Employment
HR Alert: EEOC Challenges DEI Hiring Practices
Since the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, the understanding of how Title VII applies to employers was not up for significant debate. Under the current federal administration, though, that appears to be changing. E…
HR Alert: Employment Law Liability & Volunteers
Many organizations rely on the work of volunteers to make meaningful impacts in their communities. But what if a volunteer engages in discriminatory behavior? Even though a volunteer may not be considered an employee, th…
HR Alert: What Employers Need to Know Before Using Credit History
New York employers have another hiring compliance issue to add to the list. Effective April 18, 2026, New York significantly restricts when employers may request, receive, or use an applicant’s or employee’s consumer credi…
HR Alert: What to Know About New York’s “Trapped at Work” Law Amendment
Late last year, we blogged about a new law in New York that prohibits employers from trapping employees by obligating them to repay certain costs if they don’t remain employed for a specific period of time. In February, Go…
HR Alert: Employee or Independent Contractor Status? Navigating the Fed’s 2026 Proposed Rule
As we previously discussed, on February 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revise its analysis for distinguishing between employees and in…
HR Alert: Retaliation Under New York’s Human Rights Law
When an employee reports discrimination, harassment, or asks for a reasonable accommodation, a lot of small business owners focus on the underlying complaint. That makes sense. But there’s another risk that can become just…
HR Alert: New York Sexual Harassment Training Is Required Every Year, Even for Small Employers
New York employers must provide sexual harassment prevention training every year, even if they’re small. Learn what the law requires and how The Coppola Firm offers compliant live and online training.
HR Alert: New DEI Executive Order Targets Federal Contractors, But the Law Hasn’t Changed
President Trump’s new DEI Executive Order puts federal contractors and subcontractors on notice, but it does not rewrite federal or New York discrimination law. Small businesses and nonprofits need to understand what the O…
HR Alert: NLRB Issues Final Rule Restoring the 2020 Joint Employer Standard
The NLRB’s recent decision restores the more employer-friendly joint employment standard from 2020 despite D.C. Circuit decision in Browning-Ferris.
HR Alert: EEOC Votes to Cancel 2024 Harassment Guidance
In late January, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to rescind its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace (“2024 Harassment Guidance”). In a 2-1 vote, Chair Andrea Lucas and Co…