On this episode of Work This Way, Tina chats with fellow hosts and Maynard Nexsen attorneys Jennie Cluverius and Fay Edwards, along with a very special guest, Bing the pomsky, a service dog in training. Together, they break down what employers need to know about service animals, emotional‑support animals, and ADA accommodation requests in the workplace. From navigating the interactive process to understanding what qualifies as a true service animal, Jennie shares case examples, common misconceptions, and the challenges that arise when safety, allergies, or operational concerns come into play. Whether you’re an HR professional or employer trying to balance employee needs with compliance obligations, tune in to hear how you can navigate one of today’s most increasingly common workplace accommodation issues.

Employee speech has been making headlines after terminations tied to controversial comments sparked debates about free speech rights. In this episode of Work This Way, Maynard Nexsen attorney Andrew Kragie joins hosts Tina Emerson and Jennie Cluverius to break down the legal realities behind political speech at work. From First Amendment misconceptions to protections under the National Labor Relations Act, state laws, and anti-retaliation provisions, Andrew shares what employers need to know when navigating this complex issue. Tune in for important insights on creating policies, social media considerations, and balancing workplace harmony with compliance.

In this episode, hosts Tina and Jennie welcome Maynard Nexsen Government Investigations and White Collar Defense attorney Michael Parente to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, trade secrets, and corporate risk. As employees increasingly use AI tools in the workplace, employers face new challenges in protecting confidential information and maintaining compliance, especially in government contracting environments. Michael shares insights on the legal exposure tied to AI misuse, including False Claims Act liability, insider threats, and trade secret theft. Tune in for a great episode!