Phillip Kitzer Presents at Minnesota CLE on Common Employer Mistakes Under Leave Laws

On September 15, 2026, Phillip Kitzer joined Benjamin Kwan of Haller Kwan LLP and Darren Sharp of Schaefer Halleen, LLC to present at Minnesota CLE’s “Navigating Minnesota and Federal Leave Laws” seminar. The full-day seminar brought together Minnesota employment attorneys to address the growing number of state and federal laws governing employee leave and time off, including Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave law, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, and Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time law.

Phillip, Ben, and Darren presented “Perspective from Plaintiffs’ Attorneys: Mistakes Employers Make When Employees Request Leave.” The presentation focused on the intersection of the FMLA, Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). Through practical scenarios, the panel discussed how a single absence or return-to-work situation can implicate several different employee protections.

Phillip specifically addressed common problems involving “100% healed” return-to-work policies, termination immediately after FMLA leave expires without considering a short extension, and employers making assumptions about undue hardship or workplace safety without conducting the individualized assessment required by disability law.

Employees may have rights under multiple state and federal laws when requesting medical leave or returning to work after leave. If you have concerns about medical leave, a request for accommodation, or how your employer has handled your return to work, contact Kitzer Rochel to discuss your situation.