Presenter: Jaycee Simon, Attorney, Crowe & Dunlevy
Title: Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Lawsuits: How to Fire without the Fallout
In this program, we’ll break down the messy world of retaliation and show you how to discipline and terminate employees without it backfiring. We’ll start by demystifying retaliation – what it really is (and isn’t) under the law – and highlight the biggest retaliation triggers that trip up even the most seasoned HR pros. You’ll learn how employees prove retaliation claims, so you can spot the legal landmines before stepping on them. Then, we’ll get into termination done right – how to document, communicate, and execute a firing so it’s legally defensible and drama-free. We’ll also cover HR’s critical role in stopping retaliation before it starts, from coaching managers to handling tricky post-termination situations (because yes, employees can still come back to haunt you after they leave). Finally, because not every problem employee needs to be shown the door, we’ll explore alternative discipline strategies that can keep you out of legal trouble while still getting results. Whether you’ve been in HR for years, or you’re just getting your feet wet, this session will give you practical, no-nonsense strategies to fire and discipline without inviting lawsuits – or awkward run-ins at the grocery store.
Jaycee Simon Bio:
How do I help protect and defend management in labor and employment matters?
Exclusively representing management in labor and employment matters, I see—and respect—the people behind the corporations, doing their best while making often difficult decisions that serve their companies, employees and communities. Between counseling employers on day-to-day workplace issues, handling EEOC matters, trying cases and advising on business immigration, I am immersed in virtually every stage of the employer-employee relationship.
Providing full service counsel and representation in labor and employment matters
Jaycee Simon focuses her practice on all aspects of labor and employment law, including litigation and trials. She represents companies in employment related matters, including harassment and discrimination claims under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as whistleblower claims and allegations of negligent hiring, supervision and retention, and retaliatory discharge.
Assisting employers with their business immigration needs
Jaycee also practices business immigration, advising employers on I-9 compliance and preparing employer-sponsored nonimmigrant visa petitions. She helps companies navigate the immigration requirements involved in recruiting and retaining foreign national employees while remaining compliant with federal law.
Offering both administrative and trial court experience
Jaycee has significant experience representing employers in administrative proceedings before agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). She also brings trial experience, most recently serving on the litigation team that secured a unanimous federal jury verdict in a case involving disability discrimination and other employment claims.
Understanding the challenges HR professionals face
Jaycee works closely with HR professionals not only in her legal practice but also through her role as General Counsel to the Oklahoma City Human Resource Society (OCHRS). The organization provides education, professional development and continuing certification opportunities for HR professionals while promoting best practices in the workplace. Her involvement keeps her connected to the evolving issues employers face and the practical challenges HR professionals encounter every day.
Cost: Free for SWOKHR members, $10 for non-members.
This program has been approved for SHRM and HRCI recertification credit.
Lunch will be provided by SWOKHR