Employment Counseling
Overview
We help you resolve challenging employee issues quickly so your managers and employees can do their jobs without distraction. We get to know your business and help you develop and maintain employment policies and practices best suited to your priorities that minimize the risk of costly litigation.
We know that you need fast answers and easy to understand solutions. Our team of experienced and highly responsive counselors provides efficient, practical advice. We work hand in hand with our clients, we become engrained in their culture, and their issues become our issues; their solutions are our focus.
Through our comprehensive series of employment law advisories and regional employment law seminars, we supplement our day-to-day advice and keep our clients informed of new federal, state, and local laws and their effects on the workplace.
Best practices audits and training
Conducts employment practices audits to determine compliance with state and federal laws and trains managers and staff on human resources best practices for clients in multiple industries.
Workplace investigations
Conducts and guides/“quarterbacks” human resources workplace investigations into employee complaints of harassment (hostile work environment and quid pro quo), discrimination, and retaliation. Prepares employee interview questions and follow-ups, reviews records, and prepares investigation report, recommendations and close out communications to employees.
Contingent labor planning for employers heavily-reliant on independent contractors
Advises tech companies, startups, and other clients on classification of independent contractors versus employees and long-term planning to accomplish companies' workforce goals.
Employee handbook development for local and national clients
Drafts and develops strategic personnel handbooks that address new employment law rulings by the National Labor Relations Board, sick leave laws, harassment, pay equity, legalization of marijuana for startups to large corporations in all industries.
Employment advice and due diligence for mergers and acquisitions
Advises on due diligence issues related to potential employment-related liabilities and risks, including successor liability, in connection with various corporate transactions, and on employment agreements for continuing employees.
Employment counseling
Provides preventive counseling on hiring and managing employees, as well as compliance with state and federal laws, including wage and hour laws, ), Title VII, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other employment laws.
Exemption and misclassification issues
Advises on issues related to classification of employees as exempt from overtime and other wage-hour requirements, and on classification of independent contractors versus employees.
Labor counseling and arbitrations
Negotiates neutrality agreements and addendums to master labor agreements; handles labor arbitrations and collective bargaining negotiations; defends against union organizing campaigns.
Leave and disability accommodation issues
Provides ongoing advice and counsel to employers on leave and disability accommodation issues. Provides solutions that focus on employer’s goals while minimizing legal exposure.
Protected sick time issues
Provides advice on paid sick time for employers including the interplay of federal, state, and local ordinances.
Review and draft employment contracts and agreements
Assists clients by drafting and reviewing employment agreements for compliance with state and federal laws, including severance, separation, non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements.
Training on investigations, harassment, discrimination, and performance management
Conducts internal workplace investigations training to human resources and legal professionals. Conducts workplace harassment and discrimination training for managers and non-managers. Conducts performance management training for managers and human resources professionals.
Department of Labor audits and investigations
Represents clients of all sizes and industries in Department of Labor (DOL) audits.
Reduction in force planning
Advises on strategy and plan for executing reductions in compliance with laws in various jurisdictions.
Practice Contacts
