07-07-25 Wende Knapp Discusses Key Employment Law Developments in Rochester Business Journal
Wende J. Knapp, Partner and Head of Woods Oviatt Gilman's Labor & Employment Law Practice Group, was featured in the Rochester Business Journal discussing several critical developments reshaping New York's employment law landscape in 2025.
Knapp emphasized that employers are navigating "an era of accelerated change, marked by regulatory volatility and innovation," with New York leading federal trends in worker protections and HR technology regulation.
Her insights covered four major areas of concern for employers:
- AI in Hiring: New compliance laws are emerging as AI becomes more prevalent in recruitment processes, with New York proposing legislation requiring formal AI impact assessments and penalties for automation-driven job displacement.
- DEI Initiatives: While facing federal rollbacks, DEI remains a priority at the state level, creating a complex compliance environment for employers.
- Noncompete Agreements: New York continues pushing legislation to eliminate most noncompetes, with Knapp advising employers to redesign restrictive covenant strategies with focus on trade secret protection and retention incentives.
- Wage and Hour Litigation: There's an uptick in related legal actions, requiring employers to stay vigilant about compliance.
Knapp noted that "more than ever, legal risk management requires anticipation, not just reaction," emphasizing the strategic opportunity for forward-looking organizations.
Read the full Rochester Business Journal article here for comprehensive coverage of New York's evolving employment law landscape.
Contact Wende Knapp at Woods Oviatt Gilman for guidance on employment law compliance and strategy.
