What Employers Need to Know About the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family or medical needs. Compliance is crucial for avoiding disputes and maintaining workplace trust. General Counsel, P.C. assists businesses in understanding and implementing FMLA policies. Understanding FMLA: Who Qualifies: Employees with 12 months of service and
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The Importance of Succession Planning for Business Owners

Succession planning is critical for ensuring business continuity and protecting your legacy. Without a clear plan, leadership changes can cause disruption, financial instability, and internal conflict. At General Counsel, P.C., we guide business owners through the succession planning process to safeguard their hard work and secure their company’s future. Why Succession Planning is Essential: Ensures
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What Employers Need to Know About the Family and Medical Leave Act

As an employer, understanding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is crucial for maintaining compliance with federal regulations and supporting employees’ well-being. The FMLA is a key piece of legislation that safeguards employees during personal or family health crises by offering them job protection while they take unpaid leave. Here’s what you need to
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How the Fair Labor Standards Act Impacts Your Business

Navigating U.S. labor laws can be daunting for business owners, but understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is critical. The FLSA sets federal standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and youth employment. Here’s how this pivotal legislation can impact your business operations: Minimum Wage Compliance The FLSA establishes a federal minimum wage
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Navigating Collaborative Divorce: A Healthier Approach for Families

Divorce is rarely easy, but there’s a path that can reduce conflict and promote cooperative resolutions: collaborative divorce. At General Counsel, PC, we advocate for approaches that prioritize the whole family’s well-being, especially children, during this challenging time. Understanding Collaborative Divorce Collaborative divorce is a process where both parties, along with their attorneys, commit to
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Best Practices for Drafting Effective Non-Competition Agreements

In today’s competitive business environment, a well-crafted non-competition agreement (NCA) can be the difference between protecting your business interests and losing valuable resources to competitors. At General Counsel, PC, we understand the complexities involved in drafting NCAs and are here to guide you through best practices to ensure they are enforceable and fair. Define Reasonable
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Essential Steps for Foreign Companies Entering the U.S. Market

The United States continues to be a lucrative market for foreign companies aiming to expand their global footprint. However, entering this market requires careful planning, a deep understanding of regulatory requirements, and strategic execution. Why Enter the U.S. Market? The U.S. is known for its robust economy, diverse consumer base, and innovative environment. Companies that
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Navigating Collaborative Divorce: A Healthier Approach for Families

Divorce is rarely seen as a straightforward process; it is often associated with long, arduous battles in the courtroom, emotional upheaval, and financial strain. However, what if there were a way to separate that offered a more amicable and compassionate path? Enter collaborative divorce—a revolutionary approach focused on cooperation and all family members’ well-being. What
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Understanding Child Custody and Visitation Rights in Virginia

The well-being of children is foremost in any divorce or separation, and understanding child custody and visitation rights is crucial for parents in Virginia. Navigating these complex legal waters can be daunting, but knowing your rights can help ensure the best for your children. Types of Custody in Virginia Legal Custody: This refers to the
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Navigating Collaborative Divorce: A Healthier Approach for Families

Divorce is often seen as a painful, contentious battle, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Collaborative divorce offers a healthier, more amicable approach for families looking to separate while maintaining respect and cooperation. This innovative process focuses on resolution and supports the emotional, financial, and legal needs of each family member. What is
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Announcing New Ownership

We are please to announce that ownership of General Counsel, PC has transitioned to Heba K. Carter, Esq. effective April 24, 2024. We are confident that this change will bring new perspective and opportunities while upholding the same performance and representation that you have come to expect from us. Rest assured that our commitment to
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EEOC Announces New Strategic Enforcement Plans

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced its strategic enforcement plans for the next four fiscal years. The EEOC regularly issues strategic plans to focus and coordinate its work over a multiple-year time frame to guide the EEOC and agency activities, such as public outreach and education. In drafting the 2024-2028 plans, the EEOC
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Are a Child’s Preferences Enough to Modify a Custody Agreement in Virginia?

The Fairfax County Circuit Court considered a case asking the Court to modify an existing custody agreement based solely on the children’s preference to split time more equally between parents. This was a matter of first impression for the Court, and Judge Bernhard declined to recognize a child’s preference as the basis for a material
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General Counsel, P.C. Secures Dismissal of COVID-19 Discrimination Lawsuit for Client

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia dismissed a former employee’s lawsuit claiming employment discrimination against her former employer. The case originated during the COVID-19 Pandemic, when the employer, a government contractor, implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard its workforce. The Plaintiff, an employee at the time, applied for a religious
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SEC Rules Separation Agreements Cannot Restrict a Departing Employee’s Right to Engage with a Governmental Agency

On September 8, 2023, the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued an order declaring that an employer’s separation agreement with a departing employee cannot restrict the departing employee’s right to (1) communicate with governmental agencies, (2) provide information to governmental agencies, or (3) receive an incentive award for communicating or providing such information. Generally, a separation
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Zettervall v. Leidos: Employment Lawsuit Dismissed for Failure to File Timely EEOC Charge

A recent Eastern District of Virginia case, Zettervall v. Leidos, serves as a cautionary tale against representing yourself in an employment dispute. Matthew Zettervall sued his employer, Leidos, for religious discrimination under Title VII and disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Mr. Zettervall filed his complaint against Leidos pro se (without an
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Does an ADA Failure to Accommodate Claim Require an Adverse Employment Action? In DC, MD, and VA an Adverse Employment Action is Not Required.

The Eleventh Circuit’s Decision in Beasly v. O’Reilly Auto Parts In Beasely v. O’Reilly Auto Parts the Eleventh Circuit Federal Court of Appeals held that an employee must have suffered an adverse employment action to bring a lawsuit for failure to accommodate under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Beasley v. O’Reilly Auto Parts, 69
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NLRB Closes the Curtain on Opera Independent Contractors

A recent ruling from the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) provides further grounds for employers to carefully consider how they classify their workers as employees or independent contractors. In this matter, a group of makeup artists, wig artists, and hairstylists working for the Atlanta Opera petitioned the NRLB to grant them union representation, a benefit
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Understanding the ADEA and ADA as an Employer

Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on both age and disability. If you are subject to an employment discrimination lawsuit or are worried about becoming subject to an employment discrimination lawsuit, this will outline the federal court’s interpretation of both the ADEA and ADA and guide how to protect yourself from potential
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What to Consider (and Avoid) When Planning to Leave Your Company

Understanding any post-employment contractual restrictions you may have is the key to leaving your current employment and working for a competitor or other company. Some non-compete and non-solicitation provisions are written broadly, to prevent an employee from working for a competitor in any capacity for the specified amount of time. In Virginia, these provisions are
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