M. Adil Yaqoob

M. Adil Yaqoob has experience representing clients in various labor and employment matters. With the United States Department of Labor, he represented the agency in enforcement actions in federal district court and administrative fora pertaining to the Fair Labor Standards Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and other federal employment-related legislation. In addition, he provided pre-citation and pre-litigation assistance to DOL client agencies in cases that were complex, presented novel issues, or involved work-related accidents or fatalities. While with the New York City Law Department, he defended clients in federal and state court litigation arising under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the New York State and City Human Rights Laws, and other employment-related causes of action.

Subscribe to all posts by M. Adil Yaqoob

NYC Expands Safe and Sick Time Requirements: What Employers Need to Know Before February 22, 2026

New York City employers just received another compliance deadline to add to their calendars. On February 22, 2026—120 days after enactment—amendments to the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) will significantly expand employee leave rights. The amendments add new categories of permissible leave, impose frontloaded annual leave obligations, and continue employer reporting requirements. While … Continue Reading

The “Right to Disconnect” in the U.S.? What Employers Need to Know About Emerging Proposals

By M. Adil Yaqoob on September 10, 2025 Posted in Employment Counseling & Workplace Claims Prevention

Workplace laws are beginning to reflect a new reality: employees are connected to work around the clock through smartphones, messaging apps, and remote-work platforms. While many companies treat after-hours communication as part of their culture, some lawmakers have been busy considering whether employees should have a legal right to ignore employer communications outside of working … Continue Reading

Fitbits at Work: Navigating the Legal Risks of Wearables in Corporate Wellness Programs

By M. Adil Yaqoob on June 26, 2025 Posted in Employment Counseling & Workplace Claims Prevention, Privacy

At a time where personal fitness devices track everything from heart rate to sleep quality, employers are increasingly integrating wearable technology — like Fitbits, Apple Watches, and Oura Rings — into their corporate wellness programs. These programs promise to reduce healthcare costs, boost productivity, and foster a culture of well-being. But with these benefits come … Continue Reading

Navigating Use of Generative AI at Work: Best Practices and Legal Considerations

By M. Adil Yaqoob on February 25, 2025 Posted in Employment Counseling & Workplace Claims Prevention, Labor Relations

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool that employees increasingly rely on for a variety of tasks. From drafting emails and producing reports to generating creative content and analyzing data, these technologies are reshaping how work gets done. As organizations integrate AI into their daily operations, employers face … Continue Reading

Worker Classification in the Gig Economy: Legal Wins and Strategic Considerations for Employers

By M. Adil Yaqoob on December 5, 2024 Posted in Employment Litigation, Labor Relations, Wage & Hour

The gig economy continues to prosper, fueled by some recent legal wins, which have been delivered at a crucial juncture for businesses reliant on the flexibility and cost efficiencies that come with classifying workers as independent contractors. These victories are not merely legal milestones — they are critical indicators of how companies can strategically navigate … Continue Reading

Cool for the Summer: Workplace Safety in the Sizzling Summer Heat

By M. Adil Yaqoob on May 20, 2024 Posted in Workplace Safety & OSHA

Last year was the hottest year on record and 2024 could be even warmer. Employers should be on high alert as we head into the hottest season of the year, summer. With heat already being the leading cause of death among all weather-related phenomena, employers across industries should be familiar with their obligations to keep … Continue Reading

Pay Transparency and a Ban on Consideration of Employee Compensation History for Federal Contractors on the 15th Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

By M. Adil Yaqoob on March 21, 2024 Posted in Employment Counseling & Workplace Claims Prevention, Employment Litigation, Wage & Hour

This January marked the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, providing a good moment for the federal government to propose new rules aimed at increasing gender pay equity in federal contracting and federal government employment. The new rules announced by the White House are expected to require covered government contractors … Continue Reading

The Supreme Court Delivers a Win for Employers Seeking a Stay in Appeals Involving Arbitration

By M. Adil Yaqoob on June 28, 2023 Posted in Employment Litigation

In a significant win for employers, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) requires an automatic stay of the case at the trial court level whenever a party appeals the trial judge’s decision to deny arbitration. This decision means that employers appealing an adverse ruling on a motion to … Continue Reading

Employers: Prepare Now for Recession-Based Layoffs

By M. Adil Yaqoob on July 7, 2022 Posted in Employment Counseling & Workplace Claims Prevention, Employment Discrimination Harassment & Retaliation

With many economic experts predicting that the U.S. will enter a recession in the near future, employers are preparing for the possibility of significant layoffs. Before making cuts, companies – especially those with remote workers – should be aware of the potential pitfalls and legal ramifications of layoffs, and be prepared to adjust the timing … Continue Reading