Recent Blog Posts
Why It Is Important to Document Employee Discipline
Most employers and HR professionals do not enjoy disciplining employees. But, unfortunately, it is an important part of promoting quality and productivity. And while it may be tempting to offer employees second chances, it can create liability issues for your company if it makes your disciplinary policies appear arbitrary or, even worse, nonexistent. Uniform… Read More »
Interacting with Employees Who Have Filed Claims Against You
Many employers find it awkward and uncomfortable when they receive notice that a current employee has lodged an employment law complaint against them. This is especially true in smaller companies where employers have more personal relationships with their employees. Some employers unwisely take it personally. Others become overly tentative in their dealings with the… Read More »
How Your Business Benefits From Uniform Employee Policies
Especially in recent years, many employers have trended toward running more casual workplaces. And while there can be certain benefits to this approach — especially for small businesses — it also presents numerous risks and complications. Employers must take these into account when choosing this type of management style. Even if employers do choose… Read More »
Does the ADA Require Employers to Accommodate Employees Who Suffer from Alcoholism?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits employer discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities who can otherwise perform the essential functions of their jobs. But we usually think of disabilities as things like paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, or speech defects — conditions entirely… Read More »
Welcome
Welcome to the Tobin O’Connor Concino P.C. blog. We handle cases involving business law in Washington, D.C. and throughout the United States. We believe in providing practical and professional representation when handling business law, visa and green card issues. Our attorneys have extensive experience in many aspects of the law and are licensed to… Read More »
Phased Retirement: Is It Right For You and Your Company?
A recent article in the Washington Post discusses the likelihood of phased retirement becoming more prevalent in the Washington, DC area over the next few years. As large numbers of baby boomers “age out” of the traditional full-time workforce, employers and employees alike must consider whether and how to retire. Phased retirement — a… Read More »
Creating a Discrimination-Free Workplace
Creating a discrimination-free workplace means more than just avoiding harassment and wrongful termination lawsuits. Employees who feel valued and judged based on their contributions work more productively. Additionally, workers who feel that they have a safe and established way to communicate with superiors about problems with coworkers will help root out unethical or illegal… Read More »
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Your Business
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) makes it unlawful for companies and their representatives to make payments to foreign officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business — even when such payments (bribes) typify business practice in that country. Historically, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has prosecuted both the individual businessmen and the companies… Read More »
Avoiding Business Litigation: Some Tips
Business litigation rarely revolves around fundamental principles that deserve defending, no matter what the cost. Business owners, corporate officers, and managers should keep in mind — no matter how frustrating the behavior or offensive the claims that led to litigation — the company’s best interests will nearly always be better served by settling out… Read More »
Is Alcohol Testing a Violation of the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits employer discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities who can otherwise perform the essential functions of their jobs. Employers may not ask prospective employees about the nature or severity of disabilities or require them to take… Read More »
