TAMPA and ORLANDO, FL – October 29, 2014 – Lowell J. Walters, shareholder in GrayRobinson’s Tampa office, and Deborah L. La Fleur, shareholder in GrayRobinson’s Orlando office, presented at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 2014 Human Resource Conference and Exposition on the topic "Why Size Matters!" The SHRM Conference is held annually and provides organizations with the tools and resources they need to create and implement successful HR practices. Professionals receive targeted strategies and practical takeaways needed to achieve these goals – from innovative talent management to critical compliance practices and cutting-edge business strategies.
Walters helps business owners and entities receive beneficial tax treatment for their retirement and welfare plans by working with plan administrators, the IRS, the Department of Labor, or other regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Florida Bureau of Consumer Assistance to ensure employee benefit plans are drafted and operated in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and state law. This includes correcting plans when an earlier error is discovered. Related experience includes advising and protecting employers and the tax status of employee benefit plans due to employee reclassifications and mergers and acquisitions.
La Fleur’s background and experience is in labor and employment law, representing corporations and management. She represents employers in connection with all employment-related matters including but not limited to: discrimination; Fair Labor Standards Act (including collective actions); state wage and hour; Family and Medical Leave Act; covenants not to compete; Americans With Disabilities Act; whistleblower litigation; labor-related issues; including but not limited to, preparation and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, assisting employers during the union election process and defending against unfair practice charges; and preparation of employment handbooks and a variety of employment-related policies. In addition, she has experience in corporate matters and commercial litigation issues.