Law Blog

In this second article of our USERRA series, we explain how a veteran or member of the military recognizes discrimination and/or retaliation in violation of USERRA. Discrimination USERRA prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee because of their past or current military service. Specifically, USERRA prohibits an employer from denying service m...

If you compare your life with others, especially those you believe to be more successful or happier than you are, you will be unhappy in your life. Teddy Roosevelt said “Comparison is the thief of joy” more than a century ago and it still rings true today. The point is to not be envious of others or, more accurately, of what you perceive the success or happines...

Arizona voters passed Proposition 209 in November of 2022.  Although billed as a healthcare debt interest rate limit, it surprisingly impacts Arizona employers.   In Arizona, generally, thirty days after an election, propositions will become law.  The effective date was December 5, 2022, and applies prospectively only. The largest changes for employers and the...

Poor time management limits success more than people realize it does. The people you work for, whether bosses or clients, will notice if you show up late or miss a deadline. When you do, it reflects poorly on you and your company, and how you deal with being called out about poor time management does too. If you struggle with punctuality, you need to fix that now. ...

Many people sugarcoat what they say to save another’s feelings. I think this is because most people shy away from potentially confrontational conversations or don’t know how to effectively communicate something negative or that is constructive criticism. If you are unable or unwilling to have honest, hard conversations with your peers and employees, it’s detr...

JW Way Fundamental #25: Candidly discuss, then align  “Healthy, respectful discussion creates better solutions. Discuss concepts without personal attacks. Check your ego and search for the best solution rather than proving you are right. Once a decision is made, be fully aligned and completely supportive of it. “Groups frequently make decisions.  Even no...

JW Way Fundamental #19: Lead by Example  “The best way to influence others and maintain our culture is by one’s own examples. Walk the talk. Don’t ask others to do what you won’t or can’t. Take responsibility to consistently demonstrate the JW Way.”Acceptance is hard.  At times it is easier, but it is always a process.  Frequently it revolves ar...

When people think of a “protected class,” they often think of age, race, gender, or disability. While those are some of the classes protected by anti-discrimination laws, often-overlooked classes include honorably discharged veterans and active-duty service members. The United States Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law that was pas...

Many attorneys (and I assume others) have this somewhat canned response when someone asks them how it’s going. It’s generally some version of “It’s another day” or “Different day, same stuff.” The message being communicated is that the day and stuff is the same, is a slog, and what they’re saying is negative in tone. They focus on the negative and n...

Inspiration can hit you anytime. When it does, you know it instantly. Many times, the timing is inconvenient. When this happens, you have to take steps to not lose that inspiration. It happens to me frequently and at different times! It can be in the middle of the night, when I’m at my desk working, when I’m in a conversation, or at what is likely a very incon...