Employer Resource Institute Audio Conference

Originally presented on March 28, 2007

Employee or independent contractor? That's the expensive question facing a growing number of California employers who've been hit with multi-million-dollar lawsuits, fines, and penalties for allegedly misclassifying their workers. Some employers deliberately misclassify to avoid paying taxes, overtime, and benefits, but others simply make an honest mistake. Either way, getting it wrong can land you in a world of trouble. Don't let this happen to you.

It's not always easy to determine if your workers meet the independent contractor rules enforced by federal and state authorities, and simply designating someone as an "independent contractor" isn't enough - the standards are both stringent and complicated. If you incorrectly designate an employee as an independent contractor, you could face a huge, costly lawsuit - not to mention ugly publicity.

During this 90-minute audio conference on March 28, you'll learn exactly how to properly classify your workers. Our experts will share proven strategies for drafting effective contractor agreements and protecting yourself from lawsuits and audits. Plus, you'll have the chance to ask questions (live or via email) about the specific challenges facing your organization right now.

YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES WILL LEARN:

• The various state and federal tests used to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor
• The common errors California employers make when they deal with independent contractors
• The steep penalties you face if you misclassify an employee as an independent contractor, even if it was a good-faith mistake
• How to create bulletproof independent contractor agreements that will survive in California courts
• The important legal differences between temporary employees and independent contractors
• The steps you can take to prevent California workers' compensation claims by your independent contractors
• The safest ways to terminate an independent contractor's work with you

ABOUT YOUR SPEAKER:

Maria Anastas, Esq., is a partner in the San Francisco office of law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP. She provides advice and counsel to employers on a wide variety of labor and employment law issues, including hiring, promotion, discipline, termination, and wage and hour compliance. She was named one of the "Top100 Labor Lawyers in America" in 2006 by the Labor Relations Institute. She earned her law degree at Tulane Law School.

Approved for Recertification Credit

This program has been approved for 1.5 recertification credit hour toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org.

How Do Audio Conferences Work?

An audio conference is remarkably cost-effective and convenient. You participate from your office using a regular telephone. You have no travel costs and no out-of-office time.

Plus, for one low price you can get as many people in your office to participate as you can fit around a speakerphone.

Because the conference is live, you can ask the speakers questions'either on the phone or via e-mail.

With your registration, you also receive conference materials with additional practical information from California Employer Advisor sent to you via e-mail shortly before the conference.

Why You Can Sign Up To Attend This Event with Confidence

As with all California Employer Advisor products, you're completely protected. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with this audio conference, simply let us know and we will return your entire registration fee.