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Timely, substantive
industry news
and insights.
Employer Alert: New Federal Laws Protect Pregnant Workers and Nursing Mothers
Employer Alert: New Federal Laws Protect Pregnant Workers and Nursing Mothers
Two new laws, the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), have been enacted to protect pregnant and nursing workers and prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical…
In the News: Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Win Affirmed. What Stands Out for Employers?
In the News: Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Win Affirmed. What Stands Out for Employers?
Galloway attorneys Doris Bobadilla and Kelsey Bonnaffons obtained a complete defense verdict in a Louisiana workers’ compensation case. On appeal, the claimant asserted the workers’ compensation court erred as follows: Giving greater weight to the testimony of employer’s medical expert…
Employers Take Note: The CROWN Act Takes Effect in Louisiana
Employers Take Note: The CROWN Act Takes Effect in Louisiana
As of August 1, 2022, Louisiana’s CROWN Act (“Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”) will prohibit race-based hair discrimination in employment, education, public accommodations, and housing in Louisiana. A similar law has already been in effect in…
Employers Take Note: EEOC Issues New Standard for COVID-19 Screening
Employers Take Note: EEOC Issues New Standard for COVID-19 Screening
After a tumultuous couple of years in which the EEOC issued and updated COVID-related guidance atbreakneck speed, the pace has slowed. Nonetheless, as we are frequently reminded, COVID-19 is still with us. Accordingly, earlier this month, the EEOC issued new…
Employers Take Note: Mandatory Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Claims is Prohibited
Employers Take Note: Mandatory Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Claims is Prohibited
On March 3, 2022, the Federal Arbitration Act was amended to allow employees subject to pre-dispute mandatory arbitration agreements to pursue their claims of sexual assault or sexual harassment in court. The amendment defines a “sexual harassment dispute” as “a…
Significant Changes to Procedural Laws Effective January 1, 2022
Significant Changes to Procedural Laws Effective January 1, 2022
Louisiana made changes to procedural rules that took effect at the start of the new year. Defendants now have 21 days to file an answer to a petition after service of citation, instead of the previous 15-day period. La. C.C.P.…
Alert: OSHA and CMS Issue Rules on COVID-19 Safety
Alert: OSHA and CMS Issue Rules on COVID-19 Safety
Today, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a rule requiring employers with 100 or more employees to ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 4, 2022, or that the employees produce a negative COVID-19 test…
Breaking News on Restrictive Covenants: What Does President Biden’s Executive Order on Non-Competes Mean for Employers?
Breaking News on Restrictive Covenants: What Does President Biden’s Executive Order on Non-Competes Mean for Employers?
Many businesses rely on non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants to protect their proprietary information or business strategies. Recently, President Biden issued a lengthy Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy which directs the Federal Trade Commission, along…
Update: California Court Rules that California Rather than Louisiana Law Applies to Dispute between a Vessel Owner and Operator and Their Employees
Update: California Court Rules that California Rather than Louisiana Law Applies to Dispute between a Vessel Owner and Operator and Their Employees
Last year, we posted that a California court ruled that Louisiana law applied to Louisiana maritime workers who performed work on a vessel that provided maintenance services to offshore oil platforms off the coast of California. Late last year, the…
Galloway Named Among 2026 Best Law Firms® by Best Lawyers
Galloway Named Among 2026 Best Law Firms® by Best Lawyers
Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®. As a full-service and proactive corporate defense firm that prioritizes the highest level of client service and strategic partnerships, Galloway stands at the…
Richard Duplantier Selected to American Board of Trial Advocates in Louisiana
Richard Duplantier Selected to American Board of Trial Advocates in Louisiana
Louisiana trial attorney Richard Duplantier, a Director at Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith in the firm’s New Orleans offices, has been selected to be a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. In joining ABOTA, Rick brings decades…
Strategies Highlighted at 2025 Galloway Claims & Litigation Conference, New Orleans
Strategies Highlighted at 2025 Galloway Claims & Litigation Conference, New Orleans
Now in its eighth year, the Galloway Claims & Litigation Conference in New Orleans was held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton. The session insights, conversations, and connections combined for an incredibly successful event that industry professionals traveled…
Navigating Cognitive Bias in Corporate Counsel Negotiation and Mediation
Navigating Cognitive Bias in Corporate Counsel Negotiation and Mediation
Exploring How Bias Can Shape Decision-Making In the complex world of corporate transactions and commercial disputes, negotiation is a valuable skill for in-house counsel. Whether resolving contract issues, managing risk, or navigating settlement discussions, the ability to negotiate effectively can have a profound…
Galloway Prevails in Louisiana Hurricane Ida Commercial Insurance Case
Galloway Prevails in Louisiana Hurricane Ida Commercial Insurance Case
James Prather and Josh Dierker in Galloway’s Mandeville, Louisiana office secured a Motion for Partial Summary Judgment win in a Hurricane Ida commercial first party case. As a part of their extensive pre-trial strategy and dispositive motion practice, the Galloway…
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