Navigate the complexities of federal and California employment laws to build a compliant hiring strategy that minimizes liability and risk.
Navigating the legal landscape of recruitment requires precision, awareness, and a deep understanding of evolving regulations. In the course Job Postings, Applications, and Interviews: Dos and Don’ts, attorney Laura Soprana-Dec provides a comprehensive guide to structuring a hiring process that is not only effective but fully compliant with Federal and California state laws, including updates through 2025. Whether you are outside counsel advising clients, in-house counsel managing internal compliance, or an HR professional implementing hiring policies, this session offers the legal insights and practical tools necessary to minimize liability and promote fair hiring practices.
The hiring process is fraught with potential legal pitfalls, from the initial job advertisement to the final interview questions. This course dissects the three critical stages of recruitment, highlighting where employers are most vulnerable to discrimination claims and regulatory penalties. Participants will learn how to draft transparent and inclusive job postings that meet the requirements of the Pay Transparency Act (SB 1162) and avoid discriminatory language regarding age, gender, or physical abilities. The session also clarifies the strict boundaries regarding what can and cannot be included in job applications, specifically addressing the prohibition of salary history inquiries and the nuances of the "Ban the Box" laws regarding criminal history under the Fair Chance Act.
Beyond the paperwork, the course dives into the dynamics of the job interview. It distinguishes between lawful inquiries regarding work authorization and essential job functions versus illegal questions that probe into protected categories such as disability, marital status, or religion. By examining real-world legal developments and case law, this presentation equips you with the knowledge to conduct interviews that assess merit without crossing legal lines. You will leave with a clear understanding of best practices, including how to handle accommodation requests under the ADA and FEHA, and how to maintain documentation that withstands scrutiny.
Key learning outcomes from this course include:
This course is an essential resource for anyone involved in the recruitment process, offering a roadmap to attract top talent while strictly adhering to the complex web of employment laws.
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.
