Lockheed Martin to Pay $29M Over Employment Practices

Consider writing about:

A $29.5 million settlement to be paid by federal contractor Lockheed Martin over allegedly discriminatory employment practices; what to know about the government’s allegations against Lockheed; related trends involving the Trump administration’s use of the False Claims Act to pursue companies over their employment practices or policies; practical guidance for other federal contractors on hiring, compensation, advancement, and related employment matters, in light of continuing enforcement actions under the second Trump administration.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/lockheed-martin-agrees-pay-295m-resolve-alleged-employment-discrimination-violations

https://apnews.com/article/lockheed-martin-dei-lawsuit-5c6f6fa12858a9c586d6bf57eb571c68

Calif. County Tackles Workplace Impacts Posed by Humanoid Robots

Consider writing about:

A possibly first-of-its-kind action by county supervisors in San Mateo, California involving workplace issues created by employers’ use of autonomous, AI-controlled robots; how the proposed ordinance addresses worker safety and displacements linked to the use of robots; status of the ordinance and potential path to approval and implementation; whether other jurisdictions are weighing similar measures in response to the advance of robotics and artificial intelligence.

Related information:

https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/san-mateo-county-supervisors-pass-new-public-safety-worker-protections-autonomous-robots

Holiday Season Issues for Employers: PTO, Overtime, Workplace Parties, and More

Consider writing about:

Potential holiday season pitfalls for employers. Take your pick of the following points to explore: holiday season work schedules; how to ensure equitable staffing coverage while heading off related tensions among employees or between employees and managers over this issue; compensation pay for overtime; best practices when hiring seasonal workers (and potential added complications regarding the hiring of minors or regarding the rise of local laws on predictive scheduling); potential disputes arising from sick time being added to vacation or holiday periods; required vs. voluntary workplace holiday gatherings; tips on giving holiday bonuses; whether to allow workplace gift exchanges; religious discrimination risks; liability risks stemming from holiday parties where alcohol is served.

Federal Judge Tees Up Ethics Inquiry for Government Attorneys

Consider writing about:

A looming investigation of attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justice or Department of the Interior; events that have opened the door to a potential ethics probe; what such an investigation would consist of, how it would be conducted, and what powers and tasks would fall to a special master; whether other lawyers with key departments are facing similar investigations; how unusual these sorts of formal ethics investigations may be for lawyers in Department positions; potential outcome of such an investigation, either for individuals involved or for underlying disputes at issue.

Related information:

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/11/07/trump-special-master-investigation-jessie-liu-golf-01155175

What Do Weil’s Woes Say About Current State of Legal Industry?

Consider writing about:

Your choice of topics relating to the planned dissolution of Weil, Gotshal & Manges. Among the possible points to explore: what Weil’s situation may illustrate regarding internal or external pressures on today’s law firms and related challenges in overcoming those challenges; what practical lessons other law firms may be able to take from Weil’s woes; factors that lawyers should consider when deciding whether to leave a firm; how to pick a landing place.

Reflections on Giving Thanks

Consider writing about:

Accomplishments, milestones, clients, colleagues, or other events or people (in your current or past professional or personal life) for whom you’re grateful, in time for a Thanksgiving season article. You can choose to be serious or lighthearted, as you reflect on the meaning, impact, or lessons learned from any of those, or you may choose to take a wider-angle approach by exploring the personal or professional value of practicing gratitude (during the holiday season or all year ’round).

What Insurers, Insureds Should Consider in Wake of Midterm Elections

Consider writing about:

The evolving political landscape in the wake of the midterm election results, and what this is apt to mean for the insurance industry and/or for insureds. What are likely to be the major insurance areas of focus for a reshaped Congress or for state legislatures in the months ahead? How should insurance companies be preparing for the likelihood of greater oversight? And, on another note, should the business community as a whole be reviewing its insurance needs in anticipation of a shift in legislative priorities? Consider whether to focus on a spcific geographic region or particular form of insurance, or whether to approach the topic from more of an industrywide perspective.

How COBRA Notices Can Create Legal Risks for Employers

Consider writing about:

Potential liability risks that may arise for employers over COBRA notices; what employers should keep in mind regarding their obligations under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act; common COBRA-related misunderstandings, oversights, or other failings on the part of employers; instructive lawsuits or settlements involving deficient COBRA notices; recommended employer practices regarding the handling of insurance matters pertaining to terminated employees.

How Midterm Election Results May Shape Insurance Commissioner Agendas

Consider writing about:

What the outcome of the midterm elections means for state insurance commissioner seats; which states have new insurance commissioners; key priorities or hot-button issues for insurance commissioners right now; what the commissioner election results may mean for insurers or insureds.