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Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel Present at Midwest Employment Law Institute

May 26, 2026/in Blog, Kitzer Rochel News, News

Kitzer Rochel PLLP is proud to announce that Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel recently served as presenters at the Midwest Employment Law Institute, one of the premier employment law conferences in the country. The conference brings together leading employment attorneys, judges, HR professionals, and in-house counsel to discuss emerging workplace issues, litigation trends, and developments […]

Brian Rochel Selected for Prestigious Karla Wahl Dedicated Advocacy Award

May 20, 2026/in Kitzer Rochel News, News

We are pleased to announce that Brian Rochel was awarded the 2026 Karla Wahl Dedicated Advocacy Award on May 17, 2026. The Award is a rare honor recognizing attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing employee rights in Minnesota. Established in 2000, the Karla Wahl Dedicated Advocacy Award honors the memory of Karla Wahl, […]

Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel Present at Midwest Employment Law Institute

May 26, 2026/in Blog, Kitzer Rochel News, News

Brian Rochel Selected for Prestigious Karla Wahl Dedicated Advocacy Award

May 20, 2026/in Kitzer Rochel News, News

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Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel Present at Midwest Employment Law Institute

May 26, 2026/in Blog, Kitzer Rochel News, News

Phillip Kitzer participated in two sessions during the Institute. First, Phillip joined an open forum discussing the growing use of artificial intelligence in the workplace and the legal challenges that accompany AI-driven employment decisions. The discussion explored how employers are increasingly utilizing AI tools in hiring, evaluations, and workplace decision-making, as well as the resulting litigation and compliance concerns. The panel also addressed practical considerations surrounding discovery, documentation, and the risks posed by automated decision-making systems in employment disputes.

Phillip also served on a panel analyzing the rise of “nuclear” verdicts and their impact on employment litigation strategy. The session examined trends in high-value jury verdicts, evolving approaches to damages arguments, jury psychology, and how both plaintiff-side and defense attorneys are adapting their litigation strategies in response to increasingly significant verdict awards.

Brian Rochel presented on a panel focused on the use of expert witnesses in employment litigation. The session addressed strategic considerations surrounding expert selection, admissibility challenges, and the effective use of experts in complex workplace disputes. The panel also explored how experts can shape case themes, strengthen damages presentations, and assist juries in understanding complicated factual and legal issues.

The firm is honored to contribute to important conversations affecting the future of workplace law and employment litigation. Phillip and Brian’s participation at the Institute reflects Kitzer Rochel’s continued commitment to thought leadership, advocacy, and staying at the forefront of evolving legal issues impacting employees and employers alike.

Brian Rochel Selected for Prestigious Karla Wahl Dedicated Advocacy Award

May 20, 2026/in Kitzer Rochel News, News

Established in 2000, the Karla Wahl Dedicated Advocacy Award honors the memory of Karla Wahl, a devoted civil rights advocate who worked tirelessly to protect and advance the rights of employees throughout Minnesota. The Karla Wahl Dedicated Advocacy Award recognizes attorneys who take on difficult battles, mentor other lawyers, educate the public about employee rights, and help expand legal protections for workers.

Brian’s selection reflected his longstanding commitment to employee advocacy and his leadership within Minnesota’s employment law community. The award is especially meaningful because it recognizes not only litigation success, but also the broader dedication to protecting workers, supporting fellow advocates, and strengthening employee rights across the state. Brian is humbled and honored to receive the Award, and is incredibly grateful for the help and support his partners, mentors, colleagues, and peers have given him throughout his career.

Minnesota NELA formally recognized Brian at its Spring Dinner on May 17, 2026.

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