Concurrent Sessions

We will have three concurrent breakout sessions going on throughout the conference. You will be able to choose the topics that interest or challenge you the most from compliance to best practices.

Sessions will include:

Workplace Drug Policy Conundrums: Marijuana Legalization and More, presented by Christopher Olmsted        

In November, California voters will decide whether or not to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Regardless of the outcome of that vote, what may employers do to develop and enforce workplace drug and alcohol policies and what, specifically, should be done now to respond to the growing trend of medical and recreational marijuana use? This session will provide tips and best practices to follow so that your policies with respect to applicants and employees are up to date.

 

Conducting a Gender Equity Audit, presented by Fred Plevin, Esq.

With the passage of the California Fair Pay Act, the EEOC's upcoming requirement that employers report pay data by gender and many high-profile gender equity lawsuits, it is more important than ever for employers to conduct a gender equity audit. This session will explain the steps for conducting an effective gender equity audit.

 

Creating Severance Agreements That Protect Your Organization, presented by David Monks, Esq.   

The best way to avoid litigation is to prevent it. One way to do that is through the use of severance agreement. But courts may not enforce an agreement that is vague or overreaching, or does not have required features. Learn how to create an effective, well written agreement that will give your organization what it's paying for -- peace of mind.

 

Top 10 Things Employers do to get Sued by their Employees, presented by Lauraine Bifulco

Without realizing the potential consequences, every day, employers make some very common mistakes that create significant liability for their company. In this session you will hear  interesting stories about  some of most common errors made by employers. Join us to learn from their errors and head back to your company in a position to help avoid these pitfalls.

 

Less Risk, Better Talent: Using Assessments the Legal Way, by Greg Barnett, Ph.D.

This session will cover the foundations of a legally sound assessment strategy that improves talent decision-making while minimizing legal risk. We will explore the basics of EEOC and ADA law with respect to assessments and review best practices for being both safe and effective when using these valuable tools.

 

Social Media in the Workplace, presented by Jenna Leyton-Jones, Esq. and Jennifer Lutz, Esq.

This presentation will explore the pros, cons, and pitfalls of social media use in the workplace. Topics covered will include the latest legislative and judicial guidance, as well as practical tips on issues such as checking social media during the hiring process, disciplining employees for social media posts, and regulating social media use during work hours. Attendees will also be provided tips on drafting effective and enforceable social media policies.

 

Wrongful Discharge, presented by Mike Drenan, Esq.

This session will discuss the importance of ensuring at-will employment agreements - signed in writing - be maintained in personnel files in the form of applications and handbook acknowledgments at a minimum. It will also focus on the types of wrongful termination actions that we defend and how to use preventative measures other than at-will to help prevent and defend wrongful discharge actions.

 

Investigations that Work, presented by Don Phin, Esq.

In this fast moving presentation Don will share with you seven very important tips: 1. Where there is smoke…investigate! 2. Be prompt, thorough and independent; 3. Get to the truth and assess credibility; 4. Don’t make things worse! 5.Use attorneys wisely; 6. Appropriate discipline; 7. Making victims whole. Don will also provide an Investigation Checklist and other tools you can use!

 

Identity Theft in the Workplace and Its Impact on HR, presented by Kris Evans

Identity Theft is currently the fastest growing white collar crime in the country and the risk has never been greater. From employees to customers, there is a major need to educate on all levels and protect sensitive data. Participants will learn the 5 major types of identity theft and to be more prepared to protect non-public information (NPI).

 

Challenges for US Employers Hiring Foreign National Students, presented by Marlene Z. Stanger, Esq.

There are approximately one million foreign students in the US. Employers who hire foreign students and significantly invest in their training face the prospect of losing them, together with their skills and talents, if they cannot remain in the US in employment authorized status. We will provide insights and solutions on how to maintain their employment authorization.

 

ACA IRS Enforcement - What to Expect, presented by John Barkley, Esq.

With IRS Employer Shared Responsibility Payment notices due to come out in late January and early February, Employers need to be prepared to respond. The presentation will overview the IRS selection process, examination process, as well as the documents and information employers will need to respond.