Making Work Better: Employment Law & Workplace Challenges
Making Work Better explores employment law, business issues, and workplace challenges through personal narratives and legal commentary. Our employment attorney experts and their guests discuss everything from new laws and human resources challenges to launching a small business or forging a unique career path. As the flagship program of The Prinz Law Firm in Chicago, this podcast will not feature legal advice—just conversations that help us all to make work better, regardless of our role. You might remember Making Work Better as "Tales from Around the Watercooler." We rebranded to better reflect the employment focus of our content. Learn about the firm and its work at https://www.prinz-lawfirm.com.
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Episode 53 – Can I Be Harassed at Work by AI?
09/08/2026
Episode 53 – Can I Be Harassed at Work by AI?
AI technology is progressing rapidly, and with it comes an unfortunate increase in AI harassment claims. Before the law can catch up with the exponential growth of these tools, it's up to employers to ensure their workplaces are protected from any harmful usage. Between recent headlines and even their own casework, Mary Charlton and Christina Hynes Mesco are staying up to date with AI harassment claims that pop up at work. As employment attorneys who work with both employers and employees, they're approaching this issue from all sides – and are here to help you protect yourself from this behavior in your own workplace. Tune in to hear Mary and Christina discuss: Examples of what AI harassment claims look like How existing harassment prevention laws apply in the context of AI Whether AI harassment is considered more severe than physical harassment The likelihood of courts holding up the defense of harmful AI-generated content being “a joke” Where employers can update their policies to account for workplace AI usage As AI continues to improve, it also becomes increasingly difficult to navigate what is and isn't real. But the legal framework surrounding harassment is still equipped to take on that challenge. If you find yourself facing a claim of AI harassment, whether as an employee or a business leader, this episode will help get you started with confronting it. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Mary's blog,
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Episode 52 – What Will a New Bill Change for Student Athletes?
08/28/2026
Episode 52 – What Will a New Bill Change for Student Athletes?
The question of whether student athletes should be recognized as employees has long been debated, especially with colleges and universities generating billions of dollars in revenue each year through their sports programs. Now, a proposed bill titled the "Protect College Sports Act" may finally address this issue. Mary Charlton and James Rogers aren't just employment attorneys—they're both well-versed in the world of sports. In the inaugural episode of their "Off the Bench" series unpacking issues that exist at the intersection of sports and law, they're taking a look at the PCSA and who the winners (and losers) would be if this bill were to pass. Tune in to hear James and Mary explore: Why governing sports bodies have never recognized college athletes as employees Where the term “student athlete” originated from A legal history of recent rulings related to college athletes seeking proper compensation and recognition as employees How college sports teams currently operate and bring in revenue for their schools What protections would benefit student athletes under the PCSA Whether the PSCA makes any decision regarding student athletes’ employment status As "back to school season" approaches, many student athletes are already putting hours upon hours of work into their respective teams. Will the PSCA pass any time soon? If it does, will these athletes finally be given proper recognition and compensation? Listen to this conversation for our thoughts. Stay Connected and Learn More Read James' blog,
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Ep. 51 – What the Bears Teach Us About Negotiating on Home Turf
08/03/2026
Ep. 51 – What the Bears Teach Us About Negotiating on Home Turf
As football season slowly approaches, the question of where the Chicago Bears will build their new home stadium remains unanswered, and it might surprise you how this debate is relevant to you in the workplace. At first glance, the NFL and employment may not have much in common. But beneath the headlines and speculation lies an important lesson relevant to both spaces: how to negotiate well, no matter what’s at stake. Prinz partner Kristen Prinz and paralegal supervisor Christina Martinez are all too familiar with the many moving parts that make up a deal like one the Bears are currently drafting. In this episode, they dive deep into the links between the search for a new stadium and the most common negotiations we see in our own workplaces. Listen to Kristen and Chris discuss: An overview of the stadium saga (so far) Conflicting factors around the Bears staying in Chicago Questions to ask yourself before preparing for a negotiation How the Bears are positioning the value they bring to the table—and how you can do the same The role that timing plays in any negotiation Whether you're an employer reviewing your company's contracts, an employee negotiating a new job offer, or simply a football fan, this episode has something for every listener. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Kristen and Chris' blog,
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Ep. 50 – Is Your Communication Style Working in the Workplace?
06/29/2026
Ep. 50 – Is Your Communication Style Working in the Workplace?
Most problems in the workplace likely boil down to issues with communication, whether it’s an employee misunderstanding instructions or a supervisor's feedback not landing in the right way. These inconsistencies in communication are what often lead to legal risk. Your communication style is both how you prefer to receive information and how you deliver it. By understanding how we and how our colleagues or clients communicate, we can better achieve our ultimate goals. In this episode, Prinz partner Katie Rinkus was joined by Rachel Platt, founder and CEO of PLATTinum Consulting, to explore a few of the key types of communication styles and the greater impacts they have on company culture. Tune in to hear Katie and Rachel talk about: Potential strengths and weaknesses of each specific communication style The difference between being nice versus being kind and how each shows up in leaders How Rachel helps her clients identify their communication style Why avoiding difficult conversations does a workplace more harm than good How understanding communication styles can be useful outside of the office The benefits of investing in understanding your employees Organizations that communicate better often in turn have better cultures. If you want your company to be remembered as a great place to work, or you’re simply interested in identifying your personal communication style, the tools in this episode will help you find the best way to move forward. About Rachel Platt Rachel is a sought-after HR strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex people challenges. A former CHRO and VP of Experience, Rachel is known for her pragmatic approach to aligning business and people's strategies. She works mostly at the people strategy level, and PLATTinum Consulting offers CHRO advisory services, leadership development, organizational design, performance management, recruiting strategy, and more on a project or a fractional basis. Stay Connected and Learn More Connect with Rachel Check out
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Ep. 49 – What Free Speech at Work Really Looks Like
06/08/2026
Ep. 49 – What Free Speech at Work Really Looks Like
Free speech in the workplace isn’t exactly what it sounds like: rather than a broad, unlimited protection that allows all employees to say whatever they want, protections vary depending on the type of employer and the specific circumstances. With social media blurring the lines between work life and personal life, whether our speech online or “off the clock” is protected under free speech laws also makes this a very topical conversation. As employment and business attorneys, Hannah Savaso and Rebecca Baba have a strong understanding of the nuances of free speech and are here to help you stay informed of your rights. Listen to Hannah and Becca explore: How the rules regarding free speech differ between public and private sector employees The role that social media activity plays in free speech protections What framework is used by courts to determine whether an employee's speech is protected What protections exist related to speech made outside of working hours Free speech protections that are specific to Illinois workplaces Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, in the public or private sector, this episode contains valuable insights on how free speech really works. Tune in to learn how you can best stay protected. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Hannah’s blog,
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Ep. 48 – What Can We Learn from Noma's Abuse Controversy?
04/28/2026
Ep. 48 – What Can We Learn from Noma's Abuse Controversy?
What happens when a prestigious restaurant comes under fire for workplace abuse? A recent New York Times article revealed that dozens of former employees at Noma, an award-winning restaurant in Copenhagen founded by chef Rene Redzepi, endured extreme physical and mental harassment and were threatened with being blacklisted if they spoke up. While employment counselors Kristen Prinz and Mary Charlton don’t work in the restaurant industry, they do have plenty of experience helping employees who have found themselves in similar situations. In this episode, we share our thoughts on the Noma employees’ accounts and what lessons we can apply to our own workplaces. Tune in to hear Kristen and Mary discuss: How Noma’s elite status contributed to the abuse staying hidden for so long Why threatening to blacklist employees is considered a form of retaliation Where Kristen and Mary see similar situations in their own line of work Why employees in niche industries may stay in a prestigious but hostile work environment The importance of independent reporting structures What costs employers may face for trying to hide a hostile workplace culture What legal protections are available for employees who choose to speak up about wrongful workplace behavior Noma has established itself as one of the world’s best restaurants, but by concealing the problems instead of improving their work environment, their reputation has now gone down the drain. Even if you aren’t in the culinary industry, Kristen and Mary’s conversation will leave you with great insights on navigating complaint suppression, retaliatory threats, and more. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Kristen and Mary’s blog, Check out
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Ep. 47 – An Attorney Guide to Using AI Responsibly
03/20/2026
Ep. 47 – An Attorney Guide to Using AI Responsibly
AI is becoming increasingly prominent in all kinds of industries, and the legal field is no exception. For lawyers, using AI can streamline processes and reduce billing for clients, but it can also pose risks to confidentiality and damage an attorney’s reputation if mistakes aren’t caught. Some attorneys have even seen potential clients use AI to build their own case before they’ve secured representation. In this episode, business counselors Christina Hynes Mesco and Lee Walter address the pitfalls of unchecked AI usage and provide a practical roadmap to responsibly integrate AI tools into legal practice. Listen to Christina and Lee discuss: Where some lawyers have already begun applying AI to their practice Why AI tools may “hallucinate” material in legal filings such as briefs How courts have attempted to deter attorneys who misuse AI What guidance Illinois has issued for attorneys implementing AI in their practice The benefits of an internal AI system over a third-party AI platform like ChatGPT How attorneys can protect client confidentiality when using AI tools What clients should ask their attorneys about how AI may be used to build their case Whether you’re an attorney looking to implement AI tools into your practice or a client who’s curious about how your lawyer might use AI to advocate for you, tune in to learn how these tools can be used to make work more efficient while still delivering quality service. Stay Connected and Learn More Read our blog post on Read our blog post on
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Ep. 46 - Did the EEOC Just Change the Definition of Harassment?
02/19/2026
Ep. 46 - Did the EEOC Just Change the Definition of Harassment?
In January of 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) voted to rescind its Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace, an over-200-page document from the Biden-era EEOC that aimed to interpret what constitutes “workplace harassment" under federal law. But what does it mean that this guidance has been removed? Is harassment now lawful? Are things that were considered to be harassment no longer illegal? How should workplaces navigate future harassment claims without this guide? Employment attorneys Mary Charlton and Chad Ayers respond to these crucial questions that many employers are now grappling with. Mary and Chad provide background on the EEOC’s role in the federal government, then explain what this removal will look like in practice and how organizations can best navigate this new landscape. Tune in to hear Mary and Chad explore: How the guidance helped to determine what constitutes “workplace harassment” Who is most affected by the lack of this resource How the withdrawal of the guidance was highly unorthodox How Illinois law’s protections and requirements can help offset the rescinded federal interpretations What steps employers can take to avoid harassment claims in the absence of this guidance The EEOC’s actions have left employers and employees alike with a lack of clarity surrounding harassment law. Drop in on Mary and Chad’s conversation if you’d like to know how your business can move forward in this new uncertainty. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Mary and Chad’s blog,
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Ep. 45 - Illinois’ New Employment Laws of 2026
01/15/2026
Ep. 45 - Illinois’ New Employment Laws of 2026
From increased workplace transparency to paid nursing breaks to background check requirements, many new laws and updates to existing legal framework are set to go into effect in Illinois at the start of 2026. As employment attorneys, Katie Rinkus and Hannah Savaso are here to help you stay on top of the biggest changes. In this episode, we’ll walk you through what’s changing and what both employees and businesses should be aware of heading into the new year. Tune in to hear Katie and Hannah discuss: What Illinois now considers as “unlawful employment practices” Which workplace leaves must now be paid How state equal pay requirements are becoming more streamlined Upcoming restrictions surrounding the use of AI during the hiring process How Illinois is being proactive in preserving workers’ safety protections that may be at risk Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, keeping up to date with the changing workplace is essential. Give this episode a listen to learn what these changes might mean for you! Stay Connected and Learn More Read our blog post on Read Katie’s blog post on
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Ep. 44 – You vs. You: The Art of Negotiating Your New Year’s Resolutions
12/22/2025
Ep. 44 – You vs. You: The Art of Negotiating Your New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions are more than just a fun thing for us to think about every January. In fact, they’re a form of internal negotiation that has the potential to impact our lives and the lives of the people around us – and Kristen Prinz and Amit Bindra are here to help you make the most of the new year. Whether we want to make a career change, get more exercise, or achieve some other goal in 2026, this episode will give you the tools you need to determine what’s most important, why it matters to you, and how to go about achieving it. Tune in to hear Kristen and Amit discuss: What Kristen considers the key components of any internal negotiation Questions to ask yourself when setting goals for the future The most productive research techniques for getting what you want out of a negotiation, whether it’s internal or external How your network can help you brainstorm new goals How to overcome talking yourself out of something you want to achieve Why Amit finds quarterly milestones more manageable than yearly goals Stay Connected and Learn More Kristen’s blog post,
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Ep. 43 – To Give or Not to Give? A Guide to Being Merry, Not Messy
12/02/2025
Ep. 43 – To Give or Not to Give? A Guide to Being Merry, Not Messy
The holiday season is fast approaching, and workplaces can help to keep spirits high by staying clear of potential issues surrounding gift-giving in the office. What may seem like a simple gesture between coworkers can also lead to a variety of legal pitfalls, from discrimination and harassment claims to tax implications. Business counselors Chad Ayers and Christina Hynes Mesco dive into those issues by sharing stories of their own holiday experiences at work. In this episode, we’ll share suggestions for success when giving gifts to colleagues. Chad and Christina will discuss: The potential implications of a manager giving gifts to subordinates Whether the typical “Christmas bonus” or high-value gifts should be considered as wages How the public and private sectors differ in their approaches to accepting gifts What kinds of gifts may have tax implications How workplaces generally treat holiday celebrations outside of gift-giving Inclusive alternatives to a gift exchange To make the most of this time of year, streamline your organization’s gift-giving and holiday celebrations. Tune in to hear our recommendations for how employers can show they care while also avoiding liability. Stay Connected and Learn More Listen to a related episode:
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Ep. 42 – What It Really Takes to Have a Healthy Workplace Culture, with Michelle Aronson
11/14/2025
Ep. 42 – What It Really Takes to Have a Healthy Workplace Culture, with Michelle Aronson
Many business leaders think that a healthy workplace culture is important, but they don’t always know what it takes to have one. Some companies may simply restate their values at every annual meeting and call it a day. Others may not know what their culture looks like at all. Improving the health of your workplace isn’t a one-and-done thing—for as long as your company remains open, learning what is and isn’t working must be an ongoing process. Business counselor Kristen Prinz is joined by Michelle Aronson, founder of Culture + Strategy Lab and host of the True Stories at Work podcast, to dive into what it really takes to bring your workplace culture to life. By sharing real scenarios that business clients have navigated, our hosts provide insight into the link between the strength of a company’s culture and its response when something goes wrong. Michelle and Kristen explore: · Whether culture can be measured accurately with quantitative metrics · The responsibilities that both leadership and employees have in creating company culture · The root causes of most culture issues · The link between employee engagement and customer engagement · How our personal biases cloud our ability to assess claims of workplace harassment · What companies with the strongest cultures are doing to invest in their health If you’re aware of problems that exist in your work environment and aren’t sure how to respond—or if you want to learn how to identify problems before they arise—this episode will be well worth the listen. About Michelle Aronson Michelle Aronson is a recovering HR executive, executive coach, and business school professor turned founder of Culture + Strategy Lab. She helps growing companies turn culture into a competitive advantage—using real strategy, not fluff. Michelle once managed both employee and customer experience (a.k.a. half of the CEO’s bonus) and learned firsthand how to uncover the invisible forces shaping culture and driving results. Today, she designs custom, measurable strategies that align leadership, culture, and business outcomes. She also hosts True Stories at Work—a podcast sharing the best leadership stories you’ve never heard, from hilarious to heartbreaking, plus a few workplace confessions. Stay Connected and Learn More Connect with Michelle on Check out
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Ep. 41 - Managing Misconduct the Right Way
10/31/2025
Ep. 41 - Managing Misconduct the Right Way
It’s an unfortunate statistic, but most people have seen or experienced some form of misconduct at work at least once in their careers. As employment attorneys and workplace investigators, Christina Hynes Mesco and Laura Feldman have seen the full gamut of these types of matters and know that even the most cautionary tales can teach us valuable lessons about how to approach these difficult, and often highly emotional, cases. Using a recent and very public corporate scandal, Christina and Laura explore how a prominent corporation properly responded to misconduct claims and use that example as a springboard for providing their best practices for organizations faced with similar complaints. In this episode, you will learn: The key role that senior leadership and even boards of directors play in addressing misconduct in the workplace and the kinds of training that both should receive How to ensure that senior leadership has a pulse on what’s going on in an organization How to spot retaliation and best prevent it When employment insurance can impact an organization’s response to misconduct claims Whether a complaint needs to be formally filed to treat harassment claims seriously Practical considerations when conducting an internal versus an external investigation Why culture audits are recommended for preventing and even responding to harassment claims This episode will be a valuable guide for senior leaders, HR professionals, and managers navigating harassment claims, as well as attorneys who may be advising individuals in bringing these claims forward. Tune in to learn which practices will help you identify and prevent harassment within your team. Stay Connected and Learn More:
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Ep. 40 – Navigating Recent Workplace Trends, with Beth Ridley
09/24/2025
Ep. 40 – Navigating Recent Workplace Trends, with Beth Ridley
It’s no secret that the American workplace is constantly changing. The last few years alone have witnessed major trends, from “job hugging” and a focus on mental health at work to Gen Z entering the labor force amidst a backlash against DEI initiatives. Such shifts have left business leaders struggling to navigate their new reality in a way that promotes business, inspires employees, and makes us all feel better about our jobs. Business attorney Katie Rinkus welcomes Beth Ridley, a workplace culture consultant and the CEO of Ridley Consulting Group, to dissect these various workplace trends, explaining their effects on businesses and employees alike. Together, they shine a light on how some leaders have responded to new trends—and it’s not always for the better. Often, businesses have “over-rotated,” or dramatically course-corrected in ways that have had toxic effects on company culture. In this episode, Katie and Beth explore: The new focus on productivity as opposed to a “culture of belonging” What a “belonging” looks like and why it’s important at work · Over-rotation vs. a “both/and” long-term sustainable approach to change The underlying factors of the “leadership trust crisis” How workplace trends like “quiet quitting” and “job hugging” affect employee morale Questions that leaders can ask themselves about the impact of their work What it means to prioritize “workplace emotional safety” Generational tension at work and ways to manage it If you’re an employee who feels overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the current climate, Beth and Katie provide a new perspective. If you’re a business leader feeling the same, this episode offers insight on how to sustainably respond to the changes and still reach desired results. Tune in for a few tips on problem-solving, even when you don’t have all the answers. Beth Ridley Beth Ridley is a former corporate executive turned workplace culture consultant, speaker, author, and CEO of Ridley Consulting Group. She helps organizations turn culture into a true competitive advantage. Drawing on 25 years of global leadership and management consulting experience—and expertise in change management and positive psychology—Beth equips HR teams and people managers with practical roadmaps and tools to build resilient, change-ready, high-performing teams without burning people out. A recognized thought leader on leadership and workplace culture, Beth’s insights are featured in national publications, on television, and from stages at events worldwide. Beth holds degrees from the University of Virginia, Tufts University, and Columbia University, and has lived in London, Tokyo, Johannesburg, and Bangkok. She now calls Milwaukee, Wisconsin home, where she lives with her husband and three children. Stay connected and learn more Follow Join Visit Beth’s Read Beth’s article, “” Learn more about Visit
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Ep. 39 – Finding Your Values—and Why They Matter at Work, with Suzy Welch
08/22/2025
Ep. 39 – Finding Your Values—and Why They Matter at Work, with Suzy Welch
In this thought-provoking episode, employment and business attorney Kristen Prinz speaks with NYU Stern School of Business professor, bestselling author, and podcast host Suzy Welch to discuss her book Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career. An outgrowth of years of research into human values, Becoming You clarifies what values really are—and what they’re not—and helps readers better understand themselves and what makes them more authentically happy by finding their “area of transcendence.” Our values influence countless aspects of our lives, from the relationships we form with others to how we approach our work. But when our work is out of sync with our values, it can lead not only to personal distress, but to toxic team dynamics, misunderstanding, and all-around negativity. So how does one get back on track? Suzy suggests the difficult task of identifying an overarching purpose, or “area of transcendence.” It isn’t necessarily simple work—in fact, it can be downright intimidating. But by making it easier to identify our values, Suzy’s work aims to give readers the understanding and agency they need to craft a life that truly fulfills them. In this episode, Kristen and Suzy explore: · How Suzy’s career path influenced the creation of the Becoming You methodology · Telling the difference between values and virtues or personality traits · The development of the Values Bridge, Suzy’s test for determining one’s core values · Reasons why we might not be living our values · What it means to live an “A+ life” and why so many people settle for a “B+ life” · How an authentic life impacts team dynamics at work Whether you’re looking to find work that’s aligned with your values, to improve the culture of your workplace, or simply want to live more authentically, Suzy’s book is required reading. Dip your toe into the world of human values by listening to this episode—and take the first step toward positive change. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 38 – High Rank, High Risk: Harassment in Executive Spaces
07/29/2025
Ep. 38 – High Rank, High Risk: Harassment in Executive Spaces
In this eye-opening episode, employment attorneys Kristen Prinz and Christina Hynes Mesco explore the complex dynamics of harassment among senior executives—particularly how it impacts women in top leadership roles. Executives often have fewer avenues for reporting sexual harassment than other employees, and women continue to face disproportionate scrutiny and higher standards of behavior in the workplace. At the same time, executives are not immune from being accused of harassment themselves. Kristen and Christina rely on their own expertise in counseling clients and litigating employment claims to explore the unique position senior women occupy in these conversations and how they can protect themselves and their teams. Our hosts—experienced employment attorneys—discuss: · Why senior women are often targets · How miscommunications and unclear boundaries can lead to liability · Why retaliation is still one of the most common mistakes companies make · How they advise clients facing these high-stakes issues · What effective organizational responses actually look like · The critical importance of documenting concerns early and clearly This episode will be instructive for C-suite leaders and aspiring executives, HR professionals and legal counsel, and anyone managing workplace culture and compliance. Whether you’re an executive navigating a tricky situation or advising leadership from the wings, this episode offers essential insights on how to lead with integrity, manage risk, and promote healthier workplace culture. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 37 – Social Media & Workplace Harassment: The Lively-Baldoni Dispute
06/24/2025
Ep. 37 – Social Media & Workplace Harassment: The Lively-Baldoni Dispute
Social media can be a great way to stay connected to current events, but we’ve seen it used more and more frequently as a tool for harassment and retaliation, including in the workplace. The ongoing lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is just one recent example, which features claims of a social media smear campaign—and the court of public opinion is taking sides. Employment attorneys Kristen Prinz and Laura Feldman provide an overview of the dispute and unpack the power dynamics between a big director and an even bigger star. Using this legal saga as a test case, they explore the dangers of engaging with traditional media and the pitfalls of using social media campaigns. They also explain how employment attorneys approach retaliation claims and the professional duties of attorneys when it comes to publicizing their work. Kristen and Laura won’t weigh in on who’s right or wrong in this particular case, but they will share some of the do’s and dont’s of using both traditional media and social media in connection with a legal claim. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 36 – Employment Law Changes Under Trump: The First 100 Days
05/28/2025
Ep. 36 – Employment Law Changes Under Trump: The First 100 Days
The first 100 days of the new Trump administration have been nothing but unprecedented. From terminating federal agency heads to signing controversial executive orders to the targeting of DEI efforts, both businesses and individual workers are dealing with a lot of change—and likely navigating a lot of confusion. Prinz’s marketing manager Matt Tedeschi welcomes senior associate attorney Mary Charlton to the mic to analyze some of the most significant changes from an employment law perspective and what they mean for workers nationwide. Matt and Mary offer critical insight into the sorts of activity that businesses should steer clear of in the wake of recent developments. But they also provide a roadmap for what businesses can continue to do in the workplace to maintain their values while remaining compliant with a quickly shifting political and legal landscape. This episode is necessary for anyone wondering what is no longer allowed at work—and what still is—in the wake of the Trump administration’s first 100 days. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 35 – Mental Health & Non-Competes in Illinois
05/02/2025
Ep. 35 – Mental Health & Non-Competes in Illinois
Earlier this year, an amendment to the Illinois Freedom to Work Act invalidated non-compete clauses that would make it more difficult for a veteran or first responder to obtain mental health services. Without timely access to proper mental health care, these groups are at a higher risk of developing conditions like PTSD from their line of work. Partner Amit Bindra unpacks the new amendment with Operations Manager Angelia Salgado, a licensed professional counsel (PLC) who holds a master's in clinical mental health counseling. They discuss the law from the perspectives of both the legal field and the mental health industry. Amit provides background to Illinois non-compete law and explains how exactly this law changes things, while Angelia explores how mental health providers should modify their practice going forward, from introducing new paperwork to educating their teams on the amendment. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 34 – Why Did We Join an Amicus Brief Challenging an Executive Order?
04/04/2025
Ep. 34 – Why Did We Join an Amicus Brief Challenging an Executive Order?
After the Trump Administration issued an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, we signed on to an amicus brief in support of the firm’s lawsuit challenging the order. Since then, the administration has gone after three more firms, making collective action even more necessary to protect the rule of law. Prinz partners Kristen Prinz and Amit Bindra provide context around the executive orders and explain why they decided to add their voices to this critical lawsuit. Why are these firms being targeted? Are these executive orders constitutional? What exactly is an amicus brief? Kristen and Amit will answer all your questions and more. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 33 – Turning Workplace Conflict into Opportunity with Amy M. Gardner
03/26/2025
Ep. 33 – Turning Workplace Conflict into Opportunity with Amy M. Gardner
Business attorney Katie Rinkus welcomes Amy M. Gardner to the mic to discuss common ways they see conflict show up in the workplace. Amy is a certified Career and Career Transitions Coach and Team Development and Leadership Consultant and the co-owner of Apochromatik, which offers team and leadership development programs to help organizations resolve conflict and reach their goals. One of the primary causes of conflict in the workplace is a poor culture: there is a lack of vulnerability-based trust that leads people to feel undervalued and unable to speak up or to ask for help. Conflict is also commonly seen in the hiring and onboarding process. Sometimes decisions to hire are rushed, job duties are not what were originally promised, and communication is simply unclear. Because culture issues, lack of communication, and conflict can, as Amy says, “cost money and happiness,” it’s important for organizations to address these issues. Ongoing training—not just for management but for entire teams—can help things run more smoothly no matter the conflict flashpoint, especially when a team is trained on navigating difficult conversations. Join Katie and Amy as they unpack conflict at work and how to best respond to it so that we all can make work better for each other. Amy M. Gardner Amy M. Gardner works with law firms and corporations to reengage teams and help them thrive by utilizing Apochromatik’s proprietary Team Driven Leadership approach to build leadership skills, improve relationships, strengthen emotional intelligence, have difficult conversations, and more. She also works with lawyers to advance or transition in their careers. Her work with teams and lawyers draws on her unique experience as a former Big Law associate, partner at a mid-size Chicago firm, and dean of students at the University of Chicago Law School. She received her MA in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University, JD from the University of Chicago, and BA from Luther College, as well as certifications in team and leadership coaching, 1:1 coaching, and various assessments. Her expertise has been featured in media including numerous podcasts, ABA publications, Corporette, Glassdoor, Health, Monster, NBC, and Women’s Running magazine. Connect with Amy at . Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 32 – Illinois' New Employment Laws of 2025
03/14/2025
Ep. 32 – Illinois' New Employment Laws of 2025
Illinois has seen several new employment laws take effect since the beginning of 2025. Prinz’s marketing manager and employment paralegal Matt Tedeschi joins employment attorney and business counselor Katie Rinkus to recap some of the most significant changes and what they mean for both employees and employers. From minimum wage increases to an expansion of the Illinois Human Rights Act and new whistleblower protections, these new changes will have wide-ranging impacts on workplaces and employment litigation for years to come. Drawing upon interactions they’ve had with Prinz clients and callers, Matt and Katie explain how these new laws are changing the legal landscape in Illinois, while offering practical tips on how to adapt business policies to ensure workplaces remain compliant. Learn more
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Ep. 31 – Advance Your Job Search & Career Growth with Carmelina Piedra
02/12/2025
Ep. 31 – Advance Your Job Search & Career Growth with Carmelina Piedra
Are you looking for a new role or hoping to advance beyond your current one? Certified Career Coach and Facilitator Carmelina Piedra joins attorney Katie Rinkus to discuss what you can do to take that next step and succeed! Carmelina offers a host of tips for those wishing to make a career transition, based on her many years of experience coaching job seekers and professionals in numerous sectors. She focuses on the significance of a positive mindset and relationship-building, including online through LinkedIn or by networking in person. Anyone who has secured a new job knows that a key component is negotiating. Carmelina highlights various things beyond the base salary that you can bargain over, such as start date, sign-on bonus, and stock and equity. Katie warns that restrictive covenants are often included in new job offers and that a candidate should always be aware of potential obligations of new employment. Carmelina and Katie also discuss the necessity of focusing on one’s own career progression, and the duty that managers have to ensure their reports are being built up and supported. Carmelina Piedra is a Certified Career Coach and Facilitator and has been recognized as a Forbes Distinguished Career Coach. She is the founder of CareerCoachingPro, which offers a variety of coaching services to individuals, businesses, and groups. Carmelina is a contributor to Forbes and is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 30 – The ABCs of Business Entities
01/29/2025
Ep. 30 – The ABCs of Business Entities
You’re starting a new venture and it’s time to finally create your business as a formal legal entity, but what kind of entity do you choose: a corporation, an LLC, something else? Business counselors Katie Rinkus and Kristen Prinz decode the major differences among sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and LLCs, providing insight into the benefits and drawbacks of each. Katie and Kristen touch upon how to reduce personal liability, various tax classifications, and the differences among such roles as managers, shareholders, and officers. More than anything, they stress long-term thinking and the benefits of seeking out trusted expertise from a knowledgeable attorney. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 29 – How to Avoid Misclassifying Workers
12/31/2024
Ep. 29 – How to Avoid Misclassifying Workers
Business clients routinely ask our attorneys whether their workers are actual employees or instead function as independent contractors (ICs). Drawing upon their expertise as employment and business lawyers, Katie Rinkus and Poonam Lakhani discuss the differences between employees and ICs, and why it’s so important for businesses to properly classify their workers. Katie and Poonam briefly touch upon the laws and agencies that regulate these distinctions, before moving on to why businesses might prefer to use ICs over regular employees. Then they address the legal and financial risks in misclassifying workers and explain two key “tests” for determining who is an employee or an IC. Whether you’re a business owner or a worker, this episode will help you better determine who counts as an employee or an independent contractor. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 28 – The Current State of Remote Work
10/22/2024
Ep. 28 – The Current State of Remote Work
Business attorney and advisor Katie Rinkus welcomes Corbin Beastrom to the mic to discuss the current reality of remote work. Corbin is founder of Illyrian Group, a fully remote professional search company. But there’s a plot twist: he prefers to work most days in an office setting. Katie probes Corbin’s own professional path and his current approach to work, before they consider whether fully in-person, hybrid, or remote work is best for business and for recruitment. Corbin provides insight into what candidates are looking for in their job search, and whether there are any generational preferences for specific types of work arrangements. Katie and Corbin also touch upon what successful remote companies are doing and top tips for navigating a remote landscape. If you are interested in how trends in work style have evolved over the past few years—and what successful companies need to know to remain successful—tune in! Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 27 – The WNBA & Pregnancy Discrimination
09/30/2024
Ep. 27 – The WNBA & Pregnancy Discrimination
Three-time WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby has sued the WNBA and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, for pregnancy discrimination. Shortly after securing the Aces' first WNBA Championship and signing a two-year contract extension with the team, Hamby revealed she was pregnant. Within months of her disclosure, Hamby was told she was being traded and losing certain employment-related benefits. Alleging violations of Title VII and Nevada state law, Hamby has opened discussion about pregnancy and discrimination in women’s professional sports. At the same time, her suit recalls how women’s sports are treated differently from men’s sports, especially when it comes to compensation. Kristin Hendriksen and Amit Bindra discuss Hamby’s case from an employment law perspective, while also touching on broader issues that plague professional sports. Tune in if you’re a sports nerd, an employment law geek, or both! Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 26 – Non-Compete Changes at the State Level
09/26/2024
Ep. 26 – Non-Compete Changes at the State Level
While the Federal Trade Commission’s non-compete ban languishes in litigation limbo, various states are continuing to modify their regulation of non-competes. Employment attorneys and business counselors Amit Bindra and Katie Rinkus discuss a variety of recent state-level changes taking place nationwide, from Maine to California. Tune in for a run-down of these developments. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 25 – Is the NBA Trade Secret Case Valid or an Intentional Foul?
08/28/2024
Ep. 25 – Is the NBA Trade Secret Case Valid or an Intentional Foul?
In an unusual turn of events, the New York Knicks filed a lawsuit against the Toronto Raptors in August 2023, right before the start of the NBA season. The Knicks alleged theft of confidential and proprietary information after the Raptors hired a former Knicks employee. Now a court has ordered the dispute to go to private arbitration. Amit Bindra and Kristin Hendriksen break down this unique sports episode, explaining what they believe to be the motivations behind filing the lawsuit and how this case differs from most instances of trade secret litigation. They touch upon whether this case holds merit and discuss the pros and cons of using arbitration in such situations. Whether you’re a sports fan or a trade secrets junkie, this episode is for you! Stay Connected & Learn More:
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Ep. 24 – Courts Disagree Over the FTC Non-Compete Ban (Non-Competes V)
08/28/2024
Ep. 24 – Courts Disagree Over the FTC Non-Compete Ban (Non-Competes V)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) effectively banned non-compete agreements nationwide, a rule set to take effect on September 4, 2024. Yet two federal courts have arrived at opposing conclusions as to whether the FTC has the authority to enact the ban, and one of the courts will only make a definitive ruling in late August, days before the rule is set to become law. What are businesses and employees to do? Employment attorneys and business counselors Amit Bindra and Katie Rinkus explain the FTC’s rule, the disagreement in the courts, and what businesses need to do now to ensure they are compliant if the rule takes effect. They also address what steps individuals might take to avoid the constraints of a non-compete. Stay Connected & Learn More:
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