Generally speaking, there is no problem, legally, when an employer feels the need to terminate employees due to market/financial issues. Similarly, if one or more employees are not productive there is no problem with termination on those grounds.

But, there is a way and there are processes to be followed when handing out terminations. We have seen an increase in the number of litigation against termination decisions. We have also heard many stories of that one disgruntled, ex-employee that either returns to the workplace (or to some alternative place) and resorts to violence.

In this 90-minute webinar, Ms. Janette Levey, an experienced employment attorney, will discuss the best practices and provide practical advice on how to conduct lawsuit-proof employee terminations. Learn how to reduce the risk of allegations of discrimination, wrongful termination, manager personal liability, and lawsuits and the best and safest ways to handle these emotionally charged situations.

Learning Objectives:

• What disciplinary actions should lead to termination and which should not?
• Steps to ensure terminations happen with dignity, respect, and within regulations
• Mitigating wrongful termination allegations before they happen
• DOL and EEOC regulations and guidelines to prevent allegations of discrimination or wrongful termination
• Types of employee allegations that need to be prioritized and handled expeditiously

Areas Covered

• Extent and limits of the doctrine of employment-at-will
• Statutory exceptions and contractual provisions of employment-at-will
• Termination checklist to reduce risks when making the decision to terminate employment
• Red flags to watch out for in volatile employees
• WARN Act and State statutes covering mass layoffs
• Classes protected under federal and/or state anti-discrimination laws
• Rights and obligations of employers and employees
• Employment Agreements, Disclaimers
• Severance agreements – common mistakes to avoid
• Fines & penalties in 2025 for wrongful terminations
• The Civil Rights Act and discrimination allegations cases
• Factors that influence a wrongful termination case

Why Should You Attend?

Lawsuits against employers alleging wrongful termination are on the increase. A growing awareness among employees about workplace rights, and employer violations that’ve been in the limelight have contributed to this increase.

Employers are now more than ever, at risk of litigation against termination decisions. The EEOC has established definitions and guidelines of what constitutes discrimination and what employees are part of “protected classes” and discrimination claims. Now that there have been additional protections under EEOC, Employers should consider these regulations and prepare for those potential risks.

Who Will Benefit?

• HR Professionals (all levels)
• Legal counsel
• Employee relations
• Small business owners
• CEOs, CPOs
• Law firms