Jill Chasson Discusses Ninth Circuit Decision Highlighting Risks of Offensive Music in the Workplace

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (which includes Arizona) recently ruled that offensive music in the workplace can be considered auditory harassment and provide a basis for a hostile work environment claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employment law partner Jill Chasson explained the case and the importance of the appellate court’s decision in an article for HR Laws. The case involved a warehouse in Nevada where managers and employees continued playing sexually graphic, violent, and misogynistic music despite two years of complaints from both female and male employees. Jill explained that in reviving the case after the trial court dismissed it, the Ninth Circuit confirmed that employers can’t avoid liability by asserting an “equal opportunity harasser”...

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Attorney Michael Aguirre

Three-time Graduate Michael Aguirre Elected to the ASU Foundation’s Board of Directors

A prominent member of the legal community and active participant in several leadership organizations, Coppersmith Brockelman’s Michael Aguirre has been elected to the ASU Foundation’s board of directors. In this role, he will work to unite people, increase philanthropic support, and boost investment in advancing the Foundation’s mission of building an environment focused on inclusion, student success, and development. Known for his extensive work in corporate and business law — and leader of the firm’s Cannabis Law practice — Michael is a three-time ASU alumnus who earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with Honors from Barrett, The Honors College (2000), a Master of Education in Higher and Postsecondary Education (2002), and a Juris Doctor (2005). He has been actively involved with the university and currently...

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Thought Leader Mel Soliz Tapped by AzHIMA and The Health Management Academy to Share Latest Insights on Changes in Health Information Interoperability and Privacy

Accessing health information is becoming increasingly more common through electronic means and devices like patient portals and third-party applications, but it brings with it concerns regarding privacy, security, and the potential misuse of sensitive medical data. Mel Soliz — Partner and leader of the firm’s interoperability practice — delivered a series of presentations in June at the Arizona Health Information Management Association (AzHIMA) Annual Conference in Phoenix and The Health Management Academy Conference in Chicago. The topics focused on federal efforts to increase interoperability and how those efforts affect information sharing, including developments in electronic health information data policies, information blocking, the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), and the use and disclosure of minor health information in compliance with state and federal data laws...

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John DeWulf Honored as a Top 50 Pro Bono Attorney by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education

John DeWulf has been recognized for the second time as one of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education’s Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys for work he has done through the Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP). Serving the organization for more than two decades, he earned this latest honor for his outstanding pro bono work on behalf of a senior who was at risk of losing his home. The Arizona Bar Foundation created the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education to level the playing field so that all Arizonans have knowledge and access to the justice system. Driven by his dedication to serving the community, John demonstrated his commitment to this mission when a real estate company deceived a retired disabled man into selling his...

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Attorneys Kristen Rosati and Nate Kunz

Kristen Rosati & Nate Kunz Discuss Updated Guidelines on Health Care Organizations’ Use of Online Tracking Tools

Regulators have released new guidelines regarding healthcare organizations’ use of online tracking technologies in marketing practices. In their presentation to the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, Kristen Rosati and Nate Kunz explained that these tools have been under increased scrutiny ever since STAT Health News released their investigation into online tracking. They also covered compliance requirements for HIPAA, Federal Trade Commission regulations, and state data privacy laws.  In anticipation of litigation related to the use of online tracking tools, they also covered how to conduct internal investigations in a manner to preserve attorney-client privilege. Kristen, a past President and Fellow of the American Health Law Association, is a nationally sought-after expert and speaker on “big data” and HIPAA compliance.  She has been leading a number of...

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Mel Soliz Recognized in Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40

Preeminent Data & Health Equity Attorney Mel Soliz Recognized in Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for Outstanding Achievements

As one of the nation's top health data, interoperability and health equity attorneys, Mel Soliz’s accomplishments and community service have earned her distinction as one of Phoenix Business Journal’s 2023 40 Under 40. The honor recognizes up-and-coming professionals under the age of 40 who have a major impact in the Valley's business and charitable communities. Selected from nearly 400 applicants, this honor highlights Mel’s commitment to advancing health equity in her community through her professional and charitable work. Mel ― who is also recognized by Chambers USA©️, Best Lawyers©, and Southwest Super Lawyers: Rising Stars© ― practices regulatory health law, focusing on compliance with data privacy, access and interoperability laws (such as the Information Blocking Rule and CMS interoperability mandates, health information networks/exchange (including TEFCA), behavioral health/substance...

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