Author Archives: Megan Frederick
Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act
In this episode, we discuss the recently passed Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021. This law bars employers from enforcing pre-dispute arbitration for claims of sexual assault or sexual harassment. Cathryn Harris-Marchesi is The Noble Law’s partner in New York City, a federal constitutional attorney with a focus in employment law, and a member of the Women’s Intercultural Network. She joins Laura to discuss the outcomes of this new law. What is arbitration? Arbitration …
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Conversation and Compromise: How to Make the Most of Mediation
Mediation can be a difficult process for both plaintiff and defendant. This episode, Laura Noble speaks with Steve Dunn, an attorney and certified mediator, who explains how to refresh your approach to mediation and achieve the best possible outcome. What is mediation? Mediation is a designated occasion where opposing parties talk about settlement, facilitated by a neutral third party. It is a structured discussion about resolution and is a unique opportunity for both parties to work towards the same goal: …
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New Law Provides More Protections for New York Whistleblowers
On January 26, 2022, updates to New York Labor Law § 740 will cause major changes to New York whistleblower laws. Cathryn Harris-Marchesi, partner and employment attorney at The Noble Law, explains these revisions in our most recent audio blog. Extending New York Whistleblower Protections Prior to the enactment of this amendment, whistleblower law in New York provided little support for employees who spoke out against their employer’s violation of the law. Employers could only be held accountable for retaliation …
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Two Supreme Court Vaccine Decisions Tell the Tale of Two Americas
On January 13, 2022, the Supreme Court handed down decisions in two cases involving the federal government’s attempt to require vaccines for employees working in large employment settings and health care facilities, projecting the direction of future COVID-19 vaccine laws. In the “large employer” case, titled Nat’l Fed. Independent Bus. V. Dept. of Labor, the conservative majority held that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exceeded its statutory authority to impose a vaccine or test rule, dissolving this rule …
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OSHA Vaccine Mandate Denied by Supreme Court
Yesterday, the Supreme Court denied the Biden administration’s vaccine requirement for businesses over 100 employees. Laura Noble spoke with ABC News to discuss the impact OSHA’s vaccine mandate could have had on North Carolina businesses. Lauren Johnson: Tonight people are talking about the Supreme Court’s decision earlier in the day blocking the Biden administration’s vaccine requirement for large businesses. The justices say OSHA did not have the authority to enforce the mandate. The ruling effects some 80 million employees all …
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Laura Noble Speaks to WRAL About Supreme Court Vaccine Mandate Ruling
Last night, managing partner Laura Noble appeared on WRAL News to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to halt President Biden’s vaccine mandate requirement for businesses with over 100 employees. Debra Morgan: Today the Supreme Court halted a major push by the Biden administration to get more shots into arms. Gerald Owens: The mandate required businesses with more than 100 employees to get vaccinated to be tested each week. The Court ruled the administration overstepped its authority. Morgan: The Court did …
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Identity and Inclusivity: Issues for Transgender Employees
In this episode, Laura Noble speaks with Dr. Jami Taylor, professor of political science and public administration at the University of Toledo, regarding the current state of anti-discrimination legal protections for transgender employees in the United States. Discrimination Against Transgender Employees in the Workplace According to the National Center for Transgender Equality: 90% of transgender employees were harassed or mistreated at work for being transgender, or had to hide they were transgender to avoid such treatment More than 1 in …
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Katie Abernethy Speaks to Fox 9 Regarding Equal Pay Act Claim
Last night, partner Katie Abernethy appeared on Fox 9 News in Minneapolis, MN regarding her recent argument in front of the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals against an employer based out of Minneapolis. In her argument, Katie represented Tracy Sempowich in an Equal Pay Act claim. Kelcey Carlson: A Minneapolis-based medical device company will have to a former employee in court over equal pay issues. A former regional sales manager sued the company because a male counterpart had a …
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Stand Up for Workers PAC
As part of her efforts to catalyze positive changes in employment law and society, managing partner Laura Noble serves on the board of directors of Stand Up for Workers, a political action committee focused on defending and expanding the basic rights of the American worker. The group strives to elect representatives who support legislation regarding those rights, from fair wages to equitable and dignified treatment in the workplace. One of the key components of the group’s work is to ensure that workers have access to …
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Leadership and Legal Services: Running an Employment Law Firm
This month, Laura Noble and executive coach, Karen Tax, explore what what leadership looks like in an employment law firm. When she passed the North Carolina Bar exam in 2008, Laura Noble had no intention of starting her own employment law firm. Having left the workforce to raise three children, Laura returned to a job market that was unwilling to employ her. Seven years as a full-time mother did not serve her legal career’s cohesive narrative, creating what other firms …
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