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

        A Podcast Miniseries, HR Law 101: Understanding the HR Basics

        by Tawny L. Alvarez on May 14, 2018

        Whether you’re the founder of a startup, new to HR, or are looking for a refresher on some of the basics, this podcast miniseries will provide you with the building blocks necessary to successfully achieve a healthy and compliant employer/employee relationship. In each episode, Verrill Dana labor and employment attorney Tawny Alvarez informs listeners of the nuances and pitfalls of common areas of HR law, beginning the series by addressing the basics of hiring.

        You’ve been tasked with hiring an employee, but where do you start? Episode 1, “HR Law 101: What You Need to Know When You Need to Hire,” addresses the full hiring process, from defining duties and responsibilities to advertising to interviewing to solidifying the offer.

        Episode 2, “HR Law 101: What You Need to Know When You’re Onboarding a New Employee,” focuses on onboarding best practices, including what paperwork and training are required by law when a new employee is hired, and the steps you should take in orienting your employee to the work environment and your operations.

        Episode 3, “HR Law 101: What You Need to Know About Wage and Hour Laws,” provides listeners with a basic understanding of wage and hour laws – from exempt to non-exempt, salary to hourly, breaks and overtime.

        Job descriptions are important for ensuring that employers and employees are on the same page as to job duties and expectations, but what should be included? Episode 4, “HR Law 101: What You Need to Know About Creating Effective Job Descriptions,” focuses on best practices in crafting job descriptions for different duties within your organization.

        In episode 5, “HR Law 101: What You Need to Know About Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws,” Tawny discusses the obligations that employers have under federal law to provide a non-discriminatory environment for employees, including who is covered under the statute and what it protects or prohibits.

        While navigating employer requirements can be complex, Verrill Dana’s Labor & Employment Group offers a variety of resources and workshops.

        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.

        Key Contacts

        Subscribe

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

        Firm Highlights

        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

        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...
        Media Mentions

        Martha Gaythwaite Featured in Portland Press Herald Coverage of Sig Sauer Trial Victory

        Verrill attorney Martha Gaythwaite was highlighted in media coverage of a federal trial in Bangor involving firearm manufacturer Sig Sauer. As...
        Media Mentions

        Law360 Quotes Robert Keach on Senate Bill Affecting Small Business Restructurings

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article discussing federal legislation that would permanently restore the $7.5 million...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SAFEs and Preferred Stock – Key Deal Terms Every Founder Should Know

        SAFEs Before negotiating a term sheet for preferred stock, many early-stage companies, particularly at the seed stage, first raise capital through...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Business Restructuring and Insolvency Attorney Nimra Tariq

        BOSTON, Massachusetts – Verrill is pleased to announce that Nimra Tariq has joined the firm’s Business Restructuring and Insolvency Group as an...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Provides Commentary on First Brands Restructuring in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was quoted in the Law360 article, "First Brands' Ch. 11 Plan Revives Angst Over Admin Claims," discussing First Brands...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Construction Attorney Cassie Dufon

        PORTLAND, Maine – Verrill is pleased to welcome Cassie Dufon to the firm’s Construction Group as an Associate, resident in the firm’s Portland...
        Press Releases

        Verrill’s Wide-Ranging Private Wealth Law Practice Recognized in 2026 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide

        BANGOR and PORTLAND, Maine and BOSTON, Mass. – Verrill attorneys Kenneth P. Brier, Anya F. Endsley, Kurt E. Klebe, Mary McQuillen, Nathaniel S....
        Blog

        Update on Status of Maine Packaging EPR

        In December 2024, Verrill published a blog post, Unwrapping Maine's Gift to the Environment: A New Packaging Stewardship Program Set to Launch in...