Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch

Important Reminder! The SF-86 form still includes a question about “close or continuing contact” with certain foreign nationals over the past seven years—this encompasses social media interactions as well. Remember, this question has two parts: Simply following a celebrity like David Beckham on Instagram and receiving a reply from him does not necessitate mentioning him on your SF-86. However, real-life interactions can be more complex, so it’s crucial to carefully consider and accurately report any relevant contact.   For more information, check out Elisabeth Baker-Pham (she/her)’s insightful article here: https://lnkd.in/e4HMQruN   #SecurityClearance #KCNF #SF86 #ClearanceJobs #NationalSecurity

It was great to meet new Women Owned Law members and to glean new insights into the business of law.

We are thrilled to welcome associate Anna Kathryn Barry to the firm! Anna Kathryn is an accomplished civil rights attorney who is committed to advocating for workers’ rights and social justice. Her proven track record and passion for excellence will drive exceptional results for our clients at #KCNF.   https://lnkd.in/eucryN4g   #Lawyers #LawFirm #EmploymentLaw #WelcomeToTheTeam

Earlier this month, KCNF attorney Margaret House had a great time attending the annual Lavender Law Conference. The multi-day National LGBTQ+ Bar Association event took place in Washington, D.C. and welcomed more than 2,000 private practice attorneys, in-house counsel, law students and other legal professionals from around the country to network and discuss career development and topics impacting the LGBTQ+ community. Pictured below with Margaret is career and business coach Jessie DaSilva, who presented on business development for newer attorneys. Other highlights from the event included panel discussions on developments in federal benefits and policies affecting LGBTQ+ people and their families, government regulations related to AI and employment, and navigating DEI in the legal industry. Thank you to the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and the many people who helped make the conference a success.  #LGBTQ #LGBTQLawyers #LavenderLaw #EmploymentLaw

UPDATE: Following Mack Karbon's analysis of the Eleventh Circuit’s decision in Lange v. Houston County, which held that an employer violated Title VII when it categorically excluded gender-affirming care from its employee healthcare plans, the court vacated the panel’s decision and granted the defendants’ request for a rehearing.    Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gBFrvXu9   #KCNF #EmploymentLaw #EmploymentLawyers #EmploymentDiscrimination

KCNF is proud to announce that managing partner Elaine Fitch and of counsel Steve Pershing were recognized in the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers list.  According to Lawdragon editors, “In almost every instance, a lawyer featured in this guide is recognized because they bring justice to individuals (or groups of them) for harm they have suffered in the fundamental right to work and enjoy a peaceable existence where they are respected and treated fairly.” For its list of 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers, Lawdragon combined independent journalistic research with submitted nominations. Candidates were vetted with peers and clients. You can learn more about the vetting process here: https://lnkd.in/gdm84532 #Lawdragon #EmploymentLaw #CivilRights #CivilRightsLaw #WorkersRights 

KCNF is proud to announce that four of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Please join us in congratulating the following lawyers: • George Chuzi – Employment Law – Individuals • Elaine Fitch (she/her) – Civil Rights Law, Employment Law – Individuals, Litigation – Labor and Employment • Mary Kuntz (she/her) – Employment Law – Individuals • Stephen Pershing – Employment Law – Individuals We are immensely proud of their achievements and their continued commitment to providing exceptional legal services. Congratulations to all! #BestLawyers #WashingtonDC #DC #LawFirms #EmploymentLaw

In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County that gender identity and sexual orientation are protected characteristics included in the meaning of "sex" under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. In the years since, courts have clashed over Bostock's application in cases involving access to gender affirming care. In a new blog post, KCNF's Mack Karbon explains a recent ruling from the Eleventh Circuit that provides both clarity and hope on this issue for transgender employees. https://lnkd.in/gBFrvXu9 #KCNF #EmploymentLaw #EmploymentLawyers #EmploymentDiscrimination

REALITY! Marijuana is illegal under federal law. If an individual uses marijuana while they have a clearance, they will very likely lose their clearance. Use of marijuana prior to having a clearance will likely raise concerns, but applicants may be able to mitigate those concerns under certain circumstances and with a promise not to be involved with illegal drugs in the future. As the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines recently concluded in a memorandum to adjudicative agencies, prior marijuana use “may be relevant to adjudications” but it is “not determinative.”   Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/d4BGPScW Details from Elisabeth Baker-Pham and Aaron Szot.   #SecurityClearance #FederalEmployees #FederalContractors #Cannabis #MarijuanaUse