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!

This week, hosts Tina and Jennie are joined by their Maynard Nexsen colleague Fay Edwards to break down three major Supreme Court rulings from 2025 that are reshaping the legal landscape for employers. From the limits on nationwide injunctions in Trump v. Casa to the narrowed scope of post-employment ADA claims in Stanley v. City of Sanford, and the clarified FLSA exemption standard in E.M.D. Sales v. Carrera, Fay shares what these decisions mean for multi-state compliance, disability-related disputes, and wage-and-hour litigation. Tune in for a timely episode for employers!

In this episode, Tina and Fay welcome back Maynard Nexsen attorney David Dubberly to walk through how employers should respond when a workplace fatality occurs. David shares what industries are most impacted, what triggers an OSHA inspection, and best practices for communicating with OSHA. We also cover how employers can prepare, from the initial report and on-site walkaround to employee interviews and the closing conference. Tune in for guidance on managing difficult circumstances with care and compliance.

This week, Tina and Fay welcome Gary Moore, Assistant Dean for Academic Technology and Executive Director of TechInLaw at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Gary shares insights on how artificial intelligence, especially generative AI and automated employment decision tools (AEDTs), is reshaping the workplace. Gary breaks down the risks employers face when using AI for hiring and decision-making and shares steps for creating AI usage policies, vetting tools, and preparing for upcoming state regulations. Tune in for a great episode on navigating the evolving intersection of technology, law, and workforce strategy!

This episode, hosts Tina and Fay welcome back Joan Moore and Mim Munzel of Arbor Consulting Group to unpack the Department of Justice’s latest memo on “illegal DEI” and its implications for employers. From preferential treatment and proxy criteria to training risks and conflicting state and federal mandates, Joan and Mim break down what federal contractors need to know now. Tune in for best practices for documenting recruitment strategies, managing compliance across jurisdictions, and preparing for increased scrutiny under the False Claims Act.

Hosts Tina and Jennie welcome their colleague Bryan Baysinger, head of Maynard Nexsen’s Intellectual Property practice group, to discuss how employers can protect their IP in the modern workplace. From remote work and employee-created content to the rise of generative AI and open source software, Bryan shares guidance for employers looking to safeguard trade secrets and navigate legal risks. Tune in to learn why invention agreements matter, how HR and IT teams should collaborate to protect company assets, and more!