Phelps Dunbar LLP

With growing debate around the use of consent decrees, sheriffs and jail officials need to understand the practical impacts of these agreements. The National Sheriffs' Association featured Phelps lawyers Candace Gregory and Nick Morisani's insights on consent decrees in their latest issue of Sheriff & Deputy. Candace and Nick offer tips for public safety officials to navigate each stage of a consent decree’s life cycle, including: • Negotiating the agreement • Operational changes and costs involved in compliance • Ending the consent decree Keep reading to learn how these court-enforced agreements affect jail operations and steps officials can take to protect their staff and inmate population and correct issues.

We're thrilled to announce that 18 lawyers from our Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee offices have been recognized on the 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists! This recognition places them among the top 5% of nominated lawyers in the region and highlights our firm's growth and experience. Congratulations to all our talented attorneys for their outstanding achievements and dedication to excellence!

We are thrilled to announce the election of eight lawyers to one of the firm's largest counsel classes to date!   “These lawyers have long shown their commitment to tackling clients’ challenges and giving them on-the-ground insight,” said Phelps Managing Partner Marshall Redmon. “We look forward to their continued success in the next stage of their careers.”   The group brings diverse experience from across the firm's footprint. Their proven track records resolving complex disputes and driving client growth highlight Phelps' regional strengths. Congratulations to Leah Bullock, Andrew Coffman, Julie Girard, Matt Perez, Stephanie Poucher, Sarah Smith, Michael B. Victorian, and Katherine Wyly!

The Baton Rouge office attended the Baton Rouge Business Report's Forty Under 40 dinner to celebrate our partner Madison Toepfer DeWitt as a 2024 honoree! These remarkable individuals are the next generation of leaders, driving transformation in business and the community. Madison and her fellow honorees represent a diverse range of industries and a shared commitment to make a positive impact. From shaping policies to championing social causes, they are paving the way for a brighter future in Baton Rouge. Congratulations to Madison and all the honorees for their remarkable achievements!

On Friday, a federal judge in Texas returned the salary minimum for certain overtime exemptions to $684 per week, or $35,568 annually. Employers weighing salary and classification changes before the next salary minimum increase - set for Jan. 1 - should know their options after the court set aside the rule.    This ruling strikes down the U.S. Department of Labor's 2024 rule that planned a three-tier increase to the minimum salary for certain workers to remain exempt from overtime pay. With these increases, the salary basis would have risen by 65% in only six months. The plan also included automatic increases every three years.   The Texas Court blocked the rule for all employers nationwide, holding the DOL exceeded its authority. Read Phelps partner Michael E. Turner's highlights of the ruling and next steps for employers who might have already made changes when the first increase took effect in July.    Read more here>> https://lnkd.in/gqMFxcag

That's a wrap on WorkBoat! Thank you to everyone who braved the weather on Tuesday to attend our happy hour at Hermes Bar for a chance to network with industry leaders and colleagues. Good thing our Marine and Energy Group loves the water!🌊🚢

Overruling 75 years of precedent, the National Labor Relations Board banned captive-audience meetings starting Nov. 13. Though several states have already banned these meetings, the NLRB's decision impacts employers across the country.   The NLRB ruled these mandatory gatherings, where employers express their views on unionization, violate the National Labor Relations Act.    The ban applies to employer actions moving forward, so companies should take steps now to prepare. The NLRB included a safe harbor rule that allows employers to conduct lawful, voluntary talks on unions, as long as they meet certain requirements.   Phelps partner Erin M. breaks down the NLRB's decision and conditions employers must meet to keep these forums compliant.   Read more >> https://lnkd.in/eZukxcQ7 #employmentlaw #laborlaw

With a new administration entering the White House in January, changes in labor and employment policies are on the horizon. From National Labor Relations Board policy adjustments and EEOC leadership shifts to OSHA's evolving safety protocols, equipping yourself with the knowledge and strategies you need to stay ahead is key.   In this webinar, Phelps lawyers Erin M., Jason Pill and Raquel Ramirez Jefferson will guide you through the maze of expected changes.   Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 10, to gain insight on: ✅ NLRB policy adjustments ✅ EEOC leadership and priority shifts ✅ OSHA safety regulations and inspection protocols ✅ Diversity initiatives and DEI policy changes ✅ Immigration and visa changes ✅ Regulatory rollbacks ✅ Strategic judicial appointments   🔗 Click here to register>> https://lnkd.in/eMGkB2xA #employmentlaw #laborlaw

The Tampa office had sow much fun at the 2024 Tampa Pig Jig! We not only sponsored the barbecue and music festival but also formed a cooking team to participate in the cooking competition. The event was filled with great food, amazing tunes from Dierks Bentley and The Revivalists and wonderful company—all for a great cause. Proceeds benefit NephCure, supporting research and aid for chronic kidney disease patients. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making a difference! 🐷

We are excited to welcome New Orleans City Councilmember Joe Giarrusso III to Phelps on January 1, 2025, as counsel on the firm’s growing Government Relations and Public Policy Team.   Read the announcement here>> https://lnkd.in/eZiqbyAx