Calendar of Events

Presented by Chris Thrutchley, JD, SPHR and Courtney Bru
Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP 

There are vital lessons to be learned from late-breaking 2012 court cases and the EEOC's newly promulgated enforcement plan that should influence HR compliance strategies for 2013 and beyond.  At the February 2013 program meeting, Chris Thrutchley and Courtney Bru will address strategic compliance and employee relations steps employers should consider in response to (1) the US Supreme Court's imminent decision in Vance v. Ball State University, which could have a significant impact on liability for harassment by supervisors; (2) the 10th Circuit's recent decision in Brown v. ScriptPro, a great new case that provides proactive employers a tremendous opportunity to prevent baseless and costly wage and overtime claims through updated and well-drafted policies and procedures; (3) new ADA cases, such as the 10th Circuit's recent ruling in Valdez v. McGill and Mueller Supply Company, Inc. and the 3rd Circuit's decision in Stadtmiller v. Univ. of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which offer best practices for improving disability accommodation policies and processes to further minimize risk of claims in the wake of a tremendous spike in ADA claims; and (4) the EEOC's heightened focus on discrimination in hiring, pay, and on employers' failure to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment.

At this program you will learn some of the most significant lessons from employment litigation in 2012, key components of the EEOC's 2013-2016 Strategic Enforcement Plan and what it means for HR and vital compliance strategies HR should implement in 2013 based on lessons from 2012 litigation and the EEOC's new list of enforcement priorities.  You will not want to miss this Program!

Chris Thrutchley has advised and defended employers in labor, employment, and business matters for nearly 20 years. Attorneys rate Chris "AV® Preeminent," the highest rating for legal ability and ethics earned by only 12% of lawyers in North America. Martindale-Hubbel has rated Chris one of the nation's Top Employment Lawyers. Not only does Chris know labor and employment law, but he also knows HR.  He has in-the-trenches experience as an HR Director for one of Tulsa's largest employers with responsibility for over 3,250 union and non-union employees, and he is one of the few employment lawyers in the nation to earn SPHR certification.  Chris capitalizes on his unique combination of HR experience and employment law expertise to provide daily, strategic counsel to unionized and non-unionized employers of all sizes and types.  Chris provides management training on best employment practices and defends employers before state and federal courts and agencies.

Courtney Bru is a partner in the Tulsa Office of Doerner Saunders Daniel & Anderson, LLP.  She advises and defends employers in labor and employment law matters, including class action litigation.  In addition to her successful trial practice, Ms. Bru helps employers avoid employment disputes by developing legally compliant policies, implementing best practices, and conducting management training. Ms. Bru has also advised and represented unionized employers in all aspects of labor-management relations, including arbitration of grievances.  Ms. Bru previously worked as an associate for one of the nation's largest employment and labor law firms, where she represented employers in various state and federal labor and employment matters. During that time, Ms. Bru served as an attorney for the 2006-07 edition of The National Employer.