Decision 2008: Session details for Gentry Locke's 2008 Labor & Employment Symposium
Sessions & Agenda: Virginia Employment Law Caucus
Available in two locations: Roanoke Lynchburg
This program has been pre-approved by HRCI for 6.0 credits.
Presenter Bios 
8:00am - 8:30am Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:30am - 8:35am Welcome/Introductory Remarks
8:35am - 9:30am Avoiding the Landslide — What Keeps You Up at Night
DAVID PAXTON
Changes are coming in this election year. This session will cover what is "hot" as well as new developments from the latest Court decisions, EEOC and NLRB actions, and new legislation.
9:30am - 10:00am The "Conservative" Approach to I-9 Compliance
DAVID PAXTON, BROOKE ROSEN
Immigration is a hot topic in employment law with recent changes to the I-9 form and an ongoing battle regarding the controversial SSA no-match letter initiatives. We will discuss changes to the I-9 form and acceptable verification documentation. We will also address the pros and cons of the use of the federal E-Verify program, as well as the status of the SSA no-match letter controversy.
10:00am - 10:15am RECESS
10:15am - 11:00am Workplace Bullying: Unlawful Discrimination/Retaliation or "Just Being a Jerk"?
PAUL KLOCKENBRINK, GREG HUNT
Is your office a bully pulpit or a place where bullying is tolerated? The lines between bullying and illegal discrimination have become increasingly blurred. Thirteen states have introduced some version of anti-bullying legislation. This presentation will address when bullying goes too far and the legal implications for your company. We will focus on issues where bullying behavior actually exposes the company to potential liability, including allegations of illegal discrimination or retaliation.
11:00am - 11:45am Choose a BREAKOUT SESSION:
Brokering a Deal: Drafting Enforceable Agreements for Your Key Personnel
TODD LEESON
How do you protect your company’s confidential information? What steps are you taking to prevent a key employee from departing and taking your customers? What agreements, if any, should you require your employees to sign? This session will answer these questions and will provide attendees with practical recommendations designed to protect their business from unfair competition.
Workplace Technology Ticker
GREG HUNT, DAVID PAXTON
A look at technology issues every company should be concerned about. Learn practical solutions for handling "negative campaigning" by employee bloggers, properly addressing internet-based job applications, and the steps to take to prevent employees and others from using technology to harm your company.
11:45am - 12:45pm LUNCH
12:45pm - 1:30pm U-Tube Face-off
Gentry Locke puts you on the hot seat. Face your "rivals" and compete to win by testing your HR and legal knowledge.
1:30pm - 2:30pm Bipartisan Nightmare – Mental Health Issues Under the ADA and FMLA
PAUL KLOCKENBRINK
Employers continue to see a rise in workplace issues and complaints related to mental health issues. When confronted with these issues, employers often become paralyzed, fearful of saying the wrong thing or taking the wrong action. Is the employee’s misconduct or absence a disciplinary issue or protected activity under the ADA or FMLA? We will address measures that can help head off these headaches and will also explore return to work issues, intermittent leave, and how to communicate with the employee’s medical providers
2:30pm - 2:45pm RECESS
2:45pm - 3:30pm Choose a BREAKOUT SESSION:
Post-Accident Primary
BRETT MARSTON, SCOTT AUSTIN, MACEL JANOSCHKA
What should be your primary concerns immediately after a work place accident? How do you comply with the requirements of OSHA and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission while constructing your best case? This breakout session explores the investigations and strategy that follow a work-related accident.
Campaign for a Better Handbook & Training
PAUL KLOCKENBRINK
An employee handbook must change with the times. Key policies must be drafted so that all employees can understand the policies (i.e. teenagers). Are your key policies adequate and correctly drafted? We will address the do’s and don’ts of the employee handbook We will also address recent case decisions that again emphasize the need for training to avoid liability and punitive damages.
3:30pm - 4:00pm Choose or Lose: When Termination is the Best Decision
TODD LEESON
The "votes" are in. You decide it is necessary to terminate the employment of one of your employees. What are the current legal risks? This session will analyze the latest trends and will provide you with practical advice regarding the discharge decision. To illustrate the risks, we’ll learn some lessons from "The Office" along the way.
4:00pm - 4:15pm Questions and Answers
Remember to pick up your Certificate of Attendance and fill out a survey.
Available in two locations: Roanoke Lynchburg
If you need special accommodations or have other questions about the program, please email
glrm@gentrylocke.com.
The use of the HRCI seal is not an endorsement by HRCI of the quality of the program. It means that this program has met HRCI’s criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.
Associated File:LE-2008-packet.pdf