Scott Rogoff, partner and leader of Barclay Damon’s Hotels, Hospitality & Food Service Team, was featured in the Rochester Business Journal article “AI, DEI, Noncompetes Reshape NY Employment Law” about the evolving landscape of labor and employment law, particularly as it affects businesses in service-oriented industries. As the labor law environment grows more complex, especially in New York State, employers are increasingly turning to legal counsel not just to navigate risk, but to help build workplaces that meet evolving expectations from both regulators and workers.
Scott emphasized that while regulatory and political dynamics may shift, the fundamental concern of the employers he works with remains consistent: “Laws are always changing and regulations are always in effect regardless of whatever administration is in office,” he said. “Folks we work with want to know the new laws, the new regulations and how to comply with everything.” Importantly, he adds that this compliance mindset is often driven not only by legal obligation but by a genuine desire to foster a positive workplace culture.
Attributing much of the current activity in labor and employment law to increased awareness and engagement by employees themselves, Scott said, “Employees, I think, are more educated than ever,” pointing to the widespread availability of legal information online and the tendency for employees to raise legal questions based on articles or internet research. This growing knowledge base among workers is prompting more employers to seek proactive legal counsel to ensure they are fully compliant and responsive.
In terms of legal exposure, Scott highlighted a rise in sexual harassment, disability discrimination, and race discrimination claims. He also underscored a particularly high level of wage and hour activity in the hospitality industry, where regulatory nuances differ significantly from other sectors. “We’re getting a lot of calls about that,” he said. Scott stressed that compliance with wage and hour laws is mutually beneficial: “Employees want to go to an employer that is compliant with the law . . . that makes the employer more attractive and more marketable. So, it all kind of comes full circle.”
Rochester Business Journal subscribers can read the full article here.