Taking Care of HR Business
        A blog from the attorneys of Verrill

        2021 Employment Law Update: Part 12 – Tips and Trends for 2021 and 2022

        by Elizabeth Connellan Smith on December 9, 2021

         

        In 2021, due to the ongoing pandemic, the Employment & Labor Group hosted their monthly Annual Update seminars virtually this year. For the final presentation of the series, five Verrill attorneys provide us with short video segments, detailing some of the top trends of 2021 and ways companies and employers can prepare for 2022.

        Our first presenter, attorney Elizabeth Connellan Smith discusses Trends and Tips for 2021 and 2022 in Maine Workers’ Compensation. In Trends for 2021 we learn about four main topics — pre-existing non occupational conditions, work-from-home matters, increasing minimum wage, and COVID and COVID vaccines. For 2022, Connellan Smith recommends utilizing the available benefits from your insurer, being thorough during the hiring process, making sure everything is investigated and properly documented, auditing safety policies and investing in training.

        Attorney Douglas P. Currier explores the importance of hiring an outside investigator to investigate employee complaints, concerns, and matters. Currier explains the reasons why you should or would hire an outside investigator, the issues to consider and questions to ask the potential investigator.

        The third topic, presented by attorney Emily Coombs Waddell, recaps the Maine Human Rights Act Amendments and Family Obligation Bias and Discrimination. Emily provides an inside look at how Maine’s recent statute affects families, caregivers, and employers alike.

        Attorney Richard G. Moon presents Avoiding Class Action Claims in Employment. Richard explains the types of class action lawsuits, key requirements, and the principal case types. He also describes preventative methods your company can take to avoid such a suit.

        Lastly, attorney Robert C. Brooks provides us with The Most Valuable Documentation in a Personnel File: The Termination Memo. Brooks illustrates the importance of having this and other termination documents in the former employees file and how it could save the employer tens of thousands of dollars.

        For questions or more information on this presentation reach out to any member in the Employment & Labor Group at Verrill.

        Taking Care of HR Business

        Human resource professionals, supervisors, and company executives are constantly confronted with a changing legal landscape. Verrill’s Taking Care of HR Business blog is designed to keep you informed about the latest and most significant legal developments that affect employers.

        Subscribe

        Looking for more great content? Subscribe for regular legal updates and information delivered right to your inbox.

        Firm Highlights

        Published Works

        Four Verrill Attorneys Co-Author Massachusetts Trends and Developments Chapter for Chambers and Partners Child Relocation 2026 Guide

        Verrill attorneys Mary H. Schmidt, Rachel A. Deering, Hannah R. Zukoff, and Mariah G. Tappan co-authored the “Trends and Developments” chapter...
        Blog

        A New Protected Class in Maine: Holders of Final Protection Orders

        In the lead-up to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, employers may be taking a closer look at how their policies and practices respond to...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        Verrill Secures SJC Victory for Boston Legacy FC in White Stadium Litigation

        Verrill has secured a significant appellate victory for Boston Legacy FC in the litigation challenging the redevelopment of White Stadium in...
        Blog

        Hurry Up and Wait

        This is the third in a series of Verrill blog posts on Maine’s packaging extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) law[1]. In July we reported...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses First Brands Chapter 11 Case in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article examining the rejection of First Brands Group's Chapter 11 plan and the...
        Media Mentions

        Cybersecurity and AI Governance: Scott Anderson Featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

        Verrill Managing Partner Scott Anderson was recently featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly discussing how law firms can build attorney buy-in for...
        Blog

        Section 530A Account Update: ERISA Status of Trump Accounts

        The Department of Labor has issued important guidance addressing whether employer programs that permit contributions to Section 530A accounts (and...
        Press Releases

        97 Verrill Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2027, Including Four Named Lawyers of the Year

        AUGUSTA, Maine, BANGOR, Maine, BOSTON, Mass., PORTLAND, Maine, and WESTPORT, Conn., (August 20, 2026) – Verrill is proud to announce that 97...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SEC’s Proposed “Reg Crypto”: What Founders Need to Know

        Startup founders and emerging-growth companies have a number of options for raising capital under the federal securities laws, including Regulation D...
        Blog

        After 45 Years, the IRS Speaks on DCAP Nondiscrimination Testing – And It’s Good News

        Employers that provide a Dependent Care Assistance Program will be pleased to learn that for the first time in 45 years, the IRS has issued guidance...
        Media Mentions

        U.S. Courts Highlights Annabel Rodriguez’s Journey from Fellow to Mentor

        Verrill attorney Annabel Rodriguez was featured in a recent U.S. Courts article titled “From Fellows to Mentors: Alumni Share Lasting Lessons from...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses Bankruptcy Auction Strategy in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach spoke with Law360 article examining the complex bankruptcy auction process that resulted in the sale of 23 summer...