In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz sits down with Shipman partner Keegan Drenosky to unpack one of the most challenging and costly areas for employers — wage and hour compliance. From employee misclassification and overtime calculations to pay transparency and AI time tracking, they explore how evolving interpretations of the law continue to shape employer obligations in Connecticut and beyond.
In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, Shipman partner Dan Schwartz is joined by Sarah Niemiroski to unpack one of the most discussed sessions from Shipman’s recent Labor & Employment Fall Seminar — Leave Laws.
Together, they break down the nuances of federal and Connecticut FMLA, paid sick leave, Connecticut Paid Leave, and the ADA, highlighting how these laws overlap and what employers need to do to stay compliant.
From defining “affinity relationships” to managing intermittent leave and coordinating benefits, Dan and Sarah offer practical takeaways to help HR professionals, in-house counsel, and business leaders navigate the increasingly complex leave landscape in Connecticut.
In this season 4 kickoff of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz recaps the latest labor and employment law developments employers should be watching this fall—from shifting EEOC enforcement to severance negotiations, leave law updates, and more. Dan also welcomes behind-the-scenes producer Jess Mantzaris to preview Shipman & Goodwin’s upcoming Labor & Employment Fall Seminar at Hotel Marcel in New Haven, featuring hot-topic keynotes, breakout sessions on leave laws and wage and hour compliance, and valuable networking opportunities.
As the regulatory landscape shifts under the new administration, OSHA remains firmly in the spotlight. In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, Shipman attorney and host Dan Schwartz sits down with workplace-safety lawyer Sarah Kettenmann to break down what’s changed—and what hasn’t—when it comes to OSHA enforcement, inspections, and compliance.
They dive into:
The future of high-profile rules like heat illness prevention and PPE fit standards
How OSHA is using data analytics to target inspections
The rising role of state-specific OSHA regulations
Cross-agency coordination with the EPA
Practical steps employers should take this summer to stay ahead of audits, injuries, and penalties
Whether you're in healthcare, manufacturing, education, or construction, this episode is packed with essential insights to keep your workforce safe—and your organization compliant.
In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz welcomes back Shipman's Claire Pariano for a thoughtful conversation on neurodiversity in the workplace. They explore what neurodiversity means, legal protections under the ADA and FMLA, common employer pitfalls, and practical steps organizations can take to create truly inclusive environments for neurodivergent employees. With insights into reasonable accommodations and inclusive hiring practices, this episode offers both legal guidance and a call for empathy and awareness.
In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz welcomes back acclaimed plaintiff-side employment attorney Nina Pirrotti for a frank discussion about where employers often go wrong and how to do better. From inconsistently enforced policies and botched investigations to poorly trained supervisors and missteps in handling accommodations, Nina shares real-life cautionary tales and practical advice. Whether you represent employers or employees, this episode offers invaluable insights into preventing workplace liability before it starts.
Welcome back to From Lawyer to Employer, a Shipman podcast that keeps you informed on the latest developments in labor and employment law. In this episode, Shipman attorneys Dan Schwartz and Keegan Drenosky discuss the complexities of workplace accommodations, including disability, religious, and pregnancy-related requests. Gain practical insights on navigating the interactive process, understanding legal obligations, and fostering an inclusive workplace. Tune in for actionable insights designed to help employers stay compliant and support their workforce.
In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz welcomes Erin Choquette, CEO of the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority, to break down the ins and outs of paid leave in Connecticut. They discuss how the program works, employer responsibilities, common misconceptions, and how businesses can use paid leave as a tool for employee retention. Whether you're an employer navigating compliance or an employee curious about your rights, this episode provides valuable insights into Connecticut’s paid leave landscape.
In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, Shipman attorneys Dan Schwartz and Emily McDonough Souza discuss the first 45 days of the Trump administration and its impact on labor and employment law. They dive into the latest executive orders on DEI programs, the implications of the False Claims Act for federal contractors, and recent legal challenges affecting workplace policies. The conversation also covers immigration enforcement, ICE workplace audits, and the latest developments from the NLRB and EEOC. Tune in for insights into what these changes mean for employers.
In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz is joined by immigration attorney Nina Pelc-Faszcza to discuss immigration enforcement under the new presidential administration. With executive orders making headlines and workplace audits on the rise, employers—particularly in education and nonprofit sectors—are wondering about their rights and responsibilities. From I-9 compliance to handling visits from ICE, this episode provides practical guidance to help businesses stay prepared. Tune in for insights and actionable tips on managing immigration-related challenges in the workplace.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the workplace, but with innovation comes new challenges. In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, Shipman attorneys Dan Schwartz and Emily McDonough Souza dive into how employers are using AI—from productivity monitoring to hiring decisions—and the associated legal risks. They break down key regulations, potential pitfalls, and practical steps employers can take to stay compliant while leveraging AI’s potential. Whether you're considering AI tools or just want to stay ahead of the curve, this discussion is a must-listen. Tune in now!
In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz and special guest, Gabe Jiran explore potential shifts in labor and employment law under a new Trump administration. From changes at the National Labor Relations Board to the future of overtime rules, minimum wage, non-competes, and immigration, the conversation offers timely insights for employers. Tune in for practical advice on staying compliant and adaptable in this rapidly evolving legal landscape.
Get ready to dive into the 2025 Connecticut legislative landscape with Season 3, Episode 3 of From Lawyer to Employer! Join host Dan Schwartz and special guest Chris Davis, Vice President of Public Policy with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), as they preview key issues for the 2025 Connecticut General Assembly session. This episode highlights what employers need to know about upcoming labor and employment law developments, from proposed changes to non-disclosure and non-compete agreements to predictive scheduling, AI regulations, and workplace conditions. Stay informed, get involved, and discover practical insights for navigating potential legislative changes in the workplace.
Join host Dan Schwartz and Sarah Westby, partners at Shipman & Goodwin, as they delve into the latest wage and hour regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This episode explores the implications of a federal court ruling that struck down recent DOL salary threshold increases, what it means for employers, and how businesses can navigate compliance amidst evolving rules. Discover practical insights and strategies to manage workforce morale, stay aligned with state and federal laws, and anticipate future regulatory changes.
Big changes are coming for Connecticut employers in 2025! In the first episode of: From Lawyer to Employer, Season 3, join host Dan Schwartz and guest Peter Murphy as they dive into the Connecticut Paid Sick Leave law and what it means for employers in our state starting January 1, 2025. Employers of all sizes need to take note—as this law introduces major shifts, including:
What does this mean for you? Employers must adapt their policies, notify employees, and implement systems to track leave effectively.
In this podcast episode of "From Lawyer to Employer," host Dan Schwartz and guest Rauchell Beckford Anderson discuss workplace investigations and the ethical issues that may arise. Rauchell, who recently became certified by the Association of Workplace Investigators, shares insights from her training and emphasizes the importance of conducting investigations impartially. They cover topics such as the necessity of determining the need for an investigation, selecting an appropriate investigator, and maintaining objectivity. They also discuss the pros and cons of remote interviews, the significance of timeliness and thoroughness, and the use of AI in transcribing interviews. The episode underscores the need for careful planning and ethical considerations to ensure the integrity of workplace investigations.
Today's podcast looks at some of the newest issues to populate the employment law arena - including the use of AI and DEI initiatives. Join host Dan Schwartz as he chats with guests Gabe Jiran and Sarah Niemiroski about these topics and more.
Join host Dan Schwartz and special guest Nina Pirrotti, a partner with Garrison, Levin-Epstein, Fitzgerald & Pirrotti for our most recent episode of "From Lawyer to Employer”. Together, Dan and Nina engage in a dynamic conversation about employment law. This episode explores recent developments in the law, dissecting the current state of non-disclosure agreements, non-competes, and offering a glimpse into the potential hot topics of the new year, including the ever-evolving realm of Artificial Intelligence. Don't miss this vibrant discussion, filled with insightful reflections and a preview of what's to come in the world of employment.
Listen in as Thomas Mooney, our guest speaker, discusses free speech in the workplace with host Daniel Schwartz. This episode navigates the complexities of defining workplace free speech boundaries, examining balancing tests, exploring limits on protection, and emphasizing the impact of circumstances. Join us for a straightforward exploration of this ever-relevant issue.
Listen as guest speaker and Shipman & Goodwin partner, Peter Murphy and host, Daniel Schwartz chat about what employers should know when it comes to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO).
In October, Peter hosted a webinar with Kimberly Jacobsen and Michelle Dumas Kueler from the CHRO’s legal office where they discussed what the commission has been focusing on, weaving in suggestions for employers on beneficial practices to follow when working with the CHRO. This podcast goes beyond the webinar as Dan and Peter discuss in more depth the CHRO as an organization, their case assessment review process, thoughts on position statements and more. After listening, head over to our website to watch Peter’s webinar with Kimberly Jacobsen and Michelle Dumas Kueler.
