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 […]
New York State’s Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act to Require Paid Breaks
July 3, 2024 – As of June 19, 2024, New York State Labor Law § 206-c requires employers to provide paid lactation breaks for all employees. The New York State Department of Labor has released revised materials, including an updated mandatory model policy on the Rights of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace […]
Supreme Court Tightens NLRB Injunction Test
June 18, 2024 – On June 13, 2024, the United States Supreme Court issued an 8-1 decision in Starbucks Corp. v. McKinney, 602 U. S. ____ (2024), which unified the legal standard nationwide for a Federal district court to grant a preliminary injunction under §10(j) of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. § 160(j), […]
Reminder of OFCCP Contractor Portal Certification Deadline of July 1, 2024
Attention Federal Contractors and Subcontractors: Don’t forget to certify your compliance with Affirmative Action Program (AAP) requirements through the Contractor Portal by July 1, 2024. This reminder comes from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Contractors that meet certain jurisdictional thresholds have an obligation to develop and maintain written AAPs. Covered federal contractors […]
The Kullman Firm Introduces The Summer Law Clerk Class of 2024
May 14, 2024 – The Kullman Firm is pleased to introduce our 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. This summer, the firm welcomes two sessions of clerks. Law students joining the firm this summer […]
EEOC Issues New Workplace Harassment Guidance
May 3, 2024 – On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published its “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace,” which can be found here: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-harassment-workplace. This guidance is meant to update, consolidate, and replace the EEOC’s previous guidance documents on the subject issued between 1987 and 1999. The updated guidance […]
DOL Final Rule Dramatically Increases the Salary Thresholds for the FLSA’s White-Collar Exemptions as of July 1, 2024
On April 26, 2024, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor (“DOL”) will publish its Final Rule regarding 29 CFR Part 541, which governs compensation for exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (“FLSA”) white-collar exemptions. The DOL’s stated goal, which the contemplated regulations are clearly tailored to accomplish, is to significantly […]
The FTC Bans Non-Competition Agreements
April 25, 2024 – On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission issued its far-reaching final rule which effectively bans all post-employment non-competition agreements between employers and employees on a nationwide basis. The final rule, the product of a 3-2 vote by the Commission, concludes that non-competition agreements are an unfair method of competition, in […]
Supreme Court Lowers Plaintiffs’ Burden for Title VII Discrimination Actions
April 23, 2024 – On April 17, 2024, the United States Supreme Court handed down a 9-0 decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, Missouri et al. which significantly reduced the burden for plaintiffs pursuing Title VII claims based on job transfers. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination […]