StokesLaw™ Briefs

Starting July 27, 2025, employers will see some relief after the Washington Legislature's modest fixes go into effect. These fixes include a requirement that employers receive notification of non-compliant job postings and an opportunity to fix them before an applicant can file suit, and also clarify when employers are not liable for third-party posts. Ensuring that your business complies with the EPOA is crucial. This post will summarize the current requirements and the upcoming changes that will take effect on July 27, 2025.

There is a troubling trend in the fresh produce industry: third parties using variety names (denominations) interchangeably (and thus incorrectly) in their marketing, which has a potentially damaging impact on owners of related intellectual property. This article explains that trend and outlines some legal tools worth considering as breeders, growers, marketers, and other stakeholders brainstorm how best to protect their inventions and trademarks in the United States.

After a whirlwind of twists, turns, and legal uncertainty, the U.S. Department of the Treasury ("Treasury") has halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), bringing relief to small businesses navigating the complex requirements of beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting.

In light of recent federal actions impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, it is critical to understand both the implications and limitations of these changes for Tribal Nations, Native organizations, and programs administered under federal trust and treaty obligations.

The rush of recent executive orders has left many employers wondering if they need to reevaluate their programs and policies, specifically those focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Below, we summarize the recent Executive Order and what Washington employers need to know.

The Trump Administration campaigned on promises to carry out the "largest deportation in American History." On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump issued ten immigration-related executive orders and proclamations; the effect of which has been to radically expand the scope of legal efforts to remove undocumented workers from the United States.