Making Work Better: Employment Law & Workplace Challenges

AI is becoming increasingly prominent in all kinds of industries, and the legal field is no exception. For lawyers, using AI can streamline processes and reduce billing for clients, but it can also pose risks to confidentiality and damage an attorney's reputation if mistakes aren't caught. Some attorneys have even seen potential clients use AI to build their own case before they've secured representation. In this episode, business counselors Christina Hynes Mesco and Lee Walter address the pitfalls of unchecked AI usage and provide a practical roadmap to responsibly integrate AI tools into legal practice. Listen to Christina and Lee discuss: Where some lawyers have already begun applying AI to their practice Why AI tools may "hallucinate" material in legal filings such as briefs How courts have attempted to deter attorneys who misuse AI What guidance Illinois has issued for attorneys implementing AI in their practice The benefits of an internal AI system over a third-party AI platform like ChatGPT How attorneys can protect client confidentiality when using AI tools What clients should ask their attorneys about how AI may be used to build their case Whether you're an attorney looking to implement AI tools into your practice or a client who's curious about how your lawyer might use AI to advocate for you, tune in to learn how these tools can be used to make work more efficient while still delivering quality service. Stay Connected and Learn More Read our blog post on what lawyers and their clients should know about AI in the legal profession Read our blog post on what employers should know about AI in the workplace Christina Hynes Mesco Lee Walter The Prinz Law Firm

In January of 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") voted to rescind its Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace, an over-200-page document from the Biden-era EEOC that aimed to interpret what constitutes "workplace harassment" under federal law. But what does it mean that this guidance has been removed? Is harassment now lawful? Are things that were considered to be harassment no longer illegal? How should workplaces navigate future harassment claims without this guide? Employment attorneys Mary Charlton and Chad Ayers respond to these crucial questions that many employers are now grappling with. Mary and Chad provide background on the EEOC's role in the federal government, then explain what this removal will look like in practice and how organizations can best navigate this new landscape. Tune in to hear Mary and Chad explore: How the guidance helped to determine what constitutes "workplace harassment" Who is most affected by the lack of this resource How the withdrawal of the guidance was highly unorthodox How Illinois law's protections and requirements can help offset the rescinded federal interpretations What steps employers can take to avoid harassment claims in the absence of this guidance The EEOC's actions have left employers and employees alike with a lack of clarity surrounding harassment law. Drop in on Mary and Chad's conversation if you'd like to know how your business can move forward in this new uncertainty. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Mary and Chad's blog, "The EEOC Just Retracted Its Harassment Guidance. Does That Mean Guardrails on Workplace Harassment Are Now Gone?" Mary Charlton Chad Ayers The Prinz Law Firm

From increased workplace transparency to paid nursing breaks to background check requirements, many new laws and updates to existing legal framework are set to go into effect in Illinois at the start of 2026. As employment attorneys, Katie Rinkus and Hannah Savaso are here to help you stay on top of the biggest changes. In this episode, we'll walk you through what's changing and what both employees and businesses should be aware of heading into the new year. Tune in to hear Katie and Hannah discuss: What Illinois now considers as "unlawful employment practices" Which workplace leaves must now be paid How state equal pay requirements are becoming more streamlined Upcoming restrictions surrounding the use of AI during the hiring process How Illinois is being proactive in preserving workers' safety protections that may be at risk Whether you're a business owner or an employee, keeping up to date with the changing workplace is essential. Give this episode a listen to learn what these changes might mean for you! Stay Connected and Learn More Read our blog post on Illinois' New Laws in 2026 Read Katie's blog post on changes to the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act Katie Rinkus Hannah Savaso The Prinz Law Firm

New Year's resolutions are more than just a fun thing for us to think about every January. In fact, they're a form of internal negotiation that has the potential to impact our lives and the lives of the people around us – and Kristen Prinz and Amit Bindra are here to help you make the most of the new year. Whether we want to make a career change, get more exercise, or achieve some other goal in 2026, this episode will give you the tools you need to determine what's most important, why it matters to you, and how to go about achieving it. Tune in to hear Kristen and Amit discuss: What Kristen considers the key components of any internal negotiation Questions to ask yourself when setting goals for the future The most productive research techniques for getting what you want out of a negotiation, whether it's internal or external How your network can help you brainstorm new goals How to overcome talking yourself out of something you want to achieve Why Amit finds quarterly milestones more manageable than yearly goals Stay Connected and Learn More Kristen's blog post, "Negotiate with Yourself to Achieve Your New Year's Resolutions" Kristen Prinz Amit Bindra The Prinz Law Firm

The holiday season is fast approaching, and workplaces can help to keep spirits high by staying clear of potential issues surrounding gift-giving in the office. What may seem like a simple gesture between coworkers can also lead to a variety of legal pitfalls, from discrimination and harassment claims to tax implications. Business counselors Chad Ayers and Christina Hynes Mesco dive into those issues by sharing stories of their own holiday experiences at work. In this episode, we'll share suggestions for success when giving gifts to colleagues. Chad and Christina will discuss: The potential implications of a manager giving gifts to subordinates Whether the typical "Christmas bonus" or high-value gifts should be considered as wages How the public and private sectors differ in their approaches to accepting gifts What kinds of gifts may have tax implications How workplaces generally treat holiday celebrations outside of gift-giving Inclusive alternatives to a gift exchange To make the most of this time of year, streamline your organization's gift-giving and holiday celebrations. Tune in to hear our recommendations for how employers can show they care while also avoiding liability. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Chad's blog post on gift-giving Listen to a related episode: Ep. 13 – "How Can You Throw a Safe and Appropriate Holiday Party?" Chad Ayers Christina Hynes Mesco The Prinz Law Firm