Workplace Discrimination is an all too common topic. Partly, it’s because people have become more empowered to stop and report what they see as unfair treatment of themselves, or others. But what really is the definition of workplace discrimination? How do we know what is or isn’t actual discrimination under the law? How are companies protected? And how should employers act to protect their employees? In this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk, attorney Stephanie Boehl joins the show to discuss Workplace Discrimination – And What You Need to Know About It.

JDSA's Law Talk

Workplace Discrimination – and What You Need to Know About It

Your ideas have value. And if you want to earn a living from your ideas, you need to own them and control them. If you create the next big thing, you’ll likely want to create the next, Next Big Thing. So, in order to keep creating, you need to license your ideas – your intellectual property – and let others sell it for you. But, now you have to sort out license scope, revenues, timelines, enforcement, and more. And that’s when you learn, licensing intellectual property is exactly as complex as it sounds. In this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk, attorney Colleen Frei offers Five Tips for Licensing Intellectual Property. 

Five Tips for Licensing Intellectual Property

Your property. Before it was yours, it was someone else’s. Over the years, as properties change hands, assumptions are made about borders such as existing fences or landscape boundaries. So, what if you have a border dispute with your neighbor? Do you know who has a right to come onto your property, and why? Do you know for certain where your property boundary is? In this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk, attorney Matthew Hitchcock talks about dispute resolutions, property boundaries, and the importance of surveying.

Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodations at Work

It’s difficult for most people to discuss estate planning. But, it’s important we make the tough decisions ourselves - especially if we have a family. Decisions like, what if both parents die in an accident? Who will take care of the kids? What about our furry and feathered family members? Can we legally give someone our passwords for our digital identities? What if we’re on life support? None of these questions should be left to the courts, and they are all covered in this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk as attorney Colleen Frei discusses some Uncomfortable—But Necessary—Questions About Estate Planning. 

Uncomfortable—but Necessary—Estate Planning Questions

A will is your first step to being prepared for when you are gone. It’s something you do to protect your loved ones. But what about the taxes that are collected when you pass? What will your heirs end up with after the government receives their portion? Estate tax is complex. Careful planning, however, is how you protect those you leave behind from potentially excessive estate taxes. In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Evan McCauley explains the things most of us likely don’t know about estate tax - and how to minimize the impact on your loved ones – in this episode, Estate Tax: Will Your Estate Have To Pay?

Estate Tax: Will Your Estate Have To Pay?

Season 3, Episode 22 – Family disputes happen all the time. Siblings don’t always get along. And we all have “that” aunt or uncle. But when family members have a disagreement about the family estate, trust or other assets, hostility can further complicate the matter. So, how are estate and trust disputes resolved? Does everyone have a day in court? Or is there a more conciliatory method of dispute resolution that is a win-win for all parties? In this podcast episode, filled with thought-provoking examples, JDSA attorney Evan McCauley explains how disputes can be resolved while still maintaining family harmony in Using TEDRA Agreements to Settle Estate and Trust Disputes.

Using TEDRA Agreements to Settle Estate and Trust Disputes

Season 3, Episode 18 – Product recalls are an increasingly frequent occurrence. Sometimes they involve product safety; other times they may involve situations such as food contamination. But have you ever thought about what the grower, manufacturer, or the retailer has to do when there’s a recall? Who shoulders the cost of pulling everything from the shelves? What other costs result from the issue? If you’re in the agriculture industry, manufacturing, or retail sector, you will want to listen to this podcast. JDSA attorney Colleen Frei discusses the importance of not only having insurance, but knowing for certain your policies are the right ones—to protect yourself—and cover unexpected expenses. Listen in, and get the details in this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk podcast highlighting Product Liability and Recalls – Is Your Business Protected?

Product Liability and Recalls – Is Your Business Protected?

The Epic Systems case is a recent United States Supreme Court decision that could have a significant impact on businesses and employees throughout the country. But is it good or bad for you? The Supreme Court has ruled that companies can use an arbitration clause in an employment contract. So, instead of going to court, employees may have to resolve disputes with their employer through arbitration. Is this good for employees? Or is it entirely lop-sided, and all in the favor of the company? This makes for a hot topic, and why you want to hear this podcast episode. Listen in as JDSA attorney Colleen Frei explains the new U.S. Supreme Court ruling and how it can affect you, in Arbitration — The Impact of Employment Dispute Resolution Agreements.

Arbitration – The Impact of Employment Dispute Resolution Agreements

There’s a lot of work that goes into getting ready for a court case. And something you may never have thought of, is where it will take place. How much does the venue where your case is heard matter? Could the outcome be affected? What’s the criteria for deciding the location, and who makes the final determination about what courtroom, what judge—and in what county—your case will be tried. It’s an important piece of the legal puzzle, and something your attorney takes into consideration. In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Jordan Miller explores The Importance of a Proper Legal Venue.

The Importance of a Proper Legal Venue

The most important job in your company could be replacing a top person. In any company—large or small, corporate or family business—there will come a time when the CEO or another high-ranking leader will retire, or move on. Sometimes the departure is sudden and unexpected. Who will fill those shoes? Is there someone inside your company ready to take the lead? Or do you need to look outside the organization? How do you plan for this company-changing event? And when should you start thinking about it? In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Colleen Frei talks about grooming leadership for the future health of your business in Succession Planning – And Why It’s Critical For Business Success.

Succession Planning – And Why It’s Critical For Business Success

Divorce and Taxes. You can’t have one without the other. Recent changes to the Federal tax code will impact the taxation of spousal support, and the changes are as complex as a divorce itself. So, what’s changing? Who gets to pay more tax? Could the changes affect the amount a person pays or receives? And what does it all mean in the grander scheme of filing your income tax? In this special podcast episode, JDSA attorneys Jordan Miller and Lindsey Weidenbach bring together their individual areas of practice to explain and simplify the topic of Tax Rules and Alimony - Changes Impacting Spousal Support.

Tax Rules and Alimony Changes Impacting Spousal Support

Stop what you’re doing – right now! That, essentially, is the most basic thought when it comes to a cease and desist order. In business, your brand - your commercial identity - is all you have to define you. It tells others that you are what they want. So when another company or organization piggybacks on your brand - by using your name or identity - you will likely issue a cease and desist order - to tell them to stop immediately. But those can backfire if you are too harsh. In our era of digital and social media, you have to be creative, or crafty. In this podcast episode filled with interesting examples, JDSA attorney Sally White explores the new necessity in business: Creative Approaches to Cease and Desist Communications.

Trademark Infringement – Creative Approaches to Cease and Desist Communications

Grandparents now have rights. If that statement surprises you, it is likely you have never had to go to court to see your grandchild. There are changes in Washington State’s child custody laws, and it can directly affect grandparents, stepparents, and other relatives. So, do you now have the right to visitation? You may. But what exactly does “visitation” mean? How do you petition the court? What are the new rules? In this podcast episode filled with new and important information, JDSA attorney Jordan Miller explains the latest developments in Washington’s child custody and visitation laws in, Child Custody – Changes in Non-Parental Visitation Rights.

Child Custody Change in Non-Parental Visitation Rights

Instructions aren’t just for assembling the patio furniture. In business, your company’s Employee Handbook is your instruction manual for success. But what goes in your Employee Handbook? What are the should-includes, the must-haves, and the you-can’t-dictate-thats? Does your company’s Employee Handbook really need to be more than dress code, work hours, and where the fire exits are found? Do you need to speak with an attorney? Or can you write it yourself? In this second of two-parts podcast, JDSA attorney Todd Kiesz turns the page on Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Handbook.

Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Handbook

First day on the job. It is daunting for anyone. A new employee has a lot to absorb, and a business owner has high expectations. What can help things go smoothly for the employee and the employer? Item number one: the Employee Handbook. A clearly written Employee Handbook is also a valuable resource detailing an employer’s expectations, company regulations, dress code, accepted behavior, and more. When everyone is on the same page, the employment story can properly take place. In this first of a two-part podcast, JDSA attorney Todd Kiesz opens the book on Employee Handbooks – and Why They’re Important.

Employee Handbooks – And Why They're Important

Lawyers from JDSA Law cover legal topics and questions on the air – things we should know about law. JDSA Law is proud to support our community by providing insight into legal topics. *JDSA’s Law Talk discusses general legal issues, but does not constitute legal advice in any respect. Please seek the advice of counsel prior to making or refraining from a legal matter.