Author Archives for Michelle Bomberger

The new amendments extend beyond gender, now barring pay discrimination based on membership in any protected class. Protected classes under the 2024 EPOA include age, sex, gender, marital status, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, presence of a disability, and more. This is a major development for employers, as the law now requires that pay equity be ensured across a wide spectrum of protected classes.

Updates to Washington’s Equal Pay Act and Opportunities Act: What Employers Need to Know

by | October 21, 2024

This article was originally published in Equinox Business Law’s website on June 7, 2018 as “Updates to Washington’s Equal Pay Act Go Into Effect”. On March 28, 2024, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law Substitute House Bill 1905, broadening the scope of Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA). Since 1943, the EPOA prohibited sex- and gender-based... View Article

CASE STUDY: Discover how a Family-Run Construction Subcontractor Reinforced Their Legal Framework and Boosted Compliance!

by | September 26, 2024

Introduction Running a family business is no small feat, especially in the construction industry. For our client, a specialty subcontractor with 20 employees, legal services were never a priority until it became clear that transitioning the business to the next generation required a solid legal foundation. This is where Equinox stepped in, providing strategic legal... View Article

LEGAL UPDATE:  Texas Court Rules on Federal Noncompete Ban

LEGAL UPDATE: Texas Court Rules on Federal Noncompete Ban

by | August 21, 2024

On August 20, a federal judge in Texas struck down the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) rule that would have banned noncompete agreements nationwide. This ruling has significant implications for both employers and employees across the United States.  U.S. District Judge Ada Brown ruled that the FTC does not have the authority to implement a sweeping... View Article

Athletes Need a Coach, Businesses Need General Counsel. For small business owners, this evolving legal landscape resembles an Olympic event in itself—requiring constant adjustment, strategic thinking, and quick responses. All athletes work with a coach to help give advice, talk strategy, and adapt their training to remain competitive. Businesses are no different.

Expect Regulatory Easing – and More Uncertainty 

by | August 20, 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympics is a remarkable showcase of athletic prowess and international unity. Gold medal athletes have reaped the rewards of their intense training, all within the confines of strict rules set by sports federations and the Olympic Committee. Similarly, for businesses to win against the competition, they must follow strict rules set out... View Article

Federal Increase to Salary Thresholds Effective July 1, 2024

LEGAL UPDATE: Federal Increase to Salary Thresholds Effective July 1, 2024

by | July 23, 2024

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its Final Rule, increasing the salary threshold for overtime exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This affects the “white-collar” exemptions for administrative, executive, or professional employees. The DOL estimates that approximately three to four million U.S. workers will either become eligible for overtime or receive salary increases to retain... View Article