The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast

The Chevron Doctrine, a legal precedent for nearly half a century, was recently overturned in a monumental Supreme Court decision. This ruling could radically alter how federal regulations are interpreted and enforced, significantly affecting employment law. The Chevron Doctrine, rooted in the landmark case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (1984), established a two-s...

When grappling with job loss or a toxic work environment, you likely wonder, "Do I have a case? Should I talk to a lawyer? Fired? Afraid You Might Be? , the latest book from podcast host Tom Spiggle, is your comprehensive guide for navigating employment law issues. In this episode, Tom walks you through how to get the most out of the first section of the book. The book's structure allows flexibili...

Are you looking for a guide with insight, options, and next steps to help you through a sticky employment situation? Maybe you've been fired recently, or you're afraid you'll be fired and need help. Tom Spiggle, founder of The Spiggle Law Firm and host of this podcast, has written the book to help you determine your next steps and weigh your options. Tom's motivations for writing his book "Fired?...

Getting to the point where an EEOC judge is assigned to your case is a significant milestone in federal sector litigation. What happens next? Louise Ryder, a senior attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, is here to continue our series on navigating federal sector litigation. The EEOC process is complex and laden with procedural requirements that require strategic thinking. From the initial conference...

This episode continues our series on federal sector litigation. Today's focus is understanding the fork in the road after the investigative phase. Learn more about your options at this stage of the process. After receiving the report of investigation (ROI), you have two options: request a Final Agency Decision (FAD) or opt for a hearing before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Sh...

How did a recent WNBA game inspire an episode about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act? Zachary Aman, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, was watching a WNBA game when an injury report graphic splashed across the screen. He saw the usual ailments—Achilles tendons, knee injuries—but then something caught his eye. Nestled amidst the injuries are two startling words: "Baby" and "Baby." In this epis...

Workplace harassment is an issue that affects countless individuals daily, imparting a significant emotional and psychological toll. While many may recognize the discomfort and unease caused by certain behaviors, discerning whether such actions are illegal can be challenging. Samantha Vanterpool Rucker, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom to discuss the newly issued guidelines from th...

You're a federal sector employee who has filed your complaint with the EEO. You receive your Report of Investigation (ROI). Now what? What exactly is an ROI, and what should you do next? Louise Ryder, an expert in federal sector employment law with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins us to explain the role of the ROI and provide strategic insight for those navigating federal employment disputes. Understan...

Attorney Jessica Greer, from The Spiggle Law firm, joins Tom to guide us through the tangled web of short and long-term disability benefits. These benefits are often provided by employers as part of their benefits packages, but navigating them can be quite challenging. Tom and Jessica explore the differences between short and long-term disability, the legal protections involved, and the potential...

Louise Ryder returns to the podcast to walk us through the critical steps in the formal EEO complaint process. Louise shares her insight for crafting a compelling formal complaint, the strategic significance of naming witnesses, and what you can expect from the investigator's report. We'll also cover how to handle objections, the advantages of a written response, and your options if the final agen...

The disparity in salaries between NBA and WNBA players has been a hot topic in recent weeks. Understanding the intricacies of negotiation, whether for salary, benefits, or severance agreements, is crucial for employees in any profession. We can gain valuable insights into negotiation strategies applicable in various professional contexts by drawing comparisons from the sports world, particularly t...

Navigating the EEO process, particularly in the federal sector, can feel daunting. Many employees are ill-prepared for the time-intensive and potentially financially draining aspects of pursuing legal action. This episode addresses those very concerns with clarity, depth, and considerations for your next step. Michael Ludwig, a Senior Attorney at The Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom for this episode to...

Don't miss your deposition. That's the bottom line. What happens, and what are the consequences when you miss your deposition? Tom and Ross Fodera, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, walk you through potential consequences and pitfalls to avoid when it comes to depositions and other critical legal appointments. They are discussing Wade v. Auto Club Insurance Company of Florida et al. , a recen...

How can mediation benefit federal employees in resolving disputes? What challenges do federal employees face when initiating an EEO process for discrimination claims? What do federal employees need to know when considering legal action against a federal agency? These are just a few questions Tom and his guest, Louise Ryder, a senior attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, answer in this episode. The e...

What is Sovereign Immunity, and how could it impact your claim against a government entity? Ross Fodera, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom to discuss the complicated topic of sovereign immunity as it relates to discrimination and retaliation claims with government entities. They look at the recent Dupree vs. Owens case, a decision from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in February 2...

How will the Dartmouth men's basketball team's move toward unionization affect college sports? College sports are witnessing a significant transformation as student-athletes begin to assert their rights in unprecedented ways. From NIL (name, image, likeness) rights to the recent vote by the Dartmouth men's basketball team to unionize, the landscape of college sports is rapidly evolving. Zach Aman,...

How are recent court decisions impacting diversity slate initiatives? Valerie Teachout, a Senior Attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom to discuss how recent court decisions might impact DEI initiatives. They explore the potential legal risks associated with DEI initiatives, particularly in light of the legal scrutiny they face. While the motive behind DEI initiatives is to address historic...

What is the EEOC's Reach Initiative, and how will it empower vulnerable workers and underserved communities? Senior Attorney Samantha Vanterpool Rucker joins Tom to discuss the EEOC's (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) proactive efforts to reach and empower underserved communities. The REACH program acknowledges and addresses the unique needs of underserved communities when it comes to unde...

What is the difference between "At-Will" and "Right to Work," and what does it mean for you, the employee? In employment law, two terms often need clarification: "at-will employment" and "right-to-work" states. In this episode, Tom clearly defines both terms and explains how they impact the legal landscape of employment. What is an At-Will State? At-will employment is a principle that governs the...

Can you file a charge with EEOC while still employed? What happens when you do? Things can get complicated in the workplace when you've filed a charge with EEOC   (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) while still employed. It can also be a strategic move, as you will learn in this episode. Reporting issues to HR or filing a charge with the EEOC creates a shield that protects employees from ret...

What are the potential risks for job seekers and employers when Artificial Intelligence (AI) is incorporated into the hiring process? Senior Paralegal Erin Shatsiek joins Tom to discuss the pros, cons, and legal considerations surrounding the use of AI in the hiring process. With the rapid advancements in technology, it's crucial to understand the implications of AI in the hiring process and the p...

What do employers and employees need to know about Washington, DC's new wage transparency law? Valerie Teachout, an attorney at The Spiggle Law Firm, joins us to discuss the key points of the wage transparency law recently signed by Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser. The new law requires that any employers in the district with at least one employee must provide information on salaries. Employers...

Did you know that an attorney landed in hot water for submitting a legal brief containing non-existent cases generated by an AI language model? Chat GPT's hallucinations, which included fake case citations and entirely non-existent opinions, led to serious consequences for the attorney. It's a powerful reminder of the limitations and potential risks of relying solely on AI for legal work. Attorney...

Can you bring a lawyer to your meeting with HR? When must your employer allow you to bring a lawyer to a meeting? This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the litigation process in an employment law case and seeking insights into protecting their rights. These meetings with HR can often feel like a legal interrogation, with the employee in a vulnerable position. In this episode, Tom shares hi...

What is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and what role does it play in workplace discrimination cases? Attorney Mike Ludwig, from The Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom Spiggle to discuss discrimination under Title VII and the EEOC. Mike explains the role of the EEOC, a federal administrative body that specializes in addressing cases related to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Whethe...