Attorney Profiles

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Sue Fischer is a seasoned attorney focusing on employment law, executive contracts and issues facing the early childhood education industry.

Sue has experience litigating all types of employment disputes, from employee theft to discrimination and retaliation.  Sue also counsels employers in the full spectrum of employment law topics, including: reductions in force; avoiding discrimination, harassment and retaliation; effectively managing leaves of absence, reasonable accommodation, discipline and discharge; and investigating employee complaints.  Sue also works with businesses to conduct and develop training and performance management programs, policies and handbooks.  She also works with companies and executives on employment, non-compete, and separation agreements.

Sue takes a proactive approach to providing a positive workplace free of harassment and discrimination.  Sue is a frequent lecturer, trainer and facilitator on these subjects, as well as on diversity, identity theft and other topics of interest to employers.  Sue, along with attorney Sheila Engelmeier, was a substantial contributor and primary developer of the premier training tool, RESPECT EFFECT^TM.

Over the last decade, utilizing her experience working for both employees and employers, Sue has frequently served as an impartial third-party investigator assessing workplace issues.

Sue also advises clients in the early childhood education industry regarding licensure and compliance with government regulations, litigation avoidance strategies and employment related issues.

In addition to her considerable legal savvy, Sue calls on lessons learned during her first career as a teacher for many years to help clients make prudent and practical decisions.

Areas of Practice:

• Employment Law
• Civil Litigation
• Early Childhood Education Industry

Bar Admissions:

• State of Minnesota
• U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
• U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

Education:

• William Mitchell College of Law, J.D. magna cum laude
• University of Arizona, M.S., with honors
• St. Cloud State University, B.S., with honors

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• American Bar Association
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Hennepin County Bar Association

Articles and Presentations:

• "Respectful Workplace or Hostile Environment? What Does Your Team Look Like and What Must the Employer Do," MN Symposium on Terrorism and Emergency Preparedness (M-STEP), November 17, 2009 (co-presenter).
• "Warning Signs and Strategies for Dealing with Workplace Violence," MN Symposium on Terrorism and Emergency Preparedness (M-STEP), November 17, 2009 (co-presenter).
• "Tips for Planning and Implementing a Reduction in Force," May 2009.
• "Addressing the Leaves of Change-The 6 Toughest FMLA Issues - Suggested Solutions for Employers," Moss & Barnett Employment Law Seminar, November 7, 2007(co-presenter).
• "Rotating the Crops-Everything Employers Need to Know Today about Disability Accommodation," Moss & Barnett Employment Law Seminar, November 7, 2007 (co-presenter).
• "Training to Create a Respectful Work Environment," Multicultural Forum on Workplace Diversity, February 21, 2007 (co-presenter).
• "Avoiding FMLA/ADA/Work Comp Overlap Traps," Council on Education in Management, January 31, 2007.
• "Tricky FMLA/ADA Issues," Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 21, 2006 (co-presenter).
• "Performance Management and Other Employment Issues," Minnesota Child Care Association's Annual Administrators Conference, May 2006.
• "Avoiding Squeeze Plays & Brushbacks: Discrimination & Harassment Training," Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 2005 (co-presenter).
• "Identity Theft Prevention for Employers," Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 2005.
• "Preventing Identity Theft in the Workplace," IOMA (BNA) National Audio Conference, August 24, 2005 (co-presenter).
• "Information, Security and Identity Theft Prevention for Employers," Risk Seminar Series, Acordia Risk & Regulatory Services, May 24, 2005 (co-presenter).
• "Legislative Update in the Child Care Industry and Recent Wage and Hour Changes," Minnesota Child Care Association's Annual Administrators Conference, May 2005.
• Article: "Employment Law Implications of Identity Theft," April 2005.
• "Harassment for Co-Employers," Staffing Association of Minnesota, March 2005.
• "Employment Law Implications of Identity Theft," Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 2004.
• Article: "The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act Exempts Restrictions on Third-Party Investigations of Employee Misconduct," August 2004.
• "Avoiding and Defending Reprisal and Retaliation Claims," Rider Bennett Labor & Employment Law Seminar, September 2003.

• Pro bono work with Chrysalis Women's Organization.
• Develop training materials: "TEAM Up to Manage Risk for High School Coaches" with the Minnesota State High School League.
• Presentations to Minnesota State High School Cheer Coaches Association: "Guidelines to Understanding Legal Liability as a Coach."
• Rising Star, Minnesota Law & Politics.
• Executive Women's Golf Association.