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Labor & Employment

  • Jun 18, 2021Norris McLaughlin Welcomes New Associates to the Firm

    The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome Anthony M. Brichta to its Allentown, Pennsylvania office and John V. Kelly III to the Bridgewater, New Jersey office.

    “We are thrilled to be adding more young talent to our already established practice groups and offices. Our goal is to continue our growth plans, providing the firm a great succession plan to secure our future,” said David C. Roberts, Chair of the firm and Co-Chair of its Recruiting Committee.

    About Anthony Brichta

    Brichta concentrates his practice on commercial litigation, corporate matters, and liquor law. He has joined the firm’s expansive Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing, and Distribution Industry Group and brings his wide-ranging experience to its alcohol manufacturing and distribution clients.

    In addition, Brichta has handled a broad range of civil litigation matters for private and municipal clients. He has extensive experience in creditors’ rights, municipal litigation, tax assessment and tax claim litigation, appellate practice, insurance defense and coverage, plaintiffs’ litigation, commercial disputes, bankruptcy, and juvenile dependency matters.

    A resident and native of the Lehigh Valley, Brichta is co-founder and CEO of a start-up craft distillery in Allentown and Easton. He has volunteered for an income tax clinic relief program in New Orleans and taught the Junior Achievement Program at Brooklyn High School. Brichta was selected for inclusion in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 “Rising Stars” lists in Philadelphia Magazine by Super Lawyers®.

    Brichta received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2008, where he participated in the mock trial and trial practice programs. He was also a member of the university’s wrongful convictions clinical program and assistant editor of its national political science journal, Political Communication. From Lehigh University, Brichta received his M.A. in 2005 and his B.A., summa cum laude, in 2004.

    About John Kelly

    Kelly, who is joining the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, focuses his practice exclusively on labor and employment law. He advises clients on various local, state, and federal labor and employment laws.

    Additionally, Kelly handles litigation matters from pleading through appeal, including discrimination and sexual harassment suits, workplace investigations, and wage and hour compliance, and employer investigations. He drafts employer and employee policies, handbooks, and contracts, and negotiates vendor contracts and agreements.

    Prior to joining the firm, Kelly was a clerk for the New Jersey Superior Court, Hudson County Vicinage Law Division in Jersey City for the Hon. Christine Farrington, J.S.C. He is an Army Veteran and JAG Officer in the New Jersey Army National Guard. In 2020, Kelly was elected to the Nutley Board of Commissioners, where he serves as Commissioner and Director of Nutley’s Public Affairs and Health Department.

    Kelly earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2012, where he was a member of the Legislative Law Journal and recipient of the Del Tufo Constitutional Law Award; and his B.S., cum laude, from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2007.

    Posted in: Anthony M. Brichta, Business Law, John V. Kelly III, Labor & Employment, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Litigation, News, Real Estate & Finance | Tags: , , , , , ,

  • Apr 05, 2021Recreational Cannabis Is Legal in New Jersey: What Employers Need to Know

    Nicholas F. Pellitta, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will moderate the free webinar, “Recreational Cannabis Is Legal in New Jersey: What Employers Need to Know,” hosted by the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce.

    Recreational Cannabis in New Jersey

    This one-hour webinar will offer in-depth conclusions regarding recreation cannabis legislation concerning employers and labor laws. Discussion topics will include:

    • Three key provisions of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA) that impact the workplace
    • New rules for drug testing and the interplay with the Jake Honig Medical Cannabis Industry
    • What employers should be doing now
    • What is left unanswered by CREAMMA

    When: Tuesday, April 13, 2021

    8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

    Register for Norris McLaughlin, Attorneys at Law, Legal Events in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

    About Nicholas Pellitta

    Nick has substantial experience in a variety of legal areas in both federal and state courts. It is his goal to maximize efficiency for his clients by promptly analyzing their objectives, identifying necessary strategies, and implementing an appropriate course of action. Nick provides a wide variety of litigation strategies and assistance for business clients in commercial matters, including contract review, insurance-related issues, and real property tax appeals.

    In the area of higher education, Nick has represented colleges and universities for more than 25 years in areas such as tort claim defense, campus security, alcohol policies, police litigation, civil rights, and student discipline. Representative clients include Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Seton Hall University. Nick has represented the Rutgers Police Department and has provided in-house training and advice on police-related matters. On the individual level, Nick assists clients in matters involving personal injury, criminal charges, juvenile delinquency, and other similar offenses, both in municipal and superior courts.

    Nick has served as Second Vice President in the C. Willard Heckel Inn of Court, an organization designed for the continuing education of newly-admitted attorneys. He has also lectured at the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and on behalf of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office in the area of trial practice. Nick has served as Chairman of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and is currently Legal Counsel to the Chamber, aiding in contract review, lease and vendor agreements, and general legal advice. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees and a Past President for Prevention Resources, an organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness and preventing substance abuse and violence in the community, and as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Raritan Valley Community College Foundation.

    Posted in: Cannabis Law, Events, Labor & Employment, Nicholas F. Pellitta | Tags: , ,

  • Mar 22, 2021Patrick Collins Speaks to Somerset County Business Employers and HR Professionals on COVID-19 Vaccine

    Patrick T. Collins, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Labor & Employment Law Practice Group, co-presented the webinar “Don’t Miss Your Shot: Vaccine Information and Your Role as an Employer” on March 17.

    “The considerations surrounding how employers will address vaccines in the workplace are many and complex. This is a dynamic area that will continue to change as more employees get vaccinated and as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Employers and HR professionals need to stay on top of the latest guidance as employees continue to return to the workplace,” commented Collins.

    About the COVID-19 Vaccine Employer Webinar 

    Sejal Sharma, Director of Business Development at RWJUH Somerset, was co-presenter of the webinar, which was co-hosted by the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) HR Roundtable and Employee Wellness Roundtable. Sharma presented information about the vaccine and the vaccination process. Collins, as Chair of the SCBP HR Roundtable, addressed employment law issues regarding vaccinating employees with the COVID-19 vaccine; legal considerations under federal and state anti-discrimination laws and practical guidance on mandatory and non-mandatory vaccination policies and medical and religious exemptions from vaccine requirements; and additional vaccine-related legal considerations involving wage and hour issues, workers’ compensation issues, and vaccine incentive programs that may affect an employer.

    About Pat Collins

    A resident of Branchburg, Collins practices labor, employment, and personnel law on behalf of employers and management. He is experienced in all areas of litigation in both federal and state courts, defending discrimination and sexual harassment claims, wrongful discharge and whistleblower suits, and claims brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the multitude of other civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. In addition, Collins represents parties in breach of contract claims, and in actions involving unfair competition, restrictive covenants, and confidentiality agreements.

    Collins has appeared before state human rights agencies throughout the country, as well as the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board, and various wage and hour agencies. He has represented employers in numerous labor grievance/arbitration proceedings, and in a variety of other matters relating to the unionization of employees and collective bargaining. He has also worked extensively with employers on public works contracts to ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws.

    Much of Collins’ practice concentrates on counseling employers in making workplace decisions that will reduce or avoid entirely the risk of litigation. He regularly counsels his clients on matters concerning independent contractors and contingent workers, employment policies, employee discipline and terminations, reductions in workforce, and plant closings. Collins has conducted sexual harassment investigations and employment law audits, as well as drafted numerous employee handbooks and substance abuse and workplace privacy policies. He has also conducted management and employee training and legal compliance sessions in a variety of areas, including the performance appraisal process and anti-harassment.

    Collins is a member of the American Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, and their Labor & Employment Sections, as well as the Somerset County Bar Association. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey and is a former member of the Supreme Court of New Jersey’s District XIII Ethics Committee and the Sidney Reitman Employment Law Inn of Court.

    Collins received his J.D., cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1983 and his B.S. from Glassboro State College in 1979.

    Posted in: Labor & Employment, News, Patrick T. Collins | Tags: ,

  • Feb 19, 2021COVID-19 Vaccine: Legal Issues You Need to Navigate

    Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to present the webinar, “COVID-19 Vaccine: Legal Issues You Need to Navigate,” hosted by the New Jersey Food Processors Association (NJFPA). Presenters include Patrick T. Collins and Danielle M. DeFilippis.

    COVID-19 Vaccine: Legal Issues You Need to Navigate

    This webinar will dive into the legal issues around the COVID-19 vaccine and other legal matters arising from the pandemic. With COVID-19 vaccine delivery increasing, so are the legal questions that companies throughout the food processing industry face. New questions have come to the forefront of navigating the pandemic, including:

    • How should employers approach employee vaccinations? Mandatory, strongly encourage, or another approach?
    • What is your legal exposure if hosting a vaccination clinic?
    • What laws do we need to comply with in crafting a vaccine program?
    • What is the impact on mask-wearing and social distancing with increased vaccination rates?

    When: Thursday, March 4, 2021

    1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

    Register for Norris McLaughlin, Attorneys at Law, Legal Events in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

    About Your Presenting Attorneys

    Pat Collins

    Pat, Chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, practices labor, employment, and personnel law on behalf of employers and management personnel. He has a wide range of experience in all areas of litigation in both federal and state courts, defending discrimination and sexual harassment claims, wrongful discharge and whistleblower suits, and claims brought under the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the multitude of other civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. In addition, Pat represents parties in breach of contract claims and in actions involving unfair competition, restrictive covenants, and confidentiality agreements.

    Pat has appeared before state human rights agencies throughout the country, as well as the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board, and various wage and hour agencies. He has represented employers in numerous labor grievance/arbitration proceedings and in a variety of other matters relating to the unionization of employees and collective bargaining. Pat has also worked extensively with employers on public works contracts to ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws.

    A great deal of Pat’s practice concentrates on counseling employers in making workplace decisions, which will reduce or avoid entirely the risk of litigation. He regularly counsels his clients on matters concerning independent contractors and contingent workers, employment policies, employee discipline and terminations, reductions in workforce, and plant closings. Pat has conducted sexual harassment investigations and employment law audits, and has drafted numerous employee handbooks and substance abuse and workplace privacy policies. He has also conducted management and employee training and legal compliance sessions in a variety of areas, including the performance appraisal process and anti-harassment.

    Danielle DeFilippis

    Danielle, Co-Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Law Practice Group, focuses her practice on intellectual property matters and litigation. She appears on behalf of individual and corporate clients in all phases of litigation from commencement through trial. Danielle regularly serves as lead counsel in cases before federal and state courts, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and alternative resolution forums.

    Danielle has represented clients in a variety of industries, most notably, food and beverage, liquor, jewelry, cosmetics, sports, and entertainment. Her focus is on trademark prosecution and litigation. She has represented clients in cases involving trademark and copyright infringement, false advertising, commercial disparagement, business torts, deceptive trade practices, Lanham Act claims, state and federal unfair competition laws, and other business disputes.

    Danielle is involved in several organizations including the IP Section of the New York State Bar Association and the International Trademark Association (INTA), serving on the Trademark Offices Practice Committee. She is also a regular contributor to Norris McLaughlin’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition law blog, More Than Your Mark.

    Posted in: Danielle M. DeFilippis, Events, Food, Beverage & Hospitality, Labor & Employment, Patrick T. Collins | Tags: , , , ,

  • Feb 09, 2021Leadership During COVID-19: How to Provide, Protect & Pivot

    The Honorable Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will present the webinar, “Leadership During COVID-19: How to Provide, Protect & Pivot,” hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter.

    Leadership During COVID-19

    The COVID-19 pandemic has forced significant changes in the workplace, creating additional threats to business, especially in the area of cybersecurity. Rebecca will help business leaders understand the current employment and cyber environments and how to better protect their business in response to COVID-19 challenges.

    When: Tuesday, February 23, 2021

    9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

    Register for Norris McLaughlin, Attorneys at Law, Legal Events in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

    This program costs $25.

    About Rebecca Warren

    Rebecca devotes her practice to labor and employment, cybersecurity, business and corporate matters, and litigation. As a former in-house corporate attorney, and having counseled businesses for over 25 years, she is keenly aware of the unique and varied legal needs of business clients, especially in today’s climate. Rebecca is well-versed in providing legal strategy and guidance regarding daily business issues, as well as for challenges ranging from employment matters to third party disputes to pandemic-related impacts.

    As a former elected official and prosecutor, Rebecca is well-positioned to sagely counsel clients in crisis management, internal and governmental investigations, charges and indictments, and regulatory and business compliance. She has also pursued certification in cybersecurity to more astutely advise businesses in creating a culture of cyber awareness and data protection, assisting clients in the midst of a cyberattack, determining breach notifications required by law, and guiding recovery post-attack.

    Rebecca also handles all aspects of litigation for her clients, having appeared in court for over 30 years for hearings, non-jury trials, jury trials, mediations, arbitrations, appeals, and other legal proceedings. She was formerly solicitor for various non-profit organizations and government agencies and had regularly served as a county arbitration panel member and arbitration chairperson. Rebecca has represented prominent clients in high-stakes and multi-million-dollar cases at the county, state, and federal levels.

    Posted in: Business Law, Events, Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), Labor & Employment | Tags: , , ,

  • Feb 03, 2021Managing Your Most Valuable Resource – Your Employees!

    The Honorable Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will present part one of the Business Council of the  Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce‘s free webinar series, “Managing Your Most Valuable Resource – Your Employees!”

    Managing Your Most Valuable Resource – Your Employees!

    The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for businesses when it comes to managing employees, as well as many questions for business owners, employers, and HR professionals. Moderated by Byron Roth, Owner and President of The Alternative Board (TAB) Lehigh Valley, Rebecca will address HR concerns and legal issues companies may face when dealing with employees in 2021. Whether discussing staying compliant with the continually changing legal requirements or being consistent with your employees, she will provide helpful insight in protecting the business, while also taking care of its employees.

    When: Tuesday, February 16, 2021

    Noon – 1:00 p.m.

    Register for Norris McLaughlin, Attorneys at Law, Legal Events in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

    A Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Webinar: Managing Your Most Valuable Resource - Your Employees

    About Rebecca Warren

    Rebecca devotes her practice to labor and employment, cybersecurity, business and corporate matters, and litigation. As a former in-house corporate attorney, and having counseled businesses for over 25 years, she is keenly aware of the unique and varied legal needs of business clients, especially in today’s climate. Rebecca is well-versed in providing legal strategy and guidance regarding daily business issues, as well as for challenges ranging from employment matters to third party disputes to pandemic-related impacts.

    As a former elected official and prosecutor, Rebecca is well-positioned to sagely counsel clients in crisis management, internal and governmental investigations, charges and indictments, and regulatory and business compliance. She has also pursued certification in cybersecurity to more astutely advise businesses in creating a culture of cyber awareness and data protection, assisting clients in the midst of a cyberattack, determining breach notifications required by law, and guiding recovery post-attack.

    Rebecca also handles all aspects of litigation for her clients, having appeared in court for over 30 years for hearings, non-jury trials, jury trials, mediations, arbitrations, appeals, and other legal proceedings. She was formerly solicitor for various non-profit organizations and government agencies and had regularly served as a county arbitration panel member and arbitration chairperson. Rebecca has represented prominent clients in high-stakes and multi-million-dollar cases at the county, state, and federal levels.

    Posted in: Events, Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), Labor & Employment | Tags: ,

  • Oct 16, 2020I-9 Compliance Webinar: Employee Immigration Verification Before, During, Beyond COVID, and the Inevitable ICE Audit

    Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Law Practice Group; the Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), a Member of the firm; and William C. Menard, an Associate of the firm, are pleased to present the free I-9 compliance webinar, “Employee Immigration Verification Before, During, Beyond COVID, and the Inevitable ICE Audit,” hosted by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

    I-9 Compliance, COVID-19, and the Inevitable ICE Audit

    Discussion topics will include:

    • Latest updates to the I-9 employee immigration verification process resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
    • Recently-instituted restrictions on visas for foreign employees
    • Changes to onboarding procedures
    • How employees can properly complete I-9 employee immigration verification for both in-person and remote hiring
    • Steps that must be taken after hire to ensure ongoing compliance with federal regulations
    • The recent White House proclamation putting a freeze on visas for many foreign employees, including executives and managers, health care professionals, and worker specialty occupations
    • Some ways employers can manage these new rules and minimize disruption to their day-to-day operations
    • PLUS…just released updates from the Department of Labor revising rules for federally mandated Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19

    When: Wednesday, October 21, 2020

    10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

    Registration: lehighvalleypacoc.wliinc16.com

    About Ray Lahoud

    Ray focuses exclusively on the area of immigration law and deportation defense for individuals, families, small to large domestic and multinational businesses and corporations, employers, international employees, investors, students, professors, researchers, skilled professionals, athletes, and entertainers, in every type of immigration or deportation defense matter—whether domestic or foreign. While his immigration practice is global in reach, with service to individuals and organizations across the United States and beyond, he is located primarily at the firm’s three globally-linked offices: New York, New York; Bridgewater, New Jersey; and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

    Ray’s immigration practice is broad, ranging from areas of corporate and employment immigration and related compliance to immigration litigation before agencies and courts across the United States, for corporations and individuals alike. His experience includes immigrant and non-immigrant visas, visa overstays, immigrants who entered without inspection or authorization, EB-5 investor visas (serving investors, regional centers, and project developers), citizenship and naturalization claims, deportation and removal litigation at the immigration court and all appellate levels, E Visas, E-3 Visas, H-1B Visas, H-2B Visas, L Visas, O Visas, P Visas, Q Visas, R Visas, TN Visas, Exceptional Ability Immigrant Visas, Extraordinary Ability Immigrant Visas, Physician and Nursing Visas, K-1 Visas, K-3 Visas, Multinational Manager/Executive Immigrant Visas, Outstanding Professor/Researcher Immigrant Visas, PERM Labor Certification, Family Petitions, Adjustment of Status, Marriage Petitions, Asylum, VAWA applications, and Immigration Waivers, such as the Visa Waiver Program, National Interest Waivers, Hardship Waivers, and J Waivers.

    Ray’s corporate immigration practice includes representing businesses of all sizes, in all corporate immigration and employer immigration compliance matters. He has served nearly every industry, including healthcare, education (community colleges, colleges, universities, students, professors, and researchers), manufacturing, global and domestic employment/talent recruitment, warehousing and distribution, pharmaceutical, economic development, local, county, and state government agencies, non-profit, religious, real estate development and EB-5 investor financing, information technology, marketing, entertainment, and sports. Ray’s corporate immigration and employer immigration compliance practice includes all non-immigrant and immigrant visas, recruitment of international talent and students, and consular processing, as well as Form I-9 and Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division compliance. Further, he has litigated corporate immigration matters before the Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division, the Department of Homeland Security’s investigative bodies and agencies, the State Department, the United States Court of Appeals for International Trade, the Customs & Border Protection review board, and federal appellate courts—seeking review of employer immigration compliance and other immigrant and non-immigrant visa issues.

    About Rebecca Warren

    Rebecca devotes her practice to labor and employment, business and corporate matters, and general liability litigation. As a former in-house corporate attorney and having counseled businesses for over 25 years, she is acutely aware of the unique and varied legal needs of business clients. Rebecca has created thousands of customized legal documents for corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietors. She is also well-versed in providing legal strategy and guidance regarding daily business issues and concerns ranging from employment matters to third-party disputes.

    As a former prosecutor, Rebecca is well-positioned to counsel clients in crisis management, internal and governmental investigations, and regulatory and business compliance. She has represented prominent clients in high-stakes and multi-million-dollar cases at the county, state, and federal levels in multiple states.

    In addition, Rebecca has extensive experience in insurance defense, white-collar crime, election law, health care, commercial law, estate practice and administration, family law, and real estate. She handles all aspects of litigation for her clients, having appeared in court on thousands of hearings, proceedings, arbitrations, jury and non-jury trials, and appeals. Rebecca was formerly appointed Solicitor for various non-profit organizations and government agencies and had regularly served as a county Arbitration panel member and Chairperson.

    Rebecca was elected as the first female District Attorney of Montour County by a 3:1. In that role, she designed and implemented an intensive, personalized victim rights program; created the Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team for child abuse cases to minimize trauma for minor victims; and collaborated with agencies to provide services and treatment for offenders.

    About William Menard

    William practices exclusively in immigration law and deportation defense. He has represented both individual and corporate clients in all facets of immigration law. William has appeared on behalf of clients in deportation proceedings before immigration courts throughout the country, including in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He has represented numerous clients before both the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services and Board of Immigration Appeals, and conducted oral arguments before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

    William has completed and advised on a host of permanent residence visas, including green cards for family members of United States Citizens (both consular processing applications and adjustments of status within the United States), and EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 visas for business managers, executives, other professionals, and investors (including PERM labor certifications, when needed), as well as a wide range of temporary visas, including B1/B2 visas for visitors and tourists, F visas for international students, K visas for fiancé(e)s of United States Citizens, L visas for both international corporations and their executives and managers, U visas for victims of domestic violence and other serious crimes, TN Visas for professionals from Canada and Mexico, applications for asylum, applications for cancellation of removal from the United States for both permanent and nonpermanent residents, and many more.

    William represents clients at all stages of proceedings before the immigration court, including obtaining bail for detained individuals and applying for relief from deportation, as well as petitions and applications before the Departments of State and Homeland Security. He has represented clients from six continents spanning the entire globe, including Mexico, Canada, and El Salvador; Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina; France, Germany, and the United Kingdom; Senegal, Egypt, and Ghana; China, Japan, and the Philippines; and Australia.

    Posted in: Events, Hon. Rebecca L. Warren (Ret.), Immigration, Labor & Employment, Raymond G. Lahoud, William C. Menard | Tags: , , , ,

  • Oct 07, 2020HR Roundtable: Independent Contractors and the Continuing Dangers of Misclassifying Workers

    Patrick T. Collins, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Labor & Employment Law Practice Group, will present the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) HR Roundtable, “Independent Contractors and the Continuing Dangers of Misclassifying Workers,” as Chair of the group. Norris McLaughlin is a proud sponsor of the event.

    Independent Contractors and the Continuing Dangers of Misclassifying Workers

    Discussion topics will include:

    • Updates on New Jersey’s laws on independent contractors
    • Updates on the misclassification of employees
    • A review of the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed regulation addressing the standard for determining when a worker is an employee or an independent contractor

    When: Wednesday, November 18, 2020

    9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

    Registration: web.scbp.org

    Free for SCBP members; $20 for non-members.

    About Pat Collins

    Pat practices labor, employment, and personnel law on behalf of employers and management. He is experienced in all areas of litigation in both federal and state courts, defending discrimination and sexual harassment claims, wrongful discharge and whistleblower suits, and claims brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the multitude of other civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. In addition, Pat represents parties in breach of contract claims, and in actions involving unfair competition, restrictive covenants, and confidentiality agreements.

    Pat has appeared before state human rights agencies throughout the country, as well as the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board, and various wage and hour agencies. He has represented employers in numerous labor grievance/arbitration proceedings, and in a variety of other matters relating to the unionization of employees and collective bargaining. He has also worked extensively with employers on public works contracts to ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws.

    Much of Pat’s practice concentrates on counseling employers in making workplace decisions that will reduce or avoid entirely the risk of litigation. He regularly counsels his clients on matters concerning independent contractors and contingent workers, employment policies, employee discipline and terminations, reductions in workforce, and plant closings. Pat has conducted sexual harassment investigations and employment law audits, as well as drafted numerous employee handbooks and substance abuse and workplace privacy policies. He has also conducted management and employee training and legal compliance sessions in a variety of areas, including the performance appraisal process and anti-harassment.

    About the SCBP HR Roundtable

    The HR Roundtable provides an opportunity to discuss hot topics with an experienced employment law attorney and other experts in an informal setting that allows participants to grow as professionals and add value to their business at the same time. It is meant for human resources professionals responsible for overseeing personnel issues within their companies, seeking a local support system of peers, hoping to stay ahead of the constantly evolving, complex labor and employment laws and regulations.

    Posted in: Events, Labor & Employment, Patrick T. Collins | Tags: ,

  • Oct 07, 2020HR Roundtable: The Current State of Family Leave

    Patrick T. Collins, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Labor & Employment Law Practice Group, will present the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) HR Roundtable, “The Current State of Family Leave,” as Chair of the group. Norris McLaughlin is a proud sponsor of the event.

    The Current State of Family Leave

    Discussion topics will include:

    • Updates on New Jersey’s Family Leave and Family Leave Insurance Acts
    • Update on the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act
    • Comparison of these laws
    • Update on possible paid family leave at the federal level

    The HR Roundtable provides an opportunity to discuss hot topics with an experienced employment law attorney and other experts in an informal setting that allows participants to grow as professionals and add value to their business at the same time. It is meant for human resources professionals responsible for overseeing personnel issues within their companies, seeking a local support system of peers, hoping to stay ahead of the constantly evolving, complex labor and employment laws and regulations.

    When: Wednesday, October 21, 2020

    9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

    Registration: web.scbp.org

    Free for SCBP members; $20 for non-members.

    About Pat Collins

    Pat practices labor, employment, and personnel law on behalf of employers and management. He is experienced in all areas of litigation in both federal and state courts, defending discrimination and sexual harassment claims, wrongful discharge and whistleblower suits, and claims brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the multitude of other civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. In addition, Pat represents parties in breach of contract claims, and in actions involving unfair competition, restrictive covenants, and confidentiality agreements.

    Pat has appeared before state human rights agencies throughout the country, as well as the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board, and various wage and hour agencies. He has represented employers in numerous labor grievance/arbitration proceedings, and in a variety of other matters relating to the unionization of employees and collective bargaining. He has also worked extensively with employers on public works contracts to ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws.

    Much of Pat’s practice concentrates on counseling employers in making workplace decisions that will reduce or avoid entirely the risk of litigation. He regularly counsels his clients on matters concerning independent contractors and contingent workers, employment policies, employee discipline and terminations, reductions in workforce, and plant closings. Pat has conducted sexual harassment investigations and employment law audits, as well as drafted numerous employee handbooks and substance abuse and workplace privacy policies. He has also conducted management and employee training and legal compliance sessions in a variety of areas, including the performance appraisal process and anti-harassment.

    Posted in: Events, Labor & Employment, Patrick T. Collins | Tags: ,

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