Critical Year-End Housekeeping Essentials for Employers

Cliff L. Hammond

As the year draws to a close, now's the time for employers, HR personnel and business owners to conduct a comprehensive check-up. 2025 brought a deluge of changes for employers, especially to sick leave and paid time. From policy updates to legal compliance, proactive housekeeping of your policies and handbooks ensures your organization enters 2026 with clarity and confidence.

The following video features moderator Paul Millenbach and labor & employment law attorney Cliff Hammond as he covers key areas that employers should review prior to 2026...

Implications for Employers as FTC Shifts Strategy on Noncompete Enforcement

Cliff L. Hammond and Mike R. Blum

In the wake of the Fifth Circuit’s injunction against the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) nationwide ban on noncompete agreements and the FTC’s recent decision to withdraw its appeal of that decision, new FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson has signaled a strategic pivot: rather than pursuing broad rulemaking, the FTC will now focus on targeted enforcement against specific anticompetitive conduct. This shift is already underway, with the Commission sending warning letters to industries and pursuing legal action against employers with overly restrictive covenants...

Holiday Checklist: A Practical Guide for Parents and Guardians Traveling with Minors

Destiny R. Hughes and Benjamin M. Williams

With the holiday season already here, many families are quickly approaching their holiday travel plans. Whether across state lines or international borders, when minors are involved, travel preparation for parents or guardians goes well beyond packing holiday gifts and road-trip snacks.

Legal requirements, documentation, and industry safeguards can create unexpected hurdles, making the journey legally complex. Understanding the rules and preparing the right documents can help ensure a smoother journey. Here’s what you need to know...