Following failed congressional attempts to limit state AI laws, on December 11, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order titled Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence. The Order represents federal intervention into the growing landscape of state-level AI regulation. According to the Administration, a patchwork of state laws has created inconsistent and burdensome
WIRTW #783: the ‘Christmas movies’ edition
What are the best Christmas movies of all time?
It’s a debate as old as Christmas movies themselves. (And yes, this is absolutely the kind of important question a legal blog should tackle.)
Before we can answer this vital question, we first must examine what makes a Christmas movie “great.” For the best Christmas movies
What does a font have to do with an employer’s values? Apparently, a lot.
The State Department just ordered diplomats to ditch Calibri and return to Times New Roman as the required typeface in all official communications. Secretary Marco Rubio framed this change not as a typography choice, but as a way to “abolish yet another wasteful DEIA program.”
Calibri, however, didn’t become the State Department’s font because someone
The Hidden Legal Minefield: Compliance Concerns with AI Smart Glasses, Part 1 – Biometrics
Smart glasses with AI capabilities have evolved from futuristic concept to everyday reality. The market exploded in 2024, with global smart glasses shipments surging 210% year-over-year, driven primarily by Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. From the consumer-focused Meta Ray-Ban Display (featuring a built-in heads-up display announced in September 2025) to Meta’s partnership with Oakley for
What Are New Federal Employment Laws in 2026? What Employers & Employees Need to Know
As the new year approaches, now is the perfect time for employees and employers alike to review key employment law changes to understand their rights, ensure compliance, and prepare for what’s coming starting January 1st. As an employment law expert and legal commentator, my goal is to cut through the complexity of the current landscape.
New California Employment Laws in 2026: What Employees & Employers Need to Know
The pace of legislative change in California remains fast and aggressive. Looking forward to the end of year festivities, a suite of new California employment laws in 2026 will take effect, drastically altering compliance requirements for employers and significantly expanding the rights of employees across the state. These laws touch upon everything from how you
Social Media Scrutiny: What the New H-1B and H-4 Visa Policy Means for Your Workforce
Beginning December 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will significantly expand its social media screening practices to include all H-1B Nonimmigrant Worker visa applicants and their H-4 dependents applying for visas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad. The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers for professional jobs that require specialized
Jury tags SHRM for $11.5 million in discrimination lawsuit
$11.5 million!
That’s the number a jury needed to send a very loud, very clear message to the Society for Human Resource Management — the self-proclaimed standard-bearer of HR “best practices.”
Last week’s verdict against SHRM — $1.5 million in compensatory damages and a staggering $10 million in punitive damages — is not just a
Independent contractors and noncompete agreements do not mix
I’ve always believed that noncompetes and “independent contractor” status don’t mix. Now I have an appellate opinion to back me up.
In Reliant Services v. Brown, a construction-staffing company tried to enforce a noncompete against a punch-list worker it had consistently called an independent contractor. Reliant wanted to stop him from doing the exact
AI in Hiring: Smart Safeguards HR Teams Need for 2026
The reality HR is facing
More candidates are turning to AI for resumes, cover letters, and interview prep. Surveys in 2024–2025 show hiring teams are seeing a flood of applications and mixed quality, with many managers wary of AI-generated content.
- 38% of job seekers send 20 or more applications per week, and 54% of hiring managers