EEOC Poised to Roll Back Guidance on Treatment of Criminal History

Consider writing about:

A draft final rule released on Oct. 6 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; what the rule would mean for EEOC guidance on the treatment of arrest and conviction records in the course of making employment decisions; how this rule jibes with other Trump administration actions regarding disparate impact; guidance for employers on this evolving area and on legal risks that may persist for them even if the EEOC rolls back its prior guidance.

Related information:

https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoDetails?rrid=1556016

Trump Administration Suspends Microsoft, Others From H-1B Visa Program

Consider writing about:

The Trump administration’s suspension of major tech companies from key visa programs; whether this is an unusual move; how the suspension is carried out; basis for, and terms of, the suspension; the implications of such a suspension for a company’s hiring practices and for job-seekers; what else other companies should know about this suspension, and what it may illustrate regarding their own legal risks and obligations in the face of Trump administration priorities.

Related information:

https://apnews.com/article/h1b-visa-program-vance-microsoft-e7b3a407f822702b269ee277d21343ea

DHS Proposes Significant New OPT Fees

Consider writing about:

A proposed rule released on Oct. 7 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; what the proposed rule, if implemented, would mean for foreign students, for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, for schools, and for employers; what to know about F-1 visas, related rights for individuals, how the OPT program works, and the program’s history and practical significance. What should students, schools, or employers be doing to prepare for the likely implementation of this proposed rule?

Related information:

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/10/07/dhs-proposes-fees-foreign-student-work-program-protect-american-jobs

EEOC Presses Hyundai Over Alleged National Origin Discrimination

Consider writing about:

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s investigation of alleged anti-American discrimination by Hyundai’s ENG America division; basis for, and status of, the EEOC investigation; related trends under the Trump administration involving alleged employment discrimination on the basis of national origin; what other employers should know about enforcement risks on this front and how to navigate federal investigations such as the one that Hyundai has been undergoing.

Related information:

https://www.hrdive.com/news/eeoc-seeks-subpoena-enforcement-against-hyundai-non-korean-bias-probe/831546

Lyft Agrees to $272M Settlement in Misclassification Case

Consider writing about:

A $272.5 million settlement that Lyft has agreed to pay to resolve misclassification and compensation allegations involving drivers for the platform; what to know about misclassification legal trends and related risks for companies, whether pertaining solely to rideshare companies or California, or more broadly speaking; how companies can avoid opening themselves up to lawsuits over alleged misclassification.

Related information:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/10/lyft-settles-landmark-driver-misclassification-lawsuit-for-272-5m

Frightening Legal Tales (in Time for Halloween)

Consider writing about:

Legal disputes with a Halloween-related hook. Consider whether to write either a straightforward or a light-hearted piece about disputes involving any of the following: haunted houses, theme parks, costumes, candy, or other familiar staples of this particular holiday season.

Alternatively, consider writing about your choice of five or more scares involving the legal profession, but with Halloween-related wordplay. Take your pick of cautionary tales, discovery demons, tech traps, disputes that won’t die, mistakes that came back to haunt one side in a noteworthy case, or other accounts that can keep lawyers or their clients up at night. Bonus points for guidance on how lawyers or their firms can avoid these types of frightening scenarios in the first place.

How Lawyers Can Gain the Most Benefit From Being on LinkedIn [Ongoing]

Consider writing about:

How lawyers can make the best use of LinkedIn as they begin or continue their legal practice; tips on writing compelling profiles, building networks, reaching potential clients, choosing what to post, establishing oneself as a thought leader, publishing new, reused, or adapted content, and more. What do even some experienced LinkedIn users overlook regarding timing, tone, etiquette, or other finer points of being on LinkedIn?

Courtroom Attire: Do’s and Don’ts

Consider writing about:

Trends and pointers involving courtroom attire; whether a double standard by gender persists in that regard, or whether customs and best practices are highly local in nature; whether an attorney’s choice of wardrobe can be a help or a hindrance in the courtroom; how an attorney may want to respond when a judge makes comments on that attorney’s choice of attire or overall appearance (plus: related issues involving judicial behavior, fitness, ethics, or consequences for a judge).

Related information:

https://abovethelaw.com/2026/09/judge-puts-lawyers-sleeveless-dress-on-trial

Practical Takeaways From DOJ Memorandum on Fraud

Consider writing about:

A memorandum released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Oct. 1st regarding the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s corporate enforcement priorities; what the memorandum indicates regarding how investigations and enforcement actions are likely to play out in the future; industries that can expect the most intense scrutiny; practical actions that companies should be considering in response to the memorandum.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/assistant-attorney-general-colin-m-mcdonald-issues-memorandum-national-fraud-enforcement-0

Reminders, Best Practices, or Cautionary Tales for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Consider writing about:

Cybersecurity trends and practical tips in recognition of the fact that October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Consider whether to frame your piece with a specific industry or threat type in mind, or whether to write more generally about any of the following points: common data security weaknesses; heightened or emerging types of cyberthreats that businesses should be aware of; government warnings regarding cyberthreats; related or additional compliance obligations; lessons from recent or especially noteworthy data breaches; additional steps for improving data security before or after an incident; and/or pointers on minimizing legal or business fallout after a cyberattack. Alternatively or additionally, consider whether to present your piece in the form of a numerical list of recommended cybersecurity practices, or a list of do’s and don’ts, or a checklist of best practices.