Make plans to attend the largest employment law conference in Southwest Florida, HR Law & Solutions, now in its 26th year! Henderson Franklin’s Employment Law and Workers’ Compensation attorneys will return to Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, for a fun-filled day of education and networking. Click here to view the seminar brochure.
Topics and Speakers
8:30 – 9:45 a.m. Legislative and Case Law Update
Speakers: John D. Agnew, Esquire and Robert C. Shearman, Esquire
John and Bob will provide an interactive update on notable court decisions,
including cases addressing contentious employment policies and contract provisions, discrimination against protected classes of workers, as well as other noteworthy employee claims. EEOC trends and legislative developments impacting employers also will be addressed.
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. When Can I Fire This Injured Employee
Panel: Michael McCabe, Esquire (Moderator); Martha Bryson, SHRM-SCP, SPHR; John F. Potanovic, Esquire; David H. Roos, Esquire; and, Frank W. Piazza, Esquire (Mediator)
A panel of workers’ compensation and employment defense attorneys will be joined by an HR professional and a claimant’s attorney/mediator to address best practices when confronted with discipline or termination of an employee with an ongoing or recent workers’ compensation claim. The discussion will explore issues that can arise when dealing with this sensitive scenario, under workers compensation law, the ADA, and the FMLA, with the goal of avoiding unnecessary costs (wages and benefits) and reducing the risk of litigation.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. #MeToo: Addressing the Harassment Epidemic in the Workplace
Speakers: Suzanne M. Boy, Esquire and John F. Potanovic, Esquire
One can hardly turn on the news these days without being bombarded by allegations of sexual harassment against celebrities and other public figures. #MeToo has become a powerful symbol of just how widespread sexual harassment is across the planet, with women and men of all backgrounds and in countless professions sharing their stories of abuse and harassment. In this session, attendees will learn about the many forms of sexual harassment, the types of behavior the courts say constitutes sexual harassment, the EEOC’s guidance and legal considerations regarding harassment, and an employer’s obligations under the law. Attendees will also learn practical tips, including specific actions to foster a harassment-free workplace; how to develop and enforce an anti-harassment policy; and day-to-day management practices that safeguard an organization.
1:45 – 3:15 p.m. Hide Your Goat: Strategies to Stay Positive When Negativity Surrounds You
Guest Speaker: Steve Gilliland
Not only do problem employees perform poorly, they make it tough for everyone else to do their jobs, too. The infection can spread quickly and those who discharge the poisonous toxin are masquerading as managers, supervisors and co-workers. The venom they eject produces by-products of bad attitudes, including resistance to change and personality conflicts. They cost plenty in terms of productivity and morale and make life tough for everyone. They delight in getting your goat! You’ll learn why people have bad attitudes and explore ways to head off conflict and confront people about their bad attitudes. Armed with information you gain from this session, you’ll be on your way to finding win-win solutions that will have you and your colleagues working effectively together. This session is guaranteed to make you laugh a lot, learn a lot, and leave outfitted with the means necessary to Hide Your Goat.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Employment Law Potpourri
Panel: John D. Agnew, Esquire; Suzanne M. Boy, Esquire; John F. Potanovic, Esquire; Robert C. Shearman, Esquire; David H. Roos, Esquire; Michael McCabe, Esquire
The legal issues facing HR professionals in the current economic climate are many, and the ever-evolving nature of employment law can make management and prevention of problems difficult for even the most experienced HR professional. Thorough knowledge of employment laws, early recognition of issues, and swift problem solving is key to reducing your company’s exposure to the many employment claims so prevalent today. Have questions you would like answered by the panelists? Email them in advance to Gail Lamarche at gail.lamarche@henlaw.com.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Happy Hour
Please join us after the conference for happy hour.
Continuing Education
This conference has been approved by SHRM for 5.75 PDCs and from HRCI for 5.75 Recertification Credit Hours (General).
Conference Partners
We are grateful for the support and sponsorship of Lykes Insurance (lunch sponsor) and of Gravity Benefits (breakfast and happy hour sponsor), as well as our in-kind partners Charlotte County SHRM, SHRM SWFL, and HR Collier.
Registration
Registration is $50 per person and includes a continental breakfast, plated lunch, seminar materials, and valet parking. To online register now, click here.
Join the discussion on social media using the #swflhrlaw hashtag.
We hope to see you soon! For group reservations or questions, please contact me at gail.lamarche@henlaw.com or by phone at 239-344-1186.