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

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

The holidays are here, and so are the workplace traditions that make this season sparkle. Hosts Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave, joined by Littler Shareholder Charlotte Main, dive into the practical realities of the holiday season for employers and HR leaders. Together, they unwrap the fun side of year-end celebrations – from creative ways to show appreciation (turkey, anyone?) to holiday bonuses, charitable initiatives, and the art of surviving the office party without starring in next year’s cautionary tale. Listeners will discover how organizations can keep celebrations inclusive, compliant, and memorable – while sidestepping legal hangovers and avoiding the jelly-of-the-month club.  
 
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-festive-compliance-unwrapping-holiday-parties-bonuses-and

216 - Littler Lounge: Festive Compliance – Unwrapping Holiday Parties, Bonuses, and Workplace Cheer

This episode kicks off with a little red-carpet flair – Littler’s Stephan Swinkels returns from the 2025 European Executive Employer conference in London to share the inside scoop. Hosts Nicole LeFave and Claire Deason get the unfiltered download – straight from the source as they dive into the findings from Littler's 2025 European Employer Survey Report, spotlighting workplace trends shaking up Europe – from pay transparency and the EU AI Act to IE&D and return to work policies.
  
Whether you’re navigating new regulations, planning ahead, or trying to make sense of how EU directives intersect with local implementation, this conversation bridges the U.S. patchwork of state and local laws with the European landscape – offering practical insights and fresh perspectives to help employers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving environment.
 
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-european-employer-edition-policy-shifts-workplace-solutions

217 - Littler Lounge: European Employer Edition – From Policy Shifts to Workplace Solutions

As 2026 approaches, workplace regulations are shaking up the scene – and Maureen Lavery from Littler’s Knowledge Management team joins Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave to help employers stay ahead of the curve. The trio dives into new legislation and regulatory trends set to impact organizations in the coming year. From Connecticut’s paid sick leave expansion (spoiler: almost everyone’s invited), Colorado’s first-in-the-nation NICU leave, and Minnesota’s meal and rest break overhaul, the team tackles compliance changes with the energy of people who’ve had one too many krumkake. Plus, a round of predictions for what’s next in anti-TRAP laws, AI in hiring, menopause accommodations, and immigration protections – helping employers prepare for what could be ahead.  
  
https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-ahead-bill-curve-2026-legislative-look-ahead

218 - Littler Lounge: Ahead of the Bill Curve – 2026 Legislative Look Ahead

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.

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

Littler Labor & Employment Podcast

Related tracks