Category: NEWS

MSBA’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Equal Justice
MSBA’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Equal Justice — A Statement from the MSBA President — February 12, 2025 — Despite recent national events, the Minnesota State Bar Association remains steadfast in its commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the legal community. We believe that the diversity of our membership strengthens …
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Halunen Law attorney Josh Newville offers insight on transgender harassment lawsuit and the state of the law protecting these employees
Minnesota Star Tribune writer Mike Hughlett reports on a transgender harassment case against Walmart in a recent article: “After state ruling against Walmart, transgender man sues over harassment at West St. Paul Store.” The article provides a detailed account of the case and highlights national studies indicating widespread on-the-job harassment of transgender people. It notes …

In recent Legal Reader article, Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner shares important information for whistleblowers
In his “Whistleblowing 101” article, Halunen Law employment attorney Paul Schinner offers key steps for people to consider when blowing the whistle on illegal workplace activity. These include knowing the laws protecting whistleblowers, taking tangible actions to build your case, and seeing the value of having an experienced employment law attorney at the helm. Worth …

Attorney at Law Magazine publishes Attorney Paul Schinner’s insightful overview, “Whistleblower 101: Protection Laws to Know Before You Speak”
With a successful practice in employment law and False Claims Act cases, Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner represents whistleblowers who speak up against illegal actions in their workplace. His extensive experience provides real-world insights for his recently published article, “Whistleblower 101: Protection Laws to Know Before You Speak.” Readers will find a useful guide to …

Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner offers commentary in Bloomberg Law article assessing ambiguities in Trump’s DEI orders
In a recent Bloomberg Law article, “Trump’s DEI Order Creates Murky Fraud Risks for Contractors,” reporter Khorri Atkinson explores a number of issues including the possibility that the False Claims Act could be used against federal contractors if they do not comply with Trump’s recent executive order prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Halunen Law …

Halunen Law attorney Susan Coler local counsel to legal team achieving historic $69 million 401(k) ERISA settlement from UnitedHealth Group
In what is believed to be the largest settlement under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), UnitedHealth Group will pay $69 million in a class action case. Whistleblower and plaintiff Kim Snyder claimed UnitedHealth Group failed to remove investments from a poorly performing Wells Fargo 401(k) plan. In so doing, employees …

Minnesota Lawyer checks in with Halunen Law’s Josh Newville in considering the new Trump administration’s impact on employment law
Minnesota Lawyer recently spoke with Halunen Law’’s employment litigation group leader, Josh Newville, along with Matthew Bodie, Robins Kaplan professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, to get their impressions on what may be in store. In “What’s ahead in employment law?” reporter Laura Brown explores the changes Labor and Employment Law may undergo …

In HR Daily Advisor article, Halunen Law attorney Pamela Johnson outlines the difference between workplace harassment and discrimination and steps to take to address the illegal activity
HR Daily Advisor, a widely-recognized website offering resources for HR professionals, recently published attorney Pamela Johnson’s article, “Workplace Harassment and Discrimination: What’s the Difference?” The article provides a thorough, thoughtful examination of the complexities of workplace harassment and discrimination, why understanding the difference is important, and steps employees can take to address these illegal actions. …

Halunen Law attorney Pamela Johnson answers the question: Is there a difference between harassment and discrimination?
In “Harassment and discrimination in the workplace: Understanding the difference,” published in BenefitsPro, veteran employment attorney Pamela Johnson offers insights into complex workplace dynamics and how employees can identify and respond to illegal workplace activity. Johnson shares, “The hard truth is that in workplaces large and small, regardless of position, employees can be the target …

Discrimination, determination, and legislation: Honoring the life and legacy of Lilly Ledbetter
With Lilly Ledbetter’s passing on October 12, 2024 at age 86, our county has lost an unwavering advocate and champion for pay equity. Nearly a year after retiring from her position at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Ledbetter discovered she had been subjected to gross pay inequity, earning significantly less than her male counterparts. She …