Is Your Special Needs Child’s Education Being Served by the Special Needs Laws?
By suzen Pettit
There is a federal law that protects children who have special needs in education. The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (“IDEA”) requires school districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities in need of special education and related services. Once a child is classified as having special needs, the district must develop […]
Employers: Know the Differences Between the New York and Federal FMLA Guidelines
By suzen Pettit
As an employer, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the laws that govern employee leave, specifically those related to family and medical situations. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) at both the federal and New York State levels offers protections and obligations that affect how you manage your staff. Keep in mind […]
Does the New York’s New Non-Compete Law Limit or Eliminate Non-Compete Agreements?
By suzen Pettit
Recent legislation in New York has significantly changed the law on non-compete agreements. Bill 3100, which creates a new section in the New York State Labor Law, prohibits employers and employees from entering into non-compete agreements. NY Senate Bill 6748 would invalidate existing non-compete agreements. Both bills were signed into law in 2023. As a result, […]
Is the New NYC Employment Law Targeting the Use of AI in Hiring a Good Thing?
| suzen Pettit |
New York City has enacted a law to prevent discrimination against people by robots, which is to take effect Jan. 2, 2023. The City Council has enacted a law to prevent bias by “Automated Employment Decision Tools.” According to Bloomberg News: “Employers in the city will be banned from using automated employment decision tools to […]
New York and LA Big Law Firms Sell Out By Representing Russian Banks: Shame On Them
| Joe Carbonaro |
From the Desk of Joe Carbonaro Some big Law firms in New York and LA have sold out again, this time agreeing to represent Russian interests in this time of global crises. In my opinion, this is reprehensible. I represent people and companies that have legal problems. Many are well-founded, many are not. I do […]
NY State Employment Discrimination: It’s Not That Simple
| suzen Pettit |
New York State and City anti-discrimination laws go significantly further than federal law to protect employees from discrimination by employers. New York protects more categories of people and makes proving some forms of NY state employment discrimination easier than current federal law. Here’s the rundown of types of illegal, enforceable discrimination against employees New York […]
New York Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Rights
| suzen Pettit |
The New York State legislature is considering whether to enact a new law that would nullify any employment agreement in which the employee waives his or her right to sue the employer due to negligent management of the Covid-19 pandemic. What are your New York Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Rights? Enacting this law would mean that […]
How the Fair Labor Standards Act Affects Small Businesses
| suzen Pettit |
If you are a small business owner, there are some potential traps laid by New York’s Labor Law (NYLL) and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that even the most well-intentioned amongst you could fall prey to. The New York State Labor Law and the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act are powerful tools for […]
Statute of Limitations Extension Opens the Door for Adult Victims of Childhood Abuse
| suzen Pettit |
It’s been said all good things come to those who wait. For adult victims of childhood sexual abuse, their “good thing” may finally be here. New York recently joined the growing number of states extending the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits for sexual abuse. The statute of limitations extension opens the door for adult […]