Employment & Benefits

Practice Chair

Sara J. Ackermann

Attorneys

Employment & Benefits

Often our employment attorneys are seen as an extension of the client’s human resources department.

Often our employment attorneys are seen an extension of the client’s human resources department. That’s because our team understand the complexities of the employer-employee relationship and is equipped with practical, applicable solutions. Ruder Ware exclusively represents the employer in both the public and private sector. We routinely work with clients on highly sensitive issues such as workplace harassment, employee privacy, employee compensation, drug and alcohol testing, and disciplinary issues. In addition, our attorneys design and assist with the development, implementation, and enforcement of policies and procedures relating to benefits, hiring practices, employee handbooks, state and federal discrimination laws, FMLA, FLSA, ADA, OSHA, and workers’ compensation.

Our attorneys are actively involved in organizations where human resource professionals as the primary member base. Often they present seminars and in-house training on employment law topics across the state and nationwide.

With decades of experience working with human resource professionals, Ruder Ware has created an audit program to proactively identify potential problems in an employer’s human resource operations. The audit reviews and analyzes current employee-related policies and procedures. For additional detail, follow this link for a complete program description.

Services offered by our Employment Benefits team include:

  • Employee Benefits & Compensation Planning
  • Employment Contracts & Independent Contractor Agreements
  • Employment Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Litigation
  • Employment-Related Lawsuits
  • Executive Compensation
  • Handbook Policy Development & Audits
  • Human Resources Counseling Internal Investigations
  • Wage & Hour Audits and Litigation Defense
  • Workplace Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Training

While our approach is proactive, employment issues are often complex. Our employment litigation team has represented clients before federal and state courts, at both the trial and appellate level, as well as before state and federal administrative agencies.

Founded in 1920, Ruder Ware provides business, employment, estate planning, and litigation services. A full-service law firm, over 45 attorneys provide clients with a one-stop approach to their legal needs. Ruder Ware, Business Attorneys for Business Success.

Navigating Employment Verification Challenges: When to Seek Tailored Legal Advice

Posted on January 25, 2024 by

Federal laws place employers in a challenging position, requiring them to navigate between compliance with laws designed to prevent the employment of persons not eligible to work in the United States and laws punishing discrimination and document abuse. Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, fines, and potentially even criminal prosecution. While all employers would benefit from […]

IRS Releases Mileage Rates for 2024

Posted on December 14, 2023 by

The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2024 optional standard mileage rates today for computing the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes.  The most notable change is the slight per mile increase for businesses. Effective January 1, 2024, the optional standard mileage rates for the use of a car […]

2024 Qualified Plan Cost of Living Increases, 2024 Social Security Taxable Wage Base

Posted on November 1, 2023 by

On November 1, 2023 the Internal Revenue Service announced the cost-of-living adjustments for the various qualified retirement plan limits.  Almost all of the limits shown below have increased from last year.   Qualified Plan Limit Cost-of-Living Adjustments 401(k) and 403(b) elective deferral limit 2023 – $22,500 2024 – $23,000 $200,000 compensation limit 2023 – $330,000 […]

Evaluate the Risks When Using Non-Competes

Posted on September 27, 2023 by

In today’s interconnected world, how to protect vital business assets such as key employees and confidential information is top of mind for businesses. Tools such as non-solicitation, non-compete and non-disclosure agreements are utilized as a method of protection for businesses. However, the changing legal landscape related to non-compete provisions has made it essential to be […]

Changes to I-9 Forms – Make Sure You Are In Compliance!

Posted on August 7, 2023 by

The New Form: On July 21, 2023 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new Form I-9. The new Form I-9 became available for employers to use on August 1, 2023. The old Form I-9 can continue to be used through October 31, 2023, but all employers must be using the new Form […]

Breaking News—New Standard for Religious Accommodation Claims!

Posted on June 29, 2023 by

It just became very easy for an employee to sue their employer for failure to accommodate religious beliefs.  Today, in its Groff v. DeJoy opinion,  the United States Supreme Court unanimously held that an employer must make such an accommodation unless it would result in substantial increased costs in relation to the conduct of its […]

Spring Brings Showers, Flowers, and Breaking Non-compete News!

Posted on June 5, 2023 by

Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)’s General Counsel publicly announced her position that most non-compete agreements violate the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by chilling employees’ ability to exercise their rights to engage in protected activity.  Remember, the NLRA applies to all private sector employees that are in non-supervisory positions. This means those […]

2024 HSA Limits Are Announced

Posted on May 17, 2023 by

On May 16, 2023, the IRS announced the Health Savings Account limits for 2024.  With respect to contribution limits, the limits are higher than the ones for 2023 and the required deductible and out-of-pocket maximums have increased as well.  As a reminder, these inflation adjusted amounts are effective for calendar year 2024 HSA/HDHP Requirement Cost-of-Living […]

The Supremes Confirm Weekly Fixed Salary is Critical for FLSA Exempt Status!

Posted on February 28, 2023 by

Last week in Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. v. Hewitt, the Supreme Court affirmed employees must be paid a fixed salary of $684.00 per week to be considered “exempt” under the popular administrative, executive, and professional exemptions. The case involved Michael Hewitt, an oil rig worker who was paid a daily rate. His paycheck, issued […]

OFCCP Issues New March 3 Deadline for Federal Contractors to Object to Disclosure of EEO-1 Data!

Posted on February 14, 2023 by

If you are a federal contractor, keep reading. Last summer, the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a notice to all federal contractors that the Center for Investigative Reporting had requested EEO-1 reports for 2016-2020 pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). While the motive is uncertain, it is likely that this […]

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