On July 24, 2018, TKKR attorneys Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel presented a webcast sponsored by Minnesota CLE as part of the Workers’ Compensation series. The webcast, titled The Intersection of Disability, FMLA and Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Laws, addressed the complicated employment issues that arise for employers and employees when dealing with a work-related injury, disabilities, […]
Many people mistakenly believe that an employee cannot be fired for exercising their rights to free speech. For most employees, that is simply not true. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution generally protects citizens from government retaliation for speech. It provides that “Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of […]
On June 28, 2018, Brian Rochel presented along with co-panelists Kathy Butler and David Schlesinger at the National Employment Lawyers’ Association’s (NELA) 2018 Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Brian, Kathy and David’s panel, entitled “Outside-The-Box Discovery Tools: Getting Creative with Discovery in The Era of Proportionality,” focused on practical tips and advice for employee advocates. Brian […]
On May 21, 2018, Teske Katz Kitzer & Rochel partner Brian Rochel presented a continuing legal education seminar to his peers at the Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute. The Employment Law Institute, billed as “the Nation’s best employment law conference,” is a program that attracted approximately 1,400 lawyers and employment law professionals. Rochel, together with his […]
On April 27, 2018, Phillip Kitzer joined co-panelists Judge Jeffrey Keyes and Judge Hildy Bowbeeron a panel titled “Representing Clients in Mediation” at the Minnesota chapter of the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) 44th Annual Federal Practice Seminar. Moderated by Antone Melton-Meaux, the panel discussed various techniques and considerations in mediating cases and representing clients in […]
If you do not typically negotiate the terms of your job offer, you may want to consider doing so. There are many different aspects of a typical employment offer that you may be able to negotiate. If you do not, you may be selling yourself short. Perhaps the biggest factor in negotiating an employment agreement […]
On April 6, 2018, Phillip Kitzer participated on a panel at the 8th Circuit chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association’s (NELA) biennial convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota on transgender rights in the workplace. Along with co-panelists Joni Thome, Ferne Wolf, and moderator Jill Silverstein, the panel discussed trends in the law, litigation strategies, and best practices […]
On March 6, 2018, the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) announced Phillip Kitzer as a new Board Certified Labor and Employment Law Specialist. The designation was earned after Mr. Kitzer completed a rigorous approval process, including an examination, peer review, and documented experience. According to the MSBA, certified attorneys “demonstrate superior knowledge, skill, and integrity […]
By now, nearly everyone has heard of the #metoo movement, an effort to fight back against the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace. The movement has highlighted the reality that sexual harassment is very common at work. The laws prohibiting sexual harassment are complicated and, unfortunately, there are aspects that […]
On December 22, 2017, Teske Katz Kitzer & Rochel finalized a settlement agreement in Stewart, et al. v. The City of Minneapolis, an employment discrimination class action lawsuit. The agreement included significant policy changes that benefit City of Minneapolis employees who are or become disabled. Laurence Stewart, the named plaintiff, is a former employee of Minneapolis in its Public Works […]
