Blog: Opinions & Observations

Virginia Paid Family and Medical Leave Law: What Employers Need to Know

May 15, 2026

On May 11, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Virginia’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Law that will affect employers across the Commonwealth. The law creates a state-administered insurance program that will provide eligible employees with partial wage replacement when they need leave for qualifying family, medical, parental, military, or safety-related reasons.For employers, the new law is not simply a PTO issue or a payroll issue. It will...

Virginia Employers Face New Limits on Noncompetes Beginning July 1, 2026

April 16, 2026

Virginia employers that use noncompete agreements should take a fresh look at them before July 1, 2026.Under SB 170, signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger on April 13, 2026, a noncompete agreement entered into, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026, may be unenforceable against an employee discharged without cause unless the employer provides severance benefits or other monetary payment and discloses that benefit when the employee signs the...

Who Owns the Rights to AI-Generated Images? A Straightforward Guide to Copyright Law

April 10, 2026

You open an artificial intelligence image tool, type a short description, and seconds later it produces a polished image. It might look like a magazine cover or a marketing graphic.So, who owns it?The answer under current U.S. law is simple. If the image is generated by AI without meaningful human creative control, no one owns the copyright. The image falls into the public domain. Anyone can use it, copy it, or sell it.That result surprises people, but it...

The Rise of Trademark Scams: How Small Businesses Can Spot and Stop Them Before It’s Too Late

March 13, 2026

It often begins with an alarming email.A business owner opens their inbox to find a message warning that someone else is about to register their company name as a federal trademark. The email explains that an application has been received, that the sender is “holding” the competing filing, and that the recipient has only a few days to respond if they want to secure the rights themselves. The implication is clear: act now or risk losing the name your...

The EEOC Rescinded Its Harassment Guidance—So How Does This Affect Employers?

February 13, 2026

In January 2026, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to rescind its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace. For many employers, the headline raised an obvious question: Does this change what we’re supposed to do about harassment complaints?The short answer is no.What changed is the EEOC’s internal enforcement playbook. What did not change are the laws that govern workplace harassment – and the litigation risks...

Project Labor Agreements on Public Projects: What Virginia Contractors Need to Know Before Bidding

February 02, 2026

Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) are showing up more often in public construction procurement across the country — and increasingly here in Virginia. Many contractors, especially those not steeped in union labor relations, may be unsure what PLAs are, where they are required, and how they can affect competitive bidding and project performance. This primer breaks down current trends, what PLAs actually are, and practical steps contractors should take before...

When One Policy Doesn’t Fit All: Managing Multistate Employment Law Patchwork

September 30, 2025

It used to be that a Virginia employer with a Virginia workforce could manage its people using a single set of policies. Those days are gone. Today, a Hampton Roads employer can post a remote job on Monday and, by Tuesday, find itself subject to pay transparency laws in Colorado, privacy rules in California, and noncompete limitations in Minnesota – all without opening an office there or sending a manager out of state.The reason is simple: jurisdictional...

Summer Employment Issues: 10 Legal Traps (and How to Avoid Them)

May 20, 2025

As the weather warms up, employers face unique legal challenges tied to the summer season. Whether it’s hiring interns, teenage workers, or hosting company outings, summer introduces a range of compliance issues that can create legal exposure if mishandled.This guide highlights 10 key summer employment issues with practical tips for staying compliant, particularly under Virginia and federal law.1. Summer Internships: Wage and Hour ComplianceSummer is...

Virginia's AI Bill Veto: What Does This Mean for Virginia Businesses?

April 22, 2025

In a decision that has sparked widespread discussion, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently vetoed HB 2094, a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) and addressing concerns about algorithmic discrimination. For business leaders in Virginia—and across the country—this decision raises important questions about the future of AI regulation and its implications for businesses operating in an increasingly tech-driven world.So, what exactly...

Is Your DEI Strategy 2025 Compliant? What HR Professionals Need to Know Right Now

April 16, 2025

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the recent whirlwind of changes around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), you’re not alone. With the Trump administration’s executive order rolling back federal DEI initiatives and a surge of legal scrutiny hitting private-sector programs, HR leaders are navigating uncharted waters filled with compliance challenges.So, what’s changed—and more importantly, how should you respond?First, a Quick RecapIn January,...