Thank you to all who joined us for the 2018 Davenport Evans Employment Law Update, Wednesday, September 19, at The Country Club of Sioux Falls (formerly Westward Ho), in Sioux Falls, SD. We were pleased to welcome around 150 to this year’s event, for a morning focused on current trends and practical, applicable content for Human Resources professionals.
The morning began with a hot breakfast, followed by co-presenters Chris Prendergast, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Click Rain, and Davenport Evans lawyer Jean Bender. Chris and Jean presented, “Technology, Culture & the Law: Recruitment and Retention in the Modern Era.” This presentation took a closer look at online hiring platforms and advertising used used by many to recruit employees, and their potential legal pitfalls. Chris also shared the ways Click Rain has surveyed and adapted the culture in their workplace to create a positive environment that aids recruitment and retention.
Next were newcomers to the Employment Law Update, Davenport Evans lawyers Joel Rische and Reece Almond. Joel presented, “What’s New? 2018 Topics and Trends in Labor and Employment.” Joel’s presentation focused on case studies as examples of updates in the courts, including those impacting LGBTQ rights, employees in the military, and drug testing.
Next up, Reece Almond presented, “South Dakota Non-Competes: Competing Against Other States’ Non-Compete Laws.” Reece pointed out that South Dakota does permit non-competes in the employer/employee context, but if the employee works in another state, one should be cognizant of that state’s law. He reviewed what non-competes are, why you might use them, and in what instances they might be used in South Dakota.
After a coffee break, attorney Sandra Hoglund Hanson presented, “#MeToo … #What Now?” Sandra’s presentation gave a timely update to the #MeToo discussion that began via Twitter in October 2017, and has spanned the globe. As awareness of sexual harassment has increased, employers may find themselves asking if a sexual harassment policy or training is enough. Sandra provided the business case for combating sexual harassment and covered what employers need to know now to stay ahead of litigation.
The Davenport Evans Employment Law Update concluded with the Ask-A-Lawyer Panel. Questions were submitted by registrants ahead, and answered by attorneys as time allowed. There was also a drawing for restaurant gift cards among all attendees that submitted a question. Davenport Evans lawyers are here to assist you, year round. Please feel free to call an employment lawyer at 605-336-2880 or email us at [email protected].
Thank you to all our guests for joining us at The Country Club of Sioux Falls, and for your completing the post-event survey. Your feedback is appreciated!
The annual Davenport Evans Employment Law Update seminar is free and open to the public, and in 2018, offered 3.75 HR (General) recertification credit hours through the HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®). If you missed the seminar this year, be sure to sign up for eNews to receive announcements for the 2019 Employment Law Update. See you next year!