News

The U.S. Department of Labor continues to update their Q&A for interpreting the Families First Coronavirus Response Act since initially releasing the guidelines on March 24, 2020. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Mary P. Snyder discusses the issues addressed… more Continue reading DOL Issues Guidance on Families First Coronavirus Response Act

In this continuously-changing employment landscape we find ourselves in, we’re committed to helping you understand and break down the latest changes in U.S. labor laws. We invite you to take a few minutes to watch our COVID-19 Weekly Recap for… more Continue reading COVID-19 Weekly Recap for Employers

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s Safer at Home executive order represents a substantial increase in the restrictions placed on businesses—calling for nonessential business to close until April 16 and vulnerable individuals to stay home until April 30. Labor & Employment Practice… more Continue reading Executive Order Important for Essential and Nonessential Businesses

The Department of Health and Human Services and several other governmental agencies have expanded the types of technologies allowed for the delivery of telehealth services in an effort to fight the spread of COVID-19. Healthcare Practice Group Chair Karen S.… more Continue reading Gavel to Gavel: Telehealth Expanded in Battle Against COVID-19

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has stated that their guidance on pandemic preparedness specifically applies to COVID-19, potentially allowing employers to measure the body temperatures of employees. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Mary P. Snyder examines the laws and… more Continue reading Coronavirus in Oklahoma: During Pandemic, Taking Workers’ Temperatures May Be OK

Employers are facing difficult decisions with regard to managing their employees as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael W. Bowling, a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, discusses the importance for business owners to stay current… more Continue reading OKC Mayor Urges Private Sector to Act

Constant evaluation of intellectual property strategy is an important step for growing businesses wishing to avoid long-term negative consequences. Intellectual Property Practice Group member Terry L. Watt discusses how trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and patents fit in balancing a company’s… more Continue reading Business Viewpoint: Prioritizing Intellectual Property Protection in Growing Companies

The requirement that an Oklahoma resident obtain a permit in order to carry a firearm was removed last year when Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2597 into law as an amendment to the Self Defense Act. Labor & Employment… more Continue reading New Constitutional Carry Law Presses Employers to Review Policies, Implement Training

Freedom of speech is protected by both the U.S. and Oklahoma constitutions, however, they do not regulate the actions of private employers. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Michael W. Bowling examines policies regarding political speech and what employers should… more Continue reading Private OK Employers Can Ban Political Conversations in the Workplace

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued recommendations to minimize the risk of spreading disease, such as the coronavirus, in the workplace. Allen L. Hutson, a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, discusses leave policies… more Continue reading I Own a Business, How do I Protect it from Coronavirus?