EventWe invite you to join us for Michael Best’s 31st Annual Labor & Employment Relations Law Seminar!
Join human resources professionals, business executives, and legal counsel from across the region for a day of networking and education. The day will include a keynote presentation by Catherine Sanderson who will speak on the Science of Success and a roundtable discussion covering the labor and employment challenges that keep leadership up at night. The plenary program will be followed by breakout sessions on a variety of legal and human resources trends and developments affecting the employee-employer relationship.
We are excited to offer attendees the ability to choose their breakout sessions from three tracks, allowing you to customize the day so it is best suited for you!
- Workforce Development & Culture - Appropriate for HR Leadership
- C-Suite/General Counsel - Appropriate for General Counsel & Leadership
- Workplace Policies & Practices - Appropriate for all HR professionals
Tracks and topics are noted below.
7:30 - 8:00 a.m. - Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Welcome & Keynote Speaker
The Science of Success
Catherine Sanderson describes empirical scientific research in a highly engaging style, and gives audiences practical strategies they can implement to improve their personal and professional lives. This talk presents both surprising and not-so-surprising information on the science behind happiness and success. What role do money, marriage, friends, children, weather, age, and religion play in making us feel happier and more successful? Is it stable over time? How can it be increased? Professor Sanderson will describe cutting-edge research from the field of positive psychology on the factors that do (and do not) predict happiness and success.
9:00 - 9:45 a.m. - State of Employment Law: What Keeps Leadership Up at Night
Moderated by attorney Farrah Rifelj.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Session I
Workforce Development & Culture Track
Addressing Sexual Harassment in the #MeToo and TIME’S UP Era
Attorneys Sarah Flotte and Katherine Goyert will lead an interactive discussion on the impact of #MeToo and TIME’S UP in the workplace. This session will include training on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to harassment, how to conduct internal investigations, and how to implement effective anti-harassment training and practices. HR leaders and professionals also will have an opportunity to connect with each other and share best practices for addressing harassment issues in the workplace.
C-Suite/General Counsel Track
C-“Sweet” Roundtable: Best Practices for Limiting Liability
With regulatory change, evolving employment litigation trends, and altered agency priorities, employers continue to face uncertainty in 2019. In this two-part roundtable, attorney Scott Beightol will host a dynamic discussion covering what executives in the C-Suite need to know to limit significant liability exposure. The session will conclude with a review of what the C-Suite needs to know about trends in employee benefits, immigration, trade secrets and non-compete enforcement, and workplace safety. This high-level session will provide the opportunity to discuss best practices for protecting your business with our attorneys and your peers.
*This session is restricted to C-Suite leaders and General Counsel.
*This session runs through Session II.
Workplace Policies & Practices Track
The State of Employment Law 2019
Join Michael Best Labor & Employment attorneys Bethany McCurdy and Emi Passini for a practical, fast-paced session covering key employment law trends, legislations, and legal updates and how they directly affect employee management. Discussion topics include:
- Supreme Court Update: Key Cases before the Court
- #MeToo and TIME'S UP's Lasting Impact
- Leave Management: Handling the Interplay of ADA/FMLA
- Wage and Hour Regulations
- Trade Secrets and Non-competes: Protecting Vital Information in the Digital Age
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Session II
Workforce Development & Culture Track
Dealing with the Unexpected: Family and Medical Leave Act Curve Balls
Although many HR professionals are familiar with the basic requirements of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), everyone occasionally runs across a problem scenario they have not yet encountered. In this session, attorneys Kirk Pelikan and Charles Stevens will describe strategies and approaches for spotting issues and administering unexpected FMLA leave requests.
C-Suite/General Counsel Track
C-“Sweet” Roundtable: Best Practices for Limiting Liability
(continued from Session I)
Workplace Policies & Practices Track
The Department of Labor[ious] Has Spoken – Getting Down to Work on the Significant Developments in Wage & Hour Law
Attorneys Mitchell Quick and Judson Stelter will discuss, among other topics, the Department of Labor’s (DOL) recent proposed changes to the minimum salary thresholds for the “white collar” overtime exemptions, notable recent DOL Opinion Letters and settlements, and two easy ways an employer can reduce wage claim exposure.
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Lunch
1:15 - 2:15 p.m. - Session III
Workforce Development & Culture Track
Considerations When Creating Your Employee Benefits Strategy for 2020 (and Beyond)
In this interactive session, attorneys Carrie Byrnes, Jason Faust, and Mark Lotito will offer insights into current employee benefits trends, what to watch out for when evaluating or implementing these in vogue benefits, and what impact (if any) they might have on the workforce (including recruiting and retention efforts). Audience members will be encouraged to share anecdotes on employee benefit trends being championed in their workplaces, what effect those benefits have or have had, and what are or were challenges in implementing or maintaining those benefits. Whether it’s revamping health care offerings (concierge for all?), revisiting “wellness” on a holistic basis, adding a “student debt relief” component to the 401(k) plan, or something else cutting-edge, the panel will aim to provoke thought on trends you may be – or perhaps should be – considering.
C-Suite/General Counsel Track
Managing Privacy & Cybersecurity Concerns within a Digital Workforce (including Trade Secrets)
Corporate cybersecurity and privacy obligations continue to be a significant concern for employers. The risks of data breaches and data theft from external and internal actors, including employees, continue and are expected to increase. In this interactive seminar, attorneys Luis Arroyo and Adrienne Ehrhardt will recreate a data breach scenario and walk you through the steps your company needs to take to mitigate risk of further breach, navigate the various reporting requirements, and take proactive steps to secure information removed.
Workplace Policies & Practices Track
Immigration Update: Changes, Challenges, and Workplace Strategies
U.S. immigration policies and practices continue to shift on a regular basis. Join attorneys Kelly Fortier, José Olivieri, and Kelly Rourke as they discuss the current immigration climate, work visa trends, recent and upcoming changes, and immigration compliance strategies. The presenters will welcome questions related to any of your immigration concerns, including those tricky I-9 matters.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Session IV
Workforce Development & Culture Track
What You Don’t Know about #EqualPay Could Cost You
Equal pay for equal work has been the law of the land for 56 years, but the topic is hotter than ever and pay disparities still exist. With the #EqualPay movement in the spotlight and pay discrimination claims on the rise, employers face mounting pressure to close the wage gap. In this session, Michael Best Labor and Employment attorneys, Amy Bruchs and Kaitlyn Trizna, will:
- analyze the requirements of the Equal Pay Act;
- review current trends and cases, including whether employers may rely on salary history;
- review state and federal new and proposed legislation; and
- discuss strategies how to comply with these laws to avoid and defend pay discrimination claims.
C-Suite/General Counsel Track
Ethical Considerations for In-House Counsel—a 2019 Update
During this session, attorneys Christopher Parker and Ann Ustad Smith will cover what in-house counsel need to know to ensure they are following the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Discussion topics include identifying the client, ethics rules and settlements, ethical communications with current and former employees, handling metadata, and the receipt of confidential information.
* One hour of ethics credit is currently pending for this program.
Workplace Policies & Practices Track
Mental Health, Workplace Violence, and… OSHA?
OSHA’s recent enforcement actions have placed the Agency at the crux of workplace violence and mental health issues by taking the position that employers have an affirmative duty to protect employees from hazards caused by violent or mentally ill individuals, even when the individuals are third parties. Join Patrick Bernal, Benjamin Johnson, and Charles Palmer as they walk through the potential implications of OSHA’s involvement in these types of incidents, the procedures needed to comply with OSHA guidelines, and best practices to mitigate risk while continuing to navigate the difficult legal landscape regarding mental health and violence in the workplace.
3:30 p.m. - Adjourn
Seminar Fee:
General Rate: $180
CLE credit in WI, CO, IL, NC, TX, UT, and VA is pending. We are happy to provide the program materials to participants applying for credit in other states. The program is valid for Professional Development Credits for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM. This program has been submitted to the HR Certification Institute for review for PHR/SPHR credit.
Contact Ashley Ortlieb for an Illinois attorney Financial Hardship application.
For more information, please contact our Events Team. Related People Preview Attorney's BiographyLuis represents employers in a range of labor and employment matters and has developed a significant practice focusing on employee defection and recruitment, including litigating injunction and damage actions relating to: covenants not to compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements, unfair competition, trade secrets, duty of loyalty, the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act, and state trade secrets and unfair competition statutes.  Preview Attorney's BiographyBusinesses, owners, and boards of directors look to Scott as their outside general counsel to ensure legal compliance of their operations and initiatives. Scott also represents businesses and manages litigation in federal and state courts and administrative agencies throughout the country in all areas of employment law.  Preview Attorney's BiographyPatrick navigates highly complex cases, providing his clients with services including trial and appellate advocacy, and pre-litigation dispute resolution.  Preview Attorney's BiographyAmy’s outstanding track record is built on successful outcomes in the full spectrum of labor, employment and business-related issues, in both litigation and non-litigation settings. As a problem solver, Amy applies common sense and creativity to develop targeted employment-related solutions for her clients.  Preview Attorney's BiographyCarrie crafts practical solutions to complex problems without overlooking technical details – guiding employers through the development and implementation of talent, compensation, and benefits strategies designed to enhance top line growth while managing bottom line expenditures and compliance.  Preview Attorney's BiographyKnown for giving practical and actionable legal advice, Adrienne counsels clients on the many complex aspects of privacy and data management matters. Her extensive background includes experience with issues relating to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), as well as privacy programs and cyber security issues.  Preview Attorney's BiographyKelly helps employers of all sizes meet their staffing needs by handling the immigration issues they face in hiring foreign nationals and moving employees around the globe. A partner in the firm’s Labor & Employment Relations Practice Group and Co-chair of the immigration practice, she handles compliance issues for corporations that transfer dozens of employees into and out of the United States each year, as well as small companies seeking to bring in a few key hires from abroad.  Preview Attorney's BiographyBen is an experienced labor & employment attorney who brings a winning combination of big-picture strategies, attention to detail, and a responsive, collegial approach to his work representing employers of all sizes. Ben has particular expertise working with food, beverage, and agribusiness clients, and leads the firm’s Beer, Wine & Spirits group. In addition, he works extensively with many of the firm’s higher education clients.p>  Preview Attorney's BiographyClients turn to Dan because he is an outstanding litigator and a trusted advisor on employment issues. His deep knowledge of employment law, exceptional judgment, and strategic advice enable clients to achieve their goals. Businesses, colleges and universities, municipalities, and other clients rely on Dan’s proven litigation experience and proactive counsel on a broad range of issues.  Preview Attorney's BiographyMark assists clients in a range of employee benefits matters, including legal compliance, transaction due diligence, and litigation. He brings a multifaceted, big picture outlook to helping clients unravel the challenges of complex benefits-related problems.He has established a strong track record in achieving successful outcomes for clients confronted by employee benefits litigation and arbitration claims. Mark has also successfully litigated patent and trade secret litigation claims, as well as employment non-compete claims.  Preview Attorney's BiographyBethany advises and represents employers on the many facets of the employment relationship. Clients turn to her for counsel on the everyday dealings of employees, such as accommodating disabled employees, administering the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and reviewing handbooks and policies.  Preview Attorney's BiographyJosé is the Chair of the of the firm’s Higher Education Industry Group and counsels colleges and universities on issues including governance, financial challenges, Title IX, student discipline, employment matters, discrimination, and contract administration. José is also the founder of Michael Best’s Immigration law practice. Clients depend on his deep knowledge of and experience with U.S. immigration law and employment-based immigration matters, including immigration status, permanent labor certification, national interest waiver, adjustment of status, consular processing, citizenship and naturalization, and I-9 compliance.  Preview Attorney's BiographyChuck is a go-to lawyer for complex cases involving OSHA, employment law, labor negotiations, independent contractor and joint employment matters. Clients rely on his years of experience in dealing with state and federal enforcement agencies to develop human resource, safety and environmental policies and practices that prevent problems and save them significant expense. Chuck has defended employers in more than 1,000 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citation cases over the past 26 years.  Preview Attorney's BiographyChris is known for steering clients through complex litigation – from trials to appeals, arbitration, or mediation – and providing effective, efficient results in federal and state jurisdictions throughout United States.  Preview Attorney's BiographyEmi represents management in a wide variety of legal issues affecting the employee-employer relationship. Emi started her career as a summer associate at Michael Best. Prior to her joining the firm, she was a Clinical Student for Legal Assistance to Institutionalized Persons (LAIP), and was an intern for the University of Wisconsin NCAA Compliance Office.  Preview Attorney's BiographyKirk’s practice focuses on legal issues related to all aspects of the employment cycle, from hiring through termination and severance. Substantially experienced in both benefits and employment law, Kirk is well positioned to help clients respond to the opportunities, vulnerabilities and benefit ramifications of particular employment decisions. Kirk’s focus includes developing and maintaining effective compliance strategies related to defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, executive compensation and more.  Preview Attorney's BiographyMitch serves as a trusted advisor to businesses on all aspects of management labor and employment law. Clients value his deep knowledge of employment and labor laws, with an emphasis on wage and hour law. Clients regularly seek his counsel regarding compliance with the many and continually changing labor and employment laws, as well as to address challenging or risky personnel situations.  Preview Attorney's BiographyFarrah serves Michael Best in two capacities: as partner in the Labor and Employment Relations Practice Group and as a member of the Management Committee. Her practice focuses on employment counseling and employment litigation, with a particular emphasis on discrimination, noncompetition, and Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).  Preview Attorney's BiographyKelly assists employers with administrative law matters, focusing her practice primarily on employment-based immigration. She regularly helps clients meet critical staffing needs by obtaining nonimmigrant status for foreign workers and securing and maintaining legal permanent residence for foreign nationals.  Preview Attorney's BiographyAnn works with business owners, investors, and lenders, establishing and navigating their financial relationships and resolving matters relating to financial distress. Her practice is focused on commercial transactions, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, and other insolvency situations.  Preview Attorney's BiographyJud represents management in all phases of employment law, including issues related to discrimination and harassment, wages and hours, family and medical leave, employment contracts, non-compete agreements, criminal background checks and affirmative action. He also assists employers in investigating and responding to charges of discrimination and unfair labor practices, and advises clients on the avoidance and/or management of litigation in these areas.  Preview Attorney's BiographyA persuasive advocate, Charlie vigorously defends employers and benefit plans in courts and other forums. He excels at assessing and fixing problems that arise with employee benefit programs and providing a strategically driven approach to benefits compliance and risk management planning.
 Date:
Tuesday, May 21, 2019 Time (Central):
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Location:
Wisconsin Center
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203 |