David Ken Hou

David Ken Hou

Partner, Boylan Code LLP

Years in current role: 5+

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?

Unquestionably the COVD pandemic and how it has forced both employers and employees to adjust our understanding and expectations of what it means to provide for employees, in terms of job benefits, how to balance or allow work-from-home arrangements fairly, etc., and the same thing from employees’ standpoint.

What do you see as the biggest changes in labor and employment law in the next 3-5 years?

The law always lags technology in every field. I think it will be interesting to see how advances in technology and changing social norms continue to challenge our established notions of employer/employee/independent contractor relationships.Also, in the area of civil rights, what are considered civil rights in the context of employment law, in particular in other parts of the country, will be interesting to follow.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

I serve on the Board of Directors for the Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library. As the child of immigrants, the local public library played a central role in my parents learning English and my own love of reading. Public libraries are one of the most important community resources we have; they are more than just a place for people to find books — they can provide internet access, help people find jobs, are a gathering place for the community.I also serve on the board of PUSH Physical Theatre, a local physical theater company with a national reputation and one of our community’s hidden gems. I have a deep love and appreciation for all arts as a form of self-expression and self-fulfillment, and believe we can always do more to support our local artists.