16th Annual

Employment Law Symposium

Presented by

Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin

In-Person or Livestream
November 16, 2022
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: Farmer & the Seahorse
10996 Torreyana Road
San Diego, CA 92121
Why Attend?

Join Us for the 2022 Employment Law Symposium

Why Should You Attend?

Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin’s annual Employment Law Symposium is the place for human resource professionals and business owners to learn about the upcoming California employment laws, defense strategies, and emerging trends.

This in-person and livestreamed conference is a unique blend of information gathering, professional development, and employment law education that includes comprehensive actionable insights you can use today. It will also provide opportunities to connect with and learn from established and experienced employment law attorneys in California.

"The entire Pettit Kohn team was very friendly and approachable. Enjoyed that you all engaged the participants."
2018 Symposium Attendee
"Provided a lot of value since I’m a small business owner with no professional HR training."
2018 Symposium Attendee
"It was the best seminar of the year. Everything spot on."
2019 Symposium Attendee
"Great event with current, practical and useful information."
2019 Symposium Attendee
"The range of topics covered, the visuals, and the presenters themselves were all first-rate."
2020 Symposium Attendee
"Personable lawyers providing insightful law updates and past cases applicable to the workplace."
2021 Symposium Attendee

What Will You Get Out of It?

  • Educational Live Sessions

This live event at Farmer & the Seahorse offers unique and compelling learning presentations led by industry leaders offering a breadth of education, including best practices, current strategies, updates on new HR laws, trends, and tips to stay ahead of the employment law curve. Live Q & A session is available to make sure your most pressing employment law and HR questions are answered. 

  • HRCI | SHRM | MCLE Credits

This program is pending approval for SHRM and HRCI recertification credits. Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin is also approved by the State Bar of California to provide Continuing Legal Education credits (MCLE Provider Number:  13919).

  • Resource Booklet

Each attendee will receive a comprehensive resource booklet that includes PowerPoint slides from each presentation plus additional source materials outlining the current statutory and regulatory changes.

  • Professional Connections

Access to established and experienced California employment law attorneys with opportunities to connect with these legal subject matter experts. Breakfast, lunch, and a hosted networking reception for in-person attendees provides additional opportunities to have your questions answered.

  • Interactive Q & A Sessions

Opportunities for question and answer make it much easier to get your individual questions answered by our top legal experts. Please note: This Symposium offers guidance only and does not serve as or replace legal advice.

  • Opportunity Drawings

Attendees will have an opportunity to win prizes including:  $300 Donation to a Charity of Your Choice, Harassment Prevention Training, Employee Handbook Audit, and a Complimentary Registration for our 17th Annual Employment Law Symposium.

Register Now

the 2022 Employment Law Symposium

PROGRAM & ATTORNEYS

Morning Sessions

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Welcome & Introduction

Rachel Albert, Esq.

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

About the Speaker

Rachel E. Albert, Esq. is an associate in Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC’s Los Angeles office. Her practice focuses on employment and labor counseling and litigation. She represents a diverse spectrum of California employers, helping them  manage the day-to-day issues arising in the employment context, craft and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance, and navigate the litigation process. Rachel earned her J.D. degree at the Pepperdine University School of Law, graduating cum laude. She is also a graduate of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law – Mediating the Litigated Case™ program. She is licensed to practice before all courts in the State of California.

Details
2022 California
Wage & Hour Update

Jennifer Lutz, Esq. & Rachel Albert, Esq.

2022 California Wage & Hour Update

Presentation Summary:

California’s wage and hour laws are among the most stringent in the nation. This presentation will provide an overview of key changes in the wage and hour arena over the past year as well as new legislation that will go into effect next year. We will review compliance obligations for companies doing business in California and discuss the practical impact of these new laws and best practices for avoiding employment-related claims.

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Examine recent legislation and case law that affect wage and hour issues at both the state and federal level; (2) Discuss strategies to help ensure legal compliance and avoid unwanted litigation; (3) Anticipate the areas of law that will see changes in the coming year and discuss the implications of those potential changes.

About the Speakers

Jennifer N. Lutz, Esq. is a founding Shareholder and co-chair of Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC’s employment and labor group, where she focuses her practice in employment litigation and counseling. Ms. Lutz successfully represents California employers involving issues of discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, defamation, and both individual and class action wage and hour claims. In addition, Jennifer is a speaker and author on issues such as wage and hour law, employee privacy, and leaves of absence. She also provides advice and training to employers on a full range of employment law issues, including drafting employment policies and procedures, terminations, and discipline. Ms. Lutz earned her B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Arizona and J.D. degree from the University of Arizona College of Law. She has been recognized by San Diego Super Lawyers each year since 2011 and was honored as one of the Top 25 Women Lawyers in San Diego in 2020. Recently, the San Diego Business Journal included Ms. Lutz in their 2021 and 2022 listing of “Women of Influence in Law.” Best Lawyers in America has recognized Ms. Lutz for her work in both Employment Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation and she was recently recognized by San Diego Metro Magazine as one of San Diego’s Top Attorneys.

Rachel E. Albert, Esq. is an associate in Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC’s Los Angeles office. Her practice focuses on employment and labor counseling and litigation. She represents a diverse spectrum of California employers, helping them manage the day-to-day issues arising in the employment context, craft and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance, and navigate the litigation process. Rachel earned her J.D. degree at the Pepperdine University School of Law, graduating cum laude. She is also a graduate of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law – Mediating the Litigated Case™ program. She is licensed to practice before all courts in the State of California.

Details
Harassment, Discrimination,
& Retaliation Update

Shannon Finley, Esq. & Christine Dixon, Esq.

2022 California Harassment, Discrimination, and retaliation update

Presentation Summary:

Particularly in light of today’s social climate, each year sees a new wave of legislation and litigation that further clarifies the grounds upon which the state prohibits and attempts to prevent harassment, retaliation, and discrimination. This year has been no different. This presentation will discuss the latest updates in harassment, discrimination, and retaliation law as applicable to California employers, and will discuss strategies for avoiding running afoul of applicable law. In addition, this presentation will touch upon reasonable accommodations and understanding HR’s obligations in engaging in the interactive process under the ADA.  

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Provide an update on the past year’s developments in harassment, retaliation, and discrimination law at both the state and federal level; (2) Discuss strategies that California employers can utilize to help ensure legal compliance and avoidance of unwanted litigation; and (3) Anticipate the areas of law that may see changes in the coming year and briefly discuss the implications of those potential changes.

About the Speakers

Shannon R. Finley, Esq. is a Shareholder in the firm’s San Diego office and focuses her practice on employment law, representing California employers in disputes ranging from single plaintiff wrongful termination cases to complex class actions, and everything in between. In addition to defending employers in litigation, Ms. Finley provides guidance to employers, advising on best practices to avoid lawsuits before they arise. She is a speaker and author on issues including best hiring practices, wage and hour law, discrimination, leaves of absence, and social media. Ms. Finley was recognized by the San Diego Business Journal in their 2020 listing of “Leaders in Law” and their 2021 and 2022 listing of Top 50 “Women of Influence in Law”. She was also recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2021-2023, a Rising Star by San Diego Super Lawyers 2019-2022, and she received the C. Hugh Friedman New Lawyer Award from Lawyers Club of San Diego for her leadership and professionalism in the Legal Community. She currently serves as the President of Lawyers Club of San Diego, the largest specialty bar association in San Diego. She is a recent graduate of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Leadership Academy and was recently recognized by San Diego Metro Magazine as one of San Diego’s Top Attorneys.

Christine Dixon, Esq. is an associate in the firm’s San Diego office. She represents large and small corporate clients and handles a wide range of employment matters focusing on the defense of employers in all aspects of employment litigation. Christine has been recognized as one of San Diego Super Lawyers® Rising Stars in 2021 and 2022 and was also honored as San Diego Defense Lawyers’ Outstanding New Lawyer in 2015. Most recently, she was recognized by Best Lawyers in America in their 2021-2023 listing of Ones of to Watch for her work in Litigation – Labor and Employment and she was recently recognized as a 2022 “Women of Influence in Law” by the San Diego Business Journal. Ms. Dixon currently serves as President of the San Diego Defense Lawyers and is a recent graduate of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Leadership Academy. Most recently, Ms. Dixon was recognized by San Diego Metro Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list as one of San Diego’s influential young leaders for 2022.

Details
Best Practices for
Workplace Investigations

Rio Schwarting, Esq.

BEST PRACTICES for workplace investigations

Presentation Summary:

Employee complaints, both informal and formal, require immediate action by the employer. This session will examine workplace investigations and the steps necessary to discover, prevent, and address employee complaints. This presentation will discuss the workplace investigation process from start to finish and will share best practices to structure a sufficient investigation and help you demonstrate procedural fairness throughout the entire investigation process.

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Tips on preparing, conducting, and documenting procedurally fair workplace investigations; (2) Discuss legal issues surrounding an investigation such as confidentiality and defamation of character; and (3) Discuss what actions companies can take following the investigation and the critical importance of writing a formal investigative report

About the Speaker

Rio Schwarting, Esq. is an associate in the San Diego office and represents large and small corporate clients against claims involving premises liability, product liability, and personal injury. She also handles a wide range of employment matters and focuses on the defense of employers in all aspects of employment litigation. Ms. Schwarting is active in the San Diego legal community, as a member of the California Women Lawyers. She also serves as the Legal Community Outreach Committee Co-Chair for Lawyers Club of San Diego.

Details

Afternoon Sessions

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

How to
Get Sued

Ryan Nell, Esq.

How To GET SUED

Presentation Summary:

Unfortunately for many California employers, the prospect of employment litigation is not a matter of “if” but “when.” With this stark reality in mind, forward thinking employers develop strategies aimed at not only avoiding litigation, but also at anticipating the issues that may arise when claims are asserted, such that the organizations can present themselves in the most favorable light.

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Outline real life examples of best (and worst) practices utilized by employers later faced with employment litigation; (2) Develop strategies for avoiding claims and presenting decisions in the light most favorable, should litigation arise; and (3) Discuss strategies for ensuring that plans are not only developed but also enacted organization-wide.

About the Speaker

Ryan H. Nell, Esq. is a Shareholder in Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC’s San Diego office. He represents California employers statewide in both counseling and comprehensive litigation support. With the ever-changing landscape of California and federal employment law, Ryan prides himself on assisting clients in staying ahead of the curve in an effort to avoid legal trouble before it arises. He has extensive experience representing clients in harassment, retaliation, and discrimination matters, as well as large-scale wage and hour lawsuits. Ryan currently serves as the Director of Legal Education for the San Diego Human Resource Forum, one of the largest HR organizations in San Diego. In addition, Ryan speaks regularly on a wide range of topics aimed at assisting California employers in the avoidance of legal trouble before it arises, and his work in the field has led to his recognition as a San Diego Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2018-2022 and his inclusion on the Best Lawyers:  Ones to Watch list 2021-2023 for his work in Labor and Employment Law – Management.

Details
Class, PAGA,
& Arbitration Update

Thomas Ingrassia, Esq.

CLASS, PAGA, AND ARBITRATION UPDATE

Presentation Summary:

California continues to see shifts and major developments in representative wage and hour litigation – through both class actions and representative claims asserted pursuant to the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA). This session will provide a high-level statutory and case law update as a means of fostering discussion regarding best practices for avoiding representative litigation and, when avoidance is not possible, mitigating damages. Topics to be covered include: employee arbitration agreements, preventing PAGA violations, and minimizing employers’ status as targets for claims. 

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Provide an update and guidance on new developments and emerging trends in California class action and PAGA litigation; (2) What you should know about the process if you are facing a wage and hour class and/or PAGA action and best practices to navigate the new terrain; and (3) Identify what you can expect when defending and resolving a wage and hour class action and/or PAGA action.

About the Speaker

Thomas S. Ingrassia, Esq. is a founding Shareholder and co-chair of Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC’s employment and labor group. He represents a diverse spectrum of business entities and defends all forms of employment litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Tom is a widely-acclaimed speaker who is frequently invited to provide employment practices and employee management training. He has been selected for inclusion in San Diego Super Lawyers® every year since 2008 and was recognized as one of San Diego’s Top 50 Attorneys in 2020, 2017, and 2016. The San Diego Business Journal listed Mr. Ingrassia as a 2020 “Leader in Law”. He has also been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America every year since 2013 and has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. Most recently, he was recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in San Diego for Employment Law Management.

Details
Employment
Termination Checklist

Tristan Mullis, Esq.

OFFBOARDING EMPLOYEES WITH CARE: AN EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION CHECKLIST

Presentation Summary:

From time to time, employers must terminate employees in order to run their businesses effectively. This presentation will guide employers through the legal issues that arise when an employee departs, whether voluntary or involuntary and will discuss practical strategies for handling the departure in order to avoid liability. It will also outline steps for the employer to follow before, during, and after the employee’s service ends and provide knowledge on employment laws at the federal and state level. 

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Understanding the most crucial considerations when making termination decisions; (2) Provide practical procedures and actionable items to mitigate risk for the company; and (3) Discuss a termination checklist in general and strategize how best to handle employee termination issues that may fall outside of the confines of the law, but still warrant appropriate care and treatment.

About the Speaker

Tristan A. Mullis, Esq. is a Shareholder in Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC’s Los Angeles office and a leader in the employment and labor group. He represents California employers in the defense of claims involving issues of workplace discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations. He has secured successful outcomes for clients at trial, mediation, and through dispositive motions and works with employers to implement policies and practices to maximize personnel while reducing the risk of future claims. Tristan speaks regularly to various groups on a wide range of employment law topics including COVID-19.

Details

Q&A Lightning Round

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Q&A Panel with Employment Team Shareholders
Join the Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin experts in this interactive session as they answer and discuss your pressing HR questions in greater detail. During this panel, you will be able to ask questions and get the answers you need from experienced employment law attorneys.
Thomas Ingrassia, Esq.

Jennifer Lutz, Esq.

Tristan Mullis, Esq.

Ryan Nell, Esq.

Shannon Finley, Esq.

Register Now

Pricing & Registration

In-Person

Early Bird

by 10/14/22

$269

Regular

by 11/15/22

$299

Livestream

Early Bird

by 10/14/22

$109

Regular

by 11/15/22

$139

Special rates available for groups of 3 or more. See registration page for pricing.

REGISTER NOW

FAQs

The venue is located at Farmer & the Seahorse, 10996 Torreyana Road, San Diego, CA 92121
  • Human Resource Professionals
  • Managers, Supervisors, and Team Leaders
  • Business Owners
  • Executives
  • Risk Managers
  • Legal Professionals
  • HR Consultants
  • Business leaders who are truly concerned about their most precious asset: People

All registrants will receive an email with a link to the Livestream and a Personal Access Code a few days before the Symposium. Use this link and access code to view the Livestream.

To access the livestream via this website, go to www.hrlawevent.com, click on the Live Stream link in the navigation bar, and enter your Personal Access Code. On the day of the Symposium, you will be able to access the live stream via this website page.

If you have any questions on the day of the Symposium, please call our Symposium Help Desk at (858) 755-8500.

Please also note:  This Symposium offers guidance only and does not serve as or replace legal advice.

For the best viewing experience, we recommend internet speed of at least 5 Mbps. Stream can be viewed on any of the following devices:

  • Desktop computer or laptop with at least an Intel i5 with 8GB of RAM 
  • Updated Apple desktop, iMac, or MacBook
  • Chromebook
  • Any smartphone 4 years or newer. It is recommended that smartphones be connected to wifi vs. cellular.

This program is pending approval for SHRM and HRCI recertification. Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin is also approved by the State Bar of California to provide Continuing Legal Education credits.

After the symposium, an email will be sent to each attendee providing the HRCI, SHRM, and MCLE credit information.

Yes. All live sessions will be recorded. After the Symposium, recordings will be posted on the website, www.hrlawevent.com.

For full refund eligibility, cancellations must be received one business day prior to the event.  Refunds will not be granted for no-shows.  All substitutions must be emailed to events@pettitkohn.com by 11/14/22.  We are unable to accommodate split registrations.

Yes. Please make checks payable to Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin and write “2022 Employment Law Symposium” in the memo line. Please complete the registration form and mail the completed form and checks to 11622 El Camino Real, Ste 300, San Diego, CA 92130. 

We understand there are many factors that will influence your decision to attend either In-Person or via Livestream.  If you register for Livestream viewing and decide later that you are ready to attend in person or vice versa, please email us at events@pettitkohn.com by Monday 11/14.  Please understand that guest capacity may potentially be limited to 50% to allow for social distancing.  If we are at capacity when you submit your request, we will do our best to accommodate you.   

You may email events@pettitkohn.com.

COVID-19 Safety PrOTOCOL

At the 16th Annual Employment Law Symposium, the safety and well-being of the attendees, our team, and the venue employees is a top priority for both Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin and the Farmer & the Seahorse.  The guests are encouraged to support current COVID-19 policies and protocols which may include but are not limited to face covering, personal sanitization, and social distancing. The Farmer & the Seahorse staff will be providing the safest environment for onsite attendees under current CDC guidelines.  Guest capacity may be limited to 50% to allow for social distancing. Pettit Kohn and Farmer & the Seahorse will continue to monitor the COVID-19 environment in addition to the recommended CDC guidelines and will communicate adjustments or revisions to the onsite policies and procedures as we approach the live event date.

Thank you for your assistance in providing a safe event experience for all guests.
Please email events@pettitkohn.com with additional questions.
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