Handbook Essentials (Pewaukee, WI)

Registration is from 8:00 – 8:30 A.M. / Q&A to follow from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M.

Employee Handbooks in the 21st Century And Other Laws You Need to Know

Like most employers, you probably have an employee handbook, but when did you last review and update its contents? Are you sure your handbook complies with current laws? Will your handbook stand up to increased scrutiny by the DOL, EEOC or NLRB? Will your handbook get you into trouble in your next employee lawsuit? Employment laws and regulations are ever-changing which means every few years (or more frequently), you need to dust off that handbook and give it a proper evaluation.

The Horton Group is pleased to invite you to this timely presentation on updating your employee handbooks. Join us and attorney Noah Frank of SmithAmundsen as he guides you through effectively using an employee handbook and identify top employee handbook mistakes that could cost you. Whether you have one employee or one thousand, this presentation is not to be missed!

Topics include:

• The purpose of an employee handbook;
• Wage/Hour compliance;
• Safety standards;
• New EEO reporting and complaint procedure language;
• Surviving DOL, NLRB and EEOC scrutiny;
• What should be included in an employee handbook (and excluded);
• Privacy, workplace searches and drug testing policies;
• Preserving the at-will employment relationship;
• Ineffective handbook language to avoid;
• What to do when there is a union workforce; and
• Other common employee handbook mistakes.

Noah A. Frank

SmithAmundsen LLC

Noah provides services to clients in labor and employment litigation and counseling; corporate and business counseling; and workers’ compensation defense and Compliance. He advises employers of all sizes from “Mom n’ Pop Shops” to restaurant chains; physician and other professional service offices to temporary staffing services; and international manufacturers/ distributers.

Noah works with his clients to develop labor and employment strategies, and draft employment agreements, contracts, and handbooks. His experience includes work on union successor collective bargaining agreements, responses to unfair labor practices, and grievance administration through successful arbitration. Noah has negotiated multiple favorable post-termination settlements in FLSA and discrimination/retaliation claims, and has significant experience advising clients on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and Illinois Wage Payment & Collection matters. Noah regularly presents practical advice for handling difficult employees and return-to-work situations following on-the-job injuries.

Noah’s workers’ compensation experience includes complex matters related to representation of uninsured employers and non-compliance matters, as well as workers’ compensation and occupational disease defense. Noah has obtained several successful resolutions before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission’s Insurance Compliance Unit. He has litigated Workers’ Compensation claims through the Illinois Appellate Court, and has obtained numerous favorable awards on behalf of his clients.

Noah was included in Illinois Super Lawyers, Rising Stars* list for 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015; a peer review distinction by Thomson Reuters awarded to 2.5% of attorneys in the State of Illinois. Attorneys named to the Rising Stars list are in practice for less than 10 years or under the age of 40. Noah has received a “BV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell for his legal ability and ethics.

Rebecca Dobbs Bush

SmithAmundsen LLC

As a former human resources consultant, Rebecca has a unique understanding of the legal landmines her clients face every day. Hot topic issues like employee benefits, executive compensation and ERISA can be exceedingly difficult for employers to navigate without strong and dedicated counsel. Rebecca thoughtfully and skillfully provides management with advice and counsel in employee benefit compliance, administration issues and employment litigation.

Additionally, Rebecca represents employers in various matters arising under federal and state employment laws, including wage and hour claims and audits, discrimination and retaliation claims and contract disputes. She also helps employers navigate the quagmire of health care reform compliance.

When she is not working she is actively participating in local events and fundraising efforts within her community of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.