The Kullman Firm Introduces the 2026 Summer Law Clerk Class
NEW ORLEANS, LA – May 11, 2026 – We are pleased to introduce our 2026 Summer Law Clerks. The Kullman Firm Summer Program provides law students intimate knowledge of the inner workings of a law firm in a day-to-day setting. Law students joining The Kullman Firm this summer are as follows: Laura Dominguez – Loyola University […]
Federal Agencies to Require Clause Banning DE&I Programs for Federal Contractors Indicating Administrations Continued Focus on Enforcement
April 28, 2026 The short story President Trump has signed another Executive Order (“EO”) banning “racially discriminatory DEI activities”; Contractors will be required to acknowledge compliance with multiple obligations including potential access to books, records and accounts, as well as for oversight of their subcontractors; The new EO further defines “racially discriminatory DEI activities” and […]
Allison Fish Named 2026 LSBA Young Lawyers Division Top Young Lawyer
April 13, 2026 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Allison A. Fish has been recognized by the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division as one of the 2026 Top Young Lawyers. Recipients of this award are chosen based on their outstanding professional achievements, leadership, and service to the legal community. Allison […]
Allison Fish and MaryJo Roberts Recognized in New Orleans Magazine’s 2026 Top Women in Law Feature
The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that shareholders Allison A. Fish and MaryJo L. Roberts have been recognized in New Orleans Magazine’s 2026 Top Women in Law feature, appearing in the April issue. Both are honored in the Labor and Employment Law category. This peer-nominated feature, produced in collaboration with a third-party research firm, […]
Sixth Circuit Rejects NLRB’s Cemex Bargaining Order Standard as Improper Rulemaking
March 24, 2026 – The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in Brown-Forman Corp. v. NLRB, recently held 2-1 that the NLRB’s Cemex bargaining order framework was improperly established through the NLRB’s administrative unfair labor practice adjudication process rather than formal administrative agency rulemaking. The court vacated the Board’s bargaining order and […]
Ninth Circuit Affirms that FOIA Exemption 4 for Confidential Commercial Information Does Not Shield Federal Contractors’ EEO-1 Type 2 Reports from Disclosure
February 20, 2026 – The United States District Court for the Northern District of California had previously granted a stay of the production of 75,000 EEO-1 Reports (pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)), pending resolution of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The underlying […]
EEOC Repeals Unlawful Harassment Guidance Relating to Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity in the Workplace
February 2, 2026 – On January 22, 2026, the EEOC commissioners voted 2-1 to rescind the agency’s 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace (“2024 Guidance”) – which had provided the agency’s position for identifying, preventing, and responding to workplace harassment, particularly the harassment of LGBTQ+ workers – after finding that the 2024 Guidance exceeded […]
February 16, 2026 HIPAA Compliance Deadline Approaches – What Health Plan Sponsors Need to Know
January 30, 2026 – Health Plan Sponsors should note that updates to the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices are required by February 16, 2026. Below is an overview of what changes are required and how health plan sponsors can comply. Background The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) requires covered entities, including […]
The Kullman Firm Names Setara C. Ozan as Senior Trial Counsel
January 1, 2026 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Setara C. Ozan was named Senior Trial Counsel effective January 1, 2026. Setara’s practice includes defending employers in complex labor and employment litigation, representing clients in workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination matters in state and federal courts nationwide. She is a […]
The Kullman Firm Names Elizabeth B. Bloch and Malerie L. Bulot as Shareholders
January 1, 2026 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Elizabeth B. Bloch and Malerie L. Bulot were named Shareholders effective January 1, 2026. Elizabeth “Beth” B. Bloch is an experienced trial and litigation attorney, focused on defending private businesses, employers, and public entities against various employment related lawsuits in both federal and […]
Minimum Salary Levels for Exempt Employees Under the White-Collar Exemptions for 2026
The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) regulations set out a minimum salary level for an employee to be exempt from overtime requirements under the administrative, executive, and professional exemptions. To qualify for one of these exemptions, the Department of Labor requires employees to be paid at least $684 per week on a salary basis. States […]
EEOC Updates Enforcement Priorities to Address Discrimination Against American Workers
Recent guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) makes it clear national origin protections under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 (“Title VII”) protect United States workers. In a one-page guidance document, the EEOC emphasized that federal law prohibits employers from favoring foreign workers to the detriment of American workers, […]
The Kullman Firm Recognized by Best Law Firms® 2026
November 6, 2025 – The Kullman Firm is proud to be included in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® ranked by Best Lawyers. The following are the Kullman rankings that have been achieved by practice areas and offices throughout the firm. Baton Rouge Tier 1: Labor Law – Management Tier 1: Litigation – Labor […]
Lack of NLRB Quorum Keeps Prior Union-Biased Decisions in Effect, With No Change in Sight
October 31, 2025 – Since President Trump’s dismissal of Board Member Gwynne Wilcox in January 2025, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has entered a period of near paralysis, during which the substantive legal interpretation and application of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) have remained unchanged since the prior administration. The dismissal of Wilcox […]
The Kullman Firm’s 2025 Labor & Employment Law Seminar Recap
October 22, 2025 – On October 17, The Kullman Firm hosted its 2025 Labor & Employment Law Seminar at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, welcoming over 90 HR professionals, employers, and legal counsel. We are pleased to resume this annual event for the second consecutive year after a pandemic-related hiatus, delivering critical updates and insights […]
The Kullman Firm Announces New Associates Admitted to Practice in Louisiana
October 3, 2025 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Zoie M. Spears and Austin G. Taylor have been admitted to practice law in Louisiana. Both attorneys are based in the firm’s New Orleans office. Austin G. Taylor advises clients on a range of labor and employment matters, including issues related to the […]
California Civil Rights Department Implements New Regulations on AI Use in Employment Decisions
September 2, 2025 – The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) has enacted new regulations, which establish that employers may face liability for deploying artificial intelligence (AI) in employment decisions if the result is discriminatory. The new rules will take effect on October 1, 2025, making California one of the first states to adopt extensive regulations […]
The Kullman Firm Welcomes Zoie Spears as an Associate
September 2, 2025 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Zoie M. Spears has joined the firm as an associate in the New Orleans, LA, office. Zoie assists clients with a range of labor and employment matters. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University College of Law in 2025, she was also a member […]
The Kullman Firm Welcomes Austin Taylor as an Associate
August 25, 2025 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Austin G. Taylor has joined the firm as an associate in the New Orleans, LA, office. Austin’s practice will focus on a wide range of labor and employment matters. He received his J.D./D.C.L. in 2025 from Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University and […]
Department of Justice Issues New Anti-Discrimination Guidance
August 15, 2025 – On July 29, 2025, the United States Department of Justice issued a memorandum for all federal agencies titled “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination.” This memorandum directly applies to entities which receive federal funding, such as universities receiving federal grants or federally funded state agencies. In addition, the […]
The 2025 Kullman Firm Scholarship Awarded to Jaylon Moore
August 13, 2025 – In 2020, The Kullman Firm established a scholarship in furtherance of the Firm’s commitment to advancing the legal profession. Each year the Kullman Firm Scholarship is awarded to a Dillard University graduate who will be attending law school. This year we are pleased to announce that the Kullman Firm Scholarship was […]
Fifth Circuit Agrees With The Kullman Firm on Application of the FLSA’s Highly Compensated Employment Exemption
July 30, 2025 – On July 14, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals published its opinion in Gilchrist v. Schlumberger Technology Corporation, No. 22-50257, 2025 WL 1924690, holding that two plaintiffs were exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (“FLSA”) highly compensated employee exemption. This opinion reversed the verdict for the plaintiffs issued […]
Federal Court Vacates EEOC’s Abortion Accommodation Requirement Under Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Nationwide Ruling Signals Significant Shift in Scope of Employer Obligations June 16, 2025 – On May 21, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana issued a sweeping decision in State of Louisiana, et al. v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, No. 6:24-cv-00647, vacating the EEOC’s final rulemaking to the extent it requires […]
Supreme Court Makes It Easier for Members of So-Called “Majority Groups” to Claim Discrimination in Title VII Cases
June 10, 2025 – On June 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, significantly impacting how Title VII discrimination claims are evaluated, especially those brought by members of majority or traditionally empowered groups, such as white, male, or heterosexual employees. The case involved Marlean […]
Dole Act Expands USERRA Applicability, Protections, and Remedies for Veterans and Service Members
June 9, 2025 – On January 2, 2025, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (the “Dole Act”) was signed into law significantly impacting various programs, benefits, and services for veterans and service members. Among other changes, the Dole Act amended the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of […]
The Kullman Firm Introduces the 2025 Summer Law Clerk Class
May 9, 2025 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to introduce our 2025 Summer Law Clerks. Our program introduces law students to the inner workings of a law office and how they will implement their knowledge in a real-world setting. Law students joining the Firm this summer are as follows. Haley Dykstra – Tulane Law […]
The “Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy” Executive Order
A Directive to Dismantle Disparate Impact Litigation May 7, 2025 – Consistent with the current administration’s rollback of diversity-based initiatives in both public and private enterprise, President Trump issued the “Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy” Executive Order (“EO”) on April 23, 2025. The EO is intended to eliminate the use of the “disparate impact” […]
The Kullman Firm Welcomes Emily Elizabeth Tastet as an Associate
March 31, 2025 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Emily Elizabeth Tastet has joined the firm as an associate in the New Orleans, LA, office. Emily focuses her practice in the area of employee benefits and tax-related matters. She helps clients resolve questions related to health and welfare plans, defined benefit and […]
President Trump’s DEI-Related Executive Orders Aimed at Government Agencies, Federal Contractors and Private Employers May Be Enforced After Appeals Court Temporarily Lifts Nationwide Injunction
March 20, 2025 – On March 14, 2025, the Fourth Circuit lifted a nationwide preliminary injunction in a Maryland federal lawsuit that halted key portions of two DEI-related executive orders (EOs) issued by President Trump—Exec. Order 14151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, Executive Order of January 20, 2025, 90 Fed. Reg. […]
U.S. District Court Granted a Preliminary Injunction Halting Key Provisions of President Trump’s DEI-Related Executive Orders
February 27, 2025 – On February 21, 2025, United States District Judge Adam B. Abelson issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in a Maryland federal lawsuit, halting key provisions of two executive orders (EOs) issued by President Donald Trump. The two EOs—Exec. Order 14151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, Executive Order of […]
President Trump Revokes Executive Order 11246 and Removes Affirmative Action Requirements for Federal Contractors
January 29, 2025 – On January 21, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order entitled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” (“the Order”). The Order, consisting of eight sections, reflects a race- and sex-blind interpretation of Federal civil rights laws. It takes the position that “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) and “diversity, equity, inclusion, […]
DOL & The ‘Missing Plan Participant’ Problem/Retirement Benefits: Lost Now Found?
Retirement Benefits: Lost Now Found? January 28, 2025 – Employers know that locating terminated vested participants and beneficiaries owed benefits under a retirement plan can be difficult, in part because people move and change jobs and will forget that they may have a balance or benefit owed to them under a prior employer’s plan. However, […]
Supreme Court Definitively States the Preponderance of the Evidence Standard is a Company’s Burden of Proof for Exemptions to the FLSA
On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion in E.M.D. Sales Inc. et al. v. Carrera et al. holding that the employer’s burden of proof for exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) is a preponderance of the evidence. In a suit alleging unpaid minimum wage or unpaid overtime, employers […]
The Kullman Firm Names Amiel J. Provosty as a Shareholder
January 1, 2025 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Amiel J. Provosty has been named as a Shareholder effective January 1, 2025. Amiel Provosty was a former trial attorney for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for twelve years, then joined The Kullman Firm in September 2022. Amiel advises employers nationally in all aspects […]
The Kullman Firm Ranked as a Best Lawyers “Best Law Firm” in 2025
November 7, 2024 – The Kullman Firm is honored to be ranked in the 2025 Best Law Firms® – United States list. Regional Rankings Baton Rouge Tier 1: Labor Law – Management Tier 1: Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers Tier 2: Employment Law – Management Tier 2: Litigation – Labor and Employment New Orleans Tier […]
Federal Contractors Who File EEO-1 Data Should Consider Submitting Written Objections by December 9, 2024 to Prevent Public Disclosure
A new Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request may result in disclosure of federal contractors’ and first-tier subcontractors’ Type 2 Consolidated EEO-1 Report data (“EEO-1 data”) from the 2021 filing year to the public. On October 29, 2024, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”) announced that they will be making EEO-1 data for […]
Federal Agencies Issue Wave of Health Plan Guidance: Preventive Services, Contraception, and Cybersecurity
Last week, the Departments of Health & Human Services, Labor, and Treasury (Departments) proposed new regulations aimed at promoting access to contraception. Separately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Labor (DOL) recently published additional pieces of guidance affecting health plans. Self-funded health plan sponsors in particular should review these proposed rules and recent […]
Sam Zurik, III Recognized in the 2024 New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Publication
October 18, 2024 – Sam Zurik III, a shareholder in the Kullman New Orleans office, is recognized in the 20th edition of New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law. In his practice Sam defends employers in high-stakes and complex employment litigation and arbitrations of employment claims, advocates for Fortune 100 and 500 firms across the country […]
The Kullman Firm Announces New Associates Admitted to Practice in Louisiana
October 4, 2024 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Brianna R. Hanson and Anna S. Jones have officially been admitted to practice in Louisiana. Both attorneys reside in the firm’s New Orleans office. Brianna Hanson brings valuable experiences to her employment law practice. With outstanding legal research and writing skills, she enjoys […]
Fifth Circuit Affirms Labor Department’s Authority To Set Minimum Salary Requirements
In a significant win for the Biden administration, on September 11, 2024, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) authority to set salary levels governing exemptions from federal overtime pay requirements. The court confirmed the DOL’s position that salaried workers making less than $43,888 are eligible for time-and-a-half […]
The Kullman Firm Welcomes Brianna R. Hanson as an Associate
September 6, 2024 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Brianna R. Hanson has joined the firm as an associate in the New Orleans, LA, office. Brianna Hanson brings valuable experiences to her employment law practice. With outstanding legal research and writing skills, she enjoys delving deep into information and taking creative approaches […]
Federal Court Enjoins FTC Non-Compete Ban on Nationwide Basis
On August 20, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission’s rule banning almost all non-compete agreements was struck down by a federal court for the Northern District of Texas, in Ryan LLC v. Federal Trade Commission. The FTC’s rule was set to take effect on September 4, 2024, and would have rendered all new non-compete agreements unenforceable, […]
The Kullman Firm Welcomes Anna S. Jones as an Associate
August 16, 2024 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to announce that Anna S. Jones has joined the firm as an associate in the New Orleans, LA, office. Anna brings strong research and communication skills and a particular interest in labor law, she handles a variety of legal matters relating to the workplace. She serves […]
Louisiana Restricts Non-Compete Agreements for Physicians
August 9, 2024 – Following the recent national trend of restrictions on employee non-compete agreements, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed Act 273 into law on May 23, 2024. This law, which becomes effective on January 1, 2025, restricts the permissible scope of non-compete agreements for physicians in Louisiana. Legislation targeting non-compete agreements typically takes aim […]
Recent Pennsylvania Federal Court Decision Creates Federal District Court Split on FTC Non-Compete Rule
July 26, 2024 – On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania upheld the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC’s”) April 2024 final rule banning non-compete agreements, creating a split among federal district courts. In April, the FTC issued a groundbreaking final rule that effectively banned all non-compete agreements between […]
The 2024 Kullman Firm Scholarship Awarded to Ashley Brown
July 26, 2024 – In 2020, The Kullman Firm established a scholarship in furtherance of the Firm’s commitment to advance diversity within the legal profession. Each year the Kullman Firm Scholarship is awarded to a Dillard University graduate who will be attending law school. This year we are pleased to announce that the Kullman Firm […]
Sam Zurik, III Named to 2024 New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Class
July 9, 2024 – New Orleans CityBusiness has named The Kullman Firm Shareholder Sam Zurik, III as a 2024 Leadership in Law Honoree. Sam has been selected as one of fifty outstanding legal professionals in New Orleans for his successes in law and contributions to the community. In his practice Sam defends employers in high-stakes […]
Federal Court Declines to Issue Nationwide Injunction Barring Implementation of DOL Minimum Salary Threshold Increase
July 8, 2024 – On June 28, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas granted a preliminary injunction to block the April 2024 Final Rule by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) aimed at increasing the minimum salary thresholds for the FLSA “white-collar” overtime exemption. The preliminary injunction only applies to […]
Texas Federal District Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Against FTC Rule Banning Non-Competes – But Only Applicable to Parties in This Specific Lawsuit
July 5, 2024–In a significant new development following the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) April 23, 2024, far-reaching final rule effectively banning all non-competition agreements, on July 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Ryan, LLC v. Federal Trade Commission issued a limited stay and preliminary injunction of the FTC’s non-compete final […]
California’s Private Attorney General Act: Welcome Change Has Arrived
July 3, 2024 – Various labor and business groups, including the California Chamber of Commerce and California Governor Gavin Newsom, agreed in late June to certain reforms to the California Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”). The reforms were put into proposed legislation and almost unanimously passed the California legislature last week. The bills were approved […]