From Lawyer to Employer: A Shipman Podcast

Workplace Investigations: When to Call in Outside Counsel (and When Not To)

When a workplace issue arises, one of the first questions is who should handle the investigation - and whether it’s time to bring in outside counsel. In this episode, Shipman partners Dan Schwartz and Sarah Westby walk through the key considerations, from independence and scope to privilege and deliverables, helping employers make informed, strategic decisions when it matters most.

Beyond HR: How Expanding Your Role Can Transform Your Impact

What happens when a Chief Human Resources Officer steps beyond traditional HR and takes on operations, facilities, communications, and more? In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Daniel Schwartz sits down with veteran HR leader Jeanine Reckdenwald to explore what it really takes to move from functional expertise to enterprise leadership. Jeanine shares how expanding her role reshaped the way she thinks about people, process, and performance—and why HR leaders are uniquely positioned to drive business outcomes across an organization. From overcoming the fear of stepping into unfamiliar territory to building financial fluency and aligning competing executive priorities, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone looking to grow their leadership impact. Key takeaways include: * How HR decisions influence operations, finance, and customer experience * The mindset shift from expert to enterprise leader * Metrics that matter when connecting people strategy to business results * Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them) when expanding your role * Why strong teams and early wins are critical to success Whether you're in HR, leadership, or business operations, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how breaking out of silos can unlock meaningful results.

Generative AI and Legal Ethics: What In-House Counsel Need to Know

Generative AI is quickly becoming part of the legal toolkit but the ethical obligations of lawyers haven’t changed. In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz sits down with Shipman attorney Claire Pariano to explore how generative AI is reshaping legal practice and what in-house counsel need to know to stay compliant. For legal departments and organizations navigating AI adoption, Dan and Claire outline practical steps for building an AI governance framework - from risk classification and verification protocols to training and data security safeguards. The takeaway: AI can be a powerful tool, but lawyers remain responsible for the work product they produce.

Arbitration Clauses at Work: The Good, The Bad & The Avoidable Mistakes

Arbitration clauses are everywhere in today’s workplace — but are they right for your organization? In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz is joined by Shipman attorney Emily McDonough Souza to break down arbitration agreements in plain English. They explore the real pros and cons: speed, privacy, predictability, cost concerns, limited appeals, class action waivers, and recent court decisions that could impact enforceability. Whether you’re considering rolling out arbitration agreements or revisiting existing language, this episode offers practical guidance to help employers draft, implement, and manage arbitration provisions thoughtfully and avoid common (and costly) pitfalls.

What Massachusetts Employers Need to Know in 2026

Massachusetts continues to be one of the most active and technical states for employment law compliance. In this episode of From Lawyer to Employer, host Dan Schwartz is joined by Shipman partner Jared Lucan to break down the most important developments impacting employers with Massachusetts-based employees (or operations spanning both Massachusetts and Connecticut). They cover practical, real-world guidance on: * Wage & hour compliance and common Wage Act pitfalls * Independent contractor classification and the Massachusetts “ABC” test * Non-compete restrictions, and why non-solicit/confidentiality agreements may be more reliable * Paid Family & Medical Leave coordination and accommodation trends * Compensation best practices and the growing momentum behind pay transparency If your organization hires, operates, or expands in Massachusetts, this episode provides concrete steps to help you reduce risk and stay ahead of rapidly evolving workplace rules.