Meeting/Event Information

Employee Handbooks: What to Include, What to Avoid, and Why It Matters

A Session with Jennifer Hare, Esq.

Employee handbooks are the foundation of your organization’s culture, compliance, and communication. In this session, we will cover what makes a handbook effective and legally sound. We’ll explore how to balance compliance with culture, address key federal and state requirements, and avoid common pitfalls that can create liability or confusion. Participants will leave with practical insights and a framework to ensure their employee handbooks work for them. 

 Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Purpose and Power of Employee Handbooks
   Identify the key roles a handbook plays in shaping company culture, setting expectations, and ensuring legal compliance.
2. Know What to Include (and What to Leave Out)
   Learn the essential policies and statements every handbook should contain — and the common mistakes or outdated language that can lead to risk.
3. Stay Current and Compliant
   Explore best practices for maintaining compliance with evolving federal and state employment laws, including considerations around at-will employment, discipline, and discharge.

Jennifer F. Hare is a principal at the law firm of Franklin & Prokopik, residing in the Easton, MD, office. She represents employers and insurers in various workers’ compensation matters before the Workers’ Compensation Commission and Maryland and Washington, D.C. courts.

Jennifer returned to Franklin & Prokopik in 2019 after working as a senior staff attorney for The Hartford Affiliated Insurance Companies for the past six years. She was an associate with F&P from 2011 to 2013. During her prior tenure at F&P, Jennifer spoke at F&P seminars as well as outside events. In addition, she has experience doing plaintiff work, enabling her to provide insight and knowledge into the approaches taken by both sides. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2001 from the University of Maryland College Park and attended the University of Baltimore, where she received her Juris Doctor in 2005.

Chapter Announcements: 8:15 a.m.

Registration: 8:00 a.m.

Presentation: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Speaker: Jennifer Hare, Attorney at Franklin & Prokopik

^{This meeting will be available in person as well as virtually.} 

1.0 SHRM PCD and HRCI credits pending.