What Virginia Employers Need to Know to Navigate the New Employee-Friendly Laws in the Commonwealth

After years of being known as an employer-friendly state, the Virginia legislature has passed a number of new laws vastly expanding employee rights and remedies in the Commonwealth. As of July 1, 2020, Virginia employees have numerous new protections in the areas of employment discrimination, independent contractor classification, non-compete agreements, wage payment, and whistleblower protection. These laws will transform employment litigation in the Commonwealth as the new legislation provides powerful new protections for Virginia employees. After decades of litigating employment cases in federal court under laws that capped damages, plaintiffs will be seeking unlimited compensatory damages in the state courts. Combined with state court judges' reluctance to grant summary judgment and the lack of state employment cases to follow, these new laws will inevitably result in costly trials. 

Please join experienced Virginia litigator Jacki Thompson to discuss the practical effects of the new laws and how best to minimize your risk of litigation.

1. Examine the new Virginia Values Act
2. Identify revised wage and hour laws
3. Become familiar with the new prohibitions on non-compete agreements
4. Explore how to avoid misclassification of employees
5. Discuss the impact of the laws on state court versus federal court
6. Avoid potential pitfalls associated with the new laws