30th Annual Labor, Employment, Benefits, and Immigration Law Forum

November 16, 2017

7:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

MotorCity Casino Hotel Detroit

Please join us on Thursday, November 16, 2017 for our 30th Annual Labor, Employment, Benefits, and Immigration Law Forum.

Please click here to download a copy of the materials.

Please click here to download a copy of the presentations.

Please direct inquiries to Jonathan Spencer at spencer@butzel.com.

Registration is now Closed!

Walk-ins are Welcome!

Price: $190

This seminar has been approved for 4 continuing education credits with HRCI and SHRM.

Click here to download a copy of the agenda.

Agenda

7:15 am  Registration and Breakfast

8:00 am  Welcome and Introduction

8:30 am - 9:30 am  Workshop Session 1 (select one)

• It’s a Brave New World in Immigration! (Reggie Pacis, Elissa Pinto, Amany Kasham) This session will cover recent trends and new policies impacting U.S. immigration and the effect on U.S. employers and foreign nationals.  The discussion will include updated information regarding heightened scrutiny in the processing of applications for all immigration benefits, increased site visits by the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security, new interview requirements, and the future of U.S. immigration including proposed legislation.
• Workplace Investigations (Carey DeWitt, Diane Soubly) Investigations relating to theft, harassment, retaliation, under performance, drug and alcohol abuse, and various misconduct must be conducted properly in order to properly address the issue and effectively defend claims.  This workshop will address the proper execution of an investigation, including investigations of potential off duty misconduct.
• The NLRB Doesn’t Bother Me! (Craig Schwartz) Many employers incorrectly believe that if they have no unionized employees the national labor relations act does not apply to them.  This workshop will discuss some of the legal obligations on ALL employers, and policies that often run afoul of those obligations, such as social media policies, non-disparagement policies, and salary confidentiality policies.
• Incentives that Attract and Retain Talent (Andrew Stumpff, Lynn McGuire) Your compensation and benefit package can be an effective tool in attracting new talent and retaining your investment in your existing talent.  This workshop will discuss compensation incentives and benefits that can help accomplish your goals, including a variety of incentive compensation alternatives such as stock, stock options, and deferred compensation arrangements, plus some benefits you may not have considered before, and other ways to optimize your existing compensation and benefit package.

9:45 am - 10:45 am  Workshop Session 2 (select one)

• U.S. Entry Issues: Strategies for Successful Visa Applications (Clara Mager, Linda Armstrong, Bushra Malik) This workshop will discuss how to prepare a visa application and the applicant for the visa interview at the U.S. Consulate, including dealing with issues such as administrative processing and visa revocations.  It will also discuss current processing and procedures at the border, including various business and work authorization applications permitted at U.S. Ports of Entries, documentation required for the applications, and emerging issues including new rules regarding attorney representation.
• Do We Really Have to Pay for That? (Rebecca Davies) Wage and hour issues can be complex and affect many aspects of the workplace.  This workshop will discuss wage and hour issues involving flexible work hours, work from home, use of technology, etc.
• Employers’ Affirmative Obligations (Dan Tukel) Most employers know what they are prohibited from doing, such as discriminating or harassing employees, but some labor/employment laws impose affirmative obligations on employers.  This workshop will discuss some of those obligations, such as the obligation to investigate whether a requested leave qualifies for FMLA, the obligation to accommodate religious beliefs and practices and the obligation to accommodate protected disabilities.
• Hiring the Competition (Paul Mersino, Bernie Fuhs) In today’s increasingly competitive and fast-paced business world, it is more important than ever to protect your company’s most valuable assets (relationships, confidential information and trade secrets).  It is also equally important to attract new talent, and to retain current employees.  But those two important interests may conflict.  This workshop will discuss proven and cost-efficient strategies that will help your company acquire and retain top talent while also protecting your company’s most valuable assets.  Focus will be on avoiding common legal pitfalls, while also managing costs.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm  Workshop Session 3 (select one)

• Affirmative Action Plans and Reporting Requirements (Regan Dahle, Hannah Treppa) Most government contractors and subcontractors must create affirmative action plans and abide by other reporting and record keeping requirements.  Many times employers are not aware that they qualify as a government contractor or subcontractor and are subject to these requirements.  This workshop will discuss the components of a compliant affirmative action plan, the steps necessary to meet reporting and record keeping obligations, and how to determine if any or all of the affirmative action rules and regulations apply to your company.
• Sexual Orientation: The Government Cannot Agree, So What Should You Do as an Employer? (Scott Patterson, Brett Miller) Gender issues have evolved and can impact the workplace in unexpected ways.  This workshop will focus on issues involving LGBT employees, including restroom or changing facilities, marriage equality, gender stereotyping, and more.
• Workplace Violence and the Emotionally Challenged Employee (John Hancock) Workplace violence remains an issue, and employees with emotional issues of conditions may have to be accommodated.  This workshop will discuss how to recognize danger signs, and how an employer can legally address performance and behaviors of employees with emotional or psychiatric issues.
• Retention in the Millennial Age (Jim Rosenfeld, Michael Griffie) “Millennials” are now the largest demographic in the workforce.  Their priorities, goals and values may be different from those of other workplace demographics.  This workshop will address some of the issues particular to millennials, and strategies for employers to effectively address those issues to attract and retain employees.

12:00 pm  Lunch

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm  Guest Speaker

• Best Practices of Best and Brightest Companies (Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO, 101 Best and Brightest Sustainable Companies) Jennifer Kluge is President and CEO of the organization which runs the competition for the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.  She will discuss the Best Practices of those Best and Brightest Companies, including what makes a company one of the “best and brightest” and how their practices help them attract and retain talented employees.

New Location!

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting this year's seminar at the MotorCity Casino and Hotel!