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Article At A Glance: - What is the impact of the United States Merit Systems Protection Board’s (MSPB) lack of a quorum for over four years? - Federal employees who receive an adverse action decision—including removal, demotion, and suspension of greater than 14 days—can appeal the decision to the United States Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). -The MSPB has lacked… Read More

Article At A Glance: On July 1, 2021, Virginia legalized recreational marijuana. Virginia employers can still require drug testing for jobs where there is a business necessity, or if there is a workplace injury. Industries and roles that will likely continue to have commonplace drug testing and policies are government contractors, government workers, security, certain health care jobs, and construction.… Read More

Article At A Glance: How does President Biden’s new executive order affect employers?  The Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, issued July 9, 2021, encourages the FTC to ban or limit noncompete agreements, which prohibit workers from working for a rival company for a specified time period usually 1-2 years. The order encourages the FTC to ban… Read More

Lipp Law Attorney Sarah Mugmon sat down with WUSA9 to discuss why Virginia employers may still test for weed and what you should do if you come face-to-face with a positive test. From the article:  "Mugmon has had a handful of cases from clients facing a similar situation through the years, although she has seen fewer recently as weed has… Read More

Are You Going Through the US Federal Government Security Clearance Process? This Lipp Law Article Covers the Security Clearance Application Process, and How a Lawyer Can Assist You. This Article Also Details the Appeal Process For When Your Security Clearance Application is Denied. Security Clearance Application, Background Investigation, and Appeal Processes Article at a Glance To get a security clearance,… Read More

Were you overpaid unemployment benefits in Virginia? If yes, you may qualify for a recent Virginia Employment Commission waiver process. Below is a breakdown of everything you need to know about the VEC's overpayment waiver process. Virginia Employment Law Bill Virginia passed a bill— (HB 2040)—requiring the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) to create a process for individuals who were overpaid… Read More

Article At A Glance: An employee may have a workers’ compensation claim for adverse reactions to an employer-mandated vaccine. An employer may have increased workers’ compensation liability if the vaccine is provided by the employer, given at the workplace, or made available during work hours. Should employers require their employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine? This is a decision varying… Read More

Respect + Kindness Disrespected or mistreated employees are SO much more likely to leave your company with a bad taste in their mouth, and have the power to wreak havoc for months or even years after they are separated. Lead with kindness, respect, and compassion. It costs nothing, and is a major way to reduce lawsuit risk. Short, 2-Way Termination… Read More

COVID LAW Q&A Q: Can US employers require employees to get COVID vaccines? A: Yes, if the vaccine is necessary to an employer’s business + related to an employee’s job. But, because COVID vaccines are in the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) stage, employers should weigh the positives of a vaccinated workforce against the risks of mandating vaccines. Q: Doesn’t HIPAA… Read More

Here's a business development tip from Lipp Law Firm Owner, Katie Lipp: Energy flows where the attention goes. Take your business relationships beyond just services in exchange for money. Check in on your clients annually, off the clock. It will free you from the usual billing constraints and deepen your relationship. I had the pleasure of seeing my client's new… Read More