Employment Law Update

2021 Employment Law Update

Dates: Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, 2021

The past year was filled with unexpected twists and turns for employers. At MRA’s premier annual law update, we will explore which trends are here to stay, and the legal implications for businesses. Hear from expert attorneys on topics such as remote work, COVID compliance updates, keeping employees safe, and rightsizing your workforce. Gain critical insight into what lies ahead in 2021 under the new presidential administration and Supreme Court.

NEW THIS YEAR! Starting in 2021, HRCI will require all certified professionals to fulfill 1 ethics credit during their 3-year recertification cycle. MRA’s session discussing HR’s role in workplace ethics will satisfy this requirement!

Earn up to 10.75 HRCI/SHRM credits by attending MRA’s Employment Law Update.
6.75 credits applied for the main conference plus earn extra credits for each state-specific session.

Join us virtually on February 18 and 19, for two half days of employment law updates to help you stay ahead of key changes that impact your business. Don’t wait ... register today!

Cost: $250 Member / $350 Nonmember

Thursday, February 18, 2021 (Day 1)

Friday, February 19, 2021 (Day 2)

Prerecorded:

A link to the prerecorded state-specific legislative updates will be shared with registrants the week before the conference.

2020 Federal Employment Law Year in Review: What Employers Need to Know About Legal Developments and Trends

Presented By:
Bud Bobber, Ogletree Deakins

The strategic HR professional is expected to see the big picture. A broader view helps employers understand the significance, scope, and real-world implications of employment law changes. This session will review the developing labor law landscape by highlighting the important changes in the last year and put them in context. You’ll gain critical insight into what looms ahead for 2021 and beyond so you can be prepared. The presenter will discuss:

• A summary of recent changes in employment law
• Expert legal assessment of the impact of those changes and how to respond
• What to anticipate on labor and employment policy regulations going forward considering the new administration

Be Like Jiminy: Why HR Professionals Should be the Conscience of Their Organization

Presented By:
Scott LeBlanc and Justin Webb, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

HR professionals are in a unique position to shape the culture of their respective organizations. When HR departments take steps to consciously promote the ideals of ethical leadership, fairness, justice, and responsibility—and lead by their example—they play a vital role in mitigating the various legal risks that can present themselves in the workplace. In this presentation, LeBlanc and Webb will explain how a solid code of ethics can help your organization:

• Reduce the prevalence of legal claims related to employee behavior and safety.
• Protect against data breaches and employee misuse of technology.
• Maintain its internal and external reputation.
• Create a compliance-first culture.

Fulfills HRCI’s new ethics requirement for HR professionals.

Considerations for a Remote Workforce

Presented By:
Gary Clark, Quarles & Brady

State shutdowns and quarantines accelerated remote work arrangements during the pandemic, changing the way we work forever. As employers establish their long-term remote work strategy, they must be mindful of legal issues to avoid employment law pitfalls. During this presentation, attendees will learn about:

• Wage and hour considerations (e.g., accurately reporting hours worked, working off the clock, and loss of exempt status for some employees)
• Tax and compliance issues when hiring out-of-state workers
• Reimbursement of business expenses
• Accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Employee Wellness: 2020’s Impact on Employees and Benefits

Presented By:
Kristin LeBre and Thomas Henke, Fredrikson & Byron

The pandemic has elevated levels of stress, fear, and anxiety, having an impact on mental health and well-being, in addition to those who are experiencing long-term physical effects associated with COVID-19. This session will cover the various benefits offered by employers to aid in overall employee wellness, including:

• The future of the Affordable Care Act
• Expected policy changes and enforcement activity by the DOL, IRS, and EEOC
• Compliance considerations for wellness programs
• Substance abuse and other mental health challenges

Social Activism in the Workplace

Presented By:
Erik K. Eisenmann, Chair of National Labor and Employment Practice, Husch Blackwell LLP
Catarina A. Colón, Attorney, Husch Blackwell LLP

In 2020, employers across the spectrum were required to confront the impact of social movements on the workplace like never before. This session will discuss lessons learned, and provide guidance, and best practices on handling these issues in the future, including:

• What does equity really mean in the workplace context? How does it impact pay, resources, and recruiting?
• Social media policies–what can and cannot be prohibited
• DEI program and policy considerations
• What employers need to know about how affinity group or employee resource groups can be structured

Keeping Employees Safe and Sound During a Pandemic: Sick Leave, FMLA, Testing, and Reporting

Presented By:
Jeff Nowak, Shareholder, Littler Mendelson

Face masks. Social distancing. Taking temperatures. Plexiglass dividers. No one could have imagined the new policies and procedures implemented by employers during the pandemic to ensure the safety and security of employees. In this session you will learn:

• The legal aspects of mandating employee safety measures
• FMLA and ADA application to common COVID-19 issues
• Considerations for accommodating employee absences from work

Restructuring the Employer/Employee Relationship for the Future – How Do We Get There?

Presented By:
Penelope Phillips, Felhaber Larson

While some businesses are thriving, the recession of 2020 has forced many employers to restructure their workforce to best position their company for a quick recovery. In this session, participants will receive practical guidance on how to navigate the employer/employee relationship, while avoiding risk and common pitfalls. This session will focus on a few key issues, including:

• New rules for independent contractors
• Furloughs and layoff considerations (WARN, OWBPA)
• The pros and cons of early retirement programs
• Voluntary reductions/terminations

Ask the Attorney Panel (back by popular demand!)

Inquiring minds want to know! The closing session will provide attendees an opportunity to get answers to their burning employment law questions. Submit your questions during the event through the chat portal. Our panel of attorneys will share their expertise on as many questions as time allows.

Prerecorded State-Specific Legislative Updates for Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa.

An Overview of Key Illinois Employment Laws and Developments That Impact Employers

Presented by:
Rob Bernstein, Laner Muchin

In 2020, there were numerous new employment laws and developments in Illinois which have significantly impacted employers. This session will cover an overview of these new employment laws and developments to assist in making sure that your organizations are in compliance, as well as cover Illinois’ stance toward COVID-related issues that impact the employment relationship. Session to cover:

• The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
• The Workplace Transparency Act
• Amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act
• Expansion of VESSA Protections
• Illinois Minimum Wage Law
• The Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance
• And, other important updates

2021 Iowa Legislative Update

Presented by:
Allison Wright and Matt Pappas, Pappas Wright, P.C.

With a focus on changes impacting Iowa employers, this session will review the following developments:

• COVID-19 regulations and legislative changes
• Recent developments in harassment/discrimination law
• State and federal updates impacting Iowa employers

2021 Minnesota Legislative Update

Presented by:
Stephanie Sarantopoulos, Littler Mendelson

Employers have faced new and unique challenges in 2020. The COVID-19 crisis has not only changed how work is being performed by employees, but also how employers must think about state and local laws and ordinances that may apply to their operations in this new telework environment. At the same time, employers must stay on top of the legislative changes brought in 2020 before the pandemic. During this session we will discuss:

• The intersection of COVID-19 and Minnesota law, including compliance challenges and strategies for Minnesota employers relating to Gov. Walz’s executive orders
• The Minnesota Wage Theft Prevention Act
• Local sick and safe time ordinances
• Other legislative developments, including recent decisions out of the Minnesota Supreme Court and a look at national trends that could impact Minnesota employers in the future 2021

Wisconsin Legislative Update

Presented by:
Keith Kopplin, Ogletree Deakins

2020 was quite a year! In this session for Wisconsin employers, we will review the following developments:

• The state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• New and proposed legislation impacting the workplace
• Key employment cases, agency developments, and litigation trends

The past year was filled with unexpected twists and turns for employers. At MRA’s premier annual law update, we will explore which trends are here to stay, and the legal implications for businesses. We expect 800 HR leaders, corporate legal staff, and c-suite executives from the Upper Midwest (IA, IL, MN, WI) to attend!

Day Sponsor $3,500 (2 available)

• Sponsorship name included for the entire day
• One-minute introduction video at the start of the conference
• MRA website logo placement
• On-screen logo during the conference
• Full page ad included in materials
• Logo on email promotions
• Logo included on materials

Session Sponsorship $1,500 (8 available)

• Sponsorship name on one session
• MRA website logo placement
• On-screen logo during the conference
• Full page ad included in materials
• Logo on email promotions
• Logo included on materials

Advertising Add-on (3 available – above sponsorship + $1,000)

• Company advertisement on screen
• Click-through content captured

For sponsorship details, contact Jim Morgan, Vice President.
James.Morgan@mranet.org
262.696.3309