Brian Rochel Co-Authors Article Discussing Major Change to Employment Discrimination Law in Bench & Bar of Minnesota

/in , ,

We are pleased to share that Brian Rochel has co-authored an article featured in the December 2024 edition of Bench & Bar of Minnesota. The article explores the U.S. Supreme Court’s major decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis (2024). There, the Supreme Court lowered the threshold for proving discrimination under Title VII, eliminating the requirement for plaintiffs to show a “materially significant disadvantage.” The Court ruled that plaintiffs need only demonstrate “some harm” to an identifiable term or condition of employment, broadening the scope for discrimination claims.

Brian co-authored the article with Jenny Gassman-Pines, an experienced trial lawyer at Greene Espel in Minneapolis. Brian and Jenny discuss Muldrow’s implications on employment law claims as well as workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Ali Simon, a Kitzer Rochel law clerk and current University of Minnesota law student, contributed to the article as well.

You can read the article in the latest issue of Bench & Bar of Minnesota here. If you have questions about Muldrow, employment law more generally, or are wondering if you have experienced unlawful harm at work, contact us today.

Kitzer Rochel Recognized by Tech Titan

/in , ,

Kitzer Rochel is proud to announce that we have been recognized by ModeOne as a Service Partner! ModeOne is a cutting-edge leader in providing high quality solutions for and obtaining and analyzing vital evidence stored on smartphone and short-message chat applications. By choosing to partner with ModeOne, Kitzer Rochel continues its commitment to providing its clients with the best tools for success in their cases.

In recognizing Kitzer Rochel as a Service Partner, ModeOne highlights Kitzer Rochel’s promise of excellence to its clients, by using the best tools available and utilizing pioneering technology. Kitzer Rochel looks forward to continue to grow its relationship with legal technology leaders like ModeOne. These two champions of greatness will continue to stand together as we change not only the legal landscape, but the world.

Frances Baillon Co-Authors Article Explaining Revisions to MHRA and Increased Worker Protections

/in ,

Frances Baillon, with co-author Sam Kramer, wrote an article published in the September 2024 edition of Bench & Bar. The article, “Toward a More Perfect Minnesota: How the ’23-’24 Legislature Expanded Civil Rights Protections,” describes the most recent amendments to the Minnesota Human Rights Act. These include increased protections in the areas of disability, gender identity, familial status and damages available for violations of the Act. The article discusses the impact of these amendments and how they will continue to ensure strong civil rights protections for all Minnesotans.

The full article is available here.

Frances is a distinguished attorney recognized for her exceptional legal expertise and dedication to her clients. She has been named a Super Lawyer and is repeatedly celebrated among the Top 50 Women and Top 100 lawyers in her field. Frances is a frequent speaker and author on employment law given her extensive experience and many accolades and achievements.

If you have any questions about recent legislation affecting employees in Minnesota, or employment law more generally, do not hesitate to contact us to see how we can help.

Brian Rochel Quoted in Article Discussing Tim Walz’s Labor Record

/in ,

We are proud to announce that Brian Rochel, a partner at Kitzer Rochel PLLP, was recently quoted in a Law360 article discussing Vice President Kamala Harris’s newly announced running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Rochel was asked to comment on Governor Walz’s extensive labor and employment record. In the article, Brian highlights the significant impact of Walz’s policy initiatives, particularly in areas such as pay transparency, paid leave, and gig worker protections.

Brian noted, “It would be fair to look at some of the policy initiatives that Gov. Walz has helped champion in Minnesota as the kinds of things that I would expect would show up on a platform for a Harris-Walz ticket.” His insights provide valuable context on how Walz’s track record could influence future national labor policies if elected as Vice President in the 2024 election.

You can find the full article here.

We are pleased to see Brian’s expertise recognized in this important discussion about the future of labor and employment law in the United States. Stay tuned for more updates from Kitzer Rochel, PLLP as we continue to advocate for the rights of workers across the nation.

Brian Rochel Named Top Lawyer by Minnesota Monthly

/in ,

We are pleased to announce that Brian Rochel was recognized as a Top Lawyer in Minnesota for 2024 by Minnesota Monthly Magazine. This is a prestigious recognition reserved for select attorneys who are selected by their peers specifically in Labor and Employment Law.

Brian is humbled to be recognized for this honor and looks forward to continuing to push for excellence in representing workers across the state of Minnesota. If you have questions about employment law or believe you may have been treated unlawfully at work, contact Kitzer Rochel today.

Phillip Kitzer, Frances Baillon, and Brian Rochel Again Named Super Lawyers; Frances Named among Top 100 and Top 50 Women Lawyers

/in

Kitzer Rochel is excited to announce that the dedication and expertise of our legal team have been recognized yet again as Brian Rochel, Phillip Kitzer and Frances Baillon have been selected as Super Lawyers in Minnesota for this year. In addition, Frances made the lists of Top 50 Minnesota Women Super Lawyers and Top 100 Minnesota Super Lawyers. We are immensely proud of this recognition and grateful for the trust our clients place in us year after year.

Super Lawyers is a highly respected rating service that annually recognizes outstanding lawyers from various practice areas across the country. Each year, candidates undergo a rigorous selection process, involving nominations, independent research, and evaluations. Being chosen as a Super Lawyer is a remarkable achievement, as it reflects not only exceptional legal skills but also a consistent track record of success and the highest level of professional ethics.

We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of legal excellence and providing the best possible representation to our clients. Thank you to our clients and peers for placing their trust in us, and we look forward to continuing to serve the community with expertise, integrity, and compassion.

Phillip Kitzer Presents at Eighth Circuit Employment Conference in Des Moines, IA

/in

On April 26, 2024, Phillip Kitzer co-presented at the Eighth Circuit chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association conference in Des Moines, Iowa, along with attorney David Albrecht of Fiedler Law Firm. Their session, titled “Eighth Circuit Case Law Update,” offered a comprehensive review of important court decisions affecting employees at the district, appellate, and Supreme Court levels. Their  presentation helped employment attorneys throughout the Eighth Circuit better understand the key legal changes and how they impact the field of employment law.

Phillip is a regular presenter at state, regional, and national employment conferences. If you have questions about Minnesota employment law and how recent court decisions may affect you, contact us today.

Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel both Present at National NELA Employment Law Conference

/in ,

The National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) held its Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois from June 28 through July 1, 2023. NELA is the largest organization of lawyers who represent workers in the United States and is focused exclusively on advancing employee rights and making the workplace better for all Americans.

The Annual Convention is the largest meeting of NELA members each year. The Annual Convention provides several days of intensive, high-quality continuing legal education (CLE) training for employment lawyers. Both Brian Rochel and Phillip Kitzer  were invited to speak at the Convention—an honor that very few members are given.

Brian presented on a panel entitled “Putting Theory Into Practice: Effectively Litigating Age Discrimination Claims.” The panel provided a detailed discussion and strategies for plaintiff’s advocates to use in representing employees in age discrimination claims.

Phillip presented on a panel entitled “25 Years After Faragher-Ellerth.” The panel provided in-depth updates on the state of employment law as it relates to the the use of the “Faragher-Ellerth” affirmative defense in sexual harassment claims.

Phillip and Brian regularly speak on employment law topics and present around the country. If you have questions about employment law please do not hesitate to contact us.

Mayor Jacob Frey Praises Kitzer Rochel at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

/in ,

On June 6, 2023, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey proclaimed it “Kitzer Rochel Day” in the City of Minneapolis. Mayor Frey praised the law firm’s commitment to fighting discrimination and retaliation in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota. Mayor Frey made the announcement at Kitzer Rochel, PLLP’s ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating the law firm’s new office in the Capella Tower in Downtown Minneapolis.

Kitzer Rochel, a boutique employee rights law firm, has been located in downtown Minneapolis since its founding in 2020. The law firm is committed to staying in downtown Minneapolis and helping the City continue its great work recovering in the wake of the pandemic.

For more information about Kitzer Rochel and questions about employment law, contact us today.

Brian Rochel to Present on Multiple CLEs at 2023 Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute (ELI)

/in ,

Brian Rochel will be presenting on two separate CLE panels at the 2023 Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute (ELI), on May 18-19, 2023, in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

First, Brian will be moderating a panel titled, “From Remote Work to Quiet Quitting and Work-Life Balance–Acting on Changing Perceptions and Realities Around Work and Workplaces.” The panel will explore a range of interconnected topics, focusing on the post-COVID workplace and employees’ changing perceptions and expectations.

Second, Brian will participate in a panel focusing on employment remedies and damages available in lawsuits. The panel is titled, “What’s the Harm: Evaluating and Proving Damages.”

The Upper Midwest ELI is one of the largest and most highly regarded employment law events in the country, featuring speakers from across the United States and drawing participants from various states in the midwest.