Spoliation & How to Protect Against It

Most employers understand that they shouldn’t destroy evidence that may be relevant to litigation. And preserving the correct evidence can be a tricky process to navigate. An employer’s failure to identify what relevant evidence to keep, or by not following the proper procedures can lead to spoliation exposure and penalties. Spoliation is the destruction of […]

Common Objections at Trial

Courtroom objections are an essential component of trial when applied properly, they can contribute to winning the case. A courtroom objection is a statement made by an attorney for the purpose of questioning or challenging any specific evidence. Typically, the end goal of the objection is to limit the opponent’s submitted evidence or have it […]

In Limines in Employment Jury Trials

The Latin phrase “in limine” means “on the threshold”. A motion in limine (MIL) is simply a motion made “at the start” of trial, during a recess, or before a witness testifies. In limines are pre-trial motions discussed outside the presence of the jury, to request inclusion or exclusion of certain prejudicial testimony or relevant […]

Depositions in Employment Litigation

A deposition is a case discovery tool. Depositions are necessary to learn the basis for the other party’s claims or defense, and to test whether their testimony holds up under cross examination. A deposition also captures the witness testimony  and preserves it. Employment litigants rarely have all the facts needed to prove their claims. They […]

Subpoenas

A subpoena is a court-ordered command that requires an individual to appear in court and testify, or produce documents as part of a lawsuit. The term “subpoena” is the Latin term for “under penalty”. Under state and federal civil or criminal procedural laws, subpoenas offer attorneys a chance to obtain information to help their client’s […]

Florida Overtime Laws

There are different classifications an employer might assign to an employee, such as regular full-time, exempt and non-exempt. These classifications affect how the employer will compensate the employee regarding hours worked and overtime pay. If you are considered a regular full-time employee, you are expected to work 40 hours each week according to your schedule. […]

What is Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace?

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or any related condition. It states that women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions shall be treated the same for all employment-related purposes, including receipt of benefits. Employers must comply with the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles employees to take unpaid, […]

Florida Law for Employers & Tipped Employees

Rules on tip credits, tip pooling & more Many employees in Florida earn tips, including those who wait tables, serve and mix drinks, open doors, carry luggage, clean hotel rooms, or provide other services, from moving furniture to delivering newspapers. If you receive tips as part of your compensation, your legal rights under wage laws […]

Family Emergencies & the Florida Family & Medical Leave Act

The Florida Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a labor law designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons, as well as for issues relating to domestic violence. FMLA provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, […]

Florida’s E-Verify Requirements for Employers

Florida Statute 448.095: Employment eligibility Several states have implemented state-specific E-Verify mandates including Florida. Beginning January 1, 2021, every public employer, contractor, and subcontractor in Florida must register with and use the E-Verify system to verify the work authorization status of all newly hired employees. F.S. 448.095 makes the use of the web-based E-Verify system, […]