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 […]
We are proud to share that Kitzer Rochel, PLLP has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® as a Tier 1 law firm in Employment Law – Individuals in Minneapolis. This honor reflects our firm’s continued commitment to advocating for employees and protecting workplace rights throughout Minnesota. Recognition by Best Law Firms® […]
On September 22, 2025, Phillip Kitzer appeared on MPR News to discuss the legal boundaries of employee speech and how employers may lawfully—or unlawfully—respond to workplace expression. During the segment, Phillip explained that while employees do have First Amendment protections, those apply only to government actors; private-sector employers have more latitude to discipline speech that […]
Kitzer Rochel, PLLP is proud to announce that partner Brian Rochel was recently quoted in Law360 Employment Authority in an article covering the upcoming Eighth Circuit arguments on Minnesota’s construction worker classification law. The case—Minnesota Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. et al. v. Nicole Blissenbach et al.—challenges a 2024 law establishing a 14-factor […]
Workplace investigations are a critical part of maintaining a fair and compliant work environment, but mistakes in the process can create new legal problems. At a recent Minnesota CLE seminar, “Playing the Right Next Move: Guidance for Addressing Common Mistakes and Their Consequences,” Phillip Kitzer of Kitzer Rochel, PLLP joined Jenny Gassman Pines of Green […]
We are proud to announce that Frances Baillon, an attorney at Kitzer Rochel, has been selected for Minnesota Lawyer’s Power 30 list for Labor & Employment. Frances has built an exceptional reputation as a recognized advocate for those who have been treated unfairly by the illegal practices of employers. This marks another significant recognition for […]
Mental health conditions can significantly affect employees’ behavior and performance at work—and when that happens, both employees and employers often struggle to understand their rights and responsibilities. At a recent Minnesota CLE presentation, “When Problematic Employee Behavior Stems from a Mental Health Condition,” Phillip Kitzer of Kitzer Rochel, PLLP joined Amy Conway of Stinson LLP […]