This podcast episode is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of filing an H-1B petition and remaining compliant following an approval. 

The H-1B visa program is known for its competitiveness, intricate regulations, and fact-specific nature. Whether you're an employer looking to hire and maintain foreign talent or an H-1B applicant, our podcast explores the common pitfalls and crucial considerations you need to be aware of regarding the H-1B process.

Littler’s immigration attorneys guide you through the H-1B process, helping to ensure a smoother experience. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the world of H-1B visas with confidence.

171 - Navigating the H-1B Visa Process: Common Pitfalls and Considerations

Emily Linn talks with Breanne Martell about the amicus brief she assisted with to seek justice for a neurodiverse individual, Robert Leslie Roberson, who was convicted of murder based on science that has now been debunked.

Our Littler attorneys demonstrate their pro bono commitment by providing significant pro bono efforts to community organizations. These services cover a variety of areas, depending on the interests of individual attorneys. Overall, the firm values, encourages and respects the community-minded and pro bono efforts of our lawyers and staff.

173 - Pro Bono Week Podcast – Robert Leslie Roberson Case

Immigration associates George Thompson and Deepti Orekondy discuss the nuances and intricacies of filing of an H-1B visa application, including H-1B Cap petitions, and how to help employers maintain H-1B compliance. This podcast delves into common pitfalls and strategic considerations for an employer filing an H-1B petition.

177 - Insight into the H-1B Visa Process

This is the first episode of a six-part podcast series providing an overview of labor Law in Canada. This podcast is designed for human resources executives, labor relations professionals, in-house counsel, and business leaders to gain a better understanding of labor law in Canada. 

In this episode, Littler attorneys Stephen Shore and Matt Badrov provide an overview and structure of Canadian labor law, including: the difference between federal and provincial labor law, the influence of the Wagner Act in Canada, the organization of labor laws across Canadian provinces, and more.

183 - Fundamentals of Canadian Labor Law: An Overview of Labor Law in Canada

Littler attorneys Stephen Shore and Matt Badrov discuss what to expect after a union is certified, how to prepare for and what is typically covered by a collective agreement, what to expect in a typical negotiation, and tips for achieving your goals at the bargaining table.

186 - Fundamentals of Canadian Labor Law: Collective Bargaining in Canada

As part of Littler’s “The First 100 Days” podcast series, Jim Paretti, Alex MacDonald and Bradford Kelley from Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute discuss the major changes to the NLRB and the EEOC.

190 - The First 100 Days: Shakeups at the NLRB and EEOC

Littler attorneys discuss the Faster Labor Contracts Act and how it will potentially amend the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

194 - What is the Faster Labor Contracts Act?

Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute examines the current state of employment law legislation in California and the specific laws employers will want to pay attention to now.  

www.littler.com/wpi

195 - WPI on California: Major Employment Law Updates on Deck

Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute takes a look back at the major policy and regulatory changes that have impacted employers during the first 100 days of President Trump’s second administration and discusses what to expect moving forward.

196 - A Look Back at the First 100 Days

Welcome to Littler Lounge, the podcast where employment law meets happy hour energy. Pull up a chair, pour yourself something fizzy, and join us as we unwind with the sharpest minds in labor and employment law. This isn’t your typical legal briefing – we’re trading the boardroom for the breakroom to talk shop, share stories, and unpack the issues shaping the workplace today.

In each episode, we tap into Littler’s deep bench of thought leaders to explore the legal, cultural, and practical dimensions of work – from IE&D and immigration to AI and labor relations. It’s smart, it’s insightful, and yes, it’s a little irreverent. Because when you bring together brilliant people who trust each other, the real conversations start to flow.

Big firm. Big ideas. Zero stuffiness.

In this episode, Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave unpack the results of Littler’s 2025 Employer Survey, revealing what’s top of mind for employers in today’s rapidly shifting legal and cultural landscape. From the uncertain future of inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D) programs and the chilling effect of increased immigration enforcement, to the whiplash in AI adoption and the evolving dynamics of labor relations, employers are navigating a complex web of concerns. Tune in as Claire and Nicole explore the tension between compliance and culture – and why many organizations are choosing to hold steady amid regulatory ambiguity.

197 - Littler Lounge: What’s Keeping Employers Up at Night in 2025

In this episode of Littler Lounge, Claire and Nicole sit down with Littler attorney Shin-I Lowe for a grounded, yet eye-opening conversation about the realities of immigration enforcement in the workplace. From I-9 audits to the high-pressure uncertainty of ICE raids, the discussion explores how employers can distinguish between different types of enforcement actions – and why that distinction matters.
 
The episode covers the legal nuances of subpoenas versus warrants, the importance of having a clear protocol in place, and how to recognize early warning signs that could trigger government scrutiny. It also dives into the role of E-Verify, the risks of misuse, and how interagency data sharing is shaping enforcement trends under current federal priorities.
 
With practical insights and a few cautionary tales, this conversation underscores the value of preparation over panic – and highlights Littler’s publicly available resources to help employers stay compliant and confident.

https://www.littler.com/practices-industries/immigration-and-global-mobility

198 - Littler Lounge: Raids, Records, and Red Flags – Inside Immigration Enforcement

In this episode of Littler Lounge, hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave sit down with Littler attorneys Niloy Ray and Alice Wang to unpack the buzz – and the reality – around artificial intelligence in the workplace. From the algorithms behind popular playlists to the cutting-edge tools reshaping hiring and employee monitoring, the conversation explores how AI is already changing the game.

The group dives into the evolving regulatory landscape, comparing how the U.S. and EU are approaching AI oversight, and what that means for employers aiming to stay compliant while keeping pace with innovation. It’s a candid, insightful discussion about the promise, the pitfalls, and the practicalities of integrating AI into workplace strategies.


199 - Littler Lounge: AI on the Job – The Newest Member of Your Workforce

The whistle’s blowing – and it’s louder (and more lucrative) than ever. In this episode, hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave are joined by Littler attorney Greg Keating for a high-energy and detailed conversation about the rising tide of whistleblower claims and what it means for employers trying to stay ahead of the curve.

From eye-popping bounty awards to new twists with the Trump administration’s focus on inclusion, equity and diversity and immigration enforcement, the conversation dives into the legal and cultural crosscurrents shaping this moment. Greg brings stories from the trenches, a few jaw-dropping examples, and one very important reminder: context matters.

200 - Littler Lounge: Don’t Let That Whistle Blow Up Your Business

Jorge Lopez and Bruce Buchanan unpack the evolving landscape of immigration enforcement, focusing on the rise of workplace “sweeps” by ICE (i.e., U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)). They break down the differences between administrative warrants, judicial search warrants, and "knock and talk" tactics—highlighting information to help employers in planning for their response.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of having a proactive plan of action, training frontline staff, and prioritizing workplace safety during enforcement encounters. With real-world insights and practical guidance, this episode equips employers to make informed decisions, discusses ideas to help protect their workforce, and maintain compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

The purpose of this program is to provide helpful information for employers addressing the latest developments in labor and employment relations. It is not a substitute for experienced legal counsel and does not provide legal advice or attempt to address the numerous factual issues that arise in any employment-related issue.

201 - Immigration Sweeps and Employer Strategy: Prioritizing Workplace Safety Amid Enforcement

Hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave sit down with labor attorneys Brendan Fitzgerald and Arrissa Meyer to explore the evolving labor landscape in 2025. From the surprising breadth of protected concerted activity to the leadership shakeups at the National Labor Relations Board, the conversation covers the legal and cultural forces shaping today’s workplace.

They discuss how generational dynamics, post-pandemic expectations, and shifting political winds are influencing employee perspectives – and what that means for employers trying to navigate a regulatory environment marked by uncertainty. They also dig into recent shifts in NLRB leadership and enforcement priorities, and how those changes are complicating employers’ ability to plan with confidence.

202 - Littler Lounge: The Labor Law Pendulum – Navigating Change in 2025

In this episode of Littler Lounge, hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave are joined by Littler attorneys Dan Boatright and David Jordan to dive into the wild world of tipping. From airport kiosks and frozen yogurt shops to hibachi grills and PTA apps (yes, really), tipping has gone rogue – and as it shows up in more unexpected places, the legal questions get a little...fuzzy.

They explore where tipping is happening, who it’s for, and what employers need to know before flipping that POS screen around. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more interesting, the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” enters the chat – bringing with it a shiny new no tax on tips provision.

It’s a practical look at how businesses can stay compliant in a world where even robots might be eligible for gratuities someday. Whether you're in hospitality or just curious about that “Would you like to leave a tip?” prompt at self-checkout, this episode offers a grounded take on a fast-changing topic. No gratuity required – but we won’t stop you.

What Employers Need to Know About No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime  

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/what-employers-need-know-about-no-tax-tips-and-no-tax-overtime

203 - Littler Lounge: From Tip Jars to Service Charges – And Now, No Tax on Tips?!

Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave dive headfirst into one of the wildest twists in remote work yet: North Korean laptop farms. Yes, you read that right. What starts as a conversation about post-pandemic remote work compliance quickly turns into a real-life cyber-thriller involving allegations of fake employees, IT gigs and millions of dollars funneled to fund weapons programs. Claire breaks down how these schemes may slip past even the most sophisticated employers – and what companies can do to tighten their remote work policies before things get weird(er).

But it’s not all cloak-and-dagger. The duo also explores the surprising science behind video meetings versus phone calls. Spoiler: your brain might be working harder than it needs to on Zoom, and not in a good way. With insights from Stanford University and the journal Cerebral Cortex, they unpack how different formats may affect creativity, emotional connection and cognitive load – and what that means for managing employees in a hybrid world.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-behind-screen-fraud-fatigue-and-other-considerations-remote

204 - Littler Lounge: Behind the Screen – Fraud, Fatigue and Other Considerations of Remote Work

Just when we thought we had our summer schedules set, the Department of Labor decided to shake things up. In this special episode, hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave call in Littler attorney Lee Schreter for a quick huddle on the return of the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) Program.
 
What is PAID 2.0? Why now? And should employers be excited or cautious? Lee walks us through the rebooted program and what’s changed since its 2018 debut. From enforceable releases to strategic self-audits, the group discusses the big questions – and the finer points – of this development.
 
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-thinking-about-getting-paid-20-heres-what-employers-need-know

205 - Littler Lounge: Thinking About Getting PAID 2.0? Here’s What Employers Need to Know

Hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave welcome Littler attorney Alexis Knapp for a deep dive into the world of leave and accommodations. From the surge in mental health-related requests to the role of return-to-work policies in leave requests, Alexis shares what it’s like to be in the thick of it – fielding everything from open-ended FMLA certifications to AI-generated accommodation requests. The conversation explores how the post-COVID workplace has reshaped employee expectations and how employers are responding.

They also dig into how employers are handling a rise in tricky or unexpected leave scenarios and options for responding. Whether it’s navigating intermittent leave, decoding vague medical notes, or figuring out what to do when someone’s out on leave but posting vacation selfies, this episode offers a look at the realities employers are navigating.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-pull-chair-lets-talk-leave-and-accommodations

206 - Littler Lounge: Pull Up a Chair! Let’s Talk Leave and Accommodations

Hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave are joined by Littler attorney Devjani Mishra for a conversation that starts with pandemic-era policy puzzles and ends somewhere near the Supreme Court. From temperature checks in parking lots to a tidal wave of exemption requests, they trace how COVID and the Groff v. DeJoy decision have reshaped the legal framework around religious accommodation – and why employers are still sorting through the aftershocks.

The discussion covers everything from Sunday shifts at tiny post offices to defining job roles with precision, all in service of helping employers make sense of a landscape that’s still very much in flux. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance sincerely held beliefs with business needs – and do it without losing sleep – this episode is for you.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-redefining-reasonable-religion-and-workplace

207 - Littler Lounge: Redefining “Reasonable” – Religion and the Workplace

What do fantasy football, March Madness brackets, and workplace raffles have in common? They might all be gambling – and they might be happening on your company’s time and devices. Steve Silver, Littler shareholder and chair of the Maine Gambling Control Board, joins hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave to explore how gaming law is showing up in the workplace in unexpected ways. From mobile betting to prediction markets, the legal implications are evolving fast.

Steve shares practical strategies for navigating this new terrain, from crafting clear policies to understanding how gambling intersects with ADA protections, wage and hour rules, and workplace culture. Whether you’re designing incentives or hosting a poker night, this episode offers fresh insights to help employers stay thoughtful, compliant, and inclusive – without losing the fun.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-sports-brackets-benchmarks-navigating-legal-side-workplace


208 - Littler Lounge: From Sports Brackets to Benchmarks – Navigating the Legal Side of Workplace Contests and Incentives

Think your digital trail is just background noise? Think again. In this episode, discover how data – from social media to id badge swipes – can alter the trajectory of a workplace lawsuit. Hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave team up with eDiscovery attorney Don Myers to unpack the tech, tactics and real-world stories behind modern litigation. From off-the-clock collective claims to individual plaintiff suits, you’ll get an inside look at how timestamps and digital footprints are changing the game.  

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-data-doesnt-lie-following-digital-footprints-workplace

209 - Littler Lounge: Data Doesn’t Lie – Following the Digital Footprints in Workplace Lawsuits

What happens when Washington hangs up the “Be Right Back” sign? In this episode, Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave welcome Jim Paretti, co-chair of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute, to break down how a federal government shutdown has ripple effects on the workplace. From potential visa limbo and agency slowdowns to contractor curveballs and compliance headaches, Jim unpacks what’s really at stake – and what employers should keep on their radar. Whether it’s navigating wage and hour investigations, clearing your calendar of federal court hearings, or keeping teams steady amid the chaos, this episode explores what’s put on ice, what keeps chugging along, and how employers can keep moving forward when the government hits pause.
  
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-ooto-government-edition-what-shutdown-means-workplace

210 - Littler Lounge:  OOTO – Government Edition (What a Shutdown Means for the Workplace)

Ready for a seasonal tradition that’s more thrilling than pumpkin spice?! It’s incentive compensation plan season! Join Nicole LeFave and Claire Deason as they roll up their sleeves and wade into the wild world of bonuses and commissions. If you’ve ever wondered why lawyers get so worked up about “discretionary” versus “non-discretionary” or if you’ve ever tried to decipher a plan document that reads like a choose-your-own-adventure novel, this episode is for you. Nicole and Claire swap war stories, decode legal jargon, and reveal why getting your incentive plans in writing is the best way to avoid a “pickle” (the legal kind, not the deli kind). 
 
Expect practical tips and a behind-the-scenes look at how HR, sales, and legal can come together and have some fun – at least until someone mentions “overtime math.” Tune in and discover how crossing business silos – with coffee in hand – can turn compliance chaos into a collaborative win.
 
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-commission-possible-decoding-incentive-compensation-management

211 - Littler Lounge: Commission Possible – Decoding Incentive Compensation for Management

Pro Bono Committee Members Brandon Mita and Steve Biddle speak with Associates Sarah Boxer and Lillian Manning about their experiences tackling the justice gap – the difference between the civil legal needs of low-income Americans and the resources available to meet those needs. Sarah and Lillian share how they partner with local legal aid organizations to provide vital services, from helping unaccompanied minors and survivors of domestic violence to supporting small businesses and nonprofits. The conversation offers practical advice for attorneys looking to get involved.

As part of the annual National Celebration of Pro Bono hosted by the American Bar Association, Littler is proud to highlight the outstanding pro bono efforts of our attorneys and professional staff. Through dedicated service to organizations in their communities, our firm continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to making a meaningful difference. 
 
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/pro-bono-week-podcast-bridging-justice-gap

212 - Pro Bono Week Podcast – Bridging the Justice Gap

Associate Kim Rivera joins Pro Bono Committee Member Dave Haase to share the story of a high-stakes pro bono case involving an international custody dispute under the Hague Convention. After an initial loss at trial, Kim’s advocacy led to a successful appeal, allowing her client’s children to remain safely in the U.S. The episode highlights the impact of pro bono work and the importance of legal representation for those in need.

As part of the annual National Celebration of Pro Bono hosted by the American Bar Association, Littler is proud to highlight the outstanding pro bono efforts of our attorneys and professional staff. Through dedicated service to organizations in their communities, our firm continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to making a meaningful difference.
 
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/pro-bono-week-podcast-advocacy-across-borders-hague-convention-success-story

213 - Pro Bono Week Podcast – Advocacy Across Borders: A Hague Convention Success Story

In this episode, Pro Bono Committee Member Lavanga Wijekoon speaks with fellow Pro Bono Committee Member Dave Haase, Paralegal Bahar Azari, and Attorney Practice Coordinator Una Pavlovic about their experience partnering with the National Immigrant Justice Center to host a pro bono clinic for migrant families seeking asylum in the U.S. The team shares stories of working with individuals from around the world, the challenges of preparing asylum applications, and the personal impact of helping those fleeing persecution and hardship. Their reflections highlight the importance of teamwork and the deep connections formed through pro bono service.

As part of the annual National Celebration of Pro Bono hosted by the American Bar Association, Littler is proud to highlight the outstanding pro bono efforts of our attorneys and professional staff. Through dedicated service to organizations in their communities, our firm continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to making a meaningful difference. 
 
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/pro-bono-week-podcast-helping-migrant-families-littlers-attorneys-and-staff

214 - Pro Bono Week Podcast – Helping Migrant Families: Littler’s Attorneys and Staff at the NIJC Asylum Clinic

Open enrollment: the time of year when HR professionals load up on caffeine and employees wonder if “PPO” is a new streaming service. In this episode, hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave invite benefits attorney Anne Sanchez to help decode health plans, compliance, and the latest shiny objects in workplace benefits. From the great PPO vs. high-deductible debate to the lively world of wage deductions (spoiler: it’s not just about your lunch money), Anne shares practical advice, emphasizes the importance of communication, and helps set the stage for a smoother paperwork season.
  
Curious about what’s trending in benefits this year, like GLP-1 programs or new approaches to fertility? Ready to brush up on clear communication and compliance tips? Pull up a chair and join the conversation – your benefits questions are welcome, and fresh perspectives are guaranteed.  
  
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-ppos-perks-understanding-employee-benefits-landscape

215 - Littler Lounge: From PPOs to Perks – Understanding the Employee Benefits Landscape

Corinn Jackson sits down with Littler Shareholders Natalie Pierce and Garry Mathiason to discuss the firm’s Robotics, AI, and Automation Practice Group.  Natalie and Garry look back at how seismic technological advances have changed the modern workplace and describe the genesis of the group in response to the automation and AI revolution. In addition to addressing implications these developments have for employers, including worker displacement, accommodation issues and privacy and safety concerns, they provide practical recommendations for how employers can respond to the evolving workplace.

111 - Littler’s Robotics, AI, and Automation Group Helps Employers Prepare

In this podcast, Natalie Pierce, co-chair of Littler’s Robotics, AI and Automation Practice Group and Diversity and Inclusion Council, discusses with Tania de Jong AM the intersection of diversity and inclusion efforts with advancing technologies, such as robotics and AI.  Tania is the Founder and Executive Producer of Creative Innovation Global, as well as an international soprano singer, speaker, and one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs and innovators.
 
Natalie and Tania address how to foster diversity and inclusion in the greater context of helping workforces and societies as a whole better withstand technological changes, disruption, and uncertainty.  They explore how global workforces can successfully manage, prepare, and develop innovative, agile company cultures for a rapidly changing world and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which will require human intelligence 2.0 skills and new leadership mindsets. Their fascinating discussion covers how organizations can excel in successfully implementing changes, reskilling, and retraining during an accelerated time of adoption.
 
You can hear more from Tania at www.taniadejong.com.

130 - Developing New Leadership Mindsets in the Age of Acceleration

Conversations about employment and labor law issues that impact the workplace. The purpose of Littler's podcasts is to provide helpful information for employers, addressing the latest developments in labor and employment relations. They are not a substitute for experienced legal counsel and do not provide legal advice or attempt to address the numerous factual issues that arise in any employment-related issue.

Littler Labor & Employment Podcast

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