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

Trent Sutton and Thelma Akpan explore key reasons why employers in the APAC region should begin to think about pay equity and wage transparency or prepare to implement their own wage transparency initiatives.

119i - Wage Transparency and Pay Equity Issues in Asia

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

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.

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

Littler Labor & Employment Podcast

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