| Seminar |
Annual Employment, Benefits & Labor Relations Law Conference |
| Date |
November 4, 2011 |
| Seminar Sponsor |
Ruder Ware |
| Seminar Topic |
Employment Law Cases and NLRB Cases of Interest |
| Topic Description |
The past year has been an exciting year for employment law developments. From changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act to new requirements for advertising employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act, this presentation will give an update regarding employment law cases and legislation of interest to human resource professionals. |
| Presenter |
Ronald J. Rutlin, Esq. |
| Seminar Topic |
New ERISA Disclosure Guidance |
| Presenter |
Mary Ellen Schill |
| Seminar Topic |
Reasonable Accommodation: How Can We Help You? |
| Topic Description |
The question of what is a reasonable accommodation has been difficult to answer under both state and federal cases involving disability discrimination. This presentation will give an update regarding the question of what is a "reasonable accommodation" and what is the employer's obligation to provide that accommodation to a disabled employee. |
| Presenter |
Sara J. Ackermann |
| Seminar Topic |
How to Ensure Your Non-compete and Non-solicitation Clauses are Effective |
| Topic Description |
Employers have been aggressive in addressing non-compete and non-solicitation agreements with departing employees. In many instances, challenges have been raised to the enforcement action arguing that the language of the agreement is not valid and binding. This presentation will discuss how to ensure that your non-compete and non solicitation clauses are effective. |
| Presenter |
Bryan T. Symes, Esq. |
| Seminar Topic |
Employment Discrimination Claims |
| Topic Description |
Discrimination cases have continued to rise in frequency and complexity. Recent changes to federal law have opened the door for potentially large numbers of disability discrimination cases as well as other types of protected category claims. This presentation will address the potential for discrimination complaints under state and federal proceedings. |
| Presenters |
Ronald J. Rutlin, Esq. and Bryan T. Symes, Esq. |
| Seminar Topic |
Concealed Carry Law and Potential Issues of Violence in the Workplace |
| Topic Description |
Violence in the workplace has become a major concern for employers with the expansion of the right to carry a concealed weapon in Wisconsin. This presentation will address the new concealed carry law and provide suggestions for addressing potential issues of workplace violence, including suggestions for handling the termination of a violent employee. |
| Presenters |
Dean R. Dietrich, Esq. and Kevin J.T. Terry, Esq. |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
September 28, 2011 |
| Seminar Sponsor |
Ruder Ware |
| Seminar Topic |
Collective Bargaining in the Public Sector |
| Topic Description |
Peter Davis, Legal Counsel for the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC), presented information regarding the status of collective bargaining in the public sector in light of the changes in Wisconsin Act 10 and the Budget Bill. The WERC issued a series of rules regarding collective bargaining and union elections, Peter Davis provided background information and an update regarding the actions taken by the WERC. |
| Presenter |
Peter Davis, Esq., WERC |
| Seminar Topic |
The IRS is Your Friend: Local Government Issues with the Internal Revenue Service |
| Topic Description |
The Internal Revenue Service office of Federal, State & Local Governments (FSLG) has developed a self-assessment tool as a resource to help governmental entities understand and comply with the complex nature of their federal tax responsibilities. This presentation addressed common errors made by governmental employers and explore how municipalities can use the self-assessment tool for their benefit. |
| Presenters |
Mary Ellen Schill and Megan K. Heinzelman |
| Seminar Topic |
Handling Grievances Under the Statutory Grievance Process |
| Topic Description |
Local governments are now required to provide a grievance procedure for all employees. This presentation will address the requirements of the Grievance Procedure required be in place by October 1, 2011, and provide recommendations on the procedures used by local governments in the processing of grievances that may arise. Specific information will be given about the types of grievances to be considered by the local government unit and the procedures to be followed. |
| Presenters |
Dean R. Dietrich and Kevin J.T. Terry |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Special Briefing - What's Next Under the New Public Sector Bargaining Law? |
| Date |
July 14, 2011 |
| Seminar Sponsor |
Ruder Ware |
| Seminar Topic |
Wisconsin Acts 10 and 32, Budget Repair Bill and Budget Bill |
| Topic Description |
Some of the questions to be addressed were:
- When do we start deducting the employee-required contribution to the Wisconsin Retirement System?
- What is meant by workplace safety grievances under the newly required Grievance Process?
- What do the new WRS eligibility requirements mean and when do they begin?
- What duty does the municipal employer have to bargain over increases in base wages if the union has not been certified by a WERC election?
- What are the details of the Conceal/Carry Law
|
| Presenters |
Dean R. Dietrich, Jeffrey T. Jones, Ronald R. Rutlin, Mary Ellen Schill, Kevin J.T. Terry |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
April 26, 2011 |
| Seminar Sponsor |
Ruder Ware |
| Seminar Topic |
Exploring Health Insurance Benefits for Local Government Employees: How to Best Control Your Health Care Costs |
| Topic Description |
Local governments are now given the opportunity to consider changes to their health insurance benefits which will allow for controlling cost increases while at the same time providing a competitive health care benefit for its employees. The presenters addressed different options available to a local government unit to address the rising costs of health care benefits without significantly reducing the level of benefits to avoid losing employees. Many of these changes will need to be considered in a competitive environment. |
| Presenters |
Jason Nordby and John Preuss, M3 Insurance Solutions, Inc. |
| Seminar Topic |
The New Environment of Collective Bargaining for Public Sector Employees |
| Topic Description |
The presenters discussed changes to the Municipal Employment Relations act and its impact upon collective bargaining for local governments. Discussion focused on the new changes in the collective bargaining law for municipal employees including local government employees and school district employees. The presentation offered recommendations regarding approaches to collective bargaining in this new environment. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Dean R. Dietrich and Christopher T. Toner |
| Seminar Topic |
Avoiding Conflicts of Interest in Local Government Decision Making: What are the Limitations of State Law Impacting Local Government Officials? |
| Topic Description |
This presentation discussed the Local Officials' Code of Ethics and provided guidance to local government officials regarding the "dos and don'ts" of making decisions that may have an impact on a local government official or a related party. Jeff Jones discussed the state statutes that may apply and explain the limitations of the Local Officials' Code of Ethics. |
| Presenter |
Jeffrey T. Jones |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Protect Your Assets |
| Dates |
November 17 and 18, 2010; February 16, 2011, April 21, 2011, September 21, 2011; and November 16 and 17, 2011 |
| Seminar Sponsor |
Ruder Ware |
| Seminar Topic |
Medical Assistance & Long-Term Care Planning |
| Topic Description |
The Need for Planning
Who Is Eligible for Medical Assistance Planning?
Protection of the House and Vacation Home
Permitted Transfers of Assets
Using Trusts to Protect Your Assets |
| Presenter |
Attorney Mark D. Munson |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Human Resources & Labor Law Conference |
| Date |
Thursday, April 14, 2011 |
| Location |
Stoney Creek Inn, Rothschild, WI |
| Seminar Sponsors |
Ruder Ware and Central Wisconsin Society for Human Resource Management |
| Seminar Topics |
- Once Upon a Time - Using Story Telling to Build Core Values, Communicate Ethics & Inspire Passion and Teamwork!
- Bullying in the Workplace: Steps to Prevent and Eliminate!
- Hiring and Firing: A Top Ten List of Do's and Don'ts!
- FMLA: What You Need to Know So You Don't Get Hurt
- What Eagles Dare - The Critical Difference Between Managing and Leading
|
| Presenters |
Keynote Speaker Margaret Morford - The HR Edge; HR Workshop, Julie Kowalski - Spizzerinctum Group LLC; Attorneys Sara Ackermann and Jeffrey Jones, Ruder Ware |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Issues and Trends Impacting School Districts |
| Date |
April 13, 2011 |
| Seminar Sponsors |
CWASM and Ruder Ware |
| Seminar Topics |
- Collective Bargaining - Issues and Trends Impacting School Districts
- Recent Developments Under Wisconsin's Fair Employment Act - How to Cope With the Expansion of Rights Given Up
- Student Expulsions: Tips and Alternatives
|
| Presenters |
Attorneys Dean Dietrich, Jeff Jones, and Chris Toner |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
WACTAL 2011 Spring Seminar Conference Restore Your Business |
| Date |
March 15, 2011 |
| Seminar Sponsors |
Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians |
| Seminar Topic |
Business Succession Planning, Estate Planning & Asset Protection Planning |
| Presenters |
Attorney Melissa Kampmann, Ruder Ware |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Special Briefing - Budget Repair Bill |
| Date |
February 23, 2011 |
| Seminar Sponsors |
Ruder Ware |
| Seminar Topic |
Budget Repair Bill Proposes Significant Changes To Municipal Collective Bargaining Laws |
| Topic Description |
Specific Items in Legislative Proposal
- Interest Arbitration Changes
- Duty to Bargain over Wages
- Health Insurance Premium Contributions
- Civil Service/Grievance Process
- Teacher Layoff/Nonrenewal
What does the future look like?
- Re-writing Personnel Policies
- Non-grandfather Status of Health Insurance Plans
- Treating Non-Represented Employees
|
| Presenters |
Attorneys Dean Dietrich, Jeff Jones, Ron Rutlin, Mary Ellen Schill, and Chris Toner |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Understanding the New Federal Health Care Laws |
| Date |
December 7, 2010 |
| Seminar Sponsors |
WMC, Ruder Ware, Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Heart of Wisconsin Business Alliance, Portage County Business Council, Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce |
| Seminar Topic |
What Employers and Consultants Need to Know and Do |
| Topic Description |
- Short High-Level Overview of the New Health Care Laws: A brief reminder of the "big picture" and a quick overview of some of the longer-term concerns for Wisconsin employers.
- Health Plan Changes In-Depth: A detailed discussion of the health plan changes required for 2010 and 2011. We will describe which changes are avoided if your plan is "grandfathered" and the tricky details of maintaining grandfathered status.
- Required Administrative Actions: The new law will require certain changes in how plans are administered. For example, many plans are now subject to a new "external review" process and employers must report the value of health plan coverage on Form W-2 starting in 2012. We will explore these new requirements and many others in detail and offer practical tips on the requirements that take effect in 2010 and 2011.
|
| Presenter |
Attorney Mary Ellen Schill |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Employment, Labor & Benefits Conference |
| Date |
November 4, 2010 |
| Seminar Sponsor |
Ruder Ware |
| Seminar Topic |
Health Care Reform - Coverage of Adult Children, Small Employer Tax Credits, and Early Retiree Reinsurance Program |
| Topic Description |
The Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act along with the Health Care and
Education Reconciliation Act (Health Care
Reform) has a significant impact on all
employers, both private and public
sectors. This session will provide you with
a working knowledge of Health Care
Reform and its impact on private sector
employers. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Mary Ellen Schill |
| Seminar Topic |
Non-Compete Issues |
| Topic Description |
Learn the ins and outs of non-compete agreements. Learn how a "good" non-compete agreement can help your business, how to protect yourself from a "bad" non-compete agreement, and how
to avoid litigation. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| Seminar Topic |
Social Networking |
| Topic Description |
Social networking is here and likely here to stay. Learn how forums and listservs like Facebook®, Twitter®, and LinkedIn® can be a liability risk for businesses. Our attorneys will examine the risks and provide guidance on how to understand and utilize this new phenomenon while
protecting the business’ interest and avoiding liability. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
How to Effectively Discipline Employees to Protect Yourself from Litigation |
| Topic Description |
How should employers document employee disciplinary issues? What policies need to be in place before disciplinary decisions can be made? When shouldn't you place an employee on a performance improvement plan? These questions and more will be answered during this breakout session. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Ron Rutlin |
| Seminar Topic |
The Misclassification Nightmare |
| Topic Description |
The FLSA white collar overtime pay exemptions are not new but many employers are still struggling to understand them. Indeed, misclassification litigation is on the rise and even companies that believed that they were in compliance are finding themselves in court. As if that is not enough, the DOL has declared that it will further increase its
enforcement efforts. Also, Wisconsin's wage and hour agency was recently vested with broad authority to investigate employee misclassifications. In light of all of this, employers must be doubly careful when declaring any employee an exempt employee. This presentation will address these issues and: how you can avoid the most common classification mistakes; the white collar exemption criteria; best
practices for identifying employees correctly; the salary docking rules; and the penalties for violations. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
October 27, 2010 |
Seminar Sponsors |
Ruder Ware |
Seminar Topic |
Fraud and the Local Government |
| Topic Description |
You can hardly read a newspaper these days without coming across an article on a
fraud that has been committed. Most organizations, including local governments, are
of the opinion that, “this can’t happen to us.” This session will focus on real life
examples of fraud that have been perpetrated in local governments and what could
have been done to prevent or detect the fraud sooner |
| Presenters |
Randy Beard and Michael Yankunas of Wipfli LLP |
Seminar Topic |
Health Care Reform and Its Impact on Local Government |
| Topic Description |
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act along with the Health Care and
Education Reconciliation Act (Health Care Reform) has a significant impact on all
employers, both private and public sectors. Unlike most federal employee benefit
legislation impacting employers, the rules for both sectors are virtually the same. This
session will provide you with a working knowledge of Health Care Reform and its
impact on governmental employers. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Mary Ellen Schill |
Seminar Topic |
Update on Wisconsin Public Records Law: What Must You Do Now to Inspect Your Public Records? |
| Topic Description |
A recent Wisconsin Supreme Court decision has held that certain records (including
email) generated from local government computers may or may not qualify as public
records subject to disclosure under the Wisconsin Public Records Law. This
presentation will give an update regarding the recent Supreme Court decision and
other decisions impacting the duties of a public records custodian. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Jeff Jones and Chris Toner |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Fall Social Media Conference |
| Date |
September 29, 2010 |
Seminar Sponsors |
Ruder Ware and Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce |
Seminar Topic |
Identifying and Minimizing Liabilities of Employee Social Networking |
| Topic Description |
Social networking is here, and likely here to stay. Learn how forums and listservs like Facebook®, Twitter™, and LinkedIn® can be a liability risk for businesses. Attorneys Dean Dietrich and Sara Ackermann will
examine the risks and provide guidance on how to understand and utilize this new phenomenon while
protecting the business’ interest and avoiding liability. The presentation also will discuss potential
disciplinary actions related to employee use of social media. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Dean Dietrich and Sara Ackermann |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Wisconsin Self-Storage Facilities: Protect Your Legal Interests |
| Date |
September 23, 2010 |
Seminar Sponsors |
Ruder Ware and Walters Buildings |
| Topic Description |
Wisconsin Self-Storage Facilities: Protect Your Legal Interests
This presentation is designed specifically for operators of self-service storage unit
facilities. Attorneys Joe Mirr and Derek Prestin will explore what’s included in the
sections of the Wisconsin Statutes that apply to self-service storage facilities and
address issues and answer questions faced by operators. The seminar will focus on
the statutory requirements for rental agreements between lessees and self-storage
operators. In addition, the presenters will provide guidance on how to protect the
legal interests of self-storage owners and operators by outlining what belongs in
rental agreements in addition to outlining penalties for non-compliance with
applicable statutes |
|
| Presenters |
Attorneys Joe Mirr and Derek Prestin |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Saving the Family Cabin/Preserving Family Land |
| Date |
August 5, 2010 |
Seminar Sponsors |
Ruder Ware and Northwoods Land Trust |
| Topic Description |
Saving the Family Cabin
A family cabin is a source of pleasure, family bonding, and rest and relaxation for
many families. Many cabins have been enjoyed by families for several generations.
In this presentation, you will learn about the legal arrangements that can be created
to keep the cabin in the family over multiple generations in a manner that is fair for
all members of the family. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Melissa Kampmann, Ruder Ware |
| Topic Description |
Preserving Family Land
Permanent protection of private shorelands, woodlands and wetlands can help to
keep the northwoods the northwoods, while preserving family lands. The presentation
will highlight the variety of voluntary conservation options available to private
landowners in the northwoods. Since its inception in 2001, the Northwoods Land Trust has worked to protect over 5,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands, and over
25 miles of lake and river shorelands in a six-county area of northern Wisconsin. |
|
| Presenter |
Bryan Pierce, Executive Director, Northwoods Land Trust |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
FMLA: Basic and Advanced |
| Dates |
May 25, 2010 (Wausau) and June 22, 2010 (Eau Claire) |
Seminar Sponsor |
Ruder Ware |
| Topic Description |
Basic (Refresher) FMLA Track
What was covered:
Review of the basic Wisconsin and Federal FMLA provisions.
- Clarification of the employee eligibility and leave provisions.
- When can paid leave be used by an employee while on FMLA leave? What type of leave?
- Explanation of the federal military FMLA leave entitlements.
- What benefits is an employee entitled to while on FMLA leave?
- How do vacation, vacation accrual and seniority play into this?
|
| Presenters |
Attorney Dean Dietrich (Wausau), Sara Ackermann and Shawn Rauckman (Eau Claire) |
| Topic Description |
Basic Plus (Advanced) FMLA Track:
What was covered:
- Update on all statutory and regulatory changes.
- Latest interpretations from the courts.
- What if an employee fails to follow absenteeism policies? Can you enforce them?
- Is a light-duty job consistent with FMLA rights?
- When employees have job reinstatement rights and when they do not.
- How to handle tricky benefits issues while employees are on leave and how to administer discipline.
- Tips on how to protect your organization from retaliation claims when disciplining or terminating employees who have used (or plan to use) FMLA leave.
- How to determine FMLA leave rights when spouses work for you.
- How the courts are answering tricky FMLA questions, complete with case studies.
|
|
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
April 27, 2010 |
Seminar Sponsor |
Ruder Ware |
| Topic Description |
Municipal Financing in Tough Times
Local government units throughout the State of Wisconsin have experienced significant revenue shortfalls. This comes from reduced state revenues in the form of aid to local governments, reduced taxes and fee revenues, and a decline in valuation of property that supports property tax revenues. Because of this revenue shortfall, local governing bodies have embraced private sector attitudes in address expense reductions and cost savings in order to balance the municipal budget. |
| Presenter |
Sean Lentz, CIPFA, Ehlers & Associates |
| Topic Description |
Dealing with the Media: Understanding What to Say and How to Say It
Communicating with the media and the public is an ever present task for local government officials. This panel discussion will include recognized names in our local news media and will identify best practices on how to better interact with the media and what to share when in a media interview. |
| Panel |
Glenn Moberg, Wisconsin Public Radio
Pat Peckham, City Pages
Matt Lehman, WSAU Radio |
| Topic Description |
Wisconsin Public Records Law: What's Happening?
Our attorneys regularly work with officials on compliance with the Public Records Law including the obligations of each local official under the law. This presentation will address the anticipated Supreme Court decision on status of public employee personal e-mails under the Public Records Law. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Dean Dietrich and Chris Toner |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Human Resources & Labor Law Conference |
| Date |
April 8, 2010 |
Seminar Sponsors |
Central Wisconsin Society for Human Resource Management and Ruder Ware |
| Topic Description |
Positive Leadership Modeling
Position your leaders for success with this interactive program that
gives them the tools to move past organizational barriers and
connect with team members in a real, powerful way. Journey with
Chip as he humorously relays how to communicate with team
members, empower them to make a difference, and have
fun while they move towards mission accomplishment! |
| Presenter |
Chip Lutz - Covenant Leadership |
| Topic Description |
Legal Issues Relating to Social Networking
Social networking is here, and likely here to stay. Learn how forums and listservs like
Facebook®, Twitter®, and LinkedIn® can be a liability risk for businesses. Our attorneys
will examine the risks and provide guidance on how to understand and utilize this new
phenomenon while protecting the business’ interest and avoiding liability. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Sara Ackermann |
| Topic Description |
Staffing Waste: Identify It, Measure It, Reduce It
As your organization looks to achieve strategic success and sustain a competitive
advantage, it is imperative that HR Professionals bring a new level of analytical literacy
to the job. The hard truth is that you hired your best, and you hired your worst. And
both outcomes came from the same hiring process! That’s why understanding how
those decisions were made and how those candidates were evaluated is a critical
component to reducing staffing waste. Conventional metrics are insufficient at best
for communicating the strategic value and contribution of recruiting departments and
the positions they fill. Joe will identify and explore the specific metrics that you can use
to document staffing waste. Once equipped with specific action steps to collect and
explore this data you will be compelled to seek additional methods to improve your
own staffing process. |
| Presenter |
Joseph P. Murphy - Shaker Consulting Group |
| Topic Description |
Laugh for the Health of It
Are you serious about having fun? Need to lighten up? This
session is for you. This session is full of high energy, fast paced fun,
jamb packed with useful tips and techniques to help you develop
your laugh response and handle challenging situations with a smile.
Laugh and learn as Robin Getman , your facilitator of fun, helps you
identify ways to relax, renew and restore (and look forward to coming
to work each day!) This session will tickle your funny bone, sharpen
your customer service and do wonders for your self-esteem. |
| Presenter |
Robin Getman |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Employment/Labor Law Conference |
| Date |
November 4, 2009 |
Seminar Topic |
Case Law Legislative Update |
| Seminar Description |
Update on recent and pending state and
federal court cases and legislation affecting
employers. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Ron Rutlin and Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
Identifying and Minimizing Liabilities of Employee Social Networking |
| Topic Description |
Social networking is here and likely here
to stay. Learn how forums and listservs
like Facebook®, Twitter®, and LinkedIn®
can be a liability risk for businesses. Our
attorneys will examine the risks and
provide guidance on how to understand
and utilize this new phenomenon
while protecting the business’ interest
and avoiding liability. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Dean Dietrich and Sara Ackermann |
Seminar Topic |
"How can we help you?" Reasonable accommodation under the WEFA and ADA |
| Topic Description |
How must an employee request a reasonable
accommodation? Do we have
to provide the accommodation the
employee wants? Do we have to hold
an employee's job open as a reasonable
accommodation? How do we get the
information we need from the employee's
doctor? What is the "interactive
process" and why is it so important?
Attorney Toner will answer these questions
and provide you with practical tips
for handling requests for reasonable
accommodation so you can minimize
liability in disability discrimination cases. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| Seminar Topic |
Alphabet Soup: FMLA/ADA/WC |
| Topic Description |
The federal and state FMLA, disability,
and workers’ compensation laws continue
to create compliance problems
for employers. This presentation will
touch on recent developments under
these laws. Bring your thinking caps
because case situations involving application
of the laws will be presented for
review and analysis by the audience.
Attendees will be encouraged to participate
and analyze the case situations
and provide insight. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeffrey Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Employee Benefits Update |
| Topic Description |
The struggling economy and new
administration once again makes
employee benefits a hot topic. As HR
professionals you’re constantly looking
for ways to save your company money
while still rewarding good employees.
Staying informed of what’s out there is
an overwhelming task. Attorney Schill
will discuss health care reform legislation
as well as new laws affecting
employee benefit plans next year. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Mary Ellen Schill |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Preparing for the Future |
| Date |
October 28 and October 20, 2009 |
| Seminar Topic |
The Importance of Estate Planning |
| Topic Description |
• How to avoid probate
• How to plan for your retirement assets in your estate plan
• How to avoid guardianship
• How to reduce and/or eliminate taxes |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Melissa Kampmann and Linda Danielson |
| Date |
October 28 and October 20, 2009 |
| Seminar Topic |
Protect Your Assets |
| Topic Description |
• The Need For Planning
• Who is Eligible For Medical Assistance Planning?
• Protection of the House & Vacation Home
• Permitted Transfers of Assets
• Using Trusts to Protect Your Assets |
| Presenters |
Attorney Mark Munson |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
9/29/2009 |
| Seminar Topic |
Public Documents Law |
| Topic Description |
Local news media have aggressively use this law to seek records from local governments. Our attorneys regularly work with officials on compliance tactics under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, including the obligations of each local official under the law. This presentation will include an update on recent cases under this law. |
| Seminar Topic |
Open Meetings Law |
| Topic Description |
Compliance with the Open Meetings Law is essential for all local government bodies. This presentation covers the basics of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and provides guidance to elected officials on compliance with the law. This presentation will also discuss the requirements and valid reasons for meeting in closed session. |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
4/28/2009 |
| Seminar Topic |
Local Officials Code of Ethics |
| Topic Description |
The Government Accountability Board is operating in full swing. This presentation will give an update on the Local Officials Code of Ethics and any new interpretations from that agency. |
| Seminar Topic |
Collective Bargaining in a Time of Limited Resources: Strategies and Opportunities |
| Topic Description |
In today’s tough economic climate, local public officials face tough challenges with collective bargaining. This presentation will discuss the bargaining process and explore options for wage and fringe benefit reductions and health insurance changes. The presentation will also give an update regarding the state budget as well as its impact on public sector collective bargaining. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
New and Anticipated Legislation Impacting the Public Sector: How Will the Business of Local Government Change Under the New Political Environment? |
| Topic Description |
Change is on the horizon for employment law with pending legislation affecting the treatment of fringe benefits and the potential for litigation against public employers. This presentation will provide an update on what’s pending, what’s been adopted, and how it may affect the conduct of public business. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
CWSHRM Human Resources & Employment Law Conference |
| Date |
4/21/2009 |
| Seminar Topic |
Mock Trail – Disability |
| Topic Description |
Have you ever wondered what happens at a disability trial? With this presentation you will get a look at how the law process unfolds. Wisconsin Administrative Law Judge Jakobowski will judge the mock discrimination hearing, issue a decision, discuss procedures, and answer questions regarding substantive and procedural issues related to discrimination hearings. This dramatic examination will be both educational and entertaining! |
| Presenter |
Ruder Ware’s Employment, Labor and Benefits Attorneys |
| Seminar Topic |
Legal Issues Relating to Organizational Downsizing |
| Topic Description |
Faced with the current economic crisis, employers are dealing with multiple workplace issues including workforce reductions or even plant closings. This program will explore the legal challenges involved when employers must reduce their workforce, such as: Should we offer severance to laid off employees? How do we draft enforceable release of claims documents? How do we comply with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), as well as, Wisconsin plant closing law? |
| Presenter |
Attorney Sara Ackermann |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Elder Law Seminar |
| Date |
3/10/2009 |
| Seminar Topic |
Protect Your Assets – Straight Talk on Medical Assistance Eligibility Planning |
| Topic Description |
Topics of Discussion Include |
| |
• The Need For Planning |
| |
• Who is Eligible For Medical Assistance Planning? |
| |
• Protection of the House & Vacation Home |
| |
• Permitted Transfers of Assets |
| |
• Using Trusts to Protect Your Assets |
| Presenter |
Attorney Mark Munson |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
FMLA Workshop |
| Date |
January 14, 2009 and January 16, 2009 |
| Seminar Topic |
The New FMLA Regulations: Are You Ready? |
| Topic Description |
The revised federal FMLA regulations have been issued and are effective January 16, 2009. This presentation will review the most substantial revisions, their impact on employees, and the Department of Labor’s new forms. Also reviewed will be the operating changes you will need to make to comply with the new regulations. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Jeff Jones, Chris Toner, Sara Ackermann and Shawn Rauckman |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
11/13/2008 |
| Seminar Topic |
Effective Discipline Procedures & Strategies for Public Sector Employees |
| Topic Description |
Issuance of discipline to employees is one of the most difficult responsibilities of supervisors and managers in public sector organizations. Employee discipline is governed by labor agreements and the due process requirements of public employment. Administrators, managers, and supervisors should be aware of the implications of due process under state and federal law and how to comply with those requirements when issuing discipline to a public employee. The presentation will provide background regarding the due process considerations when issuing discipline to public sector employees. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
Public Records Law |
| Topic Description |
Local news media have aggressively used this law to seek records from local governments. This presentation will discuss the basics of the Wisconsin Public Records Law, including the obligations of each local official under the law. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Employment, Labor & Benefits Fall Conference |
| Date |
11/6/2008 |
| Seminar Topic |
Tips to Avoid Retaliation and Whistleblower Litigation |
| Topic Description |
Retaliation claims are the fastest growing area of employment law litigation. It is becoming increasingly difficult to manage the workplace with the possibility of a retaliation claim lingering around every corner. This session is designed to help you and your business avoid these claims while maintaining the flexibility to run your business. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| Seminar Topic |
Religious Discrimination - Faith in the Work Environment |
| Topic Description |
Several recent court decisions have addressed religious issues in the workplace. This program will give an update regarding recent decisions involving religious discrimination and the view taken by the courts on employer action to control proselytizing in the workplace. Attendees will receive a refresher on the religious discrimination laws. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
Alphabet Soup: FMLA/ADA/WC |
| Topic Description |
The federal and state FMLA, disability, and workers’ compensation laws continue to create compliance problems for employers. This presentation will touch on recent developments under these laws. Bring your thinking caps because case situations involving application of the laws will be presented for review and analysis by the audience. Attendees will be encouraged to participate and analyze the case situations and provide insight. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Do you know it when you see it? Do's and Don'ts For Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations. |
| Topic Description |
When does an investigation need to be conducted? Who should be interviewed? What kind of notes should be taken? What kind of documentation should be created? What information should be shared with the alleged victim? In this breakout session, Attorney Ackermann will answer these questions and provide tips on how to conduct an effective harassment investigation. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Sara Ackermann |
| Seminar Topic |
Legislative Roundtable |
| Topic Description |
Update on recent and pending state and federal employment, labor, and benefits legislation affecting employers. |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Business Counseling Law Conference |
| Date |
October 8, 2008 and October 15, 2008 |
| Seminar Topic |
Early Dispute Resolution: Don't Make a Federal Case Out of It |
| Topic Description |
So, you think you are so right you don't need to negotiate? Think again. Do you know how trials work? How much trials cost? How long they take? Are you prepared to respond to discovery and provide witnesses for depositions? Do you have all the documents you need and are you certain all your witnesses will be perfect on the stand? The point? Evaluating your case involves more than knowing you're right. The key to strong negotiating is knowing where you're going before you start. This program will address these questions and more. |
| Presenter |
Attorneys Joe Mirr and Kevin Wolf |
| Seminar Topic |
Cover Your Bases Before the Sale is Made |
| Topic Description |
There are many important issues to consider when selling products whether to distributors, wholesalers, or ultimately to consumers. Prior to making the sale, there are several things you can do to both protect your interests and thoroughly understand the terms of the deal. This program will discuss considerations you should make prior to making a sale including how to price your products legally, how to make sure all parties have agreed to the actual terms of the sale, and how to limit your liability. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Steve Lipowski and Jeremy Welch |
| Seminar Topic |
Records Information Management: Best Practices |
| Topic Description |
Many businesses are currently reviewing and updating their records and information management (RIM) programs. Doing so can improve operational efficiencies, ensure regulatory compliance, and minimize risk. It is important to comply with the revised Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in the context of electronic discovery. This program will discuss the actions which businesses should take to assess the current status of their RIM programs, determine an overall RIM strategy, and develop revised RIM policies and record retention schedules. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Paul LaPlant |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
9/30/2008 |
| Seminar Topic |
Privacy Considerations in Local Government & Dealing with Technology as a Local Government Official |
| Topic Description |
The introduction of technology into governmental operations is a constantly evolving hot topic. Dealing with and using technology in local government situations is inevitable. This presentation addresses questions of privacy and compliance expectations for local government officials and employees of a local government unit. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
Open Meetings Law |
| Topic Description |
Compliance with the Open Meetings Law is essential for all local government bodies. This presentation covers the basics of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and provides guidance to elected officials on compliance with the Law. This presentation will also discuss the requirements and valid reasons for meeting in closed session. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Breakfast Briefing |
| Date |
6/25/08 |
| Seminar Topic |
Lessons from the Trenches on Negotiating and Designing Employment and Severance Agreements |
| Topic Description |
Up until now, you have been able to ovoid the "new deferred compensation plan rules," and "409A." But now your peaceful co-existence with the Internal Revenue Code is coming to an end. Find out how even the simplest of employment and severance agreements can have significant tax implications if the IRS rules on nonqualified deferred compensation plans aren't considered. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Mary Ellen Schill |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
4/30/2008 |
| Seminar Topic |
Powers & Authority of Local Elected Officials |
| Topic Description |
It is imperative that each elected official have a solid understanding of their duties and responsibilities, as well as limits on their authority. This presentation will cover expectations faced by each elected official and provide a clear outline of where the boundaries of responsibility and authority lie. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
Local Officials Code of Ethics |
| Topic Description |
The conduct of elected officials is subject to tremendous scrutiny today. This presentation will address the Conflict of Interest Law, the Code of Ethics for Local Officials, the limitations placed on local officials by the laws, and situations that could result in a violation of the law. |
| Presenter |
Attorneys Chris Toner and Dean Dietrich |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
CWSHRM & RW Human Resources & Employment Law Conference |
| Date |
4/17/2008 |
| Seminar Topic |
Noncompete Agreements: Are They Ever Enforceable in Wisconsin? |
| Topic Description |
Noncompetes are never enforceable in Wisconsin -or are they? Can your company be sued if you hire an employee with a noncompete agreement? Should you sue a former employee who breached your company's noncompete agreement? During this session, we will answer these questions (and many more) and discuss recent Wisconsin court decisions in the area of restrictive covenants, including noncompete agreements, customer non-solicitation agreements, and confidentiality agreements. |
| Seminar Topic |
Are You Ready When OSHA Comes Knocking? |
| Topic Description |
Watch out! OSHA is increasing its enforcement efforts and compliance audits. Violating its rules can result in substantial penalties. Are you ready when OSHA comes knocking at your door? This breakout session will review recently adopted OSHA measures and provide useful tips on handling a surprise visit from OSHA. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
HR Mistakes: Our Top 10 List |
| Topic Description |
In employment litigation, so often it is the Human Resource professional who is "on trial". Every action taken (or not taken) by HR is likely to be scrutinized later by a judge or jury. In this session, we will provide our "top ten list" of the errors we frequently see made by HR professionals. This is an opportunity to learn from someone else's mistakes rather than you own! |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Legal Update Workshop |
| Date |
4/16/2008 |
| Seminar Topic |
Noncompete Agreements: Are They Ever Enforceable in Wisconsin? |
| Topic Description |
Noncompetes are never enforceable in Wisconsin, or are they? Can your company be sued if you hire an employee with a noncompete agreement? Should you sue a former employee who has breached your company's noncompete agreement? During this session, Attorneys Sara Ackermann and Chris Toner will answer these questions and many more. They will discuss recent Wisconsin court decisions in the area of restrictive covenants, including noncompete agreements, customer non-solicitation agreements, and confidentiality agreements. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Sara Ackermann and Chris Toner |
| Seminar Topic |
What You Need to Know about the FMLA |
| Topic Description |
The federal and state family medical leave acts continue to confound Wisconsin employers. Attorney Jeff Jones will summarize the recent developments in family medical leave law, including the recently signed National Defense Authorization Act that extends FMLA leave to include employees caring for injured service members and family members who have a relative called to active duty. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
HR Mistakes: Our Top 10 List |
| Topic Description |
Attorney Chris Toner will share his experience and advice. Oftentimes in employment litigation, it seems as if the Human Resources professional is "on trial". Every action (or action not taken) by HR is likely to be scrutinized later by a judge or jury. Chris will provide his "Top 10 List" of the errors that are frequently made by HR professionals. Learn from someone else's mistakes, rather than your own. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| Seminar Topic |
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: A Review of Recent Employment Law Decisions |
| Topic Description |
Attorney Sara Ackermann will provide an overview of recent Wisconsin cases that directly affect employers. This will include a review of cases involving sexual harassment, disability discrimination, and arrest conviction discrimination. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Sara Ackermann |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Breakfast Briefing |
| Date |
3/11/2008 |
| Seminar Topic |
Recent Extension of FMLA Benefits to Families of Military Service Members and How it Affects Employers. |
Topic
Description |
On Monday, January 28, 2008, President Bush signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law. Section 585 of this Act adds two new qualified events under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that extend the FMLA leaves to include employees caring for injured service members and family members who have a relative called into active duty. When is an employee entitled to leave under the new provisions? What family members are covered? What constitutes active duty? What do employers have to do to get into compliance with the new requirements? These questions and more will be covered during the discussion. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
“The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly” - Significant Wisconsin Employment Law Decisions of 2007 |
| Topic Description |
Several significant court decisions were decided during the 2007 term. This presentation will provide an overview of these cases that directly affect Wisconsin employers. There will be a focus on cases involving sexual harassment, disability discrimination, arrest/conviction, and noncompete cases. The presentation will include a summary of some “practical tips” in each area of the law that attendees can use in their day-to-day HR positions to minimize the risk of litigation. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Shawn Rauckmann |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Empowering Families with Special Needs Children |
| Date |
February 26, 2008 |
| Seminar Topic |
Preparing for the Future: Special Needs Trusts |
| Topic Description |
When you love someone who has special needs, planning for that person's future can be an overwhelming task. This presentation is designed to inform and educate families with special needs children on the proper planning to provide for the future of the special needs child. Topics to be addressed include an explanation on the operation and benefits of a special needs trust, selecting a trustee of the special needs trust, selecting a guardian for a child with autism, and tips on how to include other children within your estate plan. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Melissa Kampmann |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Benefits and Value of Trademarks Seminar |
| Date |
November 14, 2007 and December 12, 2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Benefits and Value of Trademarks Seminar |
| Topic Description |
If you’re a marketing manager or business owner, you won’t want to miss this free seminar about the benefits and value of trademarks — and how you can protect some of your company’s most valuable assets — your brand names. Attorneys Steve Lipowski and Derek Prestin will tell you about the basic differences between trademarks, service marks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Learn about the risks of marketing products without clearing your trademarks first. Find out when and how to use the appropriate trademark, service mark and copyright symbols…and much more. Seating is limited to the first 50 registrants, and there’s no charge, so you should sign up quickly. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Steve Lipowski and Derek Prestin |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Employment, Labor & Benefits Law Conference |
| Date |
November 2, 2007 and November 9, 2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
How can we help you? Reasonable accommodation under the WFEA and ADA |
| Topic Description |
How must an employee request a reasonable accommodation? Do we have to provide the accommodation the employee wants? Do we have to hold an employee's job open as a reasonable accommodation? How do we get the information we need from the employee's doctor? What is the "interactive process" and why is it so important? Attorney Ackermann will answer these questions and provide you with practical tips for handling requests for reasonable accommodation so you can minimize liability in disability discrimination cases. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Sara Ackermann |
| Seminar Topic |
Protect Yourself: Employee Privacy & The Electronic Age |
| Topic Description |
The electronic age is presenting new and challenging legal issues for employers in dealing with the privacy rights of their employees. This seminar will focus on the law regarding employee privacy and assist employers to correctly deal with issues facing employers in possessing potentially confidential information and monitoring employee activity. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Chris Toner and Shawn Rauckman |
| Seminar Topic |
Solutions For Dealing With The Chronically Absent Employee |
| Topic Description |
Employers are faced daily with the problem of the chronically absent employee. Some employees are here one day and gone the next, or have been known to “disappear” for long periods of time and then suddenly reappear when you had hoped they were gone for good. Attorney Jones will address this frustrating topic for employers and methods that employers can utilize within the law to control absenteeism abuse. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Sexual Harassment Mock Hearing |
| Topic Description |
Administrative Law Judge, Gary Olstad, will be judge at a mock sexual harassment hearing, issue a decision, discuss procedures, and answer questions regarding substantive and procedural issues related to sexual harassment hearings. |
| Presenter |
Ruder Ware Employment Labor Group |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
10/29/2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Employee Discipline in the Public Sector |
| Topic Description |
Guess what? Not all employees are perfect. Some must be disciplined on occasion. However, in the public sector, there are certain restrictions and procedures that must be followed with regard to disciplining employees if you do not want to get sued. Do you know what they are? This presentation will review these restrictions and procedures and present case studies that the audience will be asked to analyze. Audience participation is encouraged. Bring your thinking caps! |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Public Records Law |
| Topic Description |
Local news media have aggressively used this law to seek records from local governments. This presentation will discuss the basics of the Wisconsin Public Records Law, including the obligations of each local official under the law. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Employment, Labor & Benefits Breakfast Briefing |
| Date |
September 13, 2007 and September 20, 2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Paying for Peace: Are Your Severance Agreements Worth the Paper They’re Printed On? |
| Topic Description |
You are terminating an employee or laying off several employees as part of a restructuring or downsizing. You are considering offering severance benefits to the affected employees if they sign a release of claims. What are the applicable legal requirements to make the release of claims enforceable? What types of employment claims can be released? What types of claims are impossible to release? When and how should severance benefits be paid in conjunction with the release of claims? Are you paying an employee money and he/she can still file a charge with the EEOC? This session will address recent court decisions and EEOC determinations that have found waivers and releases to be either invalid, to contain provisions that are considered to be unlawful retaliation, or allowed employees to “take the money” and still file a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC. Attorneys Logemann and Rauckman will discuss these recent deployments and strategies to address these issues. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Cari Logemann and Shawn Rauckman |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Litigation Breakfast Briefing |
| Date |
September 12, 2007 and September 26, 2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Playing Above the RIM: Preventative Tips on Records and Information Management |
| Topic Description |
Recent amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure significantly changed the rules of the game for electronic discovery (e-discovery). In a predominantly electronic environment where federal courts have given clear guidance about what is discoverable, your business needs an effective, efficient, and defensible records and information management solution. This seminar will explore preventative actions that businesses, large and small, can take to ensure compliance with new federal e-discovery rules. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Mary Sue Anderson, Steve Anderson, and Paul LaPlant |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
8/29/2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Discrimination Laws Impacting Local Government Employees |
| Topic Description |
Every day municipalities are sued by an employee or a former employee claiming that the municipality discriminated against the employee in violation of law or violated the employee’s constitutional rights. For example, can you fire someone for what they said at a public meeting? Can you fire someone because you think they drink too much? This presentation will explore the parameters of these, and other laws and their impact upon municipalities. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Sara Ackermann |
| Seminar Topic |
Local Officials Code of Ethics |
| Topic Description |
The conduct of elected officials is subject to tremendous scrutiny today. This presentation will address the Conflict of Interest Law, the Code of Ethics for Local Officials, the limitations placed on local officials by the laws, and situations that can result in a violation of the law. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Agri-Business Seminar: Renewable Fuels and Their Impact on the Agricultural Industry |
| Date |
8/28/2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Revised NR 243: Who's Covered? |
| Topic Description |
Attorney Wilson is a member of Ruder Ware’s Litigation Practice Group where he focuses his practice on environmental law and litigation, commercial litigation, and worker’s compensation defense. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Russ Wilson |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Employment, Labor & Benefits Law Breakfast Briefing |
| Date |
6/5/2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Protecting Your Confidential Information: Non-Competes and Employment Agreements |
| Topic Description |
Attorneys Steven Anderson and Shawn C.E. Rauckman will conduct an interactive discussion of the myriad of issues associated with agreements between employers and employees. The discussion will focus on noncompetition agreements and agreements aimed at protecting an employer’s confidential information. Attorney Rauckman will focus on what employers can do to protect their business interests before problems arise, and Attorney Anderson will discuss litigation aspects of disputes between employers and employees. The attorneys will share actual examples of issues they have encountered in their practice, highlighting potential pitfalls that frequently arise. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Steve Anderson and Shawn Rauckman |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
4/30/2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Conducting a Government Meeting |
| Topic Description |
This presentation will outline the proper methods for conducting a governmental meeting and address issues that commonly occur at such meetings. For example, must a governmental body move into closed session when it will be discussing an employee personnel matter? What is the proper procedure for moving into closed session? Do Roberts Rules of Order always apply? Can a Board force a Board member to leave a meeting? What do you do if you think someone has a conflict? This presentation will answer these questions and much more. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
4/30/2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Open Meetings Law |
| Topic Description |
Compliance with the Open Meetings Law is essential for all local government bodies. This presentation covers the basics of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and provides guidance to elected officials on compliance with the Law. Chris will also discuss the requirements and valid reasons for meeting in closed session. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
CWSHRM & RW Annual Human Resources & Employment Law Conference |
| Date |
4/19/2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
Where Are You and When Can I Fire You? |
| Topic Description |
Employers are faced daily with the problem of the chronically absent employee. Some employees are here one day and gone the next. or have been known to "disappear" for long periods of time and then suddenly reappear when you had hoped they were gone for good. Attorney Jones will address this frustrating topic for employers and methods that employers can utilize within the law to control absenteeism abuse. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Who Are You and Why Should I Hire You? |
| Topic Description |
Attorney Toner will review the myriad of issues associated with the pre-employment process. Topics will include how to properly conduct a background check. when to worry about the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Wisconsin's arrest and conviction discrimination laws, drug and alcohol testing. and the best way to interview applicants. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| Seminar Topic |
Show Me The Money! A Wage and Hour Forum |
| Topic Description |
Attorneys Sara Ackermann and Mary Ellen Schill will conduct an interactive forum to discuss the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and Wisconsin's wage and hour laws. Attendees should come prepared with questions as this area of law is best understood through examples. Several issues will be addressed. including the following the differences between the state and federal laws; how to determine whether an employee is exempt/non-exempt; when a benefit must be included in an employee's regular rate of pay for overtime purposes; how to utilize the fluctuating workweek method. and much, much more. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Sara Ackermann and Mary Ellen Schill |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Employment, Labor & Benefits Law Breakfast Briefing |
| Date |
February 16, 2007 and February 23, 2007 |
| Seminar Topic |
The Alphabet Soup of Employment Law: ADA/FMLA/WC |
| Topic Description |
Bring your thinking caps! This presentation will touch on the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Worker's Compensation laws. Case situations will then be presented for review and analysis. The attendees will be encouraged to participate in analyzing the case situations and to provide their thoughts. Attendees will be able to apply the information gained from this presentation to their operations and modify their personnel policies as necessary to comply with the law. (The presentation assumes that the attendees are familiar with the general elements of the ADA/FMLA/Worker's Compensation laws.) |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Employment, Labor, and Benefits Law Conference |
| Date |
11/3/2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
Employee Handbooks: Dos and Don’ts |
| Topic Description |
More than ever before, employers must know what to include and not to include in their employee handbooks and policies. Participants in this breakout session will receive suggestions and advice on how to update or develop an employee handbook that will clearly state the company’s policies and procedures, protecting the company from expensive and unnecessary litigation. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Ron Rutlin |
| Seminar Topic |
The Missing Employee: Drugs, Alcohol and other Absenteeism Issues |
| Topic Description |
Employee absenteeism for whatever reason has become a troublesome problem for Wisconsin employers. Deciding how to address excessive absenteeism, whether caused by alcohol abuse, or a disabling condition, requires a great deal of sensitivity and caution, especially in the face of recent court decisions that provide various protections under disability discrimination. This presentation will focus on all aspects of the absenteeism problem and provide guidance to employers on how to address this common workplace problem. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
The State/Federal FMLA Laws: Playing the Game |
| Topic Description |
Employees are becoming more knowledgeable of the FMLA laws and are more often invoking their rights under those laws to request excused absences from work. Employers are faced daily with the question as to whether an employee is entitled to FMLA leave in various situations. This presentation will review significant FMLA case decisions and then present case studies that the attendees will be asked to analyze. The case studies will focus on real life FMLA situations that employers confront. The presentation assumes that attendees are familiar with the FMLA laws. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and bring their problem situations for review by the group. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Disability Discrimination: What You Need to Know About the Recent Federal and State Disability Cases |
| Topic Description |
Some things never change. Unfortunately, how the courts interpret disability discrimination does. In this session, we’ll examine the impact some recent court decisions will have upon how you respond to disability discrimination claims from your employees. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| Seminar Topic |
Employment Litigation In the Electronic Age Your Responsibility to Retain Documents and How They Can Come Back to Haunt You |
| Topic Description |
How long should we retain our electronic data? What happens if we destroy them too soon? I thought we deleted that. How did they find that? Your company may be doing some things in this area already, but we’ll examine the impact these procedures may have on your company, some of which you may not even be aware of. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Cari Logemann |
| Seminar Topic |
What’s New in Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation |
| Topic Description |
The recently enacted Pension Protection Act of 2006 didn’t just affect traditional pension plans. 401(k) plans were impacted as well. And the deadline for bringing non qualified deferred compensation plans into compliance with new Code Section 409A is fast approaching. Will the IRS issue final regulations before the deadline? Tune in to find out! |
| Presenter |
Attorney Mary Ellen Schill |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
10/30/2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
Conflicts of Interest and Code of Ethics for Local Officials: How to Avoid Getting in Trouble When Making Decisions as a Local Elected Official |
| Topic Description |
This presentation will address the Conflict of Interest law, the Code of Ethics for Local Officials, the limitations placed on local officials, and situations that can result in a violation of the law. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Wisconsin Fair Employment Act: What Decisions Can You Make and What Decisions Should You Make |
| Topic Description |
This presentation will discuss the myriad implications that the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act has on public sector employees and local government units. Recent decisions have changed how public employees are allowed to think about handling employment matters. Every local government official should be aware of recent discrimination decisions that impact your decision making. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| Seminar Topic |
What Are the Ten Most Important Things to Know About the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law |
| Topic Description |
This presentation will highlight the most important aspects of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law. Every local government official is faced with questions regarding the Open Meetings Law and the conduct of government business. This presentation will highlight the major issues for your consideration. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Employment, Labor & Benefits Law Breakfast Briefing |
| Date |
10/27/2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
Recent state and Federal Disability Discrimination Cases and their Impact on Wisconsin Employers. |
| Topic Description |
During the past year several important cases have been decided at the state and federal level which impact on how Wisconsin employers are required to deal with employees and applicants for employment who have a disability. For example, are you aware that Wisconsin employers may have to modify their Absenteeism Policies to accommodate employees who are chronically absent because of a disability? This program will summarize these decisions and provide practical suggestions and insights on how to apply them to common workplace situations. In addition, participants are encouraged to bring questions regarding disability related issues they had or are currently struggling with for discussion and analysis. |
| Presenters |
Attorney Chris Toner and Ron Rutlin |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Agri-Business Seminar: Liability, Taxation, Estate & Succession Planning Issues |
| Date |
8/17/2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
Who Gets the Farm - Succession Planning for Farmers |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dan Rupar |
| Seminar Topic |
Estate Taxes - Do Your Heirs Really Have to Sell the Farm? |
| Presenter |
Attorney Linda Danielson |
| Seminar Topic |
Liability Insurance: Common Problems |
| Presenter |
Jim Harrington |
| Seminar Topic |
Avoiding Liability: Enforcement in Construction Site Erosion Control |
| Presenter |
Attorney Russ Wilson |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Employment, Labor. And Benefits Law Breakfast Briefing |
| Date |
July 21, 2006 and July 28, 2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
Review of the FMLA Essentials and Common Problems Faced by Employers |
| Topic Description |
This presentation will review the basic requirements under the state and federal Family and Medical Leave Acts and recurring problems faced by employers under the Acts. Some issues to be reviewed are how employers may address situations where employees ore continually absent from work on an intermittent basis; failed to return medical certifications; submit incomplete certifications; and ore unable to return to work at the end of FMLA leave. Participants are encouraged to raise FMLA issues that they are struggling with for analysis with the group. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Construction Law Conference For Builders, Contractors & Component Manufacturers |
| Date |
May 23, 2006 and May 25, 2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
Condemnation |
| Topic Description |
Unfortunately, sometimes customers don’t pay their bills and you need to protect what you’ve invested in a project. In this session, we’ll discuss the condemnation process so, if you’re ever in that situation, you’ll have a feel for what you should and should not do. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Joe Mirr |
| Seminar Topic |
Construction Liens |
| Topic Description |
In this session, you will learn about construction liens and the proper way to file them. We will help you get the security you need on the projects you are involved in. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Steve Anderson |
| Seminar Topic |
Accommodation Issues under Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Act. |
| Topic Description |
Employees suffer injuries at work on a daily basis. Those injuries can often result in a permanent disability. An employer has the duty under Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Act to provide a disabled employee with a reasonable accommodation so the employee can maintain his job. In the last several years, the Wisconsin courts have greatly expanded this accommodation requirement. This presentation will provide a summary of those changes as they impact upon an employer’s operations. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Right to Cure Legislation - Builder/Supplier Duties and Potential Pitfalls |
| Topic Description |
Governor Doyle has recently signed Right to Repair legislation that will have significant impacts on builders, contractors, and component suppliers. Our construction attorneys are quite familiar with this legislation and similar laws being passed nationwide. You will learn about this new process and what will be required of you when a customer complains of a defect. You also will learn what repercussions you will face if you do not participate in the process. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jim Harrington |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Business Law Conference for Business Owners/Executives |
| Date |
May 2, 2006 & May 9, 2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
Top Ten Tips for Keeping What You Have Earned. |
| Topic Description |
The United States. like most industrialized nations. maintains a transfer tax system in addition to on income tax system. Transfer taxes include gift. estate. and generation-skipping taxes. This program includes ten tried and true tips for minimizing or eliminating taxes on lifetime transfers and transfers made at death. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Sam Geraci and Mark Bradley |
| Seminar Topic |
Succession Planning - What is My Exit Strategy for My Business? |
| Topic Description |
This session will examine both practical and creative ways to successfully leave your business. We will look at the two types of succession planning ownership transfer and management transfer. Maximizing retirement income and tax issues pertaining to succession planning will also be discussed. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Linda Danielson and Dan Rupar |
| Seminar Topic |
Environmental Enforcement. |
| Topic Description |
Environmental laws. regulations, permit terms and citizen's suits can impose civil and criminal liability on corporations. limited liability corporations. and individual "responsible corporate officers." This presentation provides an overview of environmental enforcement by the federal government, state government. and citizen's suits. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Russ Wilson |
| Seminar Topic |
Intellectual Property and the Internet. |
| Topic Description |
Protection of intellectual property and use of the internet are becoming increasingly relevant concerns for businesses of all sizes in virtually every industry. This session provides a brief overview of patent. trademark. copyright. and trade secret law and confidentiality agreements in the protection of proprietary information. We will also discuss developments in internet law including linking. framing and domain name disputes. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Derek Prestin and Steve Lipowski |
| Seminar Topic |
Real Estate - Use of "Like-Kind Exchanges" to Defer Capital Gains on Real Estate Sales. |
| Topic Description |
Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code allows investors to defer capital gains taxes on the exchange of like-kind properties. including real estate. It has been called "Real Estate's Best Kept Secret For Tax Relief." This session will look at the advantages and disadvantages of entering into tax deferred exchanges and will examine the mechanics of using a 1031 exchange. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Joe Mirr and Joe Mella |
| Seminar Topic |
Sarbanes-Oxley For Privately Held Companies: Best Practices |
| Topic Description |
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act ("SOX") was intended to improve the financial reporting and corporate governance practices of publicly traded companies. Private sector companies and non-profit organizations may wish to consider implementing some of these procedures on a voluntary basis since they may become "best practices" in the near future. This seminar will review these procedures and discuss how they can be implemented by private sector companies and non-profit organizations. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys John Leary and Matt Rowe |
| Seminar Topic |
Extending Credit to Your Customers: Trade Credit and Preference Claims. |
| Topic Description |
This session will discuss how to protect yourself when you are extending trade credit to your customers. In addition. we will review preference claims under the bankruptcy code and other changes to the bankruptcy code which may impact your business. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Randi Osberg and Jeremy Welch |
| Seminar Topic |
Construction Contracts: The Owner's Perspective. |
| Topic Description |
Many construction contracts are drafted using standard forms which have been prepared by industry groups, such as the AlA and AGE. These standard forms address many important issues in the construction process but do not always reflect positions which protect the interests of the owner of a project. This presentation will review many of these standard forms and discuss provisions which are frequently the subject of negotiation as owners attempt to protect themselves from unanticipated costs, delays, and liabilities. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Dave Anderson and Bill Tehan |
| Seminar Topic |
Non-Compete Agreements: The Good. the Bad. and (Preventing) the Ugly. |
| Topic Description |
Learn the ins and outs of non-compete agreements. Learn how a "good" non-compete agreement can help your business, how to protect yourself from a "bad" non-compete agreement, and how to avoid the "ugly" litigation. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Matt Cornetta and Mary Sue Anderson |
| Seminar Topic |
The Business Litigation Process and Electronic Discovery Issues. |
| Topic Description |
Disputes arise in business. What you write in your e-mail and store on your computer matters. We will discuss the often "lose-lose" scenario of electronic discovery and provide an overview of the varied ways to resolve business disputes before full blown litigation becomes necessary. |
| Presenters |
Attorneys Steve Anderson and Jim Harrington |
| Seminar Topic |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans: Can We Even Call Them "Nonqualified" Anymore? |
| Topic Description |
Nonqualified deferred compensation plans have always been just that, nonqualified. Now, after the enactment of Code Section 409A, they are starting to look a lot like qualified plans. This session will provide an overview of the impact of the new IRS deferred compensation rules on traditional deferred compensation plans, as well as equity-based plans that have a whole new set of rules to follow. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Mary Ellen Schill |
| Seminar Topic |
Employment & Labor in Wisconsin: Top 10 Things All Business Owners/Executives Need to Know. |
| Topic Description |
Knowing an employer's rights and obligations under state and federal employment and labor laws is critical to the success of any size company. This session will focus on the most important laws that Wisconsin employers need to be aware of and provide practical tips on how to avoid and/or successfully defend employment related disputes. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Ron Rutlin |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Local Government Seminar |
| Date |
4/24/2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
Public Employee Discipline: Yes, Dorothy, You Still Can Terminate a Public Employee But You Must Follow the Yellow Brick Paper Trail. |
| Topic Description |
This presentation will discuss public employee discipline and the protections afforded public employees. There will also be a discussion of the differences in disciplining municipal employees and school district employees. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
Conflicts of Interest and Code of Ethics for Local Officials: How to Avoid Getting in Trouble When Making Decisions as a Local Elected Official. |
| Topic Description |
This presentation will address the conflict of interest law and the limitations placed on local officials and situations that can result in a violation of the law. This presentation will also discuss the Code of Ethics for Local Officials and its prohibitions. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Wisconsin Public Records Law: The Five Most Important Things to Remember About Your Public Records. |
| Topic Description |
This presentation will discuss the basics of the Wisconsin Public Records Law including the obligations of each local official under the law. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Dean Dietrich |
| Seminar Topic |
Wisconsin’s Open Meetings Law: You Cannot Hide But You Can Meet In Closed Session – Maybe. |
| Topic Description |
This presentation covers the basics of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and provides guidance to elected officials on compliance with the law. We will also discuss the requirements and valid reasons for meeting in closed session. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Chris Toner |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Annual Human Resources & Employment Law Conference |
| Date |
4/20/2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
FMLA Update – Recent Court Decisions Impacting the Employer & Case Study Analysis |
| Topic Description |
This presentation is designed for human resource personnel familiar with the state and federal Family and Medical Leave Act laws. The first portion of the presentation will provide an insightful update on recent FMLA decisions impacting upon an employer’s daily operations, leave provisions, and reinstatement procedures. For example, decisions addressing an employer’s right (or non-right) to refuse to reinstate an employee returning from FMLA leave will be reviewed. The second part of the presentation will involve audience participation in which the audience will be asked to analyze FMLA situations that have confronted employers in real life. Bring yourselves, your questions, and your thinking hats! |
| Presenter |
Attorney Jeff Jones |
| Seminar Topic |
Legal Topic – "Stick or Carrot?": Employee Discipline and Discharge Issues. |
| Topic Description |
How should employers document employee disciplinary issues? What policies need to be in place before disciplinary decisions can be made? When shouldn't you place an employee on a performance improvement plan? These questions and more will be answered during this breakout session. |
| Presenter |
Attorney Sara Ackermann |
| Seminar Topic |
Sexual Harassment Mock Trial – Was Karey’s Resignation Really a Constructive Discharge? |
| Topic Description |
Employers face claims of sexual harassment on a daily basis. The most common claim is that a male supervisor was sexually harassing a female subordinate and the harassment became so intolerable that the subordinate had to resign from her employment. This presentation will present a mock hearing on a former employee’s claim of sexual harassment. You are the judge as to whether the employee has a valid claim. Adults only. |
| Presenter |
Ruder Ware Employment/Labor Group |
| |
_______________________________________ |
| Seminar |
Employment, Labor, and Benefits Law Breakfast Briefing |
| Date |
February 23, 2006 and February 24, 2006 |
| Seminar Topic |
Show Me the Money!” The Top Ten Things Employers Must Know About the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Wisconsin’s Wage and Hour Laws |
| Topic Description |
How should Wisconsin employers comply with the 2004 federal wage and hour regulations? When must an employer pay hourly workers for travel time? Must employers keep time records for exempt employees? Can an employer ever deduct pay from an exempt employee’s salary? This session will answer these questions and many more. |
| Presenter |
Attorneys Sara Ackermann and Ron Rutlin |
