Originally published in the Connecticut Law Tribune January 2, 2012 VOL. 38 • NO. 1.

A few years back, the Connecticut Bar Association gave out what is still among the best swag I’ve gotten at a conference — a real-life “Magic 8” ball. So, in looking to see what 2012 might bring in the labor and employment sector, I kept it by my side to add some important guidance to my predictions. Of course, as in real life, I had to keep shaking it to get the answer I really wanted to see, which you’ll notice I’ve added.)

Of course, it’ll be difficult to top 2011 in terms of new developments. Passage of the Paid Sick Leave bill in Connecticut, adding “gender identity” as a protected category under the state’s anti-discrimination laws, as well as a bevy of U.S. Supreme Court cases all have left employers scrambling to keep up with developments.

There’s no rest for the weary, though. Labor and employment practitioners and employers should start looking ahead at 2012.