Our Philosophy
Over the years, the need for highly competent Employment Law Services has increased dramatically, both for businesses and for executives alike. A dramatic increase in regulatory and compliance requirements, and the utility of wise risk management counsel, has driven the need for experienced practitioners on both sides of the employment bargaining table. Avisen Legal brings a depth of experience, knowledge and wisdom to employment law matters.
Practice Summary
At Avisen Legal, we bring “been there, done that” savvy and experience to workplace issues that goes beyond mere knowledge of statutes, regulations and case law affecting the employment relationship. Anyone can look up statutes, regulations, and case law and provide a legal analysis applicable to any fact situation. At Avisen Legal, informed by experience, we understand how the human element affects workplace relationships, perspectives, negotiations and decisions. In this context, we serve our clients as advisors, negotiators, investigators, advocates and peacemakers on potential and developing workplace issues, and help find proactive and creative solutions to workplace conflict
EMPLOYMENT LAW ATTORNEYS IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Executive Transition
New positions, promotions, comp plan changes, resignations, retirements, demotions, transfers, terminations. Changes in employment, whether welcome or unwelcome, expected or unexpected, can be difficult, confusing and can trigger emotional responses from those affected. Executive transitions particularly involve complex and challenging interpersonal and legal issues that require the guidance and advice of experienced, well-trained professionals.
Executive transitions usually are documented and governed by employment contracts, severance plans and agreements, retention agreements, restrictive covenants (non-competes), change in control agreements, compensation and bonus plans, and other employment and compensation-related agreements and policies. Proper preparation of those agreements requires advanced knowledge and experience in employment law, unfair competition, trade secret and non-compete issues, intellectual property, litigation, employee benefits, deferred compensation and other disciplines such as corporate law, securities regulation and tax law that no single professional is fully equipped to handle.
Minnesota Employment Lawyers Represent Minnesota Employers and Organizations with Minnesota Employees
Avisen Legal, P.A. is a legal team of experienced professionals committed to serving businesses and the executives who own and run them. Our lawyers average over 25 years of experience in their respective areas of practice. We pride ourselves on serving clients as a team of trusted advisors. We work closely together to ensure that our clients realize the best possible result for their circumstances. We advise executives and employers on both the legal implications and the practical realities involved with employment and termination agreements, tax and compensation issues, executive severance plans, equity plans and agreements, employment best practices and communications between management and boards.
Outsourced Employment Law Counsel for Minnesota Businesses
Avisen Legal offers small and mid-size Minnesota Employers Outsourced Employment Law Counsel services. For a flat monthly rate, clients have easy and direct access to an experienced employment attorney to assist them with such matters as drafting standard employment and severance agreements, confidential information and non-compete employments and internal policies and procedures. From a day-to-day human resource management perspective, we are on-call to offer advice on a real-time basis on employee management, discipline, termination and other issues with legal implications that arise from time to time in the course of business.
For a flat monthly fee, Avisen Legal can assist with such matters as:
- Employee Risk Management Calls
- Performance Issues
- Behavioral Issues
- Claim/Litigation Threats
- Managing Whistleblowers
- Terminations
- Documentation of Reason
- Final Paycheck
- Discrimination Claims/Threats
- Harassment Claims/Potential Claims
- FMLA Requests
- Unemployment Compensation Claims
- Wage and Hour
- Labor Laws
- Personnel Files
- Fair Employment Practices
- Leave Policy Disclosures
- Exempt or Non-Exempt
- Employee or Independent Contractor
- Offensive Behavior and Sexual Harassment Policies
- Leave Policies
- Confidential Information and Noncompete Agreements
- Employee Commission/Bonus Plans and Issues
- Drug Testing Policies and Procedures
- Employment Applications
- Background Checks and Forms
- Job Descriptions
Pricing for the program is individualized depending on the mutually agreed-upon needs of the business.
Skilled Employment Lawyers in Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Avisen team also advises compensation committees and compensation consultants in the preparation of long-term incentive, equity and other executive compensation plans. We negotiate and write executive employment, retention, change in control, bonus, non-compete and separation agreements customized to address each client’s needs and desires.
Non-Compete and Restrictive Covenants
Trade Secrets, Intellectual Property & Unfair Competition Protection.
A business’s most valuable assets, after its people, often are its trade secrets, inventions, confidential information, written works, and above all, its customer/client goodwill. The first line of defense against misappropriation of these assets and unfair competition against your organization is a well-thought, properly structured and legally enforceable Asset Protection Agreement. An asset protection agreement contractually binds employees, independent contractors, vendors, and other business associates to protect the intellectual property, goodwill, and other assets of the business through non-disclosure, invention assignment, non-solicitation and, where legally allowed, non-competition covenants
There is no such thing as a good quality form agreement that a business can use to protect these most valuable business assets. These agreements are governed almost exclusively by state law, and that law varies from one state to another. There are numerous compliance-related, jurisdictional, choice-of-law, remedy and dispute resolution considerations that must be included in (or excluded from) these protective agreements. A misstep in drafting can lead to an unwelcome encounter with state or federal agencies, including the Securities Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission.
Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements particularly are subject to nuances of state law. Over the past few years, many states, including Minnesota, have enacted legislation to limit the use and enforceability of such agreements. In Minnesota, non-compete agreements entered into after July 1, 2023, are void, but non-competes existing as of that date are not, subject to the traditional consideration and reasonableness requirements. Customer non-solicitation agreements, however, are unaffected by this legislation.
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Due to these and other limitations, businesses are strongly encouraged to have their asset protection agreements reviewed to ensure compliance with these various legal requirements. The consequences of improperly prepared agreements can result in needless litigation, expense, and headaches for business owners.
Type of Clients we Work With:
At Avisen Legal, we work with a wide array of clients from many industries and representing many different types of businesses including:
- Closely-held businesses in all industries
- Multi-generational family businesses
- For profit and not-for-profits firms
- Start-ups firms and executives
- Private Equity
- C-Suite executives in the public sector
- Senior Managers
- Highly compensated sales and marketing personnel
Our Approach to Employment Law
Each of our lawyers are extremely skilled, experienced, and have spent their entire careers helping clients like you solve their most complex employment law issues. As business owners, we can empathize with your situation, which allows us to give the right advice at the right time.
We provide results-oriented, practical advice, and understand that almost every business decision you make has legal implications. Because of our experience, we know exactly what legal pitfalls to consider – especially in the important areas of staffing and managing your employees. Employment law can be fraught with conflict, and as your lawyers, it is our job to help you deal proactively with those issues as they arise. Ideally, we are working regularly with you in your business, and can provide the proactive advice you need to avoid many employment law issues.
EMPLOYMENT LAW VIDEOS
Contact Our Minneapolis Employment Lawyers
Contact us and let us know how we can help you with your employment law questions. We will get back to you as soon as possible:
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law
Employment law encompasses the rules, regulations, and legal principles governing the relationship between employers and employees. It covers a wide range of issues, including hiring practices, workplace safety, discrimination, wages and benefits, termination, and dispute resolution. Employment law ensures that both employers and employees are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
Employment law serves a variety of clients, including businesses, non-profit organizations, government entities, executives, managers, and employees. Clients range from small startups to large corporations across diverse industries, all seeking legal advice and representation in matters related to employment.
Employment law handles issues such as employment contracts, workplace discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, employee benefits, occupational safety, and compliance with federal and state labor laws. It also covers non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality agreements, and employee handbooks.
Avisen Legal supports employers by providing comprehensive legal advice on employment-related matters, drafting and reviewing employment agreements, ensuring compliance with labor laws, handling disputes, and offering guidance on best practices. Our experienced attorneys help employers manage risk, navigate complex regulations, and maintain positive workplace environments.
During an initial consultation with Avisen Legal about employment law, you can expect a thorough discussion of your legal needs and concerns. Our attorneys will assess your situation, provide preliminary advice, and outline potential legal strategies. This meeting aims to understand your specific circumstances and establish a foundation for effective legal support.
Avisen Legal handles workplace discrimination cases by investigating claims, advising on legal rights and options, representing clients in negotiations and litigation, and ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Outsourcing employment law counsel provides businesses with access to experienced legal professionals who offer real-time advice, draft and review employment documents, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage employee relations issues. This service allows businesses to focus on their core operations while mitigating legal risks and maintaining a compliant and productive workplace.
Key trends in employment law that businesses should be aware of include changes in wage and hour regulations, evolving standards for workplace discrimination and harassment, updates to family and medical leave laws, and the increasing importance of employee wellness and mental health. Staying informed about these trends helps businesses remain compliant and proactive in addressing legal and workplace challenges.
Avisen Legal helps with employee classification issues by reviewing job roles, ensuring compliance with federal and state labor laws, and providing guidance on correctly classifying employees as exempt or non-exempt, as well as distinguishing between employees and independent contractors. Proper classification is crucial to avoid legal disputes and ensure fair treatment of workers.
Non-compliance with employment laws can lead to severe consequences, including legal penalties, fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage. Businesses may face costly litigation, back pay awards, and punitive damages. Ensuring compliance with employment laws is essential to mitigate these risks and maintain a lawful and ethical workplace.
If an employee files a complaint against your company, the first steps include conducting a thorough internal investigation, documenting all findings, and consulting with legal counsel. Avisen Legal can guide you through this process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and helping to resolve the issue promptly and fairly.
Avisen Legal helps with employee terminations and severance agreements by advising on best practices for lawful terminations, drafting and reviewing severance agreements, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. Our goal is to minimize legal risks and provide a fair and respectful process for both employers and employees.
Legal considerations for remote work arrangements include ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws, providing a safe work environment, protecting confidential information, and updating company policies to reflect remote work practices. Avisen Legal can help draft remote work agreements and provide guidance on maintaining legal compliance in a remote work setting.
To stay updated on changes in employment law, subscribe to legal newsletters, attend webinars and training sessions, and consult with legal professionals regularly. Avisen Legal provides resources and updates to help clients stay informed about the latest developments and ensure ongoing compliance with employment laws.
