. .. Firm Overview from www.fordharrison.com Today organizations must operate in a highly regulated, litigious business climate. However, employers are able to minimize the legal risks involved in making employment decisions without compromising business needs. Founded in Atlanta in 1978, Ford & Harrison has built a national practice in all aspects of labor and employment law with 18 offices across the country. More than 200 labor and employment lawyers at the firm strive to provide clients with sound legal advice, practical counseling and excellent client service. Ford & Harrison is committed to providing assistance to employers to allow their management teams to successfully deal with increased litigation, government agency investigations, collective bargaining, or union organizing drives by helping to provide the necessary knowledge and insight to deal with these issues. We concentrate our practice on all areas related to labor and employment law - including employment litigation and class actions, business immigration and employee benefits - so our clients gain from in-depth legal experience in all facets of these issues. We provide current, relevant information to our clients through a variety of resources, such as our SourceBook, newsletters, seminars and briefings. These resources provide valuable preventive maintenance tools to help clients understand the numerous state and federal labor and employment laws. Minnesota Contact: ANDREW TANICK 225 S SIXTH STREET, SUITE 3150 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402 612.486.1623 Website MLBA Allied Member Since: 2009 Firm to offer discounts to MLBA Members and draft basic employee handbooks Legal claims by employees constitute an expensive risk for all MLBA members, and such claims are on the rise. A typical employee lawsuit can cost over $100,000 to defend - win, lose or draw. In addition, anticipated changes in federal law may make it easier for employees to form unions, and 2009 legislation has already resulted in many changes to employment laws that apply to MLBA members. In light of these developments, the MLBA is pleased to welcome Ford & Harrison LLP as a new Allied Member. Ford & Harrison is a law firm that practices exclusively in one area: representing businesses in all aspects of labor and employment law. By focusing on one area of law, Ford & Harrison is able to provide its clients with experience and knowledge in labor and employment law that “general practice” law firms cannot offer. Ford & Harrison’s Minneapolis team includes some of the best and most experienced labor/employment attorneys in Minnesota, including four attorneys formerly with the law firm of Rider Bennett. The former Chair of that firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, Andy Tanick, who will be Ford & Harrison’s contact person for MLBA members. Andy has been assisting employers in employment matters for over 20 years. He and his colleagues work with businesses throughout the state and elsewhere to formulate employment policies, assist with every-day employment issues, conduct employee training, and defend claims and lawsuits. Andy and his colleagues represent many clients in Minnesota’s retail and hospitality industries, and therefore are especially well-suited to assist MLBA members when labor/employment issues arise – and to assist members in taking all available precautions to try to avoid such issues before they arise. Ford & Harrison can assist MLBA members in the following specific areas: Discrimination Claims Grievances Immigration Law NLRB Charges OSHA Claims Union Campaigns Workplace Violence Class/Collective Actions Employee Benefits Harassment Claims Investigations Non-Competition/Trade Secrets Union Avoidance Wage/Hour Issues Wrongful Termination Collective Bargaining In conjunction with this new partnership, Ford & Harrison has agreed to handle any matter for MLBA members at “preferred” billing rates of approximately 15% below the firm’s standard rates. In addition, Ford & Harrison has agreed to draft a basic employee policy manual, or revise an existing manual, for any MLBA member for $1,500. This is a project that normally generates hourly legal fees of $2,500 to $5,000. According to Andy Tanick, a strong policy manual is often an employer’s “first line of defense” against employment-related lawsuits. “The Supreme Court has ruled that an employee cannot successfully sue for sexual harassment if the employer had a clear procedure for reporting harassment, and the employee unreasonably failed to take advantage of that policy,” Tanick explained. “In addition, employers can more easily defend disciplinary actions if those actions were consistent with written policies.” “Even employers who already have written policies should have them reviewed by an experienced employment attorney,” Tanick added. “Many ‘one size fits all’ handbooks found on the internet or offered by consultants do not address, or comply with, laws that are specific to Minnesota. Moreover, employment laws are constantly changing; thus, a 2007 handbook may not provide an employer with adequate protection in 2009.” The MLBA encourages all of its members to patronize our Allied Members, and for legal matters concerning labor and employment issues, the MLBA is pleased to offer this new partnership with Ford & Harrison. MLBA members who wish to take advantage of this introductory handbook offer, or who have other labor or employment law questions or needs, should contact Andy Tanick at (612)486-1700 or atanick@fordharrison.com. Back to MLBA Allied Members   Midwest Expo | Proof Magazine | Legislative Issues | Membership Training | Links | Allied Members | Order Page | Contact Us | Home Copyright © 2009 - Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association - All Rights Reserved