HR and Employment Law for Small Businesses 

Who should attend?
Owners, executives, and managers of small to mid-sized businesses; non-profits, restaurant owners, food and hospitality industry management, and business owners/employers concerned with attracting and developing talent as well as complying with labor and employment law as it pertains to their team.

Overview 

Many small business owners understand the need to attract and hire top talent, and may be aware of the human resources practices, policies, employment/labor laws concerning the hiring, developing, retaining of their team. Some executives may not focus on how to legally recruit and retain the talent needed to run their business effectively and may benefit from insight into best practices regarding talent acquisition and retention, performance management, people development and labor law requirements.

Two experts, each contributing his perspective, will facilitate. Eric Sarver, Esq., employment law attorney who represents numerous small companies on business and employment law will provide the legal framework. Claude Trahan, Esq., experienced lawyer, Human Resources executive and senior operations officer will cover the human resources policies and best practices that foster a productive workplace. Together they will cover important aspects of effective human resources management and the legal foundation that protect your business by employing fair employment practices to attract and retain employees.

The best way to protect your business is to know and follow the law as it relates to workplace discrimination (including sexual harassment), wages and overtime, employment contracts, employee handbooks and sound H.R. policies. Following these legally sound workplace policies and practices will decrease the possibility of legal action by employees. Just as important, best practices based on law enable you to hire right, create diverse and inclusive environment, manage performance, communicate work expectations/practices and maintain workforce records.

At the end of the workshop, you will have the knowledge to:

• Summarize key federal, state and local laws pertaining to disability accommodation, anti-discrimination/creating a workplace free of sexual harassment, sick leave, wages/salary and related legal obligations, including New York State/New York City statutes and regulations that employers must follow.
• Describe legal business operating practices as they pertain to employment and staff management: handbooks, policies, offer letters and employment documentation.
• Discuss the guidelines for negotiating and drafting robust employment-related and employee-management contracts such as employment contracts, non-disclosure agreements, non-compete agreements and severance packages. 
• Identify the five best HR practices that lead to a productive workplace, including hiring the right skills and fit.
• Summarize how to document performance through regular reviews and feedback.
• Outline guidelines for communicating work rules and expectations in accordance with NYC labor law.
• Develop guidelines for maintaining employee records.

Instructors:

Claude Trahan, Esq.
Claude Trahan is an executive and lawyer. He was formerly lead human resources officer and senior operations executive at a large energy company. Areas of expertise include human resources, business management and strategic planning. 

Claude has an extensive legal background in a variety of settings.  He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Eric Sarver, Esq.
Attorney And Principal of The Law Offices of Eric M. Sarver
Eric Sarver is an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of New York, and is admitted in the Federal Courts, in both the Eastern and Southern Districts.

The Law Offices of Eric M. Sarver was formed in 2001. It provides legal counsel to small businesses and non-profit organizations, in areas of defense of companies against unpaid over-time wage claims and New York State Department of Labor investigations, defense of labor and employment law claims,  compliance with federal and state labor laws, drafting and negotiating contracts, business law and assisting companies with legal quandaries and counseling on employee and labor relations. 

Workshop Fees

Online registration $59, walk-ins $69
There is a $10 discount on all Student and SEAP registrations 
(valid ID must be presented at the door; bring SEAP form to the workshop). 

Please remember to bring your cell phone as you will receive an email with a link to your workshop evaluation form from the SCORE NYC Workshop Committee. It will be sent to you toward the end of the workshop so you can complete it effortlessly online before you leave.