Best Practices for Avoiding Big HR Mistakes that Can Lead to Lawsuits

Philippe A. Lebel | Proskauer Rose LLP

Philippe (Phil) A. Lebel represents employers in all aspects of employment litigation, including wage and hour, wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, defamation, trade secrets, and breach of contract litigation, in both the single-plaintiff and class- and/or representative-action context, at both the trial and appellate level, and before administrative agencies.

In addition to his litigation work, Phil regularly advises clients regarding compliance with federal, state and local employment laws, and assists a variety of companies and financial firms in evaluating labor and employment issues in connection with corporate transactions. Phil also has experience assisting employers with sensitive employee investigations and trainings. Phil also represents employers in connection with labor law matters, such as labor arbitrations and proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board.

Phil has assisted clients in a wide array of sectors including in the biotech, education, entertainment, financial services, fitness, healthcare, high-tech, legal services, manufacturing, media, professional services, sports, and staffing industries, among others.

Phil regularly speaks on emerging issues for employers and has been published or quoted in Law360, the Daily Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, Business Insurance, and SHRM.org regarding a variety of labor and employment law topics.

During college, Phil worked on political campaigns in Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama, and was an intern with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund. Phil is a former member of the Board of Directors of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel.

Michelle A. Annese | Proskauer Rose LLP

Michelle A. Annese is a partner in the Labor & Employment Law Department and a member of the Employment Litigation & Arbitration Group.

Michelle represents employers in a variety of industries including financial services, retail, entertainment and sports. She assists them with a wide range of labor and employment matters involving employment discrimination and retaliation, sexual harassment and wrongful discharge.

Michelle regularly appears in state and federal courts, as well as in proceedings before the American Arbitration Association, JAMS, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other federal and state agencies.

In addition to litigating, Michelle counsels clients on compliance with employment-related laws, and on developing, implementing and enforcing personnel policies and procedures. She has also conducted numerous internal investigations on behalf of employers.

Michelle has been recognized as a Rising Star by New Jersey Super Lawyers since 2013.

I. Best practices for | 3:00pm – 4:00pm

• Avoiding mishaps and mistakes during key points in employee life cycle
• The on-boarding process

Break | 4:00pm – 4:10pm

II. Being an effective “first responder” while receiving and responding to employee concerns | 4:10pm – 4:40pm

III. Pitfalls to avoid during termination process | 4:40pm – 5:10pm

• Discrimination
• Harassment