Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Counselors at Law

Labor and Employment Spring Seminar:2016 Public Sector Legal Update
March 17, 2016  |  Sheraton Hartford South Hotel  |  8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Labor and Employment Spring Seminar: 2016 Public Sector Legal Update

A complimentary seminar presented by Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Thursday, March 17, 2016  |  Sheraton Hartford South Hotel - Rocky Hill, CT  |  8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Join us for our annual spring seminar for public sector clients and friends, when we will address issues facing school districts, municipalities and other government agencies.  The program begins with a plenary session covering a timely topic, followed by a choice of two breakout sessions allowing for issue discussion in a small setting.

8:00 - 8:30 AM - Registration and Breakfast
Grand Ballroom Foyer - A complimentary light breakfast and coffee and beverages will be provided.

8:30 - 8:40 AM - Welcome Remarks
Grand Ballroom Foyer - Anne H. Littlefield

8:40 - 10:00 AM - Plenary Session
Put Out That Fire!  A Crash Course in Crisis Management and Media Response - Grand Ballroom
Thomas B. Mooney, Kevin M. Roy, Christopher E. Engler and Melika S. Forbes and Guest Speaker, Dean Pagani of McDowell Jewett Communications
In times of crisis, organizations are under extreme pressure to mitigate potentially damaging outcomes, often with limited resources and little or no time.  This session will provide attendees with the tools necessary to deal with crisis situations promptly and effectively, while minimizing risk to the organization. Panelists will share best practices for preemptive planning, damage control and decisive execution, as well as tips gleaned from the experience of others.  Topics include: 
•	Working with the media
•	Preparing a response plan 
•	Striking the balance between protecting confidentiality and providing transparency
•	Deciding when “no comment” isn’t good enough
•	Avoiding common errors and resolving them when they occur

10:00 - 10:15 AM - Coffee Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer

10:15 - 11:15 AM - Breakout Session 1 - Choose one
Threat Assessment: Rethinking Security in Our Schools and Workplaces - Salon I & II
Lisa Banatoski Mehta and Peter J. Maher
Threats of violence are a growing concern for employers, and the need to maintain a secure workplace is paramount.  This session will offer a comprehensive assessment of workplace security risks and discuss the importance of having an effective emergency preparedness and response plan in times of workplace violence.  Topics include: 
•	Identifying and assessing security and violence risks
•	Adopting codes of conduct and policies to facilitate appropriate behavior
•	Prevention strategies as well as tips for promptly detecting and responding to incidents
•	Developing an emergency preparedness and response plan

Title IX Compliance for Schools:  How to Avoid Becoming Tomorrow’s News - Salon C & D
Leander A. Dolphin, Linda L. Yoder and Ashley L. Marshall
Schools are confronted almost daily with high-profile stories of legal battles and large penalties as a result of sexual harassment and sex discrimination claims.  This session will explore the nuances of Title IX and offer best practices for investigation of and response to claims under Title IX.  Topics include:  
•	Defining student-to-student sex discrimination, including discrimination based on gender identity
•	Responding to the initial complaint of student-on-student sexual harassment, violence, or discrimination
•	The Dos and Don’ts of investigating a complaint of sex discrimination involving students
•	When the investigation is over: Intervention strategies for students who have been harassed

Trending Topics in Public Sector Negotiations:  Staying Ahead of the Curve - Salon A & B Gabriel J. Jiran, Rebecca R. Santiago and Anthony R. Shannon

The bargaining table can be unpredictable.  In this session, presenters will provide insight on issues that have permeated recent negotiations and explain how they have been resolved.  Topics include:
•	Affordable Care Act and its impact on collective bargaining
•	Experiences and current trends regarding High Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts
•	State Partnership Plan 2.0
•	Defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans
Summary of recent settlements and/or arbitration awards

Off Duty, Off Limits? Discipline and Discharge for Off-Duty Misconduct - Salon III
Jessica L. Ritter, Jarad M. Lucan and Jessica Richman Smith
Management may clearly regulate an employee’s conduct while on duty; however, the right of an employer to regulate an employee’s conduct away from the employer’s facility will depend on a variety of factors.  Topics include:
•	Limitations on using off-duty conduct as a basis of discipline
•	Investigating off-duty conduct 
•	Off-duty misconduct and social media  

11:15 - 11:30 AM - Coffee Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Breakout Session 2 - Choose one
A second session of each breakout will be offered as previously described.

Salon I & II - Threat Assessment 
Salon C & D - Title IX Compliance for Schools
Salon A & B - Trending Topics in Public Sector Negotiations
Salon III - Off Duty, Off Limits?

Free Online Registration: www.shipmangoodwin.com/rsvp.aspx?Show=13981 or visit www.shipmangoodwin.com and click on March 17 on our events calendar.

Directions to Sheraton Hartford South Hotel
100 Capital BoulevardRocky Hill, CT
Tel. (860) 257-6000 

From I-91 South
Take exit 23, turn left off exit and continue one block to the hotel.  

From I-91 North
Take exit 23, turn right and the hotel is on the right.

Labor and Employment Spring Seminar:2016 Public Sector Legal Update

March 17, 2016  |  Sheraton Hartford South Hotel  |  8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Please register online at www.shipmangoodwin.com by clicking on March 17th on our events calendar or contact:
Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Marketing Department
Jade Tarca
Tel: (800) 585-0331  Fax: (860) 251-5214
E-mail: jtarca@goodwin.com

Seating is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first served basis.

Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Counselors at Law

Hartford, CT

Stamford, CT

Greenwich, CT

New Haven, CT

Washington, DC

www.shipmangoodwin.com