Mintz's Fifth Annual Employment Law Summit

Join us on April 30, 2019 for Mintz’s Fifth Annual Employment Law Summit as we bring together thought leaders to discuss the employment law hot topics of the day. This year, we are pleased to announce Heather MacMaster, the Deputy General Counsel of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, as our keynote speaker. She will focus her remarks on the New York State Paid Family Leave Law and related leave management issues. We will also host segments that cover many of the issues that arise during the employee life cycle – from hiring to retention to separation to post-separation, including issues related to discrimination and harassment, including #MeToo, performance management and leave and disabilities, reductions in force, separation agreements and releases, post-employment employee mobility issues, and much, much more. CLE and HR Credit both available.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Topics Covered:

• Managing Legal Risks in the Hiring Process

  • This segment will highlight the legal risks and best practices employers may encounter as they move from recruiting to hiring to onboarding.  From job postings, to employment applications and interview questions, to the conditional job offer and orientation, an employer’s efforts to comply with the law can make all the difference between a costly lawsuit and a successful hire.

  • Presenters: Andrew J. Bernstein,  Tyrone P. Thomas 

• Performance Management and Risk Mitigation

  • This panel discussion will focus on best practices for performance management and mitigating risk in implementing personnel decisions or responding to employee accommodation requests or discrimination claims. We will explore questions such as how should an employer respond when a poor performer complains about discrimination or harassment? Or what are my options when an employee with a disability seeks an extended leave of absence or a telecommuting arrangement? We will also explore best practices for complying with NYC’s new cooperative dialogue law.

  • Panelists: Christopher D' Angelo,  Elana Marcus,  David Reid 

  • Moderator: Jessica W. Catlow

• Employee Relations and #MeToo

  • In this segment, our panel will provide their insights on the #MeToo movement’s continued impact on the workplace and offer tips on complying with New York State and New York City’s new anti-harassment laws. We will explore, among other topics, how best to (1) create a culture of compliance, professionalism, and respect; (2) revamp policies, procedures, and investigation processes; and (3) deliver effective training.

  • Panelists: Philip Berry,  Chérie Schaible,  Elena J. Voss 

  • Moderator: Richard H. Block

• Separation of Employment – Getting it Right

  • The time has come to end the relationship. And whether or not the separation is amicable, there are many issues employers must address to avoid potential liability and maintain goodwill with their alumni. This segment will explore issues related to employee separations, including exit interviews, final pay requirements, separation agreements and releases, reductions in force, and more. We will also discuss practical tips for addressing issues that may arise.

  • Presenters: Katharine O. Beattie,  David Barmak

• Keynote 

  • This year, the Summit will feature Heather MacMaster, the Deputy General Counsel of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. The WCB enforces New York’s Paid Family Leave Law and Ms. MacMaster is one of the key officials behind its enforcement efforts. Ms. MacMaster will cover selected issues with respect to the law and related leave management issues.  Her remarks will be followed by a Q&A.  

  • Keynote Speaker: Heather MacMaster

• Protecting Yourself After Your Employee is Gone

  • Employers entrust their employees with their confidential information and trade secrets and their most valuable customer relationships. An employee’s departure magnifies these issues. This final segment explores best practices for preserving confidentiality, safeguarding trade secrets, protecting customer relationships and goodwill, and guarding against unfair competition This segment will also explore how, if at all, employers can manage the employee’s social media and other communications post-employment.

  • Presenter: Jennifer B. Rubin