Can you be fired for hate speech? Or does the first amendment protect you? If speech is protected under the First Amendment, then how can people be fired from work for exercising their constitutional rights? Let’s take a look at firing in Virginia, and how Freedom of Speech vs. a hostile work environment impacts that.… Continue reading Firing in Virginia: Freedom of Speech vs. Hostile Work Environment
Mediating verbal abuse in the workplace can help create a healthy working environment and prevent a hostile work environment. Verbal abuse can be a huge issue for employers and employees alike. Here’s how a mediator in Northern Virginia can help. What is Verbal Abuse? Verbal abuse in the workplace is defined as shouting, disparaging remarks,… Continue reading Mediating Verbal Abuse in the Workplace Northern Virginia
A mediation lawyer in Northern Virginia could be a good alternative to litigation. But is a mediator right for your case? This depends on a few factors, so let’s discuss them. What is a Mediator? A mediation lawyer in Northern Virginia handles cases in a private, informal setting to resolve conflicts without legal judgment. The… Continue reading Which Cases are Right for a Mediation Lawyer Northern Virginia
Employers across the country are requiring employees to return to work in person as we finally recover from the pandemic. However, many employers are using workplace mediation to reduce the risks of discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Here’s why. Returning to Work In-Person During the pandemic, many employees have had little in-person interaction with… Continue reading How Mediation Helps Employees Returning to Work In-Person
If you are interested in creating a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, it is important to understand filing requirements. Most nonprofit entities are non-stock corporations qualified as tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) or (c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. They are often religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational, and in some cases they are social organizations, clubs,… Continue reading Understanding Nonprofit Filing Requirements
When you need an attorney, it Is important to choose the right one. Whether personal or professional, a full-service law firm can offer unique expertise in a variety of areas. From civil matters to employment law and more, they can help. What is Full-Service? A full-service law firm is a team of diverse professionals with… Continue reading Benefits of a Full-Service Law Firm
A golden parachute is a clause in a top executive’s employment agreement. It defines the payout the individual will receive should they be terminated or forced out of an organization before the end of their contract. For many people, this payout can be quite substantial. Here’s what you need to know about negotiating executive severance… Continue reading Negotiating Golden Parachute Packages
With the predicted economic downturn, many white-collar office workers should be concerned. This will be different from the coronavirus recession that we experienced. Here’s what you need to know about how inflation and layoffs will impact white collar workers. Mild Recession A large number of economists expect a mild recession to materialize in 2023 and… Continue reading How Inflation and Layoffs May Impact White Collar Workers
Historically, Virginia relied on the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) to govern overtime obligations. However, in March of 2021, Virginia passed its first stand-alone overtime law. This act went into effect on July 1, 2021 but was amended in April of 2022. The newest revisions went into effect on July 1, 2022. The 2022… Continue reading Understanding Changes to Virginia Overtime Laws
Are you or your employees subject to a “non-compete” agreement? Are you aware of recent changes in Virginia law limiting the use of non-compete agreements? If not, be sure to review our blog posts from 2020 covering those changes: An Overview on New Virginia Laws that Impact Employers Important New Employment Laws in Virginia START… Continue reading Proposed Non-Compete Regulation Change
Attorney Advertising Notice: Information contained in this Web site may be considered attorney advertising. The material and information contained on these pages is intended to provide general information only and not legal advice. You should consult with an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction before relying upon any of the information presented here. You are advised that the acts of sending e-mail to or view or downloading information from this website does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Copyright © 2023, Cook Craig & Francuzenko, PLLC
