Phillip Kitzer presented at the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) Spring Seminar, held March 20–21, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop in Chicago, Illinois. The annual conference, titled “Powering Up Your Practice with AI and Legal Tech,” brought together plaintiffs’ employment attorneys from across the country to discuss emerging technologies and evolving best […]
Retaliation is one of the most common employment claims brought in Minnesota. In simple terms, retaliation occurs when an employer takes negative action against an employee because the employee exercised a legal right. Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, it is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against a person who opposes discrimination, files a […]
Minnesota significantly changed its non-compete law in 2023. Under the statute, most non-compete agreements entered into on or after July 1, 2023 are void and unenforceable. The law defines a “covenant not to compete” as an agreement that restricts an employee, after leaving employment, from working for another employer, working in a geographic area, or […]
Brian Rochel led a conversation with Judge Douglas Micko of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, moderated by Brian Rochel of Kitzer Rochel, PLLP. The CLE event was hosted by Minnesota NELA and featured a candid and practical discussion with perspectives from the bench. Judge Micko reflected on his professional path […]
Many employers have begun requiring employees who worked remotely during the pandemic to return to the office. In general, employers have broad authority to decide where work is performed and may adopt return-to-office policies. However, the analysis can change when an employee has a medical condition or disability that affects their ability to work on […]
Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law is now in effect, and the first month has given employees their first real look at how the program works in practice. For many workers, this is the first time they have access to state-run paid leave benefits for serious health conditions, bonding with a new […]
On February 6, 2026, Kitzer Rochel partner Brian Rochel presented at the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) 2026 Employment Law CLE, a full-day program bringing together plaintiff-side employment attorneys to discuss evolving doctrine and practical litigation strategy. As part of the broader agenda, Brian co-presented with Sam Kramer on “Reimagining Title VII: Beyond McDonnell […]
Kitzer Rochel attorney Brian Rochel recently moderated a CLE panel focused on the strategic use of expert witnesses in employment and civil rights litigation—from pre-litigation through trial. The panel offered a practical, end-to-end discussion grounded in real-world litigation and trial experience. The CLE was sponsored by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association […]
We’re excited to announce that Brian Rochel has been selected for inclusion in America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators®. This prestigious honor is reserved for trial lawyers nationwide who consistently achieve exceptional results in high-value, high-stakes cases—those involving significant financial exposure or substantial legal impact. Selection to America’s Top 100 is by invitation only and […]
Losing your job—or facing unfair treatment—can be overwhelming. But what you say and do next can protect your rights. Here are the essentials: how to document what’s happening, what to say during termination, and how to approach a severance agreement. 1. Start Documenting Immediately If you’re dealing with discrimination, retaliation, or a sudden termination, begin […]