Pam Thomas, Author at Pickrel Schaeffer & Ebeling

Documentation Matters: How Poor Records Create Legal Risk for Employers

Pam Thomas — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:12:18 +0000

Most employment disputes are not lost due to malicious intent. They are lost due to poor documentation. Inconsistent records weaken otherwise defensible decisions.

Where Documentation Commonly Breaks Down

Performance Reviews
Generic or overly positive reviews undermine later discipline or termination decisions. Written evaluations should align with reality.

Disciplinary Actions
Verbal warnings that never make it to paper may as well not exist. Consistency and timing matter.

Accommodation Requests
Medical and disability accommodations require careful documentation of the interactive process. Missing notes invite legal scrutiny.

Employee Complaints and Investigations
Incomplete records or delayed responses raise red flags with regulators and courts, even when the outcome was appropriate.

Conclusion
Good documentation tells a clear story. When records are organized, timely, and consistent, employers are better positioned to resolve disputes quickly and confidently.

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Contract Renewals in 2026: Why “Auto-Renew” Clauses Deserve a Second Look

Pam Thomas — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:43:56 +0000

Many business contracts quietly renew at the start of the year. Too often, companies discover outdated pricing, unfavorable terms, or lingering obligations after the renewal window has passed.
Standard Contract Issues We See in the New Year

Auto-Renewal Traps
Automatic renewals can lock businesses into unfavorable pricing or outdated service levels. Missing a notice deadline by days can cost thousands.

Vendor and Service Scope Creep
Contracts signed years ago may no longer align with current service delivery. Ambiguous scope language creates disputes when expectations change.

Indemnification and Liability Shifts
Courts continue to scrutinize risk-shifting clauses. What was acceptable years ago may no longer offer the protection you think it does.

Termination and Exit Rights
Many agreements limit when and how a business can exit. Reviewing termination language early preserves leverage if changes are needed later.

Conclusion
January is the best time to audit contracts while options are still open. A proactive review helps businesses regain control rather than react under pressure.

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2026 Employment Law Checkup: What Every Ohio Employer Should Review Right Now

Pam Thomas — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:10:35 +0000

A new year brings new rules, new risks, and new expectations for employers. January is the ideal time to step back, audit your compliance posture, and address minor issues before they become costly. Key Areas Employers Should Review in 2026 Employment Policies and Handbooks Federal and Ohio employment laws continue to evolve. Employers should confirm that wage and hour language, leave policies, remote work rules, and disciplinary procedures reflect current law and recent court decisions. FMLA and Leave Administration Recent rulings and DOL guidance have expanded the interpretation of family relationships and overlapping benefits. Employers should ensure managers understand when leave applies and when documentation is required. Job Descriptions and Exempt Classifications Outdated job descriptions are a common liability. Confirm that exempt roles still meet legal requirements and that written duties match actual job performance. Training and Supervisor Awareness Even the best policies fail if supervisors apply them inconsistently. Annual refreshers on harassment prevention, accommodation requests, and documentation practices significantly reduce risk. Conclusion A short compliance review at the start of 2026 can prevent audits, disputes, and litigation later in the year. Proactive employers save time, money, and credibility.

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IRS Increases Mileage Reimbursement for 2026

Pam Thomas — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 02:57:30 +0000

The IRS has announced an increase to the Business Standard Mileage Rate for 2026. Beginning January 1, 2026, the rate will be 72.5 cents per mile, up 2.5 cents from the 2025 rate. This adjustment reflects higher vehicle operating costs and may impact employer reimbursements, tax deductions, and business expense planning.

For the full breakdown of mileage rates and additional IRS guidance, please click here.

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Super Lawyers® Names Mike Sandner and Matt Stokely on their 2025 List of Top Rated Lawyers

Pam Thomas — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:07:03 +0000

A shareholder with the firm and its President, Mike, represents individuals and businesses with issues involving Consumer, Construction, Insurance, Contract, and Commercial disputes. Mike understands how construction and commercial business disputes can jeopardize profits and important business relationships. He strives to provide efficient and effective legal advice that protects his client’s current and long-term interests while maintaining the business relationship necessary to benefit all parties involved. He has experience handling all aspects of disputes, from negotiation, mediation, and arbitration to litigation and appeal.

Matt is a shareholder and chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Department. He has represented and counseled public and private employers of all sizes. For more than 35 years, he has helped clients avoid and defend cases before state and federal courts, arbitrators, and administrative agencies. Matt provides day-to-day counseling and compliance with laws, regulations, and court decisions and strategic guidance to employers in all labor and employment law areas. He has extensive experience in drafting and updating employee handbooks and training supervisors on employment laws, including sexual harassment.

Super Lawyers recognizes the top attorneys nationwide across various practice areas and firm sizes, using a patented process of independent research and peer input. With attorney selectees in every state, only 5% are selected as Super Lawyers. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Nine of McCandlish Holton’s attorneys have been named in this year’s list.

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Keeping Ohio’s Roads Safe This Holiday Season

Pam Thomas — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:19:27 +0000

As the festive season approaches and friends and families gather for winter celebrations, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is issuing a crucial reminder about the dangers of impaired driving. With an increase in celebrations comes an increase in the risk of accidents related to alcohol and drug use. Governor Mike DeWine emphasizes the importance of planning for a sober ride home, stating, “As we gather with loved ones for winter celebrations, it’s important to remember that impaired driving has no place on Ohio’s roads.”

Historically, December has been one of the deadliest months on Ohio’s roads, primarily due to a surge in impaired driving incidents. The OSHP is intensifying enforcement efforts this month, adopting a zero-tolerance stance towards anyone operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. The statistics are alarming: since 2020, there have been 69,061 crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs, resulting in 3,896 deaths, approximately 54% of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state.

To combat these dire statistics, the OSHP encourages every driver to take personal responsibility. Here are key safety tips to consider:

Designate a Sober Driver: Plan ahead by choosing a sober driver before your celebration begins. If your plans change, don’t hesitate to call a friend or a rideshare service. It’s essential never to assume you’re safe to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Understand Impairment: Impairment isn’t solely related to alcohol. OSHP troopers are trained to recognize impairment from marijuana and other drugs that can significantly impact driving abilities.
Know the Consequences: Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) conviction can lead to serious penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and license suspension. These consequences are minor compared to the lifelong burden of causing a fatal crash.

Since the beginning of 2020, troopers have issued nearly 95,000 OVI-related citations, with almost a quarter of these involving motorists impaired by marijuana and/or other drugs. These figures highlight the pressing need for awareness and action this holiday season.

Driving impaired is never worth the risk. If, however, you or a loved one is in need of legal representation as a result of receiving an OVI citation, at Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling, we are here to help. Contact the author at mbly@pselaw.com or 937-223-1130. The ramifications of an OVI conviction are so significant that experienced legal representation is a must.

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Why Employers Should Revisit FMLA and Leave Policies Before the New Year

Pam Thomas — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:22:20 +0000

Recent federal decisions have expanded how courts interpret family relationships and employee rights under the FMLA. These shifts make December a smart time for employers to review their leave policies and internal procedures.

Many companies still rely on outdated definitions of family relationships when evaluating leave requests. New case law clarifies that employees may qualify for FMLA rights even when caring for nontraditional family members. This means HR teams must be prepared to ask clarifying questions and document how decisions are made.

Employers should also check how PTO, sick leave, and workers’ compensation benefits interact with FMLA. Updated federal guidance makes it clear that employers and employees must agree before PTO can be deducted while workers’ compensation benefits are being paid.

A strong leave policy protects both the company and its workforce. By updating policies now, employers can reduce risk, protect productivity, and ensure compliance when the new year begins.

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Business Owners Make Succession Planning Part of Your Year-End Review

Pam Thomas — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:22:46 +0000

December brings a natural pause that allows business owners to look beyond day-to-day operations and focus on long-term planning. One of the most important topics to revisit at year’s end is succession planning, especially the titling of ownership interests.

Many business owners still hold ownership interests in their personal name. That structure can push the business into probate if the owner passes away. Probate delays decision-making, exposes sensitive business valuations to the public record, and complicates transitions at a time when leadership stability is critical.

Options such as Transfer on Death designations or placing ownership interests in a trust can simplify transitions and protect privacy. These tools allow the next owner or trustee to immediately step into their responsibilities without court involvement.

Year-end planning offers business owners a chance to strengthen their company’s future and protect the people who depend on it. A short review now can prevent long delays and uncertainty later.

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Year-End Checklist for Employers. Avoid Surprises in January

Pam Thomas — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:08:06 +0000

As the calendar winds down, employers often feel pressure to close out projects, finalize budgets, and manage the holiday rush. This season is also a key time to review your legal and compliance obligations. A short investment of time in December can prevent costly issues in the new year.

Start by confirming that your employment policies match current federal and Ohio laws. Wage changes, leave requirements, and new case rulings often take effect in January. Review your employee handbook and verify that your PTO, leave, and overtime policies are up to date.

Next, evaluate your workplace documentation. Make sure job descriptions are accurate and performance reviews are complete. Organized records make it easier to respond to audits, employee claims, or regulatory inquiries.

Finally, do a quick review of your business contracts and vendor agreements. Many contracts renew at the turn of the year. Confirm that pricing, terms, and responsibilities still align with your business needs.

The end of the year is a natural moment to reset. Investing in compliance now can help you enter 2026 with confidence and clarity.

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Estate Planning in an Uncertain Economy: Why Waiting Could Cost You

Pam Thomas — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:11:03 +0000

When the economy feels unpredictable, it’s tempting to delay big decisions. Yet estate planning is one area where hesitation can lead to costly mistakes. Asset values shift, healthcare expenses rise, and laws change sometimes quickly. An outdated will or a missing power of attorney can create confusion or delay during an already difficult time.

Reviewing your estate plan before the year ends allows you to adjust to financial changes, update beneficiaries, and ensure business interests or real estate holdings are titled correctly. For younger families, this may mean naming guardians and establishing trusts. For retirees, it’s often about tax efficiency and protecting assets from the costs of long-term care.

At Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling, our estate planning attorneys help clients make confident, informed decisions—no matter the economy’s direction.

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