Event Details

Scott Atwood, Attorney at Law
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.

Pending HRCI & SHRM PDC 1.25 hrs

Employment law constantly changes and evolves. This program will help HR practitioners to be more prepared to implement these current and evolving federal employment laws and regulations and to proactively prepare for proposed new laws and regulations. This presentation will provide HR practitioners with relevant up-to-date information, legal changes and up and coming issues in 2020; thereby allowing them to respond appropriately to employees, in the best interest of the employer, and importantly in compliance with evolving federal and state laws. Additionally, this presentation will provide practical tools and guidance to assist HR practitioners with recognizing and reducing some of the risks associated with HR involved business decisions.

Learning Objectives:

• To provide an update on various federal employment law topics, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the impact of the election on employment laws.
• To provide an update on Florida state law topics, including proposed legislation impacting employers and their employees.
• To provide practical guidance based on recent case law of various courts’ rulings on employment matters.
• To facilitate an interactive discussion and dialogue on issues that matter to HR practitioners.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Scott is Chair of the firm's Labor and Employment Law group. From complex labor and employment counseling and litigation to general business matters, he has been representing the interests of entrepreneurs, public entities, and businesses of all sizes throughout the United States, including Florida and Georgia, for nearly 25 years.

More specifically, Scott has extensive experience in all aspects of employment law, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and Section 1983 discrimination, harassment, and retaliation matters, FMLA leaves issues, and FLSA and state law wage situations. He also assists his clients in whistleblower claims and non-compete, non-solicitation, trade secret, and contract disputes. With regard to general corporate matters, he prepares employment agreements, operating and shareholder agreements, restrictive covenant (non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality) agreements, and business contracts.

Scott also brings his expertise as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator to facilitate a resolution as an alternative to lengthy and expensive litigation. As a member of the Executive Council of the Florida Bar's Labor and Employment Section, Scott is extremely active in helping formulate and implement legal policy on both the state and local level. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Florida and Georgia, including U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.

Scott has been recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer in labor and employment law. Previously, he was recognized by Atlanta Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in labor and employment law. While attending law school, Scott was elected Editor-in-Chief of the Florida Journal of International Law and was awarded the President's Award for outstanding service to the University. He now serves on the College of Law's Alumni Council.

When not working, Scott enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and watching New England sports.

Professional and Civic Affiliations

Scott devotes countless hours to the community. Currently, he is President of the Lee County Bar Association Foundation, is Vice-Chair (Chair-elect) of the Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center Board of Directors, and is a member of the UF Law Alumni Council. He is also a member of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class (2017).

Scott previously served on the Florida Bar's Board of Governors, including its Executive Council and Disciplinary Committee; was President of the Florida Bar's Young Lawyers Division and its Out-of-State Division; was Vice-Chair of the Florida Bar's Continuing Legal Education Committee; was President of the Lee County Bar Association; and, was Chair of the Small Firm Section of the Atlanta Bar Association. He is a former member of the 20th Judicial Circuit Professionalism Committee, Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, and the Florida Bar’s inaugural Diversity Committee. Scott also served on the Allocations Committee for Lee County United Way, on the Executive Committee of the Dartmouth Club of Georgia, and was a Barrister in the Calusa Inns of Court.