THE CONFERENCE ON STATE AND FEDERAL PERSONNEL LAWS

In this conference you'll learn...

The days when you could leave employment law concerns in the hands of your attorney are over. Today you´re in the hot seat, expected to know countless laws, regulations and federal and state decisions so you can adjust and modify your company´s employment practices accordingly. This session will help you do just that by giving you an up-to-the-minute update on the exact information you need to know. Then the session leader will give you expert insight and interpretation on each law and regulation—clearing up the confusion of contradictory laws and telling you how to apply and put into action what you learn. If you have any questions about how to comply with federal or state employment laws while still keeping your business competitive, you can´t afford to miss this session!
While, in theory, employers have the right to terminate employees "at will," legislative actions and court decisions continue to chip away at your right to discipline and discharge employees, diluting your ability to create the work environment you need to succeed. And, in a growing number of lawsuits initiated by employees against their employers, sympathetic courts and juries are awarding large settlements intended to "send a message" to employers. Attend this session for the legal fuel you need to terminate safely, in spite of the continuing erosion of the employment-at-will doctrine. Topics include:
Over the years, employers have routinely but innocently violated the complex laws governing exempt/nonexempt classification of employees. But recently, the Department of Labor has put a priority on seeking out classification errors—and businesses found not in compliance run the risk of devastating back pay and overtime liability settlements. Don´t be taken by surprise ... get the information and legal insight you need to get your classifications in order and avoid serious liability. Topics include:
Discrimination litigation is on the rise, and it is one of the most expensive and time-consuming legal actions to defend against. Even a small error can be devastating. Here´s your opportunity to get completely up to date on the EEOC´s latest rulings and more that are on the way ... and to get your internal policies and procedures in line. Topics include:
Employee monitoring is one of HR´s hottest issues as recent technological advancements and concern for employee privacy collide. What are your rights in monitoring telephones, computer terminals, voice mail and e-mail? This session examines both sides of this controversial subject to ensure you have the information you need to stay on firm ground. Topics include:
The discipline and termination of problem employees is essential if you´re to keep productivity and morale up. But when the problem is a poor attitude or negative personality, it can get tricky, and even the sharpest employers can get tripped up. In this session, get answers and information you can depend on as you assert your right to staff your business with the people you need to succeed and get rid of those who hamper your progress. Topics include:
The ADA and FMLA have been law for some time. But the courts are still struggling to define their parameters, causing endless confusion about where the laws overlap—or even conflict. As an employer trying to sort out your compliance strategy, you´re left with more questions than answers. This session will shed new light on recent court decisions, address the latest legal "hot spots" surrounding both laws and provide clear direction as you update and lawsuit-proof your practices. Topics include:
Is your employee handbook a ticking time bomb? You may think you´re on legally solid ground, but a judge may well disagree. More and more courts are treating handbooks as binding employment contracts which create legal rights and obligations which cannot be modified or terminated in the same way as "at-will" relationships can. Attend this session to find out what is happening in these cases, how handbooks are eroding employment-at-will, and how to head off problems in your organization. Topics include:
Hopefully, your company will never have to suffer through a long and messy litigation process. It can be financially devastating—in fact, some companies never get back on their feet. But in today´s lawsuit-happy environment, you must be prepared. Attend this session and explore the legal pros and cons of two increasingly popular ways to protect your company. Walk through a legally safe internal investigation process in an effort to prevent costly litigation down the road. If you haven´t yet had to follow up on an allegation of harassment, drug abuse, theft or other employee misconduct, chances are you will. Can alternative dispute resolution (ADR) really keep you out of court and save you money? Will Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) protect you from every claim? Get the answers here. Topics include:
Do you sometimes feel like you just can´t win when it comes to pre-employment screening? If you don´t check out candidates carefully and a troublemaker is hired, you could have many problems trying to discipline or terminate this employee. And if you do attempt to get a complete background check on a promising applicant? That process is full of perils too, including negligent hiring, violation of privacy, defamation and ADA violations. The answer? Attend this session and gain insight into how to expertly balance your need to know who you´re hiring with growing and complex legal restrictions. Topics include:

CEU Credits: 0.5
CPE Credits: 5.5
Field of Study: Business Law
NASBA#: 107718