Skip to main content

Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Law – Recent Developments

2020 brought employment law practitioners several federal court decisions that proved to be interesting, instructive and, at times, entertaining. Some decisions were victories for employees, and others were victories for employers. No matter the outcome, however, all the opinions continue to shape the employment landscape. Here are summaries of nine of these key cases, along with […]

| 1 min read | Tagged: , , , ,

Is Your Website Accessible? Number of ADA Title III Lawsuits on the Rise

As a society, we have become dependent on the internet for retail purposes. Companies from Amazon to Winn-Dixie sell their products on websites aimed at consumers and those websites are critical to revenue. Internet retail isn’t limited to Fortune 1000 companies. Even small businesses are building websites to reach more customers over a broader geographic […]

| 1 min read | Tagged: , ,
EW
Former Partner

No Crystal Ball for the ADA: Future Disabilities Not Protected Under Act

On October 29, 2019, a panel of Seventh Circuit Appellate Court Judges held that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not cover alleged discrimination based on future impairments. Shell v. Burlington N. Santa Fe Ry. Co., No. 19-1030, 2019 WL 5558090 (7th Cir. Oct. 29, 2019). The unanimous three-Judge panel ruled in favor of employer, BNSF […]

| 1 min read | Tagged: , ,
SP
Former Associate

Let’s Get Out of the Weeds: Understanding Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Laws

Can an employer terminate the employment of a medical marijuana cardholder who tests positive after a work-related injury? A recent decision tackles this question and represents a first look at the legal issues under Arizona’s medical marijuana law. Employers and their counsel should familiarize themselves with this decision. For more information, read on here.

JL
Partner
RB
Former Associate

Q1 2019 Workplace Word – Out Now!

The first edition of the Workplace Word for 2019 has been published! In this edition, we take a look at three critical issues for employers during the hiring process – Form I-9 Compliance; Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance; and What Not to Ask in Interviews. The Workplace Word is a quarterly publication from Snell & Wilmer’s […]

AM
Former Associate

100 Percent Healed Policies – One of the EEOC’s Enforcement Priorities

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) is cracking down on employers for maintaining leave policies that the EEOC deems a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). These so-called “100 percent healed” policies require an employee returning from medical leave to be fully recovered and to work without any restrictions. According to the EEOC’s […]

| 1 min read | Tagged: , , ,

In-House Counsel Tool Kit: Employment Law Update

A common observation from in-house attorneys is that, unlike those in private practice, many lack the luxury of being able to focus on a specific area of law. Rather, they are often expected to understand and provide legal advice on a myriad of complex topics that differ from their ordinary practice. This program, requested by […]

| 2 min read | Tagged: , , , , ,

Warning: Risk of ADA Claims by Transgender Employees…Proceed With Caution

If an employee identifies as transgender, employers may want to engage in the interactive process with the employee to protect themselves against potential claims for disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). But why, when the ADA specifically excludes “transsexualism” and “gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments” as within the meaning […]

1 Reminder: Leave Can Be an ADA Reasonable Accommodation — Due in: Now

On February 1, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit alleging that Tennessee-based West Meade Place LLP violated the Americans with Disability Act (“ADA”) when it denied an employee’s requested leave as a reasonable accommodation for her anxiety disorder. The employer subsequently discharged the employee when she did not provide a note from […]

7th Circuit Deals a Blow to the EEOC’s Extended Leave as a Reasonable Accommodation Position

The EEOC’s position that extended leave may be a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) has long frustrated employers who are left without much guidance to determine what is “reasonable.” According to the EEOC, this could be a leave of absence in excess of several months or more.  In a recent decision, […]

| 2 min read | Tagged: , , ,