JDSA's Law Talk

Workplace Discrimination is an all too common topic. Partly, it’s because people have become more empowered to stop and report what they see as unfair treatment of themselves, or others. But what really is the definition of workplace discrimination? How do we know what is or isn’t actual discrimination under the law? How are companies protected? And how should employers act to protect their employees? In this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk, attorney Stephanie Boehl joins the show to discuss Workplace Discrimination – And What You Need to Know About It.

Your ideas have value. And if you want to earn a living from your ideas, you need to own them and control them. If you create the next big thing, you’ll likely want to create the next, Next Big Thing. So, in order to keep creating, you need to license your ideas – your intellectual property – and let others sell it for you. But, now you have to sort out license scope, revenues, timelines, enforcement, and more. And that’s when you learn, licensing intellectual property is exactly as complex as it sounds. In this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk, attorney Colleen Frei offers Five Tips for Licensing Intellectual Property.

Your property. Before it was yours, it was someone else’s. Over the years, as properties change hands, assumptions are made about borders such as existing fences or landscape boundaries. So, what if you have a border dispute with your neighbor? Do you know who has a right to come onto your property, and why? Do you know for certain where your property boundary is? In this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk, attorney Matthew Hitchcock talks about dispute resolutions, property boundaries, and the importance of surveying.

It’s difficult for most people to discuss estate planning. But, it’s important we make the tough decisions ourselves - especially if we have a family. Decisions like, what if both parents die in an accident? Who will take care of the kids? What about our furry and feathered family members? Can we legally give someone our passwords for our digital identities? What if we’re on life support? None of these questions should be left to the courts, and they are all covered in this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk as attorney Colleen Frei discusses some Uncomfortable—But Necessary—Questions About Estate Planning.

A will is your first step to being prepared for when you are gone. It’s something you do to protect your loved ones. But what about the taxes that are collected when you pass? What will your heirs end up with after the government receives their portion? Estate tax is complex. Careful planning, however, is how you protect those you leave behind from potentially excessive estate taxes. In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Evan McCauley explains the things most of us likely don’t know about estate tax - and how to minimize the impact on your loved ones – in this episode, Estate Tax: Will Your Estate Have To Pay?

Season 3, Episode 22 – Family disputes happen all the time. Siblings don’t always get along. And we all have “that” aunt or uncle. But when family members have a disagreement about the family estate, trust or other assets, hostility can further complicate the matter. So, how are estate and trust disputes resolved? Does everyone have a day in court? Or is there a more conciliatory method of dispute resolution that is a win-win for all parties? In this podcast episode, filled with thought-provoking examples, JDSA attorney Evan McCauley explains how disputes can be resolved while still maintaining family harmony in Using TEDRA Agreements to Settle Estate and Trust Disputes.

Season 3, Episode 18 – Product recalls are an increasingly frequent occurrence. Sometimes they involve product safety; other times they may involve situations such as food contamination. But have you ever thought about what the grower, manufacturer, or the retailer has to do when there’s a recall? Who shoulders the cost of pulling everything from the shelves? What other costs result from the issue? If you’re in the agriculture industry, manufacturing, or retail sector, you will want to listen to this podcast. JDSA attorney Colleen Frei discusses the importance of not only having insurance, but knowing for certain your policies are the right ones—to protect yourself—and cover unexpected expenses. Listen in, and get the details in this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk podcast highlighting Product Liability and Recalls – Is Your Business Protected?

The Epic Systems case is a recent United States Supreme Court decision that could have a significant impact on businesses and employees throughout the country. But is it good or bad for you? The Supreme Court has ruled that companies can use an arbitration clause in an employment contract. So, instead of going to court, employees may have to resolve disputes with their employer through arbitration. Is this good for employees? Or is it entirely lop-sided, and all in the favor of the company? This makes for a hot topic, and why you want to hear this podcast episode. Listen in as JDSA attorney Colleen Frei explains the new U.S. Supreme Court ruling and how it can affect you, in Arbitration — The Impact of Employment Dispute Resolution Agreements.

There’s a lot of work that goes into getting ready for a court case. And something you may never have thought of, is where it will take place. How much does the venue where your case is heard matter? Could the outcome be affected? What’s the criteria for deciding the location, and who makes the final determination about what courtroom, what judge—and in what county—your case will be tried. It’s an important piece of the legal puzzle, and something your attorney takes into consideration. In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Jordan Miller explores The Importance of a Proper Legal Venue.

The most important job in your company could be replacing a top person. In any company—large or small, corporate or family business—there will come a time when the CEO or another high-ranking leader will retire, or move on. Sometimes the departure is sudden and unexpected. Who will fill those shoes? Is there someone inside your company ready to take the lead? Or do you need to look outside the organization? How do you plan for this company-changing event? And when should you start thinking about it? In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Colleen Frei talks about grooming leadership for the future health of your business in Succession Planning – And Why It’s Critical For Business Success.