The Employment Strategists

Many people think employment law simply appeared one day. In reality, it has evolved alongside the American workplace for more than two centuries. In this special episode of The Employment Strategists , we commemorate America's 250th birthday by exploring how employment law developed from the earliest workplace protections to today's issues involving artificial intelligence, pay transparency, work...

A single complaint can create two very different outcomes for an employer. In this episode of The Employment Strategists, we examine two workplace harassment cases involving similar allegations and the same type of slur. One case resulted in a $5 million jury verdict, while the other was completely dismissed. The difference wasn't the conduct itself. It was the employer's response. We disc...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and mental health in the workplace is no longer just an HR conversation — it’s also a legal one.   In this episode of The Employment Strategists, we discussmental health accommodations in the workplace, the ADA’s interactive process, and the legal risks employers face when requests are ignored, mishandled, or dismissed too quickly.   We also break down real-wor...

Workplace romance isn’t illegal - but it can create serious legal risk. In this episode of The Employment Strategists, we discuss Love and Liability in the Workplace and why the real issue usually isn’t the relationship itself. It’s secrecy, power dynamics, and what happens when a relationship ends and workplace decisions suddenly start looking like retaliation or favoritism.   Want to learn more...

Too many reviews look good on paper but fall apart when it matters most. In this episode, David & Mariya show how inconsistent feedback became evidence in court — and how to use the P.E.P. approach to prevent that. Clear, honest documentation is always your best protection. This podcast is not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumst...

As Halloween approaches, the real chills we’re seeing aren’t from costumes — they’re from politics creeping into the workplace. From “statement” outfits to off-the-clock social media posts, it’s becoming harder to draw the line between personal expression and professional boundaries. This year, we’re taking it a step further with an upcoming episode on speech in the workplace — where free expressi...

The Supreme Court’s recent unanimous ruling in AIMS v. Ohio Dept. of Youth Services significantly changes how Title VII discrimination cases are evaluated—removing the additional burden previously applied to “reverse discrimination” claims. The Employment Strategists—David T. Harmon and Mariya Gonor—break down what this means for both employers and employees. They cover: – What the Court’s decisio...

David T. Harmon and Mariya Gonor explore what employers should consider to keep policies inclusive and in line with current legal standards. And, what employees should know before dressingfor the office. This podcast is not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information purposes only and...

The Employment Strategists  dive into the legal must-knows for restaurant owners and employees, covering trademarks, trade secrets, employment agreements, and influencer collaborations. Join David Harmon, Mariya Gonor, and special guest Intellectual Property attorney Danielle DeFilippis as they break down how to safeguard your business, your brand, and your bottom line. This podcast is not intende...

What does the new administration mean for the future of employment law? As new orders and laws are signed at the federal level, The Employment Strategists David T. Harmon and Mariya Gonor break down what policies have been removed or revised, including: ✅ Stay-or-pay provisions ✅Student-athlete rights ✅Rolling back on DE&I initiatives ✅Amended pregnancy accommodations, including abortion p...

The Employment Strategists David T. Harmon and Mariya Gonor discuss the important tasks for employers including documentation, selection criteria, agreements, or severance as well as the steps employees can take to enforce their rights. This podcast is not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for gener...

The Employment Strategists are kicking off the year with tips to lay the foundation for a compliant, thriving workplace. From refreshing your employee handbook and conducting pay audits to ramping up workplace training, David Harmon and Mariya Gonor guide you through the must-dos to boost workplace culture in 2025. This podcast is not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice or legal opi...

Hosts David Harmon and Mariya Gonor dive into the allegations, exploring how broken agreements, inappropriate behavior, and the absence of workplacesafeguards contributed to this controversy. They examine the critical lessons businesses—inside and outside of Hollywood—can learn about the importance of robust HR systems, workplace accountability, and adhering to ethical practices. This podcast is n...

The Employment Strategists don their winterjackets as they dive into HR issues with company holiday parties. Join David T. Harmon and Mariya Gonor as theybundle up to tackle the frosty challenges that come with company holiday parties. From mandatory attendance and alcohol policies to gift-giving faux pas, dress code dilemmas, and harassment risks, they’re unwrapping strategiesto keep your celebra...

David Harmon and Mariya Gonor are back with a spooky episode of The Employment Strategists ! Just in time for Halloween, they dive into the terrifying HR issues that haunt both employers and employees during Halloweencelebrations. From costume policies to office party nightmares, they’ll help you keep your workplace festive and fright-free! This podcast is not intended, and should not be taken, as...

In this episode of The Employment Strategists, our hosts David T. Harmon and Mariya Gonor answer the pressing question “What’s the latest with the FTC’s non-compete ban?” Following the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas’ injunction striking down the FTC’s proposed nationwide ban on non-competes, employers and employees alike are considering the impact of the Court’s decision. J...

In this episode, our hosts David T. Harmon and Mariya Gonor dive into the groundbreaking decision by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ban most non-compete clauses. Currently, 30 million Americans are bound by non-competes, but with this new rule, significant changes are on the horizon for both employees and employers. David and Mariya will dissect what the rule entails, the necessary actions...

Tune into the latest episode of The Employment Strategists podcast, "How Remote Will You Go?" where our attorneys, David T. Harmon and Mariya Gonor, delve into the evolving world of remote and hybrid work environments and provide actionable strategies for employers and employees navigating this uncharted terrain. In this episode, they tackle pressing issues likejurisdictional complexities, craftin...

In a growing social media trend, individuals are recording themselves getting laid off or fired, presenting possible legal issues for both employers and employees. In the second episode of The Employment Strategists podcast "It's Time to Say Goodbye," David Harmon and Mariya Gonor discuss these potential risks from the perspective of both employers and employees and the process employers undergo w...

Recently, a Spanish high court judge recommended that Spain’s football federation chief Luis Rubiales be tried for his World Cup kiss, reopening the conversation about workplace harassment. Dive into the heart of this heated debate with David T. Harmon and Mariya Gonor on the debut episode of "The Employment Strategists" podcast. Their episode, titled "The Unsolicited Kiss," is a must-listen. They...