Featured Stories
Steptoe Secures Settlement for $90,000 and Implementation of Policies to Protect Patients From Staff Abuse
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- Steptoe, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Steptoe Secures Settlement for $90,000 and Implementation of Policies to Protect Patients from Staff Abuse
(September 22, 2026, Washington, DC) - Steptoe secured a $90,000 settlement on behalf of its client, Mr. Campbell, against the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).
Mr. Campbell filed a federal civil rights claim in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against four individual employees of Clifton T. Perkins Hospital, Maryland's maximum-security psychiatric hospital, after he was physically
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- Steptoe, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Steptoe Secures Settlement for $90,000 and Implementation of Policies to Protect Patients from Staff Abuse
(September 22, 2026, Washington, DC) - Steptoe secured a $90,000 settlement on behalf of its client, Mr. Campbell, against the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).
Mr. Campbell filed a federal civil rights claim in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against four individual employees of Clifton T. Perkins Hospital, Maryland's maximum-security psychiatric hospital, after he was physicallyassaulted by staff members and subsequent medical care was withheld. The Court appointed Steptoe as counsel for Mr. Campbell in 2023 after his claims survived MDH's motion to dismiss. After Steptoe completed 13 depositions and successfully defeated a motion to quash disclosure of a third-party audit report of Perkins that was never made public, MDH agreed to settle for $90,000 and implement specific policies to protect patients from future staff abuse.
The Campbell team included Dwight Draughon, Dan Blynn, Andrew Magloughlin, Laura Niday, Kim Hooks, Michael O'Rourke, and Melissa Seawright.
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About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients and innovative thinking before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
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Original text here: https://www.steptoe.com/en/news-publications/steptoe-secures-settlement-for-dollar90000-and-implementation-of-policies-to-protect-patients-from-staff-abuse.html
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
K&L Gates Adds State and Local Tax Partner in New York
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Sept. 23 -- K&L Gates, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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K&L Gates Adds State and Local Tax Partner in New York
22 September 2026
Global law firm K&L Gates LLP welcomes Jeffrey Reed as a partner in its Corporate practice. Reed joins the firm's New York office from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP.
Reed focuses his practice on state and local tax controversies and state tax planning. He advises clients on a broad range of state and local tax matters, including corporate tax planning, multistate tax controversies, unclaimed property issues, IRS
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PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Sept. 23 -- K&L Gates, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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K&L Gates Adds State and Local Tax Partner in New York
22 September 2026
Global law firm K&L Gates LLP welcomes Jeffrey Reed as a partner in its Corporate practice. Reed joins the firm's New York office from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP.
Reed focuses his practice on state and local tax controversies and state tax planning. He advises clients on a broad range of state and local tax matters, including corporate tax planning, multistate tax controversies, unclaimed property issues, IRStax controversies, and the state tax consequences of mergers and acquisitions. A former litigator for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Reed is particularly experienced with New York and Massachusetts tax matters and has represented clients in disputes before tax agencies throughout the United States.
Throughout his career, Reed has advised clients across a wide range of industries on complex tax planning and controversy matters. His experience includes prevailing before the New York Tax Appeals Tribunal in a leading case addressing standards for combination, obtaining favorable tax advisory opinions and audit determinations, securing tax refunds in multistate proceedings, negotiating voluntary disclosure agreements nationwide, and counseling companies on the tax implications of emerging technologies and business models.
"Jeff brings an exceptional combination of technical tax knowledge, controversy experience, and practical business judgment," said Adam Tejeda, lead practice area leader of K&L Gates' Corporate practice. "His extensive experience advising clients on state and local tax matters related to complex transactions, corporate structuring, and controversy issues will further strengthen our ability to provide comprehensive solutions to clients across industries."
John Bicks, managing partner of K&L Gates' New York office, commented: "Jeff's arrival enhances the depth of our corporate and tax capabilities in New York, one of the firm's most important markets. His reputation as a trusted adviser, his deep knowledge of New York tax matters, and his strong connections within the tax community will be valuable assets for clients and colleagues across our global platform."
Reed's arrival continues K&L Gates' strategic growth in its Corporate practice across its global platform, including Dallas partner Patrick Knapp, San Francisco partners Theresa Lee and Jenny Liu, Hong Kong partners Guiping Lu and Yang Wang, Palo Alto partner Julie Park, London partner Sarah Pearce, Frankfurt partner Nils Rahlf, and Houston partner Frank Xue.
K&L Gates' Corporate practice is one of the most substantial in the legal industry, with hundreds of lawyers assisting clients in the structuring, financing, and completion of domestic, international, and cross-border transactions. The group serves as counsel to a broad array of Global 500, Fortune 100, FTSE 100 corporations, privately held and venture-backed companies, partnerships, private equity firms, other investment funds, management groups, and entrepreneurs.
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K&L Gates is a globally integrated law firm trusted by sophisticated clients to deliver market leading legal counsel across jurisdictions and industries. Operating as one firm worldwide, K&L Gates combines deep local insight with seamless global coordination to address clients' most complex legal and business challenges. Guided by a relentless focus on client service, the firm delivers practical, high impact solutions with consistency, efficiency, and a clear emphasis on results.
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Original text here: https://www.klgates.com/KL-Gates-Adds-State-and-Local-Tax-Partner-in-New-York-9-22-2026
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Greenberg Traurig Strengthens London Energy Practice with Shareholder Sofiya Bumagin
MIAMI, Florida, Sept. 23 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Greenberg Traurig, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Greenberg Traurig Strengthens London Energy Practice with Shareholder Sofiya Bumagin
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LONDON - Sept. 23, 2026 - Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has strengthened its London Energy & Natural Resources Practice with the addition of Shareholder Sofiya Bumagin.
Bumagin, who joins from Sidley Austin LLP, advises private equity firms and other financial sponsors on infrastructure mergers and acquisitions transactions, with a particular focus on energy transition and
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MIAMI, Florida, Sept. 23 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Greenberg Traurig, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Greenberg Traurig Strengthens London Energy Practice with Shareholder Sofiya Bumagin
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LONDON - Sept. 23, 2026 - Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has strengthened its London Energy & Natural Resources Practice with the addition of Shareholder Sofiya Bumagin.
Bumagin, who joins from Sidley Austin LLP, advises private equity firms and other financial sponsors on infrastructure mergers and acquisitions transactions, with a particular focus on energy transition anddigital infrastructure. Her experience includes M&A involving battery storage, district heating, data centres, telecommunications towers and fibre networks. She recently undertook a one-year secondment to an infrastructure private equity firm, where she acted on transactions across all infrastructure verticals. Prior to joining Sidley, she was a legal director at a global investment group, supporting its infrastructure investment team.
Greenberg Traurig Executive Chairman Richard A. Rosenbaum said: "Infrastructure and energy are central to our growth strategy, particularly as investment continues to flow into energy transition, digital infrastructure, and other essential assets. Sofiya brings strong transactional experience advising private capital providers in these markets, further strengthening our ability to support clients on complex investments across jurisdictions."
Executive Vice President and London Managing Shareholder Fiona Adams said: "Sofiya's arrival is another important addition to our growing London platform. We have continued to invest in leading talent across our practices, building greater depth and breadth in areas where our clients are seeing increasing demand. Her transactional experience and strong private capital perspective will add to the capabilities we can offer clients from London, while further strengthening our connections across the firm's global platform."
Bumagin will work closely with London Energy Practice Head Shashank Krishna, advising investors and other market participants on energy and infrastructure transactions in the UK and internationally.
Krishna added: "The energy and infrastructure markets are attracting significant investment as the energy transition and continued development of digital infrastructure create new opportunities for investors. Sofiya brings valuable experience advising financial sponsors and private capital providers on transactions across these markets. Her arrival supports our broader focus on building our energy and infrastructure capabilities in London and globally."
Bumagin said: "Greenberg Traurig has built a strong international energy and infrastructure platform, with the depth of experience to support investors on complex transactions across markets. The firm's entrepreneurial approach and focus on these growth sectors made the opportunity particularly attractive. I look forward to working with Shashank and colleagues across the firm to support clients on their investment strategies."
Bumagin's recent experience includes advising private equity infrastructure funds on an investment in a mining business, a bid for a marina operator, the acquisition of a container terminals business, and the sale of a stake in and establishment of fibre and towers lease aggregation platforms. She has also advised on the purchase of a flexible generation power station.
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Original text here: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/news/2026/09/press-releases/greenberg-traurig-strengthens-london-energy-practice-with-shareholder-sofiya-bumagin
Fried Frank Expands Asset Management Regulatory Bench With Addition of David Solander
NEW YORK, Sept. 23 -- Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver and Jacobson LLP, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Fried Frank Expands Asset Management Regulatory Bench with Addition of David Solander
September 22, 2026
Fried Frank announced today the addition of David Solander as an asset management partner in Washington, DC. With a distinguished track record in navigating the regulatory complexities of the financial sector, David joins the firm's Asset Management Practice, further reinforcing its dedication to deliver sophisticated counsel in a constantly evolving landscape.
"David's
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NEW YORK, Sept. 23 -- Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver and Jacobson LLP, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Fried Frank Expands Asset Management Regulatory Bench with Addition of David Solander
September 22, 2026
Fried Frank announced today the addition of David Solander as an asset management partner in Washington, DC. With a distinguished track record in navigating the regulatory complexities of the financial sector, David joins the firm's Asset Management Practice, further reinforcing its dedication to deliver sophisticated counsel in a constantly evolving landscape.
"David'scommand of the US regulatory framework, SEC compliance and fund formation adds formidable depth to our platform," said Kenneth I. Rosh, chairman of Fried Frank and co-head of the firm's Asset Management and Private Equity Funds Groups. "His sophisticated counsel on the Investment Advisers Act and Investment Company Act, combined with his insight into broker-dealer regulation, strengthens our ability to navigate critical regulatory shifts and accelerates the growth of our private capital platform."
At the core of David's practice is a comprehensive focus on counseling sponsors and managers of private funds -- spanning hedge, private equity, real estate and venture capital structures -- through their most challenging regulatory and operational milestones. He counsels financial services firms on the various regulatory, compliance and transactional matters that arise during fund formation, and routinely advises on the full life cycle of investment products, from structuring and internal compliance reviews to complex SEC examinations and enforcement proceedings.
Beyond traditional regulatory advisory work, David brings cutting-edge skills related to trading and investing in digital assets, positioning asset managers to capitalize on new market opportunities while remaining strictly aligned with regulatory expectations.
"As the regulatory landscape for private funds continues to evolve, our clients require proactive, bespoke strategies," said Michael L. Sherman, regulatory partner in the firm's Asset Management Practice. "David is well suited to address these growing needs from our fund clients. I look forward to partnering with him as we, along with partner Dabney O'Riordan, continue to provide clients with regulatory counsel across the full life cycle of their funds."
David joins a practice that continues to see significant momentum and several strategic partner additions over the past two years, including Allison Yacker, Audra Cohen, Amy Johnson and Steven Homan in New York, Aranpreet Randhawa in London, and Dabney O'Riordan in Washington, DC.
Fried Frank's global Asset Management Practice provides top-tier advice on all aspects of funds, managed accounts and other investment vehicles. This includes fund formation, negotiation of managed accounts and advisory agreements, structuring management companies and compensation arrangements, spinouts, seeding and stakes transactions, documentation of prime brokerage and other trading arrangements, and advice regarding ongoing operations. The practice is consistently top ranked by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 in both the United States and United Kingdom, and has been recognized as one of Law360's Practice Groups of the Year.
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Original text here: https://www.friedfrank.com/news-and-insights/fried-frank-expands-asset-management-regulatory-bench-with-addition-of-david-solander-13175
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Former Deputy Securities Commissioner of Texas Ronak Patel Joins Akerman in Austin
MIAMI, Florida, Sept. 23 -- Akerman, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Former Deputy Securities Commissioner of Texas Ronak Patel Joins Akerman in Austin
September 22, 2026
Chambers-ranked securities enforcement lawyer deepens the firm's financial services litigation bench
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Akerman announced today that Ronak V. Patel has joined the firm's Litigation Practice Group as a partner in Austin. Ronak, a former Deputy Securities Commissioner of Texas, advises broker-dealers, investment advisers, private equity firms, hedge funds, private funds, and public companies in securities
... Show Full Article
MIAMI, Florida, Sept. 23 -- Akerman, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Former Deputy Securities Commissioner of Texas Ronak Patel Joins Akerman in Austin
September 22, 2026
Chambers-ranked securities enforcement lawyer deepens the firm's financial services litigation bench
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Akerman announced today that Ronak V. Patel has joined the firm's Litigation Practice Group as a partner in Austin. Ronak, a former Deputy Securities Commissioner of Texas, advises broker-dealers, investment advisers, private equity firms, hedge funds, private funds, and public companies in securitiesinvestigations, enforcement actions, and complex litigation before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), FINRA, and state securities regulators across the country.
Prior to joining Akerman, Ronak was a principal and management committee member at his previous firm. He is ranked nationwide by Chambers USA for Financial Services Regulation: Broker-Dealer (Enforcement) and is listed by Best Lawyers in Texas for Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar.
"Ronak has stood on both sides of the table in the matters that keep financial services clients up at night -- as a senior regulator directing enforcement for one of the most active state securities agencies in the country, and as lead counsel defending firms in high-stakes investigations," said Lawrence Rochefort, chair of Akerman's Litigation Practice Group. "Clients navigating coordinated, multi-jurisdictional investigations need counsel who understands how regulators think, prioritize, and resolve matters. Ronak brings exactly that, and his arrival strengthens our securities enforcement and financial services litigation capabilities from coast to coast."
Ronak's private practice is informed by more than a decade with the Texas State Securities Board, where he served as Deputy Securities Commissioner from 2012 to 2016 and previously as director of the agency's Inspections and Compliance Division. As a regulator, he led complex multistate investigations, including a key role in the auction rate securities investigations and global settlement negotiations with major financial institutions that resulted in approximately $50 billion in equitable relief to investors. He also held leadership positions with the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), where he worked closely with state and federal securities regulators nationwide.
In private practice, Ronak has served as lead counsel in high-profile matters involving allegations of securities fraud, broker misconduct, complex investment products, and breaches of fiduciary duty. He also counsels clients on regulatory examinations, registration requirements and exemptions, private offering exemptions, and emerging regulatory issues involving fintech and cryptocurrency.
"Akerman's national litigation platform and its deep bench serving financial institutions were exactly what I was looking for as my practice continues to grow," said Ronak. "The firm's collaborative culture and its momentum -- in Texas and across the country -- make this an easy decision, and I'm excited to get to work."
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About Akerman
Founded in 1920, Akerman is an Am Law 100 firm recognized by Vault among the nation's most prestigious law firms. The firm has more than 700 lawyers and business professionals throughout the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.akerman.com/en/firm/newsroom/former-deputy-securities-commissioner-of-texas-ronak-patel-joins-akerman-in-austin.html
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Fisher Phillips Issues Insight: 6 Ways Technology is Transforming the Hospitality Industry - Benefits, Risks, and Considerations When Using AI Tools
ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 23 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following Insight:
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6 Ways Technology is Transforming the Hospitality Industry: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations When Using AI Tools
Sep 22, 2026
Hospitality employers are incorporating AI into nearly every aspect of their business, from the front of the house to the back of the house. You're likely seeing the impact in recruiting, workforce management, operations, guest services, and more. While these AI tools have many benefits, they also come with significant risks employers should be prepared to address. Here's
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 23 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following Insight:
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6 Ways Technology is Transforming the Hospitality Industry: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations When Using AI Tools
Sep 22, 2026
Hospitality employers are incorporating AI into nearly every aspect of their business, from the front of the house to the back of the house. You're likely seeing the impact in recruiting, workforce management, operations, guest services, and more. While these AI tools have many benefits, they also come with significant risks employers should be prepared to address. Here'swhat you need to know about popular AI uses in the hospitality industry, the legal risks of using them, and key practical steps you can take to stay compliant.
Key AI Compliance Areas to Track
* ADMT and ADS Laws: A growing number of states are regulating automated decision-making technology (ADMT) or automated-decision systems in the employment context.
* FCRA Compliance: A pending class action alleges that an applicant tracking tool collected personal information about job applicants without consent and effectively created a consumer report subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requirements. While the case is pending, track similar developments.
* Consumer Privacy Protections: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) already governs what data you collect about employees, job applicants, and independent contractors, how you use it, and how you share it, and those same questions apply to your AI tools in California and in an increasing number of other states.
* Biometric Data Privacy Laws: Some states address biometrics through their broader consumer privacy laws, while others have separate biometric statutes to follow.
Top AI Tools for Hospitality Employers
1. Resume Screeners and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
These tools have been around for a long time, but they're getting more sophisticated. They use machine learning and natural language processing to screen, rank, and filter resumes based on selected criteria.
* Benefits: For HR teams in the hospitality industry that need to sort through a high volume of applications, resume screeners and applicant tracking systems can save significant time and help identify qualified candidates more efficiently.
* Risks: These tools use algorithms to make judgments based on how they were trained, which can create discrimination risks if, for example, the results have a disparate impact based on certain protected characteristics or the system fails to allow for reasonable accommodations. And don't assume you've eliminated the risk just because a human makes the final hiring decision. Did the system screen out applicants that a human reviewer never saw? Is the AI tool making the final hiring decision for those applicants? Be sure you know how your system works and compliance requirements under applicable law.
Practical Point: Review whether your resume screening process triggers any notice requirements. You should review rejected applicants, not just those the system advances, and consider conducting your own independent bias audit rather than relying solely on the vendor's testing.
2. Performance Evaluation Tools
AI can be used to analyze performance data, track high performers, and measure results against key performance indicators.
* Benefits: If you have employees across multiple locations, these tools can bring more consistency to the review process and help your managers identify top performers, as well as those who need additional coaching or training.
* Risks: The same concerns that arise when AI influences other employment decisions apply here. Bias and fairness remain concerns, and the output is only as reliable as the data going into the system.
Practical Point: Treat the AI-generated data as just one factor for the manager to consider and determine whether state laws on AI or ADMT apply. If needed, work with your attorney to develop a multi-state compliance plan.
3. Retention and Attrition Prediction Tools
These systems help you predict which employees are most likely to quit and help you build a proactive retention plan.
* Benefits: Retention and attrition prediction tools can help you identify workforce issues earlier and focus your efforts where they may have the greatest impact. They weigh factors such as pay increases, training opportunities, and opportunities for growth to identify employees who may be at risk of leaving.
* Risks: The algorithm won't know what's happening in an employee's personal life that could affect retention. A spouse may relocate. An employee may experience an illness or another major life change. Those outside factors can drive turnover but never appear in the data, so the tools are limited in certain ways.
Practical Point: As with performance evaluation tools, use attrition predictions as just one of several indicators. They can help you develop a retention strategy, but they shouldn't be the sole basis for significant workforce management decisions.
4. AI Training Tools
Training is one of the more straightforward ways employers are using AI. You can upload existing policies and procedures and use AI to quickly generate related training materials.
* Benefits: For hospitality employers, this can be a fast and relatively inexpensive way to turn materials you already have into effective training programs. It's also generally a low-risk use of AI, so long as you're verifying the information has been accurately transformed into training material.
* Risks: AI-generated training can feel generic and may not reflect your workplace culture. As with everything else discussed, the human element is important. Traditional training gives employees someone inside the organization to approach with questions. You may lose that connection if your training program is completely automated.
Practical Point: AI can help you build the training, but don't remove people from the process. Make sure the training reflects your workplace culture, and employees know who they can approach with questions.
5. Predictive Scheduling Tools
Scheduling is particularly important in the hospitality industry, since staffing needs can change based on demand, peak seasons, and other business patterns. Predictive scheduling tools analyze those patterns and help employers forecast demand and adjust staffing in real time.
* Benefits: Better forecasting can help you manage staffing and workflow more efficiently while giving employees greater predictability, which can make it easier for them to plan their budgets and personal time.
* Risks: Employers may be subject to a patchwork of rules, such as Oregon's statewide predictive scheduling law and city ordinances in places like New York City, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. State and local laws may require advance notice, good-faith estimates, and premium pay for certain schedule changes. You'll also need to monitor for bias and ensure consistency in the scheduling process.
Practical Point: Make sure the platform you use applies the correct rules for your jurisdiction, train managers on when and how they can override the system and include scheduling tools in your bias-testing program.
6. Guest-Facing Chatbots, Reservation Systems, and AI Concierges
In addition to employment-related tasks, hospitality businesses are increasingly using AI to improve the guest experience. AI tools include chatbots and call-handling technology, as well as apps and kiosks for contactless check-in and concierge features to manage guest interactions and customer service.
* Benefits: These tools can interact with large numbers of guests to resolve common and basic issues without taking up employees' time. They can also speed up the arrival and departure process and use data you already collect to provide a more personalized experience.
* Risks: There are some issues that technology can't resolve, so you should ensure an employee is available to handle more complex questions or issues. Additionally, these systems may collect a significant amount of consumer data along the way, raising notice, disclosure, and data-security issues. And AI call-recording technology can create additional privacy concerns.
Practical Point: Give guests clear disclosures about AI use and data collection at the point of interaction. Be sure you understand what happens to the information collected, including what your vendor does with the data the technology captures. Review with your attorney to ensure compliance with applicable privacy laws.
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Related People
Kate Dedenbach, CIPP/US
Of Counsel
kdedenbach@fisherphillips.com
248/901-0301
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Anne Yarovoy Khan
Of Counsel
akhan@fisherphillips.com
949/798-2162
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Nan Sato, CIPP/E, CIPP/C
Co-Chair International Practice Group, Regional Managing Partner - Tokyo
nsato@fisherphillips.com
+81-3-6892-5595
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Original text here: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/insights/insights/6-ways-technology-is-transforming-the-hospitality-industry
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Clark Hill: President Trump Issues Executive Order Directing Heightened Enforcement for H-1Bs, Also Extends H-1B $100,000 Fee
BIRMINGHAM, Michigan, Sept. 23 -- Clark Hill, a law firm, issued the following legal update:
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President Trump Issues Executive Order Directing Heightened Enforcement for H-1Bs, Also Extends H-1B $100,000 Fee
September 22, 2026
Authors
Lisa Atkins, Alison P. Hitz
On September 18, 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing federal agencies to increase oversight and enforcement of the H-1B program rules. The Order does not immediately change H-1B eligibility requirements, but it signals heightened scrutiny of H-1B employers, particularly those with recent layoffs, third-party
... Show Full Article
BIRMINGHAM, Michigan, Sept. 23 -- Clark Hill, a law firm, issued the following legal update:
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President Trump Issues Executive Order Directing Heightened Enforcement for H-1Bs, Also Extends H-1B $100,000 Fee
September 22, 2026
Authors
Lisa Atkins, Alison P. Hitz
On September 18, 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing federal agencies to increase oversight and enforcement of the H-1B program rules. The Order does not immediately change H-1B eligibility requirements, but it signals heightened scrutiny of H-1B employers, particularly those with recent layoffs, third-partyplacement models, or significant reliance on foreign national talent.
Increased Focus on Layoffs
A key focus of the Order is whether an H-1B petitioner has:
* Conducted layoffs of similarly situated U.S. workers within the previous year
* Plans future layoffs that may negatively affect comparable U.S. workers
Agencies must consider these factors when reviewing LCAs, H-1B petitions, visa applications, and admissions decisions.
The Order does not create an automatic bar following layoffs, but employers should expect additional scrutiny where workforce reductions involved professional, technical, or specialty occupation roles.
Expanded Government Coordination
The Order directs the Departments of State, Labor, and Homeland Security to coordinate with Commerce, Education, and the Small Business Administration in evaluating H-1B matters.
This coordination may give adjudicators broader access to wage, labor market, education, and economic data when assessing H-1B compliance.
Review of Existing H-1B Employers
Within 30 days, the Department of Labor must begin reviewing previously filed LCAs to determine whether enforcement action against sponsoring employers may be warranted.
The Administration identifies concerns involving:
* Displacement of U.S. workers
* Misclassification of positions as specialty occupations
* Misrepresentations regarding job duties or requirements
* Wage-related compliance issues
* Questions regarding foreign educational credentials
Employers should therefore be prepared for increased audits and enforcement activity.
Future Regulatory and Policy Changes Expected
The Order authorizes agencies to issue regulations, policy guidance, and operational directives to implement its objectives. Although no immediate regulatory changes were announced, future measures could affect H-1B adjudications, specialty occupation standards, employer compliance obligations, third-party placement arrangements, and prevailing wage enforcement.
Overall, the Executive Order is an enforcement and policy directive--not an immediate regulatory overhaul. Still, it signals a clear intent to intensify scrutiny of H-1B employers and prioritize U.S. worker protections. Employers that sponsor foreign national employees, particularly in technology, consulting, staffing, and outsourcing, should anticipate more compliance reviews and rigorous adjudications in the months ahead.
Extension of H-1B $100,000 Fee
The President also issued a proclamation extending the H-1B $100,000 fee for another year, through September 2027. However, it is important to note that a federal district court vacated the $100,000 fee in June 2026; therefore, it is not currently in effect. USCIS has indicated they will comply with the court order, but anecdotally there have not been many cases that would have been subject to the fee actually adjudicated since the court order vacating the fee. Litigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen if the $100,000 fee will be reinstated in the future. The proclamation underscores the Administration's position that the fee should be in effect.
Clark Hill will continue monitoring agency guidance and implementing regulations and will provide updates as additional details become available.
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This publication is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation to provide legal services. The information in this publication is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel. The views and opinions expressed herein represent those of the individual author(s) only and are not necessarily the views of Clark Hill PLC or Clark Hill Solicitors LLP. Although we attempt to ensure that postings on our website are complete, accurate, and up to date, we assume no responsibility for their completeness, accuracy, or timeliness.
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Original text here: https://www.clarkhill.com/news-events/news/publications-trump-executive-order-h1b-enforcement-scrutiny/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
