Attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger of Offit Kurman discuss negotiations in business and legal disputes, including mediation and litigation. They cover preparing before negotiating. They involve weighing the strength of your facts and legal position alongside the other side’s motivations and constraints as well as setting realistic expectations and building leverage. You should be willing to walk away. Finally, they discuss patience and mental preparation which will help you manage pressure and reach a workable resolution.

00:00 Welcome + Why Negotiation Matters for Business Owners

01:07 Know What You’re Stepping Into: Risks, Record, and Strategy Before You Negotiate

01:34 Two Sides of Every Deal: Your Legal Hand vs. the Human Factor

02:15 Setting Realistic Expectations (Even With a “Slam Dunk” Case)

03:42 Leverage, Mediation, and the Myth of ‘Winning’ a Negotiation

04:22 Your Walk-Away Power: Alternatives, Confidence, and the Car-Buying Analogy

04:55 Patience in the Process: Time, Pressure, and Mental Prep

05:45 Wrap-Up and Final Takeaways

In this episode of 'OK at Work,' attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger of Offit Kurman discuss strategies for handling conflict and controversial topics in the workplace. With 2026 starting off with many contentious headlines and differing opinions, it’s crucial for employers to manage these issues to maintain a productive work environment. They explore the importance of respectful discourse, the need for clear policies, and how leaders should navigate sensitive situations without causing disruptions. Learn how to balance freedom of expression with operational efficiency in this insightful discussion.

00:00 Introduction to Managing Workplace Conflict

00:20 Current Events and Workplace Dynamics

00:53 Handling Controversial Topics at Work

02:10 Balancing Freedom of Speech and Workplace Harmony

02:52 Importance of Policies and Training

05:08 Leadership and Setting the Example

In this Valentine's Day special of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the complexities and legal implications of workplace relationships. They reference a recent Forbes survey revealing that a significant percentage of employees who date or marry colleagues, which can lead to various challenges for employers. The episode talks about potential legal concerns such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and favoritism. To address these issues, implementing clear anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policy would be beneficial, as well as handling supervisory relationships with caution. Flexibility and a focus on impact are recommended for effectively managing workplace romances.

00:00 Introduction and Valentine's Day Theme

00:15 Workplace Relationships Statistics

00:50 Challenges for Employers

01:29 Legal Considerations and Policies

02:28 Managing Office Romances

03:17 Company Size and Policy Flexibility

04:54 Supervisors and Different Standards

05:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss how businesses can handle weather-related interruptions. From snowstorms to hurricanes, they explore the importance of being prepared, having a flexible plan, and considering both operational continuity and employee safety. Key topics include remote work protocols, handling compensation for exempt and non-exempt employees, and maintaining a positive work culture during disruptive weather events.

00:00 Introduction to Weather Interruptions

00:55 Importance of Having a Plan

01:33 Employee Safety and Business Continuity

02:02 Flexibility and Community Building

03:57 Handling Compensation Issues

04:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman as they kick off 2026 by discussing newly enacted labor laws, upcoming legislative sessions, and emerging trends. This episode focuses on the 'TRAP' laws seen in states like California and New York, which target post-employment training reimbursement obligations. They explore alternatives for employers to invest in their employees within the evolving legal landscape and emphasize the importance of adapting to state-specific regulations.

00:00 Introduction and New Year Kickoff

00:45 Emerging Trends in Employment Laws

02:08 Understanding Training, Repayment, Agreement, Provisions (TRAP)

02:58 Implications for Employers Across States

04:05 Navigating Legal Changes and Protecting Investments

04:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this week's episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss effective strategies for managing employees who are on leave, such as FMLA or sick leave. They cover important considerations for companies, including how to manage performance proactively, the importance of documentation, and navigating potential risks of retaliation claims. The episode emphasizes the significance of consistent management and following processes to mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:19 Managing Employees on Leave: Key Considerations

02:10 Proactive Performance Management

03:16 Navigating Employee Leave Requests

04:13 Conclusion and Farewell

Join Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman as they discuss the critical topic of succession planning in this week's episode of OK at Work. Learn about the importance of standard operating procedures, timing, formalization, and seamless transitions to ensure business continuity when leaders or managers retire or move on. Discover how having a clear roadmap, well-timed exit strategies, and collaborative handovers can help your organization maintain stability and capitalize on new opportunities.

00:00 Introduction to Succession Planning
00:59 Importance of Standard Operating Procedures
02:03 Planning for Timing and Communication
03:24 Training and Transition Period
04:05 Ensuring Stability During Transitions
04:37 Adapting to New Leadership
05:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the recent federal reclassification of marijuana and what it means for employers. They explore how these changes impact business policies, particularly in states where marijuana is legal for medical or recreational use. The conversation explores the differences in handling marijuana compared to other substances like alcohol and prescription drugs, and addresses the complexities of navigating state and federal regulations.

00:00 Introduction to Federal Reclassification of Marijuana

00:45 Implications for Employers and Business Owners

01:25 Evolving Treatment of Cannabis in the Workplace

02:37 Health-Related Aspects and Future Developments

03:48 State Regulations and Multi-State Employer Challenges

04:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts