohio Board of Nursing rules that have directly impacted APRN practice over the past year, including Psychiatric Inpatient Documents, Intimate Examinations, Signature Authority, Duties Related to Fetal Death, Retail IV Therapy Clinics, Release from Permanent Restrictions, Disciplinary Action, Course on Drugs and Prescriptive Authority, Overdose Reversal Drugs, Office Based Opioid Treatment, Withdrawal Management for Substance Use Disorder, Safe Haven Program, and more.
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