Felhaber Larson

06/23/2026

U.S. Department of Justice “Declares” EEOC’s Disparate-Impact Framework Unconstitutional

On June 9, 2026, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (“OLC”) issued a memorandum opinion concluding that the EEOC’s longstanding interpretation of disparate-impact liability under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is unconstitutional. The opinion was authored by Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Joshua J. Craddock in response to a request from EEOC Chair Andrea R. Lucas.

Employment Law Report: What Happened? On June 9, 2026, the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel ("OLC") issued a memorandum opinion concluding that the EEOC's...

06/18/2026

Felhaber is proud to be recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work

Felhaber is proud to be recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work, once again earning a spot among just 15 organizations in the medium-sized company category (50–99 employees) in Minnesota.

06/12/2026

DOL Issues New Opinion Letters Which Serve As Important Reminders On Important Wage and Hour Compliance Issues

On May 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division issued four new FLSA opinion letters. Two of them—FLSA2026-5 and FLSA2026-8—address questions that come up frequently for employers managing exempt classifications and timekeeping practices. Below is a summary of each.

Employment Law Report: On May 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division issued four new FLSA opinion letters. Two of them—FLSA2026-5 and FLSA2026-8—address...

06/10/2026

Paul Zech Honored with the Leonard Lindquist Distinguished Practice Award

The Minnesota State Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Law Section is proud to honor Paul Zech as the recipient of the Leonard Lindquist Distinguished Practice Award. He was recognized at the MSBA Labor & Employment Section Annual Dinner held on June 9, 2026. This prestigious award recognizes attorneys who have made outstanding contributions to the practice of labor and employment law in Minnesota. Named in honor of Leonard Lindquist, the award celebrates excellence in civility, morality, honesty, and ethics to both the legal profession and personal endeavors.

Felhaber Larson News: Paul Zech Honored with the Leonard Lindquist Distinguished Practice Award

06/08/2026

Summer Is Here: When “Working From the Cabin” Becomes an Accommodation Request

As Minnesota’s cabin season kicks into high gear, employers may find themselves fielding a familiar request: “Can I work remotely?” For many employees, the ask is simply a lifestyle preference—a desire to swap the office for a deck overlooking the water. But for others, the request may be rooted in a medical condition that makes commuting or working on-site difficult. With respect to the latter, employers need to recognize that what sounds like a casual summer plan may actually be a request for a reasonable accommodation under disability discrimination law.

Disability Accommodation, Employment Law Report: As Minnesota's cabin season kicks into high gear, employers may find themselves fielding a familiar request: "Can I work remotely?" For many employees,...

06/05/2026

Felhaber’s Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate Groups Earn Chambers Recognition

Felhaber is honored to be recognized once again among the nation’s leading law firms in the 2026 edition of Chambers USA. Our Labor & Employment practice earned a Band 1 ranking, the highest distinction awarded by Chamber, reflecting the exceptional strength, depth, and client service of our team. In addition, our Litigation: General Commercial and Real Estate practices were recognized with Band 3 rankings, underscoring Felhaber’s continued excellence across key practice areas.

Felhaber Larson News: Felhaber’s Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate Groups Earn Chambers Recognition

06/01/2026

Penelope Phillips and Paul Zech Recognized in the Minnesota Legal 250

We are pleased to announce that Penelope Phillips and Paul Zech have been recognized in the Minnesota Legal 250, Minnesota Lawyer’s premier program honoring the most influential and accomplished attorneys across the state of Minnesota. This honor recognizes not only sustained professional achievement, but also the ability to navigate evolving client needs, changes in the legal landscape, technology, and economic challenges while maintaining a strong commitment to community involvement. Both Penny and Paul were honored in the Employment Law category.

Felhaber Larson News: Penelope Phillips and Paul Zech Recognized in the Minnesota Legal 250

05/28/2026

ICE Narrows I-9 “Cure Period” and Expands Substantive Violations, Increasing Employer Penalty Exposure

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) has issued updated guidance on Form I-9 inspections that significantly alters how employers should assess compliance risk. While the governing statute and regulations remain unchanged, ICE’s revised enforcement position narrows the practical availability of the 10-day cure period and reclassifies a broader range of errors as substantive violations—exposing employers to immediate civil penalties.

Employment Law Report: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) has issued updated guidance on Form I-9 inspections that significantly alters how employers should assess...

05/27/2026

2026 Minnesota Legislative Session Wrap-Up: What Employers Need to Know

The 2026 Minnesota legislative session adjourned on May 18, 2026. Although last year’s session delivered a wave of changes to meal and rest breaks, earned sick and safe time, and (of course) the launch of Minnesota Paid Leave, the 2026 session was comparatively quieter on the labor and employment front. However, one bill in particular — a bipartisan amendment to the Minnesota Human Rights Act — is notable.

Employment Law Report, Employment Litigation, New Legislation: The 2026 Minnesota legislative session adjourned on May 18, 2026. Although last year’s session delivered a wave of changes to meal and rest breaks, earned...

05/20/2026

When Coaching Becomes Discipline: A New Reality for Minnesota Public Employers

On May 18, 2026, the Minnesota Court of Appeals issued a significant decision in Minnesota Coalition on Government Information v. City of Minneapolis, et al., reversing the district court’s grant of summary judgment and holding that the phrase “disciplinary action” under section 13.43 of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) is not limited to measures that punish or penalize employees. Rather, the Court concluded that “disciplinary action” also encompasses corrective actions imposed by a government employer in response to a complaint or charge against an employee.

https://www.felhaber.com/when-coaching-becomes-discipline-a-new-reality-for-minnesota-public-employers/