To PIP or Not to PIP? That Is the Question | Real World Employment Law

How Businesses Can Use Phantom Equity to Incentivize Their Employees | Real World Business Law

Employee retention and long-term incentive planning continue to be top priorities for growing businesses looking to attract and retain top talent. In this episode of Real World Business Law, Partner Connie Phelps and Associate Attorney Shelby Julien discuss how businesses can use phantom equity as a strategic compensation tool to reward key employees without transferring actual ownership. They break down what phantom equity is and how it works, the benefits and potential challenges, and key considerations businesses should keep in mind when structuring these arrangements to align employee incentives with company growth and success.

To PIP or Not to PIP? That Is the Question | Real World Employment Law

To PIP, or not to PIP – that is the question. In this episode of Real World Employment Law, Managing Partner Declan Leonard and Partner Kristin Zech take the stage to break down Performance Improvement Plans and discuss when they may be the right act for a business to take. They cover what a PIP is (and isn’t), how to approach it thoughtfully, and how it can be used as a tool for improvement when performance becomes lackluster. Tune in for a practical overview on navigating PIPs the right way to set up your team – and your company – for success.

What Celsius' Lawsuits Reveal About Brand Partnerships | Real World Business Law

Celsius has grown into one of the most popular energy drinks on the market, but its rapid rise has come with a series of legal battles.   In this episode of Real World Business Law, attorneys and real-life Celsius fans Shelby Julien and Cala Dossey break down the lawsuits behind the headlines and explore the bigger lesson for business leaders: strategic partnerships can be powerful growth tools, but only if they are structured the right way. From influencer marketing to employee incentives, they break down the common pitfalls companies face and what steps you can take now to avoid them.

What New Size Recertification Requirements Mean for GovCon Deals | Real World GovCon Law

Small business government contractors have new major considerations when evaluating potential M&A transactions following the recent implementation of an SBA rule on size and status recertification. In this episode of Real World GovCon Law, Partners Stephanie Wilson and Connie Phelps break down how SBA's new size and status recertification rule impacts an entity's eligibility for small business set-aside multiple award contracts and orders following an M&A transaction that occurred on or after January 17, 2026, and discuss how buyers and sellers should consider these changes in their due diligence processes.

You've Been Sued for Discrimination - Now What? | Real World Employment Law

No business ever plans on facing a discrimination lawsuit, but many do.   In this episode of Real World Employment Law, Managing Partner Declan Leonard and Counsel Drew Smith tackle an issue every employer hopes to avoid, and the immediate steps they can take to respond.   They offer a practical, high-level overview of the steps employers should take early on, how to navigate the legal process, and common pitfalls to avoid. They also explore insurance coverage, settlement options, and alternatives to trial.   Tune in to learn what to do if your company is faced with a discrimination lawsuit, and what steps it can take to reduce the risk of future claims.