Originally presented on February 12, 2009
10:30 a.m. to Noon (Pacific)

Order Option       Price   CD Recording Only       $219

In today's troubled economy, more California employers have found themselves saying goodbye to their workers in increasing numbers. And, in the process, they're dusting off severance agreements and offering exit packages to ease these transitions and guard against termination-related legal claims.

With severance agreements and payments, unfortunately, the devil is in the details. Disgruntled ex-employees (and their attorneys!) will find lots of ways to question and challenge their severance—from arguing that you're not offering enough compensation to claiming that these contracts violate federal and California laws. And, if you've never used severance agreements before, you'll quickly find yourself confused and concerned about where to start.

Join us on Feb. 12 for this can't-miss 90-minute audio conference, as our expert speaker—an experienced California employment attorney who's drafted and defended severance agreements for employers around the country—will share practical tips for crafting, offering, and enforcing these contracts.

You'll learn how to handle the most critical components of severance agreements, from the liability release to the severance payments. Also, the speaker will discuss how recent court cases such as Edwards v. Arthur Andersen (as well as the current state of the economy) have required employers to shift gears quickly with their severance strategies. Plus, you'll have the chance to pose questions about your own severance policies, via phone or email, for a quick response during the conference.

YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES WILL LEARN:

• Why properly drafted severance agreements can be critical for California employers in today's tough economy
• The termination situations that definitely require the use of these agreements (from layoffs to potential discrimination claims)
• What should always be included in your severance agreements - and what should always be left out
• How to set the correct amount and terms for severance pay
• Whether the noncompete and nondisclosure clauses in your severance agreements will stand up in court
• How to insure that your agreements comply with California and federal laws
• What pitfalls you may face when using severance agreements in special circumstances—from terminating older employees to initiating mass layoffs
• The most common mistakes employers make with severance agreements (and how you can avoid repeating them)

About Your Speaker:

Julianne M. Scott, Esq., is an associate in the Los Angeles offices of the nationwide law firm Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP. She represents employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including wage and hour issues, sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination, wrongful termination claims, and collective bargaining issues. Also, she provides counsel and advice to employers regarding compliance with state and federal law. Before joining the firm, Scott served as a judicial extern for a federal district judge. She earned her law degree from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Approved for Recertification Credit

This program has been approved for 1.5 recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). This program is also a California-specific continuing education activity for PHR-CA and SPHR-CA recertification. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org. The use of this seal is not an endorsement by HRCI of the quality of the program. It means that this program has met HRCI's criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.

The Employer Resource Institute is an approved MCLE Multiple Activity Provider, and this program has been approved for 1.5 hours of MCLE credit by the State Bar of California. For more information, please contact our customer service department at (800) 695-7178.

Bonus Offer

As an additional benefit, you will receive a no-risk trial subscription to California Employer Advisor when you register for this Audio Conference (or purchase a CD recording). You will receive 3 evaluation issues. If you want to continue to receive the newsletter, simply pay the invoice you will receive in the mail. If you decide the newsletter isn't for you, just write cancel on the invoice and return it. You will owe nothing, and all issues you receive are yours to keep. As with all ERI products, your satisfaction is guaranteed 100%. (Offer good for new subscribers only.)

How Do Audio Conferences Work?

An Audio Conference is remarkably cost-effective and convenient. You participate from your office using a regular telephone. You have no travel costs and no out-of-office time.

Plus, for one low price you can get as many people in your office to participate as you can fit around a speakerphone.

Because the conference is live, you can ask the speakers questions' either on the phone or via e-mail.

With your registration, you also receive conference materials with additional practical information from Employer Resource Institute sent to you via e-mail shortly before the conference.

Why You Can Sign Up To Attend This Event with Confidence

As with all Employer Resource Institute products, you're completely protected. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with this Audio Conference, simply let us know and we will return your entire registration fee.