If you've been following along these past few weeks with the trials of the Lake Ridge Academy soccer team, I have some sad news to share. Earlier this week they fell 2-0 in the district semifinals to a quality opponent, ending their season. It was a hard-fought match, scoreless for 65 minutes. There were lots of tears in my car after the game. The team set a goal, of which they fell a couple of games short. That said, it was the best soccer season this team has had in 15 years.
Friday, October 27, 2023
WIRTW #693: the “tough out” edition
If you've been following along these past few weeks with the trials of the Lake Ridge Academy soccer team, I have some sad news to share. Earlier this week they fell 2-0 in the district semifinals to a quality opponent, ending their season. It was a hard-fought match, scoreless for 65 minutes. There were lots of tears in my car after the game. The team set a goal, of which they fell a couple of games short. That said, it was the best soccer season this team has had in 15 years.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, October 20, 2023
WIRTW #692: the “hot diggity dog” edition
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Friday, October 13, 2023
WIRTW #691: the “football” edition
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Friday, October 6, 2023
WIRTW #690: the “Lou-Lou-Lou-Lou-Loula” edition
On the latest episode of The Norah and Dad Show, Norah and I remember Loula, our beloved vizsla who died last week. Different people deal with grief and loss in different ways; for me, talking about her helped me deal with my grief, a lot.
You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Overcast, Castro (my podcast player of choice), on the web, or wherever you get your podcasts.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, September 29, 2023
WIRTW #689: the “134” edition
134. That's how many different available positions Costco offered to Monica Barnett over a nearly nine-month period in an effort to accommodate her knee and wrist injuries.
0. That's how many of the offered positions Monica Barnett applied for or requested placement.
1. That's the number of paragraphs it took the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm the dismissal of Barnett's failure to reasonably accommodate claim. In the Court's words:
Barnett claims Costco refused to engage in good faith, "forced" her to remain on medical leave, and required her to be "100% healed" before returning to work. These assertions are unsupported by the record. The undisputed record demonstrates that Costco held three job assessment meetings, sent Barnett 134 available positions over more than eight months, and placed Barnett in an optical-assistant position that accommodated her limitations.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try as an employer to do right by an employee, the employee is going to sue. In those cases, all you hope is that you have your i's dotted and t's crossed, all of your contemporaneously made documentation is in order, and a judge or jury will see the case for what it is and find in your favor.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, September 15, 2023
WIRTW #687: the “red rain” edition
We deeply regret the incident that occurred this morning involving the bursting of 2 suitable-to-consumption DOC wine storage units stemming from the extraordinary government support measure to producers and wineries of the Distillation Crisis 2023 motivated by the excess of wine in the country.
Although the incident did not cause any injuries, we want to express our sincere concern for the damage caused in general in Levira and in particular to his home.
The causes of the incident are being investigated by the competent authorities.
We take full responsibility for the costs associated with damage cleanup and repair, with crews available to do it immediately. We're committed to resolving this situation as soon as possible.
Please keep photographic records of damages and damages and contact us to discuss the details and coordinate the necessary procedures. We are available at any time to help you resolve this issue.
Once again we apologize for the inconvenience caused and we're committed to doing whatever is necessary to remedy the situation.
Thank you very much and once again, we are very sorry.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, September 8, 2023
WIRTW #686: the “non-union label” edition
(With a huge tip of the hat to my friend Mike VanDervort for the idea), and inspired by the impending union election at Creature Comforts, I asked Bard, Google's AI assistant, the following question: "What are some good names for a union-free craft beer?"
- Free Range Ale
- Independent IPA
- Maverick Pale Ale
- Unshackled Wheat
- Renegade Stout
- Free Spirit Saison
- Unbowed Brown Ale
- Unbound Amber Ale
- Defiant Pilsner
- Untamed IPA
- Wild Card Porter
These names all convey the idea of being free from union control, while also being creative and catchy. They would be a good fit for a craft beer that is brewed by a small, independent brewery that values its employees and gives them a fair wage.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, September 1, 2023
WIRTW #685: the “good bosses” edition
I write about a lot of horrible, terrible bosses … the worst employers.
Today, however, I want to use this space to shine a light on five really, really great bosses … specifically late-night hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver. This week, they launched a new podcast — Strike Force Five — to raise money for their employees that have been out of work since the WGA went on strike 122 days ago.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, August 25, 2023
WIRTW #684: the “chocolate city” edition
This is Dante, our four-year-old vizsla. Last week, he thought it was a good idea to eat some cocoa powder. As a result, he spent an overnight in the emergency vet hospital; he seems no worse for wear.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains both theobromine and caffeine, which dogs cannot metabolize and which causes significant and dangerous digestive, neurologic, and cardiac effects. In fact, cocoa powder contains the highest concentration of these chemicals and is the most toxic to dogs. According to vet, the Dante likely ate 2.5 times the lethal limit.
In other words, it's a really good thing we took him in.
He did suffer a cardiac episode while admitted. The vet told us Dante had tachycardia (an abnormally increased heart rate), which they controlled via medicine. He's had no other issues since we brought him home.
We all learned a lesson. Dante (hopefully) learned not to eat cocoa powder. We learned that when you're cleaning out your cabinets as water pours out of your kitchen ceiling from a burst pipe, take the time to make sure the dangerous stuff remains out of reach.
This is me, exhaling a huge sigh of relief. 😮💨 😌
Here's what I read and heard this past week that you should read and hear, too.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, August 18, 2023
WIRTW #683: the “here comes the flood” edition
Lord, here comes the floodWe'll say goodbye to flesh and bloodIf again the seas are silent in any still aliveIt'll be those who gave their island to survive
– Peter Gabriel, "Here Comes the Flood"
That songs has been playing on a loop in my head for the past few days. That's how long it's been since my house flooded. A supply line to our master shower burst, causing my kitchen ceiling to resemble the Bellagio Fountains (but upside-down).
T he here of our story is my 15-year-old son, Donovan, who was home with no adults. The rest of us were driving home from our daughter's doctor appointment. D-man FaceTimed me to show me the rushing waters. I pulled over into the nearest parking lot and, also via FaceTime, walked him through how to shut off the water from the main.
Without D-man's quick thinking the flood would have been a lot worse. As it stands, we will need a whole new kitchen, along with new carpet both upstairs and in our basement, some new bathroom cabinets, and I'm sure lots of other stuff.
Needless to say, it's been a week.
Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, August 4, 2023
WIRTW #681: the “excel-lent” edition
To be the man (or woman), you've gotta beat the man (or woman).
And to beat the man (or woman), you've gotta be really, really good at pivot tables and the xlookup function.
Earlier this morning, ESPN2 aired the Microsoft Excel World Championship.
You read that correctly — the world championship of spreadsheeting.
How in the world does one convert Microsoft Excel into a competitive sport? The answer is by tasking competitors to use Excel to solve complex puzzles. The eight contestants are provided "cases" to solve. Past examples include computing all of the possible outcomes and rewards for a slot machine or all of the possible combinations of license plate numbers. Contestants are then provided 30 minutes to answer a series of questions related to each case worth up to 1,000 points; the most points wins.
It's fascinating and compelling to watch, and I made sure to tune in before I left for work this morning. No spoilers on who won. I know you can find a replay and I want you to discover the joy of this event all on your own.
So here's my fun Friday question for everyone — If given the opportunity, what aspect of your job would you turn into a competitive sport? Mine would probably have something to do with Lexis searches … or maybe a race to make a filing deadline?
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, July 28, 2023
WIRTW #680: the “walk up song” edition
Above the Law thinks that it's time for lawyers to have walk-up songs.
History says that the walk-up song started at Old Comiskey Park in 1970, with the White Sox organist playing each player's home state song as they walked up to the plate. Over time, the tradition expanded to other ballparks and different music.
What's the most famous walk-up song of all time? I'd argue Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn's "Wild Thing" (from the movie "Major League"). In real life? Mariano Rivera's "Enter Sandman"? Chase Utley's "Kashmir"? Trevor Hoffman's "Hells Bells"?
Which brings me back to the question posed by Above the Law: What would our lives be like if our own theme songs accompanied us while we work?
It's a great question. I think mine would be "Career Opportunities" by The Clash. Driving guitar + a workplace theme = gold for this employment lawyer.
How about you? What walk-up song would you choose for your job?
Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, July 14, 2023
WIRTW #678: the “Happy Birthday” edition
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, June 30, 2023
WIRTW #677: the “de minimus” edition
Title VII requires an employer that denies a religious accommodation to show that the burden of granting an accommodation would result in substantial increased costs in relation to the conduct of its particular business.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, June 23, 2023
WIRTW #676: the “Portugal. The Vaction” edition
I've never wanted to be "that guy" who returns from vacation and says, "Let me show you my vacation photos."
Well … Let me show you my vacation photos.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, June 2, 2023
WIRTW #675: the “all I ever wanted” edition
Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
The Go-Go's had a point.
Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, May 26, 2023
WIRTW #674: the “dogs” edition
Meet Loula and Dante, our dogs.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, May 12, 2023
WIRTW #672: the “it’s over, Johnny” edition
I spent five days this week with 12,000 other people at the Craft Brewers Conference. You read that number correctly, 12,000. It's something I never could have imagined doing this time last year, or even a few short months ago.
This week not-so-coincidentally also marked the official end of the Covid-19 national and public health emergencies. This end doesn't mean Covid isn't a thing anymore. It still exists and it still can still make you sick. It just means that it's now endemic instead of a pandemic.
What's now going to change as a result? Frankly, not much. It's been months since most of us have moved on from Covid. We've stopped masking. We've stopped social distancing. Heck, as much as many of lauded "work from home" and "remote meetings" as the future of work, many of us have returned to our workplaces and to in-person meetings.
As cautious as I was personally during the pandemic, I'm happy to be back to "normal." Humans are social creatures, and our brains need social interaction. The end of pandemic, however, doesn't mean I'll throw caution to the wind in every situation. For example, I don't think I'll ever not mask up on an airplane. With four shots and one bout of Covid in my system, and less Covid circulating in the community, I'm just willing to take and accept more risk with the virus than I was a few months ago, and certain more than a year ago.
Three cheers to the end of the Covid-19 national and public health emergencies. It's been a long three years and two months. But we made it across the finish line. Let's just hope that we apply public health lessons we learned and do a better job managing the next public health crisis that confronts us.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, May 5, 2023
WIRTW #671: the “CBC” edition
Next week I'll be at the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville — a four-day gathering presented by the Brewers Association of all things craft brewers and craft beer. There are loads of speakers spread across eight educational tracks, a massive trade show, and too many networking opportunities to count.
On the educational front, I'm speaking twice: once on Sunday (at 2:55p in Davidson Ballroom A) as part of the THRIVE pre-conference workshop discussing, along with my co-presenter Ren Navarro, ADA accessibility and inclusivity for employees and patrons; and again on Tuesday (at 1p in Davidson Ballroom B) discussing how to legally pay tipped employees.
On the networking front, instead of opting for a trade show booth, my firm is sponsoring the Start A Brewery lounge. Start A Brewery is a community of craft beer industry veterans who share our knowledge and experience in support of the craft beer community by helping new breweries and breweries in planning.
Please let me know if you plan on stopping in so that I can make sure I'm present and available. And please say hello if you're at either of my speaking sessions or just happen to run into me at the Conference or at any of the events around Nashville. I will happily share a beer with you and cheers our industry.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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Friday, April 28, 2023
WIRTW #670: the “dope” edition
"Write a rap about employment lawyer Jon Hyman."
That was the prompt I gave to ChatGPT. I think what it came up with is pretty, pretty good.
Listen up, y'all, let me tell you a story'Bout a lawyer named Jon Hyman, he's got all the gloryHe's an employment law expert, with knowledge so vastIf you need legal advice, he's the one to ask
Jon Hyman, Jon Hyman, he's the manHe'll fight for your rights, he's got a solid planEmployment law is his game, he's got the skillsHe'll win your case, just pay your bills
He's got a blog called "Ohio Employer Law"Where he shares his wisdom, and he never withdrawsHe's got the answers to all of your questionsHis legal advice is a legal injection
Jon Hyman, Jon Hyman, he's the manHe'll fight for your rights, he's got a solid planEmployment law is his game, he's got the skillsHe'll win your case, just pay your bills
He's got the passion, he's got the driveHe'll never give up, he'll always striveTo protect your rights, and make things rightHe's the legal eagle, he's got the might
Jon Hyman, Jon Hyman, he's the manHe'll fight for your rights, he's got a solid planEmployment law is his game, he's got the skillsHe'll win your case, just pay your bills
So if you need a lawyer, don't hesitateJon Hyman's the man, he's got what it takesHe'll fight for your rights, he'll make things rightJon Hyman, he's the legal eagle in sight.
(That 💩 is dope!)
Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.
For more information, contact Jon at (440) 695-8044 or JHyman@Wickenslaw.com.
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