Master the nuances of at-will employment to navigate terminations with legal confidence. Learn to identify exceptions and implement strategies that safeguard your business from liability.
Navigating the legal landscape of employment termination is one of the most critical responsibilities for business leaders, HR professionals, and legal counsel. In this course, attorney Laura Soprana-Dec provides a deep dive into the complexities of ending employment relationships. While at-will employment is the default rule across the United States, it is far from absolute. This comprehensive webinar explores the subtle yet significant differences between California state law and federal regulations, equipping participants with the knowledge necessary to avoid costly wrongful termination lawsuits.
This session moves beyond the basics of the at-will doctrine to examine the specific exceptions that can expose employers to liability. From implied contracts created by employee handbooks to public policy protections for whistleblowers, the course dissects the legal theories used by plaintiffs in wrongful discharge cases. Additionally, the presentation addresses the high-stakes issue of worker classification, comparing California's strict ABC test with federal standards to help organizations avoid the severe penalties associated with misclassifying employees as independent contractors.
By the end of this session, learners will possess a clear understanding of the actionable employment doctrine and the specific limitations that restrict an employer's right to fire. This course is essential for anyone seeking to minimize legal risk and ensure compliance when managing workforce transitions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Attorney at Law
Laura Soprana-Dec is a California barred attorney with over seven years of experience as an employment attorney with a background spanning private practice, government service, and academic mentoring. Ms. Soprana-Dec earned her J.D. cum laude from the University of California, Irvine School of Law. She also holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Business Communication and Tourism Management from the University of Verona, Italy, both cum laude, with concentrations in English and German languages. In private practice, she practiced as an attorney at Jackson Lewis P.C., focusing on employment litigation, workplace investigations, and advance and counsel, and at Valla Morrison & Schachne, where she assisted advising international companies on business immigration matters and cross-border transactions, including corporate structuring, regulatory compliance, and employment law counseling. Before law school, Ms. Soprana-Dec served as Director of the Work and Travel Program at ASSE International Student Exchange Programs, managing U.S. Department of State-regulated cultural exchange programs for university students from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Laura is a member of the California State Bar.
