Event Details

In this class, we will explore some of the recent trends in disability accommodations, including the use of emotional support animals, navigating the recent developments of medical marijuana, and addressing disability related performance issues/misconduct.  First, we will look into the use of emotional support animals and how employers should assess an employee’s request to bring an emotional support animal to work.  Next, we will discuss the evolving landscape of medicinal marijuana laws across the nation, dive into Minnesota’s medical marijuana law, and go through do’s and don’ts for Minnesota employers related to medical marijuana.  Lastly, we will discuss recent cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin that are shaping the conversation of how employer’s must address employee performance issues and misconduct that stem from the employee’s disability.

Objectives are:

• Analyze an employee’s request to use an emotional support animal as part of their request for a disability related accommodation.
• Address employees with known or suspected marijuana use within the boundaries of Minnesota’s medical marijuana and drug testing laws.
• Evaluate employee performance issues and misconduct that are a product of potential mental impairments.

This seminar will be presented by Richard Greiffenstein from Jackson Lewis P.C.

Richard Greiffenstein is an Associate in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, office of Jackson Lewis P.C.  His practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour claims.  Additionally, he regularly provides preventive advice to employers and assists them in drafting employment-related policies, handbooks, and agreements.

During the course of his career, Mr. Greiffenstein has represented corporate clients in state and federal courts, domestic and international arbitration forums, and before various administrative agencies.  He has also represented professional employer organizations (PEOs), providing them with counseling on best practices, regulatory issues, and specific employment claims.  Mr. Greiffenstein has worked extensively with in-house legal counsel and human resource professionals to investigate allegations on non-compliance with state, federal, and international employment laws and regulations, in both English and Spanish.  He has also provided management training on topics including employee discipline, social media, leaves and accommodations, independent contractor misclassification, and wage and hour compliance.