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Recent Articles from Stephen Scott
The dugout rule for workplace crises: notice, respond, support | Opinion
These moments sneak up on you. They don鈥檛 come with a warning label. One minute everything鈥檚 normal and the next you鈥檙e in the middle of something that matters, and you鈥檙e hoping you respond the right way.
Thin Mints and non-competes: attention needed | Opinion
Under a new law signed March 23 by Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, employers won鈥檛 be able to use non-competes starting in June 2027 鈥� and they鈥檒l also have to provide specific notices by October聽2027.
AI 鈥� in the dungeons 鈥� thought you ought to know | Opinion
The sense of the unknown, both good and bad, is how many employers feel about AI. Consider these three use cases for AI in the workplace and the associated pros/cons.
What counts as a catch? Replay review of McDonnell Douglas | Opinion
Here is a quick reminder of the McDonnell Douglas framework, the criticism of it by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and why it matters to employers.
Muted notifications not recommended: federal AI regulation | Opinion
Legal questions are likely to determine whether Trump's executive order reshapes AI governance 鈥� or just becomes another opening gambit in a long fight between the president and certain states.
As the government reopens, notifications start rolling in | Opinion
When a government shutdown ends, employers experience the same reality every time: the lights come up, the agencies power on, and long-dormant obligations wake up and start knocking.
U.S. Supreme Court to look closely at separation of powers | Opinion
Like the president trying to remove an FTC commissioner, I discovered my removal power was, well 鈥� nonexistent.
Artificial intelligence, accuracy and the Shaboozey shuffle | Opinion
What can firms do when GenAI hallucinations seem real? They can create a process to help minimize exposure through a five-step process.
From burgers to unemployment benefits: a strike story | Opinion
On June 24, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 916 into law, allowing striking workers to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits beginning in 2026.
From birth dates to pay disclosures: new rules for employers | Opinion
When these new laws take effect, employers will need to rethink how they collect applicant data to strip away age-related information and share more pay-related information with new hires.
Beware of bias at bat: when AI benches the wrong players | Opinion
Employers and AI vendors (and Little League coaches, in my experience) can face liability for algorithmic bias 鈥� even when the discrimination isn鈥檛 deliberate.
Beyond the Blizzard: when employers must accommodate | Opinion
The court ruled an employee may qualify for a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) even if they can perform essential job functions without such an accommodation.
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
