Blogs

Employment Law

So You Received a DOL Wage & Hour Audit Notice – What’s Next?

Receiving a notice from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division can be unsettling for any employer. While some audits are routine, others can quickly expand into broader investigations and, in some cases, lead to private lawsuits under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). How you respond in the early stages of…

January 20, 2026

Employment Law

Six Employment Law Trends to Watch in 2026: Federal Enforcement and Virginia Updates

As we move into 2026, employers face a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by federal enforcement priorities and state-level initiatives. Below are six critical trends that HR professionals, business leaders, and risk compliance officers should monitor closely. 1. Federal Enforcement Realignment: Budget Cuts and Shifting Responsibilities The Department of Labor (DOL) enters 2026 with a…

December 15, 2025

Employment Law

Understanding the Family and Medical Leave Act: The DOL’s Latest Guidance and Practical Application

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a foundational federal law that helps employees balance work and family responsibilities. Enacted in 1993, the FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons. These include the birth…

November 24, 2025

Employment Law

NLRB Rules Every Non-Union Employer Needs to Know

Even if your business doesn’t have unionized employees, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) still has something to say about your policies, your severance agreements, and even your social media rules. In 2025, the NLRB continued its trend of expanding employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Non-union employers in Virginia are not exempt…

November 24, 2025

Employment Law

Culture, Compliance, and Cocktails: Managing Risk at Corporate Holiday Events

As the holiday season approaches, many companies look forward to hosting office parties as a way to celebrate achievements, boost morale, and reinforce a sense of community. These events can be helpful tools for strengthening corporate culture and enhancing employee identification with the organization. A well-executed holiday party can foster camaraderie, reinforce shared values, and…

November 21, 2025

Employment Law

Using Criminal Background Checks in Hiring? Here’s What You Need to Know

In today’s highly competitive and compliance-driven hiring landscape, criminal background checks have become a standard part of the recruitment process for U.S. employers. According to recent surveys, more than 90% of employers conduct some form of background screening, with criminal history checks being among the most common. Over the past five years, the use of…

October 31, 2025

Employment Law

Contractor or Employee? What Every Virginia Builder Needs to Know Now

General contractors and subcontractors often retain companies and individuals to perform part of their scope of work. This can be done, obviously, by hiring employees or by hiring independent contractors. The question of whether an “independent contractor” is in fact an independent contractor is a repeat arena for disputes and risk in the form of…

October 30, 2025

Employment Law

How Employers Can Legally Manage Social Media in the Workplace

In today’s increasingly digital workplace, social media and employee privacy have become critical considerations for many employers. While platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram can offer valuable insights into prospective and current employees, the line between business interests and employee personal privacy is not always easy to discern. Navigating this balance requires employers to understand…

October 29, 2025

Employment Law

What’s Up When the Government is Shutdown: Employment Issues for Contractors

The federal government shut down that began last night at midnight will have an immediate adverse impact on thousands of federal sector workers across the United States. While the federal government is still funded to provide essential government services, such as Social Security checks and VA benefits payments, non-essential services will not be provided until…

October 1, 2025

Employment Law

Employee Leave and Time-Off Rights in Virginia: Navigating FMLA, PTO, and More

Employees will always need time away from work, whether for health, family, or civic obligations. Both federal and state laws provide leave rights and impose obligations on employers to ensure workers can take this time without risking their jobs. Understanding these requirements is essential for compliance and for maintaining a fair workplace. This guide breaks…

September 18, 2025