With the increasing optimism associated with vaccinations and the potential return to life as we once knew it, employers are planning for a return to work by a workforce that, for almost a year, has been able to work from home in pajamas without supervisors watching them. Managing the process requires employers to keep abreast of activities from all of the regulatory agencies not only amidst a pandemic, but also a time of unprecedented civil and political unrest. The webinar will address some of the latest guidance out of the regulatory agencies, but will also discuss the new frontier of addressing political discourse in the office with employees having to return to a structured office environment after months of freedom at home. Managing this return necessarily means addressing conflict, potential claims, and legal challenges. The webinar will provide takeaways for employers and claims professionals as to best practices for employees returning to work and potential strategies for reducing claims and litigation.
*Please note CLE is not available for on-demand webinars.
About the Speakers
Paul Finamore of Pessin Katz Law, P.A. is a Member in PK Law’s Labor and Employment Group. He is an experienced trial lawyer who has practiced in state and federal courts throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia for over 30 years. His experience includes litigation of general and professional liability matters, including accountants, insurance agents, dentists, title companies and underground facility locating services; and the defense of employment litigation claims such as Title VII; wage and hour; whistle blowing; wrongful termination; ADA, FMLA and FLSA. As a trial lawyer, Mr. Finamore understands the importance of providing his clients with practical advice to assist them with balancing business risk while avoiding unnecessary litigation. However, in the event of litigation, Mr. Finamore has the depth of experience, skill and efficacy required.
In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Finamore regularly counsels employers on employment issues, workplace policies, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. He began practicing in employment law while serving on active duty in the US Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Lisa Settles of Pessin Katz Law, P.A. is an experienced trial attorney who represents corporate clients and governmental entities in federal and state courts. She primarily defends private and public sector employers including boards of education and religious institutions in civil actions, including race, religious, gender and disability discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, child sex abuse, premises liability, wrongful discharge, FMLA, motor tort, and contract claims.
Ms. Settles manages all phases of civil litigation in federal and state courts at the trial and appellate levels, including fact investigation, pre-trial discovery, extensive motions practice, settlement negotiations, witness preparation, trial advocacy and post-trial motions. She routinely represents employers in disciplinary proceedings, including termination hearings and appeals, provides counsel to executive and managerial personnel in employment matters, and defends and prosecutes discrimination and relation claims before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.
