The relationship between employers and employees is highly regulated and is becoming more so with the enactment of complex laws and the issuance of far-reaching court decisions. The election of President Obama and the new Congress could mean even more new labor and employment laws and different enforcement focuses by governmental agencies. Ford & Harrison routinely advises clients on all matters affecting the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, retention, discipline and termination issues. Our practical day-to-day advice is geared toward helping clients achieve their operational and human resources goals while reducing the potential for disputes and lawsuits. Specifically, we:

• design policies and practices that minimize the risk of successful claims of discrimination, equal pay violations, breaches of employment contracts, wrongful or retaliatory discharges; 
• advise clients on the changes in employment statutes including federal, state and local discrimination laws, wage/hour laws, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); 
• evaluate employment vulnerabilities through personnel audits, reviews of personnel policies or handbooks, and management training; 
• train management and supervisory employees in areas such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and discipline and discharge;
• develop and assist in implementing affirmative action plans; and
• advise clients on health and safety issues, including the establishment of workable safety programs, compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and compliance with employee "right to know" statutes.

Our firm is nationally known for assisting clients with their human resources function. We provide services such as employee handbook reviews, policy audits and training. We combine the kind of practical guidance one usually associates with experienced human resources consultants with the legal advice needed to minimize legal risks in today's litigious environment. Our practical day-to-day advice is geared to assisting our clients in achieving their operational and human resources goals while reducing the chance of costly litigation.

We regularly present webinars, breakfast briefings and seminars for in-house counsel, management and human resources personnel. Visit the Events and Seminars section of our Web site for details on upcoming events.  We also annually publish our SourceBook and provide online access. The SourceBook is updated annually and is an arsenal of vital information to reference throughout the year.