Attorneys Michael Bell and Heather Ptasznik will present an “Employment Law Misconceptions Seminar” to the Berrien County Manufacturers Council at noon Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Many employers unknowingly make mistakes when handling employment issues that can violate the law and potentially expose them to significant liability and costs. This seminar will address common employer misconceptions regarding employment laws and employer obligations and cover preventive measures to avoid or minimize mistakes. Areas to be reviewed include wage and hour, furloughs, FMLA compliance, hiring, Americans with Disabilities Act, termination considerations and enforceability of non-compete agreements.

From the law firm of Kotz, Sangster, Wysocki and Berg, P.C., Bell represents business clients ranging from single entrepreneurs to publicly traded companies through performance of a variety of legal tasks including: business structuring, labor and employment issues, acquisitions and expansion and contract review and negotiation. Bell has recently advised multiple clients to help develop and implement strategies for downsizing at the upper management level.

Ptasznik has extensive experience in the areas of employment law including defending employers against employment discrimination claims, wrongful termination, defamation, unemployment claims, negligence, administrative claims before the EEOC and MDCR and breach of contract claims.

Ptasznik also counsels employers on hiring and termination considerations, prepares employment policies and handbooks, conducts training seminars for supervisory and non-supervisory employees, and works with human resources personnel on HR audits. She has written multiple employment law articles and has been published quarterly in the State Bar of Michigan’s Labor and Employment Lawnotes (Western District Updates) and in various trade organizations’ newsletters.

This luncheon meeting will be held at the Bertrand Crossing Campus of Lake Michigan College. The cost is $8 per person for BCMC and SMEGA members and $10 for non-members. RSVPs are requested. Call Shelley Klug at (269) 683-1833 by Feb. 19.