Respect Effect - Susanne Fischer

Contact: 612.455.7727 | Email: suef@e-ulaw.com

Professional Summary

Sue counsels employers in broad aspects of employment law  topics, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leaves of absence, discipline and discharge and military leave laws, and investigates employee complaints. Sue also works with businesses and corporations to conduct training, and develop policies and handbooks, and employment agreements. Sue encourages and works with employers to take a proactive approach to providing a positive workplace free of harassment and discrimination. Sue has also presented and has trained managers and employees on anti-harassment and discrimination, diversity, identity theft, and managers about effective hiring, discipline, and termination strategies.

Experience

Engelmeier & Umanah
Partner 2009 - Present

Moss & Barnett
Principal 2007 - 2009

Rider Bennett, LLC.
Partner January 2004-2007
Associate March 2001-January 2004

• Provide broad employment law support to businesses and corporations, including client counseling, litigation, training, handbook, policy and employment agreement drafting, and representation in administrative agency proceedings.
• Specific experience with: employment counseling, advising, and training in Family Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, effective hiring, firing, and discipline methods, Performance Management, Avoiding Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace, USERRA, and Fair Credit Reporting Act and Accurate Credit Transactions Act.
• Investigate allegations of harassment and discrimination.
• Advise Executive Employees regarding transition, employment contracts, and non-compete agreements.
• Advise clients in the daycare industry regarding all aspects of business including licensure, and compliance with government regulations.
• Clients ranging from small business to large national businesses in broad range of business industries, with extensive focus on hotel industry.

Articles and Presentations

"Performance Management Training for Managers," Step By Step (January 2012)

"MDVA Programs and Services Annual All Staff Training," Minnesota Department of Veteran's Affairs Training, December 2011, (co-presenter)

"Hot Topics in Employment Law," Early Childhood Dierctor's Seminar, November 2011 (co-presenter)

"It's Not Just About Sex Anymore: Effective Employment Law Training - 2011 & Beyond," 2011 Multicultural Forum on Workplace Diversity (March 2011)

"Hot Issues in the Employment Law World," Trinity Baptist Director's Seminar, October 2010 (co-presenter)

"Dealing With Employee Performance Issues Before a WC Injury," DOLI Workers' Comp Seminar (June 2010)

"Respectful Workplace or Hostile Environment? What Does Your Team Look Like and What Must the Employer Do," MN Symposium on Terrorism and Emergency Preparedness (M-STEP), November 2009 (co-presenter).

"Warning Signs and Strategies for Dealing with Workplace Violence," MN Symposium on Terrorism and Emergency Preparedness (M-STEP), November 2009 (co-presenter).

"Tips for Planning and Implementing a Reduction in Force," May 2009.

"Addressing the Leaves of Change-The 6 Toughest FMLA Issues - Suggested Solutions for Employers," Moss & Barnett Employment Law Seminar, November 7, 2007(co-presenter).

"Rotating the Crops-Everything Employers Need to Know Today about Disability Accommodation," Moss & Barnett Employment Law Seminar, November 7, 2007 (co-presenter).

"Training to Create a Respectful Work Environment, " Multicultural Forum on Workplace Diversity, February 21, 2007.

"Avoiding FMLA/ADA/Work Comp OverlapTraps," Council on Education in Management, January 31, 2007.

"Tricky FMLA/ADA Issues, " Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 21, 2006.

"Performance Management and Other Employment Issues, " Minnesota Child Care Association's Annual Administrators Conference, May 2006.

"Preventing Identity Theft in the Workplace ," IOMA (BNA) National Audio Conference, August 24, 2005.

"Information, Security and Identity Theft Prevention for Employers ," Risk Seminar Series, Acordia Risk & Regulatory Services, May 24, 2005.

"Legislative Update in the Child Care Industry and Recent Wage and Hour Changes ," Minnesota Child Care Association's Annual Administrators Conference, May 2005.

"Avoiding Squeeze Plays & Brushbacks: Discrimination & Harassment Training ," Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 2005.

"Identity Theft Prevention for Employers, " Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 2005.

Article: " Employment Law Implications of Identity Theft, " April 2005.

"Harassment for Co-Employers ," Staffing Association of Minnesota , March 2005.

"Employment Law Implications of Identity Theft ," Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 2004.

Article: " The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act Exempts Restrictions on Third-Party Investigations of Employee Misconduct, " August 2004.

"Avoiding and Defending Reprisal and Retaliation Claims, " Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 2003.

Education

• Juris Doctor, William Mitchell College of Law, 1998, Magna Cum Laude.  
• Master of Science, University of Arizona , 1984. Education: Sport Administration, Sports Psychology.
• Bachelor of Science, St. Cloud State University , 1977. Physical Education, Health Education.

Bar Admissions

• State of Minnesota , 1998.
• U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1999.
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 2000.
• U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota, 2005.

Community Involvement and Recognition

• Pro bono work with Chrysalis Women's Organization.
• College of St. Catherine , Institute of Women Entrepreneurs.
• President, Executive Women's Golf Association, Minnesota Metro Chapter.
• Develop training materials: " TEAM UP to Manage Risk for High School Coaches " with the Minnesota State High School League.
• Presentations to Minnesota State High School Cheer Coaches Association: " Guidelines to Understanding Legal Liability as a Coach ."
• Rising Star, Minnesota Law & Politics.

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