Presented by Christensen Group Insurance and Felhaber Larson
Attorneys Penny Phillips and Brian Benkstein of Felhaber Larson will provide employers with a comprehensive overview of the MN Paid Family Leave law and implications with private and state administered plans . The webinar will address key compliance obligations, including coverage and eligibility rules, taxation of premiums and benefits, duration of leave, reimbursement mechanisms, and employer requirements for granting leave and reinstatement rights. The session will also cover notice and medical certification requirements, coordination of supplemental benefits such as PTO, vacation, and ESST, wage replacement structures, and how to align state and private programs with concurrent state and federal leave laws. Participants will receive a practical compliance checklist with upcoming deadlines and guidance on what to include in their employer policies to ensure readiness and reduce risk.
9:30 – 11:30 AM | Presentation
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Q&A Session
3 SHRM credits and 3 HRCI credits pending
Penelope (Penny) Phillips focuses exclusively on counseling and representing employers in all areas of employment law, including FMLA, wage and hour, employment discrimination claims (including gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, and race), defamation, whistleblower, breach of contract and wrongful discharge. She also investigates complaints of employee misconduct (including harassment and offensive behavior). Penny has worked with and practiced before the state and federal courts, various state and federal agencies, including the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and state and local fair employment practices agencies.
Brian is an experienced advisor and litigator who represents and defends businesses. He provides advice on matters ranging from employee discipline, terminations, corporate restructuring and reductions-in-force, policy/procedure/process development, and general employment and labor law compliance. He has tried multiple jury, bench and arbitration matters to verdict or decision and is a skilled advocate in the courtroom. Brian also helps businesses navigate disputes and labor relations issues in the unionized setting.
Brian represents clients as outside General Counsel. He drafts and negotiates commercial contracts, provides advice on general business matters, legal disputes, litigation, and guides his clients through compliance issues and related strategy.
When counseling his clients, Brian draws upon his experience as a health care manager. Prior to entering the practice of law, he served in a variety of management and executive-level positions for a health care company that operated facilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Brian regularly taps into his real word experience when litigating cases, resolving labor disputes, and solving complicated legal issues.
Brian is tenacious. He works tirelessly for his clients to meet their needs, and prides himself in being their go-to problem solver.