Mehri & Skalet, PLLC

In response to Tyreek Hill's detainment before Sunday’s Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium game, the Fritz Pollard Alliance issued a statement: “Thankfully, on this occasion, nobody was seriously hurt. Were Hill, Campbell, and Smith not ultimately recognized as NFL players, the outcome may have been dire. It is our prayer that interactions with police across society will continue to improve and not escalate… The Fritz Pollard Alliance calls on the Miami-Dade Police Department to reassess its standard operating procedures with respect to both traffic stops and engaging with bystanders. Failing to do so invites a repeat of what occurred Sunday morning with potentially more tragic consequences.” The news of Tyreek Hill’s detainment shook the core of millions across the country who witness countless instances where police officers unfairly treat people of color. We commend the Fritz Pollard Alliance for using its platform to advocate and defend the rights of NFL players and American citizens. #NFL #TyreekHill #PoliceRelations #Justice Read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/eWdGtH7J

Mehri & Skalet, PLLC loved hearing the message the speakers at the National Whistleblower Center (NWC) elevated in honor of National Whistleblower Day?–?such as the powerful speech by the co-chair of the Senate Whistleblower Caucus, Sen. Ron Wyden. In his speech, the senator highlighted the whistleblowers and projects that have made an impact on the lives of the American public, such as; ??Whistleblowers who sought justice for taxpayers who were victim to the predatory Credit Suisse bank, ??The bipartisan efforts to blow the whistle and break up the monopoly on the organ transport system, ?And social security whistleblowers who raised concerns on the targeted penalties toward disabled citizens and left them to foot the bill for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Sen. Wyden concludes with reassurance that whistleblowers play the most critical role in public service.? Join us in this mission; if you or someone you know are looking for whistleblower representation, follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/etN2x6SN #WhistleblowerDay #Justice #Legal #Whistleblower #Whistleblowing

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a new Whistleblower program. The program incentivizes reporting of corporate misconduct to the government. The new DOJ program will supplement reward programs established by other agencies and will help prevent important whistleblower disclosures from going unrecognized and unrewarded. At Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, we stand firm in our commitment to protecting the rights of whistleblowers. We ensure that they can report misconduct without fear of retaliation or recourse. Some examples of the types of information DOJ is seeking through this program include: 1) certain crimes involving financial institutions, from traditional banks to cryptocurrency businesses, 2) foreign and domestic corruption involving misconduct by companies, 3) or health care fraud schemes involving private insurance plans. Mehri & Skalet, PLLC welcomes this new initiative from the Department of Justice and stands ready to assist whistleblowers who have information to share with DOJ. #whistleblower #DepartmentofJustice To read more about this latest program, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eUb8cv7T

The University of Missouri announced that it would eliminate its Division of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity.?Mizzou’s decision comes after pressure from conservative state lawmakers who have shown hostility toward efforts to attract and retain students from historically underrepresented groups. ? Mizzou’s decision and the closure of DEI offices around the country are steps backwards for higher education.?Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives strengthen campus communities, not divide them. Everyone benefits when we value one another, honor and celebrate our differences, and seek to better understand one other.? ? Former Assistant Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights & Title IX for the University of Missouri and Mehri & Skalet, PLLC Managing Partner Ellen Eardley said: ? “In 2015, students, faculty, and staff and administrators – led by?Concerned Student 1950?- exposed the ongoing inequities on Mizzou’s campus and called for change. The IDE Division was Mizzou’s long overdue response. When Mizzou created the division it centralized resources and elevated diversity and non-discrimination principles to the highest levels of the institution with a seat on the chancellor or president’s cabinet.?Now that leadership and the focus on implementing DEI values throughout the culture, research, and teaching of the institution is gone. This is a tragedy. To the staff that remain dispersed across campus, may you find strength and fortitude during these troubled times. You are true heroes.” ? #DEI #UniversityofMissouri #CivilRights #TitleIX #Colleges #Universities ? https://lnkd.in/dzyeve2G

Today, July 30th, marks National Whistleblower Day, which honors whistleblowers’ invaluable role in exposing injustice and fraud. Mehri & Skalet, PLLC proudly represent whistleblowers, ensuring their protection from retaliation and advocating for their rights to financial rewards from federal, state, local, and international governments. Richard C.?partner and co-chair of our Whistleblower Rights Practice, emphasizes the importance of the day: “Whistleblowers demonstrate the immense impact one can have in pursuing justice in the face of wrongdoing, and I have been honored to represent these courageous individuals throughout my career. National Whistleblower Day allows us to reaffirm our commitments to whistleblowers and honor their role in exposing fraud.” #NationalWhistleblowerDay #WhistleblowerRights #Whistleblower #CivilRights Learn more about Mehri & Skalet, PLLC whistleblowing practice here: https://lnkd.in/etN2x6SN

Early this week, Peter Buxtun, the whistleblower who courageously revealed that the U.S. government allowed Black men in Alabama to go untreated for syphilis – known as the Tuskegee Study – passed away. Buxtun's legacy is a powerful reminder of whistleblowers' impact by exposing injustice and protecting civil rights. Despite his impact, Buxtun faced retaliation from U.S. officials in the late 1960s for his concerns. Later, in 1972, Buxtun worked with the The Associated Press to bring the Tuskegee Study to light. Mehri & Skalet, PLLC believe whistleblowers, like Buxtun, demonstrate the immense impact individuals can have in pursuing justice in the face of wrongdoing. #whistleblower #civilrights #tuskegeestudy # PeterBuxtun Read more about Peter Buxtun and the effort to uncover the Tuskegee Study here: https://lnkd.in/eMGw2DXi

Last month, Mehri & Skalet, PLLC Associate Jane Kim attended Seoul Queer Culture Festival, the largest Pride event in South Korea. This year’s pride also marked the 25th anniversary of the festival. The festival took place despite the lack of funds, counter protests, and the city’s refusal to utilize the Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, where the main festivities have traditionally been held.? ? The laws of South Korea do not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, nor do they recognize same-sex union or other rights/benefits. ? Of the festival Jane Kim said, “I thought positive change could be coming based on the energy of the festival and the number of participants. I was reminded of my own brave clients, the importance of the work that we do at Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, and how our movement is interconnected across borders.”? ? #Pride #CivilRights #Festival #SouthKorea #equality #LGBTQIA #lovewins

Mehri & Skalet, PLLC is proud to announce a bittersweet goodbye for two beloved paralegals, Tena-Lesly Reid and Paris Shan, who are starting law school this fall. Team M&S gathered last week for a farewell lunch to celebrate their achievements. Thank you for everything Tena and Paris, we are confident that you will excel in your legal careers. We look forward to seeing you grow and reach your goals.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the 13 colonies’ separation from Great Britain.? Certainly, this was a monumental achievement, but those who accomplished it were far from perfect — as is reflected in their Declaration that "all MEN are created equal," at a time when most of them owned slaves. One of our country’s founders, John Adams, famously said “[f]acts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”? Unfortunately, the facts are that from our country’s founding, the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice have never been fully extended to all Americans. Ours has always been a story of struggle by marginalized and under-represented communities, seeking their "unalienable rights."? Yet, it is a story filled with wonderful successes over nearly 250 years. Just as July 4th reminds us of America's original, flawed, freedom fighters and the many battles fought and won in the nearly 250 years since then, it also serves as a stark reminder of the important work that still needs to be done — all at a time when enemies of equity and progress are as bold as they have been in decades.? Back on July 4, 1992, in his acceptance speech for the Liberty Award presented by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, then-retired Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall said: “Democracy just cannot flourish amid fear. Liberty cannot bloom amid hate. Justice cannot take root amid rage. America must get to work. . .? “The legal system can force open doors and sometimes even knock down walls. But it cannot build bridges. That job belongs to you and me. Afro and White, rich and poor, educated and illiterate, our fates are bound together. We can run from each other but we cannot escape each other. We will only attain freedom if we learn to appreciate what is different and muster the courage to discover what is fundamentally the same. America’s diversity offers so much richness and opportunity. Take a chance, won’t you? Knock down the fences that divide. Tear apart the walls that imprison. Reach out, freedom lies just on the other side. We should have liberty for all.” At Mehri & Skalet, we celebrate all those who came before us, who have advanced the cause of justice. Indeed, they are our inspiration to do our part to try to "form a more perfect union," just as our Constitution envisions. This 4th of July, we urge all Americans to take stock of the progress made, the progress denied, and the mountains we still must climb. We encourage you to imagine an inclusive and diverse democracy and economy that brings out the best of all of us, and to rely on facts -- not propaganda -- to support opinions and make decisions. Above all, we ask that you prepare to vote like the success, and perhaps the very survival, of America depends on it. Happy Independence Day!?

Team Mehri & Skalet, PLLC is officially CPR certified!??? Whether in an emergency or life threatening situation, #CPRSavesLives. Team M&S is committed to fostering a strong workplace ready and capable of meeting the moment. Join us in congratulating the newly certified CPR team at M&S. #CPRSavesLives #LearnCPR