Mintz On Air

An anonymous hotline complaint comes in. The allegations are serious. The clock is ticking. What should you do first? In this episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, host Jen Rubin is joined by Mintz Member Marc Axelbaum for a practical conversation on navigating the critical first hours of a crisis investigation. Together, Jen and Marc explore key factors organizations should keep in mind when a corporate crisis arises, including: How to determine who the “client” is and who should lead the investigation When and how to engage outside counsel while preserving attorney-client privilege How to quickly build the right internal and external team (IT, HR, PR, and more) Common early mistakes, from mishandling communications to overlooking press strategy Why thoughtful planning, documentation decisions, and legal hold notices matter from the outset The role of empathy and human judgment in managing high-stakes, high-pressure situations Designed for in-house counsel, board members, and corporate leaders, this episode offers practical guidance on responding decisively in the earliest moments of a crisis, while protecting credibility, maintaining control of the narrative, and supporting the people involved.

What happens when AI has a seat in the boardroom? In the latest episode of Mintz On Air: Practical Policies, Real vs. Robot: Bots in the Boardroom, host Jen Rubin is joined by Member Melanie Levy for an unscripted conversation on AI’s evolving role in corporate governance. They explore many key questions boards face today with AI’s rapid escalation and widespread adoption — how to discharge fiduciary duties that apply to humans who use AI tools, the risks to confidentiality, technology adoption without appropriate policies, and the potential for diminishing the protection of the business judgment rule. They also discuss whether banning AI in the boardroom or requiring fluency tests for board members is realistic, and why AI can enhance decision-making but not replace human judgment. A practical listen for board members, in-house counsel, and governance professionals navigating AI with accountability and oversight.

Employee stress is at an all-time high, and navigating the line between empathy and accountability has never been more challenging. In the latest episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, Jen Rubin is joined by fellow Mintz employment attorneys Natalie Groot and Nikki Rivers to discuss what empathetic management looks like today and how to practice it without creating legal risk. This episode takes on key challenges employers face, including: Effectively managing the rise of an “escalation first” workplace Using empathetic listening as part of workplace therapy, while still emphasizing workplace performance and accountability Best practices for supporting stressed and anxious employees using active listening and effective and honest communication Identifying internal resources to support employees, and the importance of building workplace trust Designed for managers, HR professionals, and in-house legal teams, this conversation offers actionable guidance on balancing compassion with accountability, while still managing effectively. Listen for actionable strategies to help navigate employee stress, workplace conflict, and evolving expectations.

In the latest episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policiespodcast, Jen Rubin is joined by Dave Lagasse for an unscripted conversation about the transition of special operations forces veterans into the private-sector workplace, and the valuable skills and perspectives they can bring to employers. This episode is part of a series of conversations designed to help employers navigate workplace changes and understand general legal considerations. Together, Jen and Dave explore: The meaning of the Navy SEAL motto “The only easy day was yesterday” and its relevance to working in complex, high-pressure business environments Five truths about special operations forces and how they relate to the private sector, including the critical role of support functions, and how trust and collaboration drive mission and business success The need for proactive training and preparation before a crisis, rather than reactive decision-making Listen for insights on how the unique leadership mindsets and team-oriented approach developed through special ops experience can be a huge asset to employers in the private sector.

In the latest episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, Jen Rubin is joined by Brad Tartick, an Employment Partner in Mintz’s Toronto office, for an unscripted conversation about key similarities in California and Canadian employment law — and some important differences. Together, Jen and Brad discuss commonalities and differences relating to important employment concepts concerning: Non-competes Independent contractor classification Vacation and PTO Parental leave Severance pay and packages Reductions in force Health care benefits Listen for insights on how these aspects of employment law in California and Canada have notable overlaps and differences — important considerations for anybody with operations in Canada and in the US. This episode is part of a series of conversations designed to help employers navigate workplace changes and understand general legal considerations.

AI is reshaping the employment life cycle so quickly employers are racing to keep up. In this episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast titled “Real vs. Robot: AI’s Impact on the Workplace Life Cycle,” Mintz Member Jen Rubin sits down with Associate Emma Follansbee to discuss how AI is reshaping some employment systems and offers advice for employers on how best to adapt their workplaces to AI developments. Insight include: How AI is changing hiring and onboarding and tips for employers on building workplace protections for these changes The importance of modifying basic employee documents such as confidentiality agreements and job descriptions How to reshape monitoring, and training on AI A reminder about the employer’s obligation to stay vigilant while adopting these new technologies AI’s impact on investigations and employee complaints Listen for insights on how employers can adjust established practices to address AI’s growing influence across the employment life cycle.

In the latest episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, Member Jen Rubin is joined by Member Paul Huston for an unscripted conversation about the growing challenge of protecting trade secrets in an AI-driven workplace. This episode is part of a series of conversations designed to help employers navigate workplace changes and understand general legal considerations.

Together, Jen and Paul explore:

1.   How AI models could expose trade secrets – as well as use them
2.  Steps employers can and should take to create a culture of protection and responsibility through acceptable AI use
3.  Why banning AI isn’t realistic or desirable in the workplace – and how to balance adoption with risk mitigation
4.  The thorny question of accountability: How can a bot be held legally responsible for AI use?
Listen for insights on prevention strategies and future litigation trends in the age of AI.

In the latest episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, Member Jen Rubin is joined by Associate Yeilee Woo for an unscripted conversation about how employers should navigate stress-related accommodation requests. This episode is part of a series of conversations designed to help employers navigate workplace changes and understand general legal considerations.

Together, Jen and Yeilee explore:

Whether workplace stress is a disability Legal frameworks that apply to requests to accommodate workplace stress What the interactive process regarding disability accommodations requires The distinction between any accommodation and reasonable accommodation The importance of manager training and detailed documentation

Listen for insights on practical strategies for handling complex workplace scenarios.