A Whole New World – Predicting Employment Claims in the Wake of COVID-19

Begins at Thu, Jul 30, 2020 12:00 PM
Ends at Thu, Jul 30, 2020 01:00 PM

Absent a few notable exceptions, the employment law landscape has remained relatively stable over the last several years, with little in the way of earth-shattering case law or legislation. Like almost everything else, that has changed dramatically since early 2020. The Coronavirus epidemic generated new legislation, like the FFCRA, and breathed new life into existing legislation, like the WARN Act. This webinar will discuss what we’ve seen so far and what we can expect to see moving forward with regard to epidemic-related claims.

*Please note CLE is not available for on-demand webinars.

About the Speaker

Benton L. Toups is a partner in the Wilmington North Carolina office of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog, LLP. Benton is a seasoned attorney whose practice focuses on Employment Law, Business Litigation and ERISA Litigation. Benton is also a certified mediator and is often called upon by his colleagues from other firms to assist them in that capacity. He serves on the CSH Law COVID-19 Response Team.

Employment Law:

Benton is recognized by his peers as an industry expert in employment law. Benton represents employers and executives before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the North Carolina Industrial Commission, and several state and federal courts. He has extensive experience assisting with claims of harassment and discrimination under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the North Carolina Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA), as well as claims for unpaid wages and overtime pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act.

Benton is well versed in negotiating and drafting employment contracts, including non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, and he has successfully represented clients in multiple preliminary injunction hearings in which the enforceability of such agreements was at issue.

A firm believer in the adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Benton counsels business clients on personnel issues and assists them in developing and implementing effective policies in order to avoid employment litigation. Benton is a frequent speaker on claims avoidance and litigation strategy.

Business Litigation:

Benton represents clients in business disputes, including those involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, money owed, and misappropriation of trade secrets and other intellectual property. As with his employment practice, Benton not only litigates disputes; he works with his clients proactively to avoid them. Benton is more than an attorney to his clients. He is a trusted business partner.

ERISA Subrogation and Litigation:

Benton devotes a substantial portion of his practice to representing health care plans in subrogation and reimbursement claims brought under ERISA. This field of law is complex and ever-changing, and Benton is on its leading edge. Some of the nation’s largest plans and administrators put their trust in Benton to protect their interests.