August 15, 2012 1 to 2 pm PDT (20:00 to 21:00 GMT) Live & Recorded Webinar

Investigating Complaints of Disability Discrimination

Patti Perez & Michael Robbins

MCLE 1 Hour Approved for Live & Recorded

HRCI 1 Hour Approved for Live Only

AWI Members Register $75

Non-AWI Members Register $100

2012 Webinar Series

Investigating complaints of discrimination based on disability or medical condition can be tricky. How does the investigator determine the employer's intent - for example is it discrimination or the need to manage attendance? And how does an investigator avoid making a legal determination as to whether an accommodation is "reasonable?" Patti Perez will answer these questions and more, as posed to her by veteran investigator and AWI Vice President Michael Robbins. Patti not only heads her own investigations firm, Puente Consulting, in San Diego, she is also a former California FEHC Commissioner and worked on the new proposed disability regulations promulgated by the FEHC.

Patti Perez is founder and President of Puente Consulting, APC. Established in 2001, Puente, a full-service HR and employment law consulting firm, has become a strategic business partner for companies throughout the U.S. A graduate of UCLA School of Law and a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, Ms. Perez has practiced employment law since 1992. A native Spanish speaker, she has worked as an employment litigator and an HR executive, has worked in Mexico with judicial education programs, and has trained thousands of HR, legal and other professionals. Her work at Puente includes providing strategic business advice, resolving workplace disputes, conducting investigations, providing compliance and other training, and conducting wage and hour audits. Ms. Perez is a former chair of the State Bar Labor and Employment Section, and a former Commissioner on California's Fair Employment and Housing Commission where she adjudicated matters involving allegations of harassment, discrimination and retaliation in employment and housing.

Michael A. Robbins is President of EXTTI, Incorporated. EXTTI provides Expert Testimony, Training and Investigation services in employment matters. He is a frequent lecturer and author on employment issues. Mr. Robbins has conducted well over 250 workplace investigations and has served as an expert witness in close to 400 employment cases--mostly on investigation and interactive process issues. Prior to forming EXTTI, he was a Labor & Employment attorney for 20 years--including 4 years as in-house counsel and 16 years in two nationally recognized law firms. Mr. Robbins graduated Phi Beta Kappa from San Diego State University and received his JD degree from UCLA School of Law. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Labor & Employment Section, is a founding member and President of the Society of Independent Workplace Investigators (SIWI) and is a Charter Member and Vice President of the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI).