Laura Windsor is the chair of Williams Mullen's Labor, Employment and Immigration Section and co-chair of the Trade Secrets, Employee Mobility and Restrictive Covenants Practice. Laura defends businesses in employment and employee benefits litigation matters in state and federal courts across the country. Her employment litigation work includes defending clients in cases alleging discrimination, workplace harassment, breach of employment and non-compete contracts, FMLA or USERRA interference or retaliation, FCRA violations, FLSA wage and hour/overtime disputes, and employment-related business torts. Laura’s employee benefits litigation experience includes the defense of disability, life, and health insurance claims under ERISA and state law.
Laura Windsor is the chair of Williams Mullen's Labor, Employment and Immigration Section and co-chair of the Trade Secrets, Employee Mobility and Restrictive Covenants Practice. Laura defends businesses in employment and employee benefits litigation matters in state and federal courts across the country. Her employment litigation work includes defending clients in cases alleging discrimination, workplace harassment, breach of employment and non-compete contracts, FMLA or USERRA interference or retaliation, FCRA violations, FLSA wage and hour/overtime disputes, and employment-related business torts. Laura’s employee benefits litigation experience includes the defense of disability, life, and health insurance claims under ERISA and state law.
In addition to her litigation practice, Laura advises businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and religious-affiliated organizations in all areas of human resources and employment law, including on company policies, internal investigations, terminations and reduction in force plans, medical leave issues, restrictive covenants, executive employment agreements, and employment-related aspects of corporate purchase and sale transactions.
Laura also provides onsite corporate training and is a frequent speaker on employment issues, including federal and state EEO and harassment laws; religious discrimination and the application of federal and state employment laws to religious-affiliated organizations and institutions; federal and state wage and hour laws; medical leaves of absence under the FMLA and ADA; independent contractor laws; and federal contractor compliance laws for employers.
Laura has been recognized by Chambers USA for Labor & Employment Law (2019, 2021-present). She has also been named among Virginia’s “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business (2013-present); listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Labor Law-Management, Employment Law-Management, Insurance Law and Litigation-Labor & Employment (2015-present); and named a "Labor and Employment Star" by Benchmark Litigation (2018-present). She was named the Best Lawyers® Richmond "Lawyer of the Year" for Labor Law - Management (2020, 2022). She is also listed in Virginia Super Lawyers (2012-present), which has included her in the Top 50: Women in Virginia list (2019-present). Laura was named to the 2021 class of "Influential Women of Law" by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
Laura is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Virginia Bar Association, and the Metro Richmond Women’s Bar Association. Laura is highly active in her community and is currently the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Richmond SPCA. She has served as past chair of the board of directors for the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics; served on the board of directors and as chair of the governance committee of the Health Brigade in Richmond; and was previously a board member for ChildSavers. Laura is also an adjunct professor of law at the William & Mary Law School, where she teaches a course on Employment Discrimination Law.
Laura is a 2001 graduate of Georgia State University School of Law, where she earned her J.D., cum laude, and she is a 1993 graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned her B.A. in Russian and East European Studies.
- Defended a company in a WARN Act class action in which the plaintiffs alleged that they were improperly removed from their COVID-19 patient call center position when the pandemic was declared over, without receiving 60 days’ notice of the termination.
- Represented a governmental entity in a lawsuit filed in Virginia state court alleging retaliation claims under USERRA in which the former employee claimed he was denied promotions due to his military service obligations.
- Defended members of an LLC in a case alleging fraud and breach of fiduciary duty and seeking to bring a shareholder derivative action.
- Represented a seasonal recreational organization in claims that it failed to pay workers overtime under FLSA or at a rate sufficient to meet Virginia minimum wage obligations, as well as claims that it employed youth in impermissible occupations under child labor laws.
- Defended a governmental entity in a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination in violation of Virginia public policy that was brought by a former employee who claimed that he was terminated in retaliation for raising security concerns.
- Represented a large insurance company in an ERISA case in which the plaintiff alleged that our client wrongfully denied her claim for health insurance benefits under a group employer-sponsored benefit plan following an automobile accident and argued that she did not need to first exhaust available benefits under her auto insurance policy.
- Defended a large IT company in a DOL/OSHA complaint and subsequent federal lawsuit alleging whistleblower retaliation under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Environmental Protection Act, the False Claims Act, and various other federal laws, claiming that the former employee was terminated in retaliation for internal complaints about internal computer security systems.
- Defended a large interstate trucking company in an FLSA class/collective action in which employees alleged that their 100% commission-based pay was insufficient to cover all of their time worked and failed to provide them with overtime or, in some cases, sufficient payment to meet Virginia minimum wage obligations.
- Represented a national defense contractor in retaliation claims from a former employee that he was terminated for reporting to his employer that he had concerns that they were not paying proper taxes to a foreign country in violation of the False Claims Act.
- Represented a national healthcare staffing company in alleged tortious interference with contracts and business relationships following the client’s hiring of a former employee of the plaintiff and the client’s receipt of several multi-million accounts previously held by the plaintiff, which the plaintiff alleged were wrongfully taken by our client.
- Represented an international service provider with respect to claims from a former employee that she was terminated because of her national origin and gender, and because she complained about the company’s promotion policies, which she alleged violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Virginia Human Rights Act, and the Virginia Whistleblower Act.
- Represented a health care provider in a lawsuit in which the plaintiff alleged claims under ERISA, as well as state law claims for breach of fiduciary duty, wrongful denial of benefits, fraud, and breach of contract, claiming that he was wrongfully denied access to participate in the employer’s sponsored health insurance policy due to his classification as a part-time employee.
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08.17.2023
131 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
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07.28.2023
The Future of Employer-Sponsored Voluntary DEI Programs After Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College
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07.27.2023
Williams Mullen Representing American National Bankshares, Inc. in Merger With Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation
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07.12.2023
U.S. Government’s TikTok Ban Leaves Open Questions for Contractors
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07.05.2023
SCOTUS Clarifies Employer’s Undue Hardship Standard for Religious Accommodations
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06.02.2023
44 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 14 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2023
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06.01.2023
Tales from the NLRB: General Counsel to Treat Most Non-Compete Agreements as Unfair Labor Practices
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05.03.2023
29 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2023 Virginia Super Lawyers List; 17 Named 2023 Rising Stars
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01.30.2023
Navigating the FTC’s Proposed Rule Banning Non-Competes
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01.06.2023
FTC Proposes Banning (Almost All) Non-Compete Agreements
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11.30.2022
65 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2022
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10.27.2022
D.C.’s Amended Non-Compete Statute Bans (Most) Non-Competes in the District
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10.12.2022
New Department of Labor Independent Contractor Proposed Rule
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10.07.2022
Williams Mullen’s Labor, Employment & Immigration Practice Named in Benchmark Litigation 2023
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08.18.2022
123 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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07.13.2022
Williams Mullen Represents Virginia-based Dodson Property Management in Merger with National Real Estate and Property Management Firm
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06.13.2022
12 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named Pro Bono Service Honor Roll Members
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06.13.2022
Government Contractors, Its Time to Register and Certify AAP Compliance
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06.02.2022
39 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 14 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2022
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05.31.2022
Williams Mullen Represents Arc Natural Stone in Sale to ASG
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05.09.2022
28 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2022 Virginia Super Lawyers List; 13 Named 2022 Rising Stars
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04.22.2022
Williams Mullen Represents Technology Services Firm in Sale
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04.14.2022
Maryland Passes Expansive Paid Family Leave Law
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03.22.2022
The Virginia Permanent COVID-19 Standard Is Now Officially a Thing of the Past
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02.17.2022
To Mask, or Not to Mask, That is the Question: Status of Virginia DOLI Workplace Rules
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01.13.2022
Supreme Court Stays OSHA Vaccine Rule
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12.22.2021
Williams Mullen Closes Sale of Dynamic Mobile Imaging to DispatchHealth
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12.20.2021
UPDATE: OSHA Test or Vaccine Rule is Back On...For Now
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12.08.2021
Update: Federal Contractor COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
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12.06.2021
Williams Mullen Represents E-Learning Provider in Sale
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12.02.2021
48 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2021
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12.01.2021
UPDATE - Status of Implementation of the Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Workplace Rules
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11.09.2021
Understanding and Implementing OSHA COVID-19 Vaccination Regulations (FAQs Included)
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10.12.2021
The FAR and DFARS Deviation Clauses Directing COVID Vaccine and Other Protocols for Government Contractors: So, What Do They Mean For My Business?
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09.29.2021
Williams Mullen’s Labor, Employment & Immigration Practice Named in Benchmark Litigation 2022
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09.16.2021
Virginia DOLI Issues New COVID-19 Rules for Employers
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09.10.2021
Executive Orders To Mandate COVID Vaccines Across Federal and Government Contractor Workforce as Part of President’s Sweeping Pandemic Plan
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08.23.2021
124 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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07.12.2021
President Biden Takes Aim at Employment Non-Compete Agreements
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06.30.2021
New Virginia Prevailing Wage Law Now in Effect For State Contractors
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06.09.2021
Laura Windsor Named to 2021 Class of ‘Influential Women of Law’ by Virginia Lawyers Weekly
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05.26.2021
40 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 12 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2021
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05.07.2021
32 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2021 Virginia Super Lawyers List; 11 Named 2021 Rising Stars
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04.28.2021
New Increased Minimum Wage For Federal Contractors
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04.20.2021
Virginia’s New Overtime Law Likely To Create New Employer Headaches
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04.01.2021
PODCAST: Biden Administration Quick Take – Three Employment Law Initiatives We’re Monitoring
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01.25.2021
Firm Represents PE Firm Envest Capital Partners in Purchase of Bell & Williams
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01.22.2021
District of Columbia Delivers Lethal Blow to Non-Competes
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01.19.2021
Firm Represents Trucking Business in Sale
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01.08.2021
Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on Employee Misclassification
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12.31.2020
Williams Mullen Team Represents Fire Protection Systems Provider in Recapitalization
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12.01.2020
61 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2020
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10.29.2020
Civil Rights Enforcement Unit Established by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of VA
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10.13.2020
Williams Mullen’s Litigation and Labor, Employment & Immigration Practices Named in Benchmark Litigation 2021; 15 Attorneys Recognized
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09.28.2020
Critical Legal Updates for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors
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08.20.2020
116 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©; Most Total Lawyers in Virginia
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07.28.2020
Federal Contractors Must Use New Disability Self-ID Form
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07.17.2020
Williams Mullen Advises Cary Street Partners in its Acquisition of Waypoint Advisors
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05.21.2020
Return to Workplace Guidance: Temperature and Other Medical Screening of Workers for COVID-19 Symptoms and OSHA Reporting of COVID-19 Cases
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05.07.2020
35 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2020 Virginia Super Lawyers List; 13 Named 2020 Rising Stars
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04.13.2020
VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2020: What Virginia Employers Need to Know
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03.31.2020
UPDATE Re: FFCRA Notice Posters
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03.26.2020
Coronavirus: Employers Must Post New FFCRA Notice by April 1, 2020
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03.20.2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) - Chart
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03.06.2020
Protecting Your Business and Employees During Coronavirus: Tips to Educate, Evaluate and Prepare
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12.04.2019
55 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2019
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09.30.2019
Williams Mullen’s Litigation and Labor, Employment & Immigration Practices Named in Benchmark Litigation 2020; 14 Attorneys Recognized
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09.24.2019
New DOL Rule: Higher Salary Required to Meet DOL Overtime Exemptions
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08.15.2019
15 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named "Lawyers of the Year" by Best Lawyers®
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08.15.2019
119 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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05.09.2019
Laura Windsor Interviewed by NBC12 About ADA-Compliant Websites
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04.29.2019
Federal Court Ruling Could Cost EEO-1 Employers Billions in Compliance
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04.25.2019
30 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 12 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2019
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04.10.2019
6 Williams Mullen Attorneys Ranked on 2019 Top Lists by Virginia Super Lawyers
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04.10.2019
47 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2019 Virginia Super Lawyers List; 17 Named 2019 Rising Stars
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03.18.2019
New Changes on the Horizon for Overtime Pay Rules
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12.10.2018
Lawsuits Regarding ADA-Compliant Websites Spike in 2018
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12.03.2018
Williams Mullen’s Litigation and Labor, Employment and Immigration Practices Named in Benchmark Litigation 2019; 11 Attorneys Recognized
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11.30.2018
45 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2018
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08.27.2018
Massachusetts Employers – Beware of New Non-Compete Law
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08.15.2018
110 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in Latest Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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06.21.2018
What To Do When The OFCCP Comes Knocking
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04.18.2018
53 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2018 Virginia Super Lawyers List; 20 Named 2018 Rising Stars
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03.27.2018
PODCAST: What To Do When the OFCCP Comes Knocking
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12.01.2017
46 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine's 2017 'Legal Elite'
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08.14.2017
114 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2018
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04.14.2017
54 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2017 Virginia Super Lawyers List; 21 Named 2017 Rising Stars
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04.04.2017
Is Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Employment Discrimination Prohibited? It Depends on Whom You Ask
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12.07.2016
50 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2016 ‘Legal Elite’
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11.30.2016
Class Action Waivers in Employment Arbitration Agreements? Not as 'Fresh & Easy' as You Think
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08.29.2016
Final Rule Implementing Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order Published
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08.22.2016
Nursing Facilities to Face Surveyors’ Review of Photo and Video Policies
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08.15.2016
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2017 Best Lawyers in America
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03.28.2016
Richmond Times-Dispatch Covers Laura Windsor and Marc Purintun Workshop on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination in the Workplace
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02.25.2016
DOL Proposed Rule Requiring Paid Sick Leave for Employees of Federal Contractors Published Today
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02.17.2016
56 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2016 Virginia Super Lawyers; 22 Named 2016 Rising Stars
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12.09.2015
50 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2015 ‘Legal Elite’
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09.24.2015
An Emboldened Labor Board Continues to Expand Union and Employee Protections
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08.17.2015
106 Williams Mullen Attorneys named 2016 Best Lawyers in America
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05.12.2015
The Ever-Broadening Definition of “Disability” Under the ADA Remains a Source of Anxiety for Employers
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04.10.2015
Williams Mullen Virginia Attorneys Named 2015 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
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12.01.2014
Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2014 “Legal Elite”
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08.18.2014
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2015 Best Lawyers in America
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08.08.2014
Another Hoop For Government Contractors: The Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order
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07.22.2014
President Obama Signs Executive Order Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination
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07.18.2014
EEOC Issues New Enforcement Guidance on Pregnancy Discrimination
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06.20.2014
Williams Mullen Virginia Attorneys Named 2014 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
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03.25.2014
Revised DOL/OFCCP Regulations for Veterans and Disabled Individuals Are Now In Effect
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02.06.2014
March 24th is Approaching: Complying With the New OFCCP Regulations
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12.04.2013
Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2013 “Legal Elite”
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09.12.2013
OFCCP Issues Final Rules Regarding Job Opportunities for the Disabled and Protected Veterans
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08.15.2013
EEOC’S Latest Investigative Tactic: Trolling For Plaintiffs Through Your Company’s Computer Network
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06.19.2013
The Second Shoe Drops: EEOC Files Second GINA Lawsuit
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06.10.2013
Laura Windsor featured in Times-Dispatch Q&A
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05.31.2013
The EEOC Plots Its Course Through 2016
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10.07.2022
CLE Institute 2022
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04.11.2022
Laura Windsor to Speak at 31st Annual Employment Law Update Seminar 2022
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12.03.2020
COVID-19 Comeback Convention
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09.01.2020
M&A Webinar Series - Restrictive Covenants in M&A Transactions
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06.24.2020
VBA COVID-19 Law Practice Live Chat - Part XV
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05.20.2020
COVID-19 "Reopening" Discussion with Virginia Association of Community Banks
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10.17.2019
CLE SEMINAR: Gender in the Workplace: What Employers and Employment Lawyers Should Know
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03.12.2019
When The OFCCP Comes Knocking: A Talent Acquisition and HR Perspective
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11.08.2018
The #MeToo Movement in the Workplace