Understanding the DOL’s Voluntary PAID Program
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
Release Date: 10/29/2025
You Can’t Policy That: Real HR Stories That Broke Us | 100th Episode Special
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
It’s our 100th episode! To celebrate, Miller Johnson employment attorneys and are cracking open the HR vault and revisiting the wildest, weirdest, and most unforgettable moments from their careers and listener submissions. From bathroom recorders to fart bottles, and sex at work to drug-fueled complaints, this is a very off-the-clock kind of episode. They also share the real lessons hidden inside these stories: what HR pros can (and should) do in these wild situations, legal tips for strange workplace behavior, and when you absolutely do not need a policy...
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Social Media and Workplace Policy: What to Do About Problem Posts
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
Can employers take action when employees post something controversial on social media—off the clock, on personal time, and not on company platforms? In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys and dig into one of HR’s most frustrating modern issues: how to handle off-duty speech that makes its way into the workplace. Using the love (or hate) of pumpkin spice lattes as an example, we explore: When off-duty speech crosses into workplace concerns What legal obligations employers actually have How to balance employee rights with business reputation Why the First...
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The Love Is Blind Labor Fight: Employee or Contractor?
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
Can a reality TV contestant be considered an employee? In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys and break down the Love Is Blind lawsuit and why the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) says contestants might be employees, not independent contractors. Using the show as a real-world case study, Rebecca and Sarah explore the legal implications of employment status, control in the workplace, and how this bizarre situation actually mirrors challenges many employers face today. Whether you’re in HR, legal, or just a reality TV fan, this episode offers...
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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA) Explained
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
What really counts as a public record? Can a text message land your organization in legal trouble? And why should private employers care about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA)? In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorney sits down with to break down two critical public transparency laws: FOIA and OMA. Whether you’re in HR, work for a public body, or represent a private employer that interacts with the government, this episode will help you avoid common compliance mistakes and protect sensitive information. Tune in as we...
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Understanding the DOL’s Voluntary PAID Program
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
Would you ever invite the Department of Labor to audit your company—on purpose? In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys and break down the DOL’s recently revived PAID (Payroll Audit Independent Determination) program. This voluntary initiative allows employers to self-report and correct wage & hour or FMLA violations—before the feds come knocking. Tune in as we explore: What the PAID program is and why it’s back Who qualifies to participate (and who doesn’t) Why “voluntary” doesn’t mean “risk-free” The surprising pros and cons of...
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How the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Impacts Tipped and Overtime Pay
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys and break down a major change in federal tax law: tip and overtime wages are getting a tax break—but only for a limited time. We’re talking about how the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” changed federal taxes on tips and overtime wages for the 2025–2028 tax years. If you’re in HR, payroll, hospitality, or food service, this quick episode gives you exactly what you need to know. Tune in as we explore: Who qualifies for the new tip deduction The difference between a deduction and an exemption How this affects...
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Romance at Work: HR Lessons from the Astronomer Kiss Cam Scandal
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
What happens when your company’s executives become the stars of a viral kiss cam moment — and not in a good way? In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey break down the now infamous Astronomer CEO and Chief People Officer scandal, sparked at a Coldplay concert and amplified by the lead singer himself. 🔍 We cover: The facts behind the viral moment How the company responded in just three days How the company’s quick action upheld culture and navigated public scrutiny Lessons every organization can take away about workplace relationships and...
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What to Do When ICE Shows Up at Work
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorney sits down with immigration attorney to discuss a growing concern for HR professionals and employers: workplace visits from ICE. With immigration enforcement actions on the rise, this conversation offers practical, legally sound advice on how to respond — and how to prepare your team before agents ever walk through your door.
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The Risks of AI Screening When Hiring: Lessons from the Workday Lawsuit
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey break down a new class action lawsuit against Workday over its use of AI in hiring. Could algorithm-driven screening expose employers to discrimination claims?
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Travel Time Traps: What You Must Pay For Under the FLSA
Lawyers Off the Clock with Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey
Think travel time pay is simple? Think again. In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey break down the complex—and often misunderstood—rules around paying nonexempt employees for time spent traveling. From the ordinary commute to out-of-town overnight trips, we unpack what counts as paid work time under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
info_outlineWould you ever invite the Department of Labor to audit your company—on purpose?
In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey break down the DOL’s recently revived PAID (Payroll Audit Independent Determination) program. This voluntary initiative allows employers to self-report and correct wage & hour or FMLA violations—before the feds come knocking.
Tune in as we explore:
- What the PAID program is and why it’s back
- Who qualifies to participate (and who doesn’t)
- Why “voluntary” doesn’t mean “risk-free”
- The surprising pros and cons of raising your hand to the DOL