The release of H‑1B lottery results has significant consequences for both employers and their foreign national employees. Although selection is welcome news, it does not confer H‑1B status; it merely authorizes the employer to file an H‑1B petition during the
HR Defense
Akerman Insights on the Latest Developments in Labor and Employment Law
The HR Defense blog, published by Akerman LLP, focuses on legal developments and compliance issues related to human resources and employment law. It covers topics such as visa policies affecting workforce management, enforcement priorities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employee leave laws including safe and sick time requirements, and the legal implications of using artificial intelligence in hiring practices. The blog addresses regulatory changes, litigation risks, and practical guidance for employers to navigate complex HR legal landscapes, including immigration, discrimination, workplace accommodations, and emerging technology compliance.
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When One Harassment Claim May Put the Whole Case in Court
A single sexual harassment allegation may do more than add one more claim to an employment complaint — it may also affect where the entire case gets litigated. In a recent decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth…
Navigating Uncertainty: How U.S. Employers Can Support Their Employees During Times of War
In periods of global conflict, the effects of war often extend well beyond the battlefield. Employees may be called to military service, support deployed family members, worry about loved ones abroad, or simply feel the emotional strain of ongoing uncertainty.…
USCIS Opens FY-2027 H-1B Cap Registration: Key Updates for Employers
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the FY-2027 H-1B cap registration period will run from March 4, 2026, through March 19, 2026. During this period, employers seeking to sponsor foreign national professionals may submit electronic registrations through…
The Employer’s Winter Games: New York’s Q1 2026 Legal Update
Much like the season’s unpredictable snowstorms, recent developments in New York’s state and local employment laws have arrived quickly and with the potential to disrupt even the most carefully charted workplace policies. This year’s regulatory forecast calls for more than…
Déjà Vu for Employers: DOL Moves to Reinstate Prior Independent Contractor Test
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has once again proposed a significant change to the federal standard for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as the…
Workforce Cost-Cutting: Key Legal Considerations for Employers
In response to economic pressures, many private employers are exploring ways to reduce labor costs. Whether the approach involves reducing hours, implementing furloughs, or conducting layoffs, it is essential for companies, especially those operating in multiple states, to understand the…
GLP-1 Medications: What Employers Need to Know About Rising Costs, Coverage Choices, and Managing Legal Risks
GLP-1 medications, originally developed for diabetes and now widely used for weight management, are rapidly becoming a major cost concern for employer health plans. Annual costs per user often exceed $10,000, and demand is rising, especially with new forms like…
EEOC Rescinds Harassment Guidance on Gender Identity: What Employers Need to Know
Employers are facing renewed uncertainty about workplace protections for gender identity after federal agency guidance was recently withdrawn. On January 22, 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted 2-1 to rescind its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the…
The American Franchise Act: Re-Defining Joint Employer Liability
Understanding joint employer liability is critical for companies in the franchise sector, as it directly impacts risk management and compliance. If the American Franchise Act (AFA) were enacted, it would provide significant guidance to franchisors and franchisees regarding the circumstances…