More Employment Law News
Accolades
Lizzette Palmer again is included in the Best Lawyers in America for employment law in 2017. Palmer Law PLLC again is included in U.S. News & World Report “Best Law Firms” rankings for employment law for 2017. Listed since 2015. Compiled by Woodward/White, Inc.
Lizzette Palmer is included in the Best Lawyers in America Business/Women in Law Edition Spring 2016 - Employment Law. Compiled by Woodward/White, Inc.
Lizzette Palmer Moderates Labor & Employment Panels
October 27, 2015, Lizzette Palmer moderated panels on labor-management relations at the ACI's National Forum on Labor-Management Relations in NYC.
September 14, 2015, Lizzette Palmer moderated a panel discussion of Ethical Issues in Workplace Investigations for the Houston Bar Association Labor & Employment Section.
September 14, 2015, Lizzette Palmer moderated a panel discussion of Ethical Issues in Workplace Investigations for the Houston Bar Association Labor & Employment Section.
Supreme Court Holds There Is a Constitutional Right to Same Sex Marriage
Obergefell v. Hodges (U.S. June 26, 2015).
The Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment requires that states license marriage between two people of the same sex and recognize marriages lawfully licensed and performed in other states. Read about What Employers Need to Know about Supreme Court Same Sex Marriage Ruling, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Colorado Medical Marijuana Law Does Not Protect Employees
Coats v. Dish Network (Colo. June 15, 2015).
Quadraplegic employee, who had permit for medical marijuana, failed random drug test and was fired. Medical marijuana use is legal under state but not federal law in Colorado. Colorado's Civil Rights Act includes a lawful activities statute that prevents employers from disciplining or firing employees for lawful off-duty conduct.
Supreme Court Decides Religious Accommodation Case
E.E.O.C. v. Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc. (U.S. June 1, 2015).
An employer that makes an employment decision with the motive of avoiding a religious accommodation violates Title VII. Teenage applicant was not hired because religious garb violated employer's dress policy. Whether the employer knows, or suspects, the need for accommodation, if the potential need for accommodation motivates a refusal to hire, it is illegal discrimination. For more information on religious accommodation, contact us.
Fifth Circuit Rejects FLSA Release
Bodle v. TXL Mortgage Corporation, (5th Cir. June 1, 2015).
Generic employment releases in settlements of unrelated claims do not operate to release FLSA claims. Employer sued employees over non-competes and the parties reached a settlement. Private settlement of FLSA claims must resolve bona fide disputes about hours worked or compensation owed. Without mention or factual development of an overtime claim, the release was not enforceable. For more information regarding overtime claims, contact us.
Lizzette Palmer Selected for 2015 Best Lawyers in America
Lizzette Palmer chosen as one of the Best Lawyers in America ©
for Employment Law 2015.