On this episode of Work This Way, hosts Tina and Jennie explore whether being overweight could be treated as a protected class in the workplace. In reference to recent studies showing how weight bias can influence hiring, pay, and promotion decisions, Jennie breaks down how weight is currently treated under federal law, the growing patchwork of state and local protections, and why employers can still face significant risk even where weight is not explicitly protected. We also examine how weight discrimination intersects with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including claims based on perceived disabilities and underlying health conditions. Tune in for an insightful discussion!

Tina and Jennie are joined by their colleague, Maynard Nexsen financial services attorney Matthew Penfield, to discuss the top labor and employment issues concerning employers in the financial services industry. Matthew offers first-hand insights on how these highly regulated businesses are navigating the use of artificial intelligence, data security obligations, employee mobility, and new state laws affecting restrictive covenants and stay or pay provisions. The conversation also explores compliance risks tied to remote work, immigration, and evolving arbitration rules. Tune in now!

This week, Tina and Jennie are joined by Maynard Nexsen labor and employment attorney Brock Phillips to unpack the no tax on tips provision included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Brock explains how the federal deduction works, who qualifies, and why the name of the law has already led to misunderstandings. We also cover common misconceptions about tipped income, how the rule fits with existing wage and hour laws, and what employers should be considering when it comes to job classifications, payroll systems, and employee expectations. Tune in for an overview of what the new rule changes and why communication with employees matters.

What can employers learn from Cardi B’s viral courtroom moments? In this episode, Tina and Jennie are joined by Maynard Nexsen employment attorney Malak Cherkaoui Jaouad to break down a recent civil trial involving rapper Cardi B and why the case offers surprisingly valuable lessons for employers navigating workplace disputes. Malak and Jennie explore how juries assess believability, the risks of poorly planned questioning, and the importance of witness credibility and authenticity. Tune in for a great reminder that in the courtroom, how your story is told can matter just as much as the facts themselves.---------------------------------------

Trial Footage Licensed by Court TV

With Valentine’s Day approaching, Work This Way spotlights one of HR’s trickiest but most common challenges: workplace romance. Maynard Nexsen employment attorney Bridget Blinn‑Spears joins hosts Tina and Jennie for a candid conversation on how employers can balance human nature with legal and cultural risks. They break down the potential consequences of undisclosed relationships, power imbalances, and blurred boundaries to illustrate how things can quickly go sideways. Employers will also hear insights on love contracts, disclosure policies, and best practices for organizations of all sizes, plus tips for handling relationships that overlap with reporting structures. Tune in for our Valentine’s episode now!

On this episode of Work This Way, Tina chats with fellow hosts and Maynard Nexsen attorneys Jennie Cluverius and Fay Edwards, along with a very special guest, Bing the pomsky, a service dog in training. Together, they break down what employers need to know about service animals, emotional‑support animals, and ADA accommodation requests in the workplace. From navigating the interactive process to understanding what qualifies as a true service animal, Jennie shares case examples, common misconceptions, and the challenges that arise when safety, allergies, or operational concerns come into play. Whether you’re an HR professional or employer trying to balance employee needs with compliance obligations, tune in to hear how you can navigate one of today’s most increasingly common workplace accommodation issues.

Employee speech has been making headlines after terminations tied to controversial comments sparked debates about free speech rights. In this episode of Work This Way, Maynard Nexsen attorney Andrew Kragie joins hosts Tina Emerson and Jennie Cluverius to break down the legal realities behind political speech at work. From First Amendment misconceptions to protections under the National Labor Relations Act, state laws, and anti-retaliation provisions, Andrew shares what employers need to know when navigating this complex issue. Tune in for important insights on creating policies, social media considerations, and balancing workplace harmony with compliance.

In this episode, hosts Tina and Jennie welcome Maynard Nexsen Government Investigations and White Collar Defense attorney Michael Parente to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, trade secrets, and corporate risk. As employees increasingly use AI tools in the workplace, employers face new challenges in protecting confidential information and maintaining compliance, especially in government contracting environments. Michael shares insights on the legal exposure tied to AI misuse, including False Claims Act liability, insider threats, and trade secret theft. Tune in for a great episode!