Blog Archives | Bell Law Group

President Trump’s Proposed Overhaul of FEMA: What Federal Employees Need to Know

President Trump has vowed to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during his second term. His pick for Homeland Security Secretary, former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, has also stated that she intends to “get rid of FEMA the way it exists today.” Already, more than 200 FEMA employees have been fired, and, based on what we know currently, it appears that this could be just the beginning of the administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency. What do you need to know if you work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency—or if you have recently been terminated from your employment with FEMA?

Understanding New York’s Overtime Threshold for Salary Exemptions

If you receive an hourly wage and work more than 40 hours in a workweek, you are generally entitled to overtime pay. However, if you receive a weekly or annual salary, then New York’s overtime requirements generally don’t apply. So, what are your rights if you are supposed to be paid hourly but your employer claims to pay you a fixed salary instead?

Understanding Your Rights as a Gig Worker in New York

Gig workers in New York have clear legal rights. While gig workers do not have the same rights as employees, several important protections apply, and when companies violate gig workers’ rights, gig workers can seek appropriate remedies through the New York Division of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) or in court if necessary. What should you know about your legal rights as a gig worker in New York?

Mental Health and the Workplace: Employees’ Rights Under New York Law

Employees who are struggling with mental health issues have clear rights under New York law. Not only do many types of mental health issues qualify as disabilities under the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)—meaning that employees with these conditions are protected against discrimination in the workplace—but last year Governor Hochul signed a new law that provides additional rights to employees with qualifying health conditions as well. How New York Law Protects Employees Who Are Coping with Mental Health Issues Understanding your legal rights as an employee is important regardless of your physical or mental health.

Unpacking New York’s Wage Theft Laws: What Every Employee Should Know

If you are a victim of wage theft in New York, you are not alone. The New York City Comptroller publishes annual data on wage theft from the New York Department of Labor (NYS DOL) and U.S. Department of Labor US DOL)—and the numbers are shocking.

Can President Trump Reassign IRS Agents to the Border?

On January 25, 2025, President Trump told a crowd of supporters that he was considering firing roughly 88,000 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees. Alternatively, he proposed sending these employees to the border. As reported by Newsweek, Trump told the crowd: “On Day 1, I immediately halted the hiring of any new IRS agents.