Tag Archive for: Brian Rochel

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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

Brian Rochel and Phillip Kitzer Present at Employee Rights Conference

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The National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) holds a special conference for its Eighth Circuit Chapter once every two years. The 2022 conference was held on October 14-15, in St. Louis, MO. 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 Biannual Eight Circuit NELA Conference provides several days of intensive, high-quality continuing legal education (CLE) training for employment lawyers. Both Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel were honored to be invited to speak at the Conference.

Phillip presented on the Conference’s lead panel, along with co-presenter Frances Baillon. Phillip and Frances discussed the latest updates to employment-related cases throughout the Eighth Circuit and the Supreme Court.

Brian, along with co-panelists Paige Fiedler and Kevin Baldwin, presented on a panel titled, “Valuing Emotional Distress Damages.” The panel provided an animated discussion among seasoned employment lawyers on the topic of valuing a plaintiff’s emotional distress throughout a case.

If you feel you have experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation related to your employment, contact us at Kitzer Rochel. Our experienced employment law attorneys would be happy to discuss your case and help you understand your legal rights and options.

 

Kitzer Rochel Recognized by Benchmark Litigation 2023

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Kitzer Rochel, PLLP, a boutique employment litigation law firm in Minneapolis, MN, is pleased to announce that the firm and its lawyers were recognized in Benchmark Litigation’s 2023 guide. The annual guide identifies leading litigators and law firms using extensive research methods and in-depth interviews with practitioners, dispute resolution specialists, and clients.

Partners Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel each received the directory’s distinguished honor of “Labor and Employment Star,” as recognized by peers and members of the labor and employment law community.

Click here for more details about Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel. If you have questions about employment law or would like to learn more about Kitzer Rochel, please contact us.

And please visit Benchmark Litigation’s website for more information on its 2023 rankings. About Benchmark Litigation (www.benchmarklitigation.com)

Since its inception in 2008, Benchmark Litigation has been the only publication on the market to focus exclusively on litigation in the US. The Benchmark brand has grown dramatically and garnered industry-wide accolades as the definitive hub for in-depth analysis of the players shaping the dynamic practice of litigation.

Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel Present at Prestigious National Conference for Workers’ Rights

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The National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) held its Annual Convention in San Francisco, California from June 30 through July 3, 2022. 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 Phillip Kitzer and Brian Rochel were invited to speak at the Convention—an honor that very few members are given.

Brian presented on a panel entitled “Staying Organized in Litigation.” The panel provided detailed tools and strategies for plaintiff’s advocates to use in their practices to increase organization and litigation skills.

Phillip presented on a panel entitled “COVID-19 Claims for Workers.” The panel provided in-depth updates on the state of employment law as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. The panelists covered the rapidly evolving area and discussed the latest laws, statutes and case developments.

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.

Brian Rochel Interviewed Regarding COVID-19 and Employment Law

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On July 6, 2020, TKKR partner Brian Rochel was featured in an interview by Minnesota Public Radio about current legal protections employees have in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read the article here.

Brian discussed the real fear many employees have that if they raise concerns related to COVID-19, they will be retaliated against, by being fired and forced to search for employment during the current difficult economic time. He also discussed how the legal protections related to COVID-19 are uncharted territory for Minnesota courts and the importance of discussing any potential issues with an employment lawyer.

Under Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s Peacetime Emergency Executive Order 20-54, employees are, among other things, protected against retaliation for reporting COVID-19 workplace concerns or refusing to work in conditions that they, in good faith, believe could potentially expose them to COVID-19.

All of these protections contain important caveats, so if you have questions about Executive Order 20-54, or COVID-19 at work, you should contact an experienced employment lawyer. If you are an employee who has experienced difficult circumstances with your employer related to COVID-19, we are here to help. Please contact Teske, Katz, Kitzer, and Rochel, PLLP. We advocate on behalf of employees facing discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower related issues in the workplace.