Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break

Pam Howland
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by seasoned attorney Pam Howland, alongside attorneys Jennifer Walrath and Doug Plass, Ground Rules delivers employment law insights in bite-sized weekly episodes. With decades of courtroom experience, this dynamic trio has seen the costly consequences of legal missteps for employers—and they're here to help you avoid them. Perfect for business owners, HR professionals, and supervisors, this podcast is your go-to guide for staying ahead of the curve on employment law, fostering compliant workplaces, and keeping your business out of the courthouse. Grab your coffee, tune in, and gain practical tips to protect and empower your team.

  1. 1d ago

    The Biggest Mistakes Supervisors Make

    Every supervisor makes mistakes—but some mistakes are far more costly than others. In this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, Pam Howland, Jennifer Walrath, Doug Plass, and special guest Megan Renaldo of Renaldo & Co. compare notes on the leadership and compliance issues they see most often when working with employers. Together, they discuss:  Why waiting too long to address performance problems creates bigger issues  The importance of documentation that actually supports employment decisions  Why supervisors need to know their organization's policies—not just HR  Common ADA, accommodation, and compliance mistakes that lead to legal claims  How poor communication and unclear expectations impact both team performance and legal risk  Why better hiring starts with better job descriptions Whether you're a supervisor, HR professional, or business leader, this episode offers practical strategies to build stronger leaders, improve team performance, and reduce employment law risk—all before problems end up in the courtroom.  *Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.* 📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here! Don't miss out! 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📧 Sign up for our email blast 📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program 👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

  2. Jul 22

    What the Latest IHRC Data Means for Idaho Employers

    The Idaho Human Rights Commission's latest annual report reveals a sharp increase in discrimination and harassment claims—but the numbers tell a more nuanced story than the headlines suggest. In this episode, Pam Howland, Jennifer Walrath, and Doug Plass break down the FY2026 IHRC data, including the continued rise in disability accommodation claims, significant growth in pregnancy and sex discrimination allegations, and increasing religion and national origin complaints. They also discuss one encouraging statistic many employers overlook: nearly 79% of cases end with a finding of no probable cause, and mediation continues to resolve the vast majority of disputes successfully. If you're an Idaho employer, HR professional, or supervisor, this episode will help you understand what these trends mean for your workplace and where to focus your compliance efforts before problems become legal claims. *Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.* 📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here! Don't miss out! 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📧 Sign up for our email blast 📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program 👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

  3. Jul 15

    L4L Book Club: Why One Harassment Training Isn't Enough

    Many employers think discrimination and harassment training is something you do once, check off the list, and move on. The reality? Employment law, technology, workplace dynamics, and employee expectations are constantly evolving—and your training should too. In this episode of L4L Book Club, Pam Howland, Jennifer Walrath, and Doug Plass discuss why ongoing training is one of the best investments employers can make. They cover:  Why the law expects regular training  How changing laws and EEOC guidance impact employers  The role of AI, technology, and social media in today's workplace  Why supervisors need different (and more in-depth) training than employees  How consistent training helps prevent claims, strengthens workplace culture, and keeps employers out of court If you've ever wondered whether annual training is really worth the investment, this episode makes the case. *Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.* 📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here! Don't miss out! 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📧 Sign up for our email blast 📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program 👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

  4. Jul 8

    Top 10 Things That Surprise Employers About Depositions

    Most employers know depositions are part of the litigation process—but few realize just how much preparation, strategy, and disruption they involve. In this episode, Pam Howland, Jennifer Walrath, and Doug Plass discuss the top 10 things that surprise employers about depositions, from marathon questioning and document-heavy testimony to attorney tactics and the importance of preparation. Whether you're facing employment litigation now or simply want to understand what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers practical insights into one of the most critical stages of a lawsuit.  *Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.* 📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here! Don't miss out! 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📧 Sign up for our email blast 📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program 👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

  5. Jul 1

    From AI Activity to Advantage

    Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, but thoughtful strategy will always outlast the latest technology. In the final installment of our three-part AI series, Pam Howland, Jennifer Walrath, Doug Plass, and AI governance and strategy consultant Ally Ross discuss what separates organizations that are successfully leveraging AI from those creating unnecessary risk. The conversation explores why employers shouldn't feel pressured to "keep up" with every new AI development, how strong governance and clean data create a foundation for long-term success, and why the organizations seeing the greatest return from AI are using it to enhance—not replace—their people. The group also discusses AI agents, the importance of ongoing oversight as technology evolves, and why employers of every size should begin building an AI strategy now—even if they're just getting started. Whether your organization is actively implementing AI or simply trying to understand what comes next, this episode offers practical guidance for building an AI program that is strategic, compliant, and built to last. *Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.* 📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here! Don't miss out! 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📧 Sign up for our email blast 📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program 👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

  6. Jun 24

    What the EEOC's New Enforcement Plan Means for Idaho Employers

    The EEOC released its new National Enforcement Plan in June 2026, and it reads like a roadmap of exactly where enforcement is headed through 2029. I sat down with Jennifer Walrath and Doug Plass to break down what's in it and what it means for you as an employer. This is not a vague document. The EEOC is telling employers and their attorneys precisely which types of cases it plans to bring and which legal questions it wants the Supreme Court to settle. That kind of transparency is worth paying attention to. *Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.* 📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here! Don't miss out! 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📧 Sign up for our email blast 📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program 👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

  7. Jun 17

    The Rules of the Road for AI in the Workplace

    What do AI policies have in common with traffic laws? More than you might think. In Part 2 of our AI series, Ally Ross uses a "rules of the road" analogy to explain how employers can create practical guardrails for AI use. The conversation covers policy development, human oversight, bias concerns, documentation, monitoring, and why doing nothing may be the riskiest approach of all.  *Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.* 📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here! Don't miss out! 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📧 Sign up for our email blast 📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program 👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

  8. Jun 10

    Hiring Teens This Summer? These Are The Child Labor Law Mistakes to Avoid

    Summer is one of the busiest hiring seasons of the year, and for many employers, that means bringing teenagers onto the team. But hiring minors comes with unique legal requirements that can catch employers off guard. In this episode of Ground Rules, Pam Howland, Jennifer Walrath, and Doug Plass discuss the top five things employers should know before hiring teens for summer work. From hazardous occupation restrictions and work-hour limitations to recordkeeping requirements and Department of Labor audits, they break down the rules employers need to understand to avoid costly mistakes. The conversation also covers practical compliance tips, common pitfalls in industries like restaurants and retail, and why a little preparation now can save employers significant headaches later. Whether you're hiring your first seasonal employee or managing a large summer workforce, this episode offers practical guidance to help you stay compliant and protect your business. *Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.* 📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here! Don't miss out! 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📧 Sign up for our email blast 📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program 👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

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About

Hosted by seasoned attorney Pam Howland, alongside attorneys Jennifer Walrath and Doug Plass, Ground Rules delivers employment law insights in bite-sized weekly episodes. With decades of courtroom experience, this dynamic trio has seen the costly consequences of legal missteps for employers—and they're here to help you avoid them. Perfect for business owners, HR professionals, and supervisors, this podcast is your go-to guide for staying ahead of the curve on employment law, fostering compliant workplaces, and keeping your business out of the courthouse. Grab your coffee, tune in, and gain practical tips to protect and empower your team.

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