1 Participatory MCLE Credits and 1 Professional Development Credit (PDC)

The decision to terminate an employee under normal circumstances may be stressful, and can be more challenging during a reorganization, layoff or when an employee is engaged in protected activity.  In all circumstances, it’s important for Human Resources Professionals, In-house attorneys or Management to understand the legal risks and best practices to release an employee with dignity and respect. During this webinar, the following topics will be covered:

• What are the legal risks that should be evaluated when terminating or laying off an employee?
• Can an employer terminate an employee on a medical leave of absence or accommodation? 
• What are the key provisions to include in a Confidential Severance Agreement?
• Is an employer exempt from a wrongful termination claim if the employee resigns?
• Tips to ensure your termination practices are legally sound.

Speakers: Maribel Hernandez and Erika Frank

 All – $50.00

Maribel Hernandez

Maribel Hernandez specializes in employment law with extensive background representing and counseling management regarding a broad spectrum of employment matters. Successful at assessing risk and tailoring legal solutions to meet business needs and strategic goals.                                            
Ms. Hernandez has litigated employment cases involving harassment, retaliation and discrimination based on age, sex, religion, race, national origin, physical disabilities, and medical conditions. She has represented union and non-union employers and public and private clients in both state and federal courts, and before state and federal administrative agencies.   Prior to her legal career, Ms. Hernandez was employed as a Human Resources professional for domestic and global companies, which has given her a unique perspective when litigating or counseling on complex labor and employment matters.

Ms. Hernandez is a frequent speaker on employment topics and serves as an Advisor on the Executive Committee (Labor & Employment section) for the California Lawyers Association, a committee dedicated to serving the community and providing specialized legal training to its members through seminars, webinars, publications, and radio throughout California.

Erika Frank

Erika Frank is the Associate Executive Director, General Counsel and Section Chief for the California Lawyers Association.  As a member of CLA’s Senior Executive Team, Erika oversees 18 sections and their managers, including Human Resources. Her position on the Senior Executive Team ensures that the vision and mission of CLA’s Board of Directors achieve an expanded reach to support the growing membership and future impact. 

Over her twenty-year career, Erika has utilized her legal expertise in employment and labor law to benefit the non-profit and private sector alike. When serving as Counsel at the Shaw Law Group in Sacramento, California, Erika advised the region’s employers about California’s complex employment laws, conducted impartial workplace investigations for public and private sector employers, and conducted seminars and training programs.
  
Erika also served General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Legal Affairs at the California Chamber of Commerce, the largest broad-based trade association in California. During her tenure at the Chamber, Erika developed an expertise in employment law compliance, oversaw CalChamber’s Labor Law Helpline and assisted countless members with their employment law questions. She also played an integral role in the launch and success of CalChamber’s “The Workplace” podcast.

Erika has not only produced but has led numerous seminars and webinars on employment law topics such as leaves of absence, wage and hour compliance, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation prevention. She is known for her relentless energy and ability to transform legal concepts into simple stories and realistic scenarios for any type of audience and professional.  

In any organization that she is a part of, Erika utilizes her skills to translate vision into reality. Paying special attention to organizational culture, structure, and human capital, Erika is able to maximize potential and achieve results that boards, stakeholders and members are proud of.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and received her Juris Doctorate Degree from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. In her spare time, Erika enjoys spending time with her family, running the local trails, swimming laps in the pool, listening to the trending legal podcasts, and practicing mindfulness.