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Managing Legal Issues in the Workplace

 
 

Front-line managers, backstopped by Human Resources professionals, can either ameliorate or exacerbate the legal issues raised by the complex web of laws that govern the employment relationship. This course explores the core doctrines that govern that relationship. Topics covered include the employment at-will doctrine and its contract and tort-based limitations, employee harassment, the definitions of “employee” and “employer,” antidiscrimination protections, health and familial leave protections, diversity, wage and hour laws, employee privacy, and liability and litigation risk management. The materials throughout this course focus on application of legal concepts to real-world circumstances and the role of front-line managers, supervisors, and the C-suite in addressing legal compliance and reducing legal risks.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Describe the employment at-will doctrine and its principal exceptions
  2. Appreciate the definitions of “employee” and “employer” and the corresponding coverage limitations on employment protections
  3. Summarize key sources of employee protections and rights
  4. Identify situations in which important employee protections – including antidiscrimination, leave, and wage and hour protections – may be implicated in employment decisions
  5. Analyze potential legal claims and defenses arising in an array of work-related circumstances
  6. Apply risk-management strategies to address or reduce potential legal risks
  7. Articulate the role of human resources and management professionals in complying with employment-law mandates
  8. Recognize situations in which professional legal advice is necessary and how to communicate effectively with professional legal counsel

The Managing Legal Issues in the Workplace course can be completed in just 8 weeks. Coursework must be completed in the sequence in which it is offered. You should plan to spend about 6-8 hours per week on online coursework, including reading assignments, research and writing projects, and online discussions.


 
 

Division of Online Learning

[email protected] | 973-642-8747 or 973-761-9000 ext. 8747