EEOC Sues National Telecommuting Institute Over Alleged Disability Discrimination in Hiring Practices

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against National Telecommuting Institute, Inc. (NTI), alleging that the staffing firm violated federal law by refusing to place or refer blind and low-vision applicants for telephone-based customer service positions. This action spotlights the ongoing concern over disability discrimination in hiring practices, especially within industries…

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CFTC Awards $15 Million to Whistleblowers for Crucial Assistance in Enforcement Actions

In a substantial gesture of recognition, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued cumulative whistleblower awards totalling over $15 million to two individuals. This announcement, made on September 19, 2023, credits the aforementioned whistleblowers for providing pivotal information that bolstered two separate enforcement actions. The whistleblowers played an instrumental role in the legal task…

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New England States Pioneering Consumer Data Privacy Legislation in the US

With an increasing spotlight on data privacy, both globally and within the United States, several New England states have taken the initiative in considering the adoption of comprehensive consumer data privacy legislation. The norm of sector-specific and activity-specific models for US privacy regulation is undergoing a rapid transformation, reflecting a growing awareness of the significant…

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Harnessing the Power of Messaging: Key Insights from MWC 2023’s ConnectMobile Forum

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 offered a fascinating glimpse into the evolving realm of messaging technology with its ConnectMobile forum, held this year in Las Vegas. Within the spotlight were key stakeholders across the messaging ecosystem who convened to discuss essential strategies for maximizing messaging effectiveness and safeguarding consumers against unwanted interventions. Messaging is…

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EU Sustainability Legislation: Navigating the Challenges for U.S. and European Companies

Corporate legal professionals across the globe, particularly those involved with U.S. companies, should be cognizant of the increasing examination of their environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts. The spotlight is intensifying as European Union (EU) incorporated companies, along with companies incorporated outside the EU but operating within its territories, face the consequences of fresh legislation…

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Navigating Proposed MHPAEA Regulations: Implications for Mental Health and Addiction Services

Regulatory changes continually redefine the landscape for legal professionals working in fields of mental health and addiction services. Notably, the proposed regulations under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) issued by the US Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury cast a spotlight on policies and procedures that promise…

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PTAB Denies Cumulative Prior Art: Implications for Patent Litigation Strategy

Recently, in a case involving Sandoz Inc. vs Acerta Pharma B.V. (IPR2023-00478), the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) found itself denying IPR institution where the asserted prior art was labelled as cumulative of that considered during prosecution. This ruling is drawing attention from legal professionals and corporations alike, in light of its precedent-setting nature….

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Evolving Healthcare Legislation: The Impact of Transparency and Cost Debates in Washington

As the third week of September 2023 draws to a close, the focus in Washington has remained firmly rooted in healthcare, with significant updates expected in forthcoming legislation. Notably, House appropriations talks continue with significant concerns shaping budgetary decisions, while the Senate faces its own challenges. However, the larger spotlight is reserved for the overlooked…

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Waste Industries Faces EEOC Lawsuit Over Gender Discrimination in Hiring Practices

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Waste Industries – a collective comprising Waste Industries U.S.A., LLC, TransWaste Services, LLC, Waste Industries Atlanta LLC, and GFL Environmental, Inc., which are providers of solid waste removal, recycling pickup, and landfill operation services – has engaged in discriminatory hiring practices. Specifically, the EEOC alleges that…

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Wealth, Power, and Opportunity: Lessons from the “Varsity Blues” College Admissions Scandal

The waning attention on the “Varsity Blues” college admissions scandal of 2019 is only a quiet aftershock of the initial tremors that shook the foundations of elite education institutions and stardom. The saga started on March 12, 2019, with charges pronounced against Hollywood celebrities and corporate kingpins, accused of leveraging their wealth to map unmerited…

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Clifford Chance Bolsters Energy and Infrastructure Division with Top Hires from Latham & Watkins

In a noteworthy legal personnel shift, Clifford Chance has made two significant hires within their energy and infrastructure division. The additions are Craig R. Nethercott and Chirag J. Sanghrajka, both distinguished partners extracted from U.S. competitor Latham & Watkins. Nethercott and Sanghrajka are poised to contribute to Clifford Chance’s dynamic energy and infrastructure practice and…

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Navigating Executive Compensation: Ensuring Alignment with Regulations and Company Goals

As economic volatility and regulatory changes continue to put a spotlight on executive pay, it becomes increasingly crucial to ensure that your company’s executive compensation schemes are working. This notion forms the fourth part in a series looking at the health of employee benefit plans, this week focusing on executive compensation. The compensation packages for…

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Canadian Competition Act Amendments: Strengthening Oversight and Ensuring Fair Market Practices

Recently, the Canadian government has proposed significant amendments to the Competition Act. A prominent feature in the proposed changes involves provisions which would empower the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry to direct the Competition Bureau to conduct comprehensive market studies. This would also include the ability to compel the production of related documents and…

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State AG Report: Regulatory Consequences and AI’s Role in Financial Conduct

The recently published State Attorney General (AG) Report for September 2023 provides a detailed insight into crucial areas where state and federal regulators’ decisions are exerting an influence across the United States. The report, presented by the law firm Cozen O’Connor, highlights several key matters. The topics include a new election for the Attorney General…

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