14th Annual

Employment Law Symposium

Presented by

Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin

November 12, 2020 | A Virtual Conference
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Why Attend?

Join Us for the 2020 Employment Law Symposium

Why Should You Attend?

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

This virtual conference is a unique blend of information gathering, professional development, and employment law education that includes 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

What Will You Get Out of It?

  • Educational Live Sessions

7 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 sessions are available to make sure your most pressing employment law and HR questions are answered. 

  • HRCI | SHRM | MCLE Credits

Earn up to 6.0 learning credits towards SHRM and HRCI recertification. 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 digital 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 virtually connect with these legal subject matter experts. 

  • Interactive Q & A Sessions

Several live chat 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:  $250 Donation to a Charity of Your Choice, Harassment Prevention Training, Employee Handbook Audit, and a Complimentary Registration for our 15th Annual Employment Law Symposium.

Register Now

the 2020 Employment Law Symposium

PROGRAM & ATTORNEYS

Morning Sessions

9:00 AM - 11:45 AM

9:00AM - 9:15AM
Welcome & Introduction

Jennifer Suberlak, Esq.

9:15AM - 10:00AM
Wage & Hour
Update

Jennifer Lutz, Esq.

2020 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 for California 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 Speaker

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 was recently recognized as one of the Top 25 Women Lawyers in San Diego by Super Lawyers and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the 2021 listing of The Best Lawyers in America for her work in both Employment Law – Management and for her work in Labor and Employment Litigation.

Details
10:00AM -10:30AM
COVID-19
Update

Jennifer Suberlak, Esq.

COVID-19 State of the Union

Presentation Summary:

As California continues lifting portions of stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19, business owners should prepare for re-starting work operations. This presentation will address the most recent developments concerning employment law and COVID-19. It will touch on key risks, liability issues, and evolving trends businesses should consider when reopening their organizations now and in the future.

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Provide guidance on key issues pertaining to the COVID-19 Pandemic; (2) Review COVID-19 litigation trends that we expect to arise and/or continue in 2021; (3) Discuss strategies that California employers can use to prepare themselves and their employees to best deal with the (likely) upcoming issues.

About the Speaker

Jennifer P. Suberlak, Esq. is an associate and leader in Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC’s San Diego office. Her practice focuses on employment and labor counseling and litigation. She represents a diverse spectrum of California employers statewide and helps employers 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. Jennifer also provides harassment prevention training for California employers. She earned her J.D. degree at the University of California Los Angeles School of Law where she was the chief managing editor of the Women’s Law Journal. Throughout her career, she has spoken on a wide range of employment related topics. She was recently included in the San Diego Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, which recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state.

Details
10:45AM - 11:15AM
Litigation
Trends

Shannon Finley, Esq.

Litigation Trends: A Look at What’s Ahead

Presentation Summary:

What employment issues are keeping you up at night? This presentation will provide perspectives on managing the next anticipated wave of employment risks and claims.

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Provide predictions as to which “hot button” issues will (continue to) be addressed by the California Legislature in 2021; (2) Anticipate the litigation trends that we expect to arise and/or continue in 2021; (3) Discuss strategies that California employers can use to prepare themselves and their companies to best deal with the (likely) upcoming issues.

About the Speaker

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. Ms. Finley is a speaker and author on issues including best hiring practices, wage and hour law, discrimination, leaves of absence, and social media. She was recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones of to Watch, Rising Star by San Diego Super Lawyers, 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.

Details
11:15AM -11:45AM
Understanding Plaintiff Strategies

Tristan Mullis, Esq.

Beating Them at Their Own Game: Understanding Plaintiff Litigation Strategies and How to Attack Them

Presentation Summary:

California employers are under constant threat of lawsuits, and face a high level of risk from costly litigation and adverse judgments. Too often when plaintiffs’ attorneys bring actions against employers, however, employers focus solely on defending the case from their own perspective, without fully considering how the other side will pursue the case and the core issues they will seek to exploit. This disconnect can often lead to key issues being defended less effectively than they should be, and a defense focus on matters that may be of less importance. By factoring in a projection of the plaintiffs’ strategy to the defense of the case, employers can give themselves a far stronger chance of successfully fighting off claims.

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Understand how plaintiff attorneys focus their cases today and in moving forward, and how that differs from traditional defense strategies; (2) Create defense strategies better designed to defeat current plaintiff tactics; and (3) Implement policies and practices in day to day operations that will leave employers less susceptible to the strategies most likely to be deployed against them.

About the Speaker

Tristan A. Mullis, Esq. is a Shareholder and leader 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

Mid-Day Q&A Sessions

Breakout Rooms Q&A with Attorneys

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Thomas Ingrassia, Esq.

Jennifer Lutz, Esq.

Tristan Mullis, Esq.

Ryan Nell, Esq.

Shannon Finley, Esq.

Jennifer Suberlak, Esq.

Blake Woodhall, Esq.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Q & A Session Summary:

Didn’t get all the information you needed in your sessions? Are you looking for further clarification on some of the most recent changes to employment legislation? 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 breakout session, you will be able to move from room to room, ask questions, and get the answers you need from one of the experienced employment law attorneys.
Details

Afternoon Sessions

12:45 PM - 2:30 PM

12:45AM - 1:30PM
Class Action & PAGA Lawsuits

Thomas Ingrassia, Esq.

Understanding and Defending Class Action & PAGA Lawsuits

Presentation Summary:

California has seen a dramatic and sustained increase in representative wage and hour litigation over the past fifteen years – through both class actions and as representative claims brought pursuant to the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA).  Attorney Tom Ingrassia will provide an in-depth analysis of issues driving the prosecution, defense, and settlement of representative actions pursuant to California and federal class action statutes and California’s Private Attorney’s General Act (PAGA).  Tom will also discuss best practices and recommended policies designed to enable employers to avoid and, when necessary, successfully resolve such claims.

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Discuss new developments in California wage and hour laws that have been driving class action litigation; (2) Discuss developments in COVID related PAGA and class action litigation; (3) Provide effective strategies that California employers can use to minimize potential damages.

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. 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.

Details
1:30PM -2:00PM
Putting the “Human” in Human Resources

Blake Woodhall, Esq.

Putting the “Human” in Human Resources

Presentation Summary:

One in five adults will experience a mental illness in any given year, affecting all areas of their life, including work. More than half of workers say stress and anxiety impacts their productivity, quality of work, and relationships with their coworkers. Employers have a unique ability and responsibility to address the mental health and well-being of their workers. This presentation will cover employers’ legal obligations around employee health and well-being, how to identify work-related stress, and the claims that can arise when situations are poorly managed.

3 Learning Objectives:

(1) Learn how the workplace and other external factors can impact employee mental health; (2) Discuss the risks to mental and physical health if companies and HR practitioners do not create meaningful wellness interventions for their employees; (3) Discuss actions and strategies that California employers can take to prepare themselves and their employees to best deal with these issues.

About the Speaker

Blake J. Woodhall, Esq. is Senior Counsel in Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC’s San Diego office. He counsels and defends organizations in a wide range of labor and employment law matters, including harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act. He has extensive experience representing employers in single and multi-plaintiff employment litigation, wage and hour class action litigation, and Private Attorneys General Act claims.

In addition to his litigation practice, Blake provides guidance to employers on federal and state compliance matters, including best practices for hiring and termination, counseling and recommendations for performance improvement, wage and hour issues, employee handbooks, workplace trainings, and separation agreements.

Details
2:00PM - 2:30PM
Harassment & Discrimination

Ryan Nell, Esq.

2020 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 harassment, discrimination, and retaliation law as applicable to California employers, and will discuss strategies for avoiding running afoul of applicable law.

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; (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 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 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 Rising Star by San Diego Super Lawyers. Most recently, Ryan was included in the inaugural edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for his work in Labor and Employment Law – Management.

Details

Wrap-Up Q&A Sessions

Breakout Rooms Q&A with Attorneys

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Thomas Ingrassia, Esq.

Jennifer Lutz, Esq.

Tristan Mullis, Esq.

Ryan Nell, Esq.

Shannon Finley, Esq.

Jennifer Suberlak, Esq.

Blake Woodhall, Esq.

Register Now

Pricing & Registration

Single Registration

Early Bird

by 10/16/20

$99

Regular

by 11/11/20

$129

Group Registration*

Early Bird

by 10/16/20

$89

Regular

by 11/11/20

$109

*Groups of 3 or more from the same company

Register Now

FAQs

All registrants will receive a Personal Access Code a few days before the Symposium. To access the live webinars, go to www.hrlawevent.com, click on the Live Webinars link, and enter your Personal Access Code. On the day of the Symposium, you will be able to enter different sessions by clicking on the appropriate links.

 

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

Yes, you can earn up to 4 SHRM, HRCI, and MCLE credits at this year’s virtual conference.

After the symposium, an email will be sent 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 [email protected] by 11/9/20.  We are unable to accommodate split registrations.

Yes. Please make checks payable to Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin and write “2020 Employment Law Symposium” in the memo line. Please complete the registration form here and mail the completed form and checks to 11622 El Camino Real, Ste 300, San Diego, CA 92130. 

You may email [email protected] or contact us by phone at 858.755.8500.
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