Friday, December 29, 2006

Week In Review (December 29, 2006)

Most Popular Federal Law Article

Calculating Eligibility for FMLA Leave: When Does 7 Equal 12?
More employees may be eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) than many employers may contemplate, according to a federal appellate court decision in Boston. The Court in Rucker v. Lee Holding Co., d/b/a Lee Auto Malls, No. 06-1633 (1st Cir. Dec. 18, 2006), is requiring employers to include prior periods of employment--in this case, up to five years in the past--in determining whether employees qualify for statutory leave.
Located On: Jackson Lewis LLP

Most Popular State Law Article

Attorneys Hired By Employers in New Jersey To Investigate Complaints Of Workplace Harassment May Be Sued By Complainant.
In a case of great significance to attorneys hired by employers to investigate claims of workplace harassment, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey has held in Spagnola v. Town of Morristown (Civ. Action No. 05-577, Dec. 7, 2006), that a plaintiff may sue the investigating attorney for negligent misrepresentation even where there is no attorney-client relationship between the complainant and the attorney. This ruling is consistent with state Supreme Court precedent which holds that the absence of an express assent to enter into an attorney-client relationship will not by itself preclude a finding that such a relationship existed. The ruling warrants careful conduct of investigations by counsel and mandates that they take certain precautions before, during and after such activities.
Located On: Littler Mendelson, P.C.

Most Popular Headlines

Gossip about medical conditions can mean legal trouble for employers
Asbury Park Press - December 26, 2006