Employee Relations Counseling
We advise clients on compliance with employment-related statutes and regulations on the federal, state, and local levels. We take a preventative approach in counseling clients, to preemptively minimize conflicts in the workplace that may otherwise escalate to costly litigation. We regularly assist clients in the following areas:
preparation of employee handbooks and personnel policies
drafting of employment offer letters and agreements
development of drug and alcohol testing policies
compliance with wage and hour regulations
implementation of discipline and discharge protocols
investigating employee misconduct
protection of employer privacy interests at the workplace
drafting of severance policies and separation agreements
preparation of confidentiality agreements and trade secret agreements
compliance with pandemic regulations
employee and management training
wage and hour audit defense
representation at the EEOC and FCHR
employee vs. independent contractor classification issues
Employment Litigation
When disputes cannot be avoided, we represent clients at trial in state and federal courts and appellate proceedings. We also handle administrative hearings at the DOAH level. We represent clients in EEOC and Florida Commission on Human Relations matters as well as with the Department of Economic Opportunity. We approach cases thoughtfully and keep our client’s needs and finances in mind at all times. The Firm handles the following litigation matters:
employment discrimination
enforcement of restrictive covenants
employment contracts
defending against wrongful discharge claims
harassment claims
disability discrimination
enforcement of trade secrets
FLSA wage and hour compliance
Employment Training and Workshops
We develop and conduct training programs for both supervisory and non-supervisory employees. Our training programs and workshops are designed to meet a client's specific needs in a wide variety of workplace issues, with a touch of humor and targeting the employer’s particular industry. The Firm can assist you with training on the following issues:
anti-discrimination, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation training
compliance with federal, state and local employment laws
minimizing liability in discipline and discharge decisions
federal and state wage and hour compliance
legitimate service animals vs. so-called ‘comfort’ or emotional support animals
Employment Investigations
We conduct and counsel employers on workplace investigations, including allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, discrimination and retaliation. The Firm can assist employers with the following investigations:
harassment or discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or make-up, or any other protected category enumerated by applicable local ordinance, state law, or federal law
possession, use and/or sale of controlled substances
compliance with corporate ethics policies
respect in the workplace