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

Are Non-Competes Dead in Virginia? | Real World Employment Law

A new era for restrictive covenants is taking shape in Virginia, as recent legislation and court decisions continue to reshape how non-compete and non-solicitation agreements can be used. With new limitations set to take effect on July 1, 2026, employers face growing uncertainty around enforceability and compliance.   In this episode of Real World Employment Law, Partner Declan Leonard and Counsel Elizabeth Payne-Maddalena discuss the future of non-competes and non-solicits in Virginia, the latest developments impacting employers, and the key steps businesses should take now to protect themselves and prepare for what’s ahead.

Virginia Wage Payment Act: What Employers Need to Know | Real World Employment Law

A major shift in Virginia employment law is on the horizon, as significant amendments to the Virginia Wage Payment Act take effect on July 1, 2026. These changes expand what qualifies as “wages” under the law and increase potential penalties and enforcement mechanisms for employers.   In this episode of Real World Employment Law, Senior Associate Samy Abdallah and Associate Charles Bonani break down what these updates mean for Virginia employers, the new risks surrounding wage payment and what businesses can do to prepare and stay compliant.

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.