Employers, managers, human resources professionals and corporate counsel are invited to join us for an interactive half-day workshop. The workshop will focus on how to effectively handle challenging human resources situations, particularly in difficult economic times where changes in staffing needs interface with employee benefits, discipline and statutory obligations.

Lane Powell Shareholder Diane Butler will open the seminar with a discussion of immigration issues many employers are facing, including hiring foreign workers, going for the green card and layoff implications for foreign workers.

Lane Powell Counsel to the Firm Peter Partnow and Lane Powell Attorneys Laura Morse and Kirsten Daniels will present and lead round table discussions of prototypical scenarios that occur in the workplace. Our workshop will address topics such as:

• Should you proceed with disciplining an employee who reveals a disability?
• What should you consider when disciplining employees who have just returned from leave?
• Should you proceed with a termination when you have "less than ideal" documentation of prior performance issues?

Lane Powell Shareholder Sarah Haushild will close the seminar by reviewing the new changes to COBRA under the stimulus package and will discuss extended COBRA coverage, reimbursement for subsidized coverage and notice requirements.

Agenda:

7:30 - 8:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast

8:00 - 8:05 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

8:05 - 9:05 a.m. Hot Topics in Immigration Issues for Employers

9:05 - 9:15 a.m. Break

9:15 - 10:00 a.m. Disciplining Employees in Challenging Situations

10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Dealing with a Difficult Termination

10:45 - 11:00 a.m. Break

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Update: Subsidized COBRA and Other Continuing Health Coverage Under the Stimulus Act

11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Questions & Answers