Cynthia N. Sass
Cynthia N. Sass has been practicing law in Florida over 35 years. She formed the Sass Law Firm in 1993 to exclusively focus on representing public and private sector employees in employment disputes. The mission of her firm is to provide the client with an honest assessment of each case, ensure each client is educated on the options and remedies available to them through the law, and strategize with the client to accomplish his or her goals. In doing so, her firm takes an individual approach to each case, advising clients as to the potential results, costs of litigation and other means of resolving their employee disputes. In order to provide her clients with the best service, Ms. Sass makes it a priority to keep current on the trends affecting employee rights, changes in rules and agency positions, and the most recent applicable case law.
Cynthia is often asked to write or speak on employment law-related topics, especially those related to representing employees. She is the current Editor-in-Chief for the national treatise, Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, published by the American Bar Association and Bloomberg. Starting in 2011, Cynthia served as the treatise’s Southeast Regional Editor, while co-authoring the Florida chapter and its annual supplements. Ms. Sass authored a chapter on Discovery and Deposing the Alleged Harasser and Defense Witnesses: The Plaintiff’s Perspective, for the TIPS book Sexual Harassment and Retaliation: A Practical Handbook for Plaintiff and Defense published by the American Bar Association in 2019. She was appointed by the Florida Supreme Court and served on the Standard Jury Instructions Committee – Civil Cases, a Special Committee of The Florida Bar. During her time on that committee, she was Chair of the Spoliation Subcommittee and a member of the Employment Subcommittee, as well as the Negligence Subcommittee. These committees were responsible for drafting the standard state jury instructions on spoliation, private-sector whistleblowing and the Florida Civil Rights Act. Cynthia Sass is also a successful litigator, with published opinions. Ms. Sass holds various national and regional leadership positions, along with committee appointments, and is an active Federal Mediator/Florida Supreme Court Mediator Circuit Civil.
Sass Law Firm has been nationally recognized as a Best Law Firm in Employment Law for Individuals in Tampa by U.S. News & World Report since 2011. Cynthia Sass has been honored by various local, state and national independent sources including being AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and listed by The Best Lawyers in America® in Employment Law – Individuals since 2007, and named its Attorney of the Year in 2017 in that category for Tampa. Cynthia has also been recognized by Super Lawyers® in Employment Law since 2006, and has made the Super Lawyers® Top 50 Women in Florida list as published by Thomson Reuters. In addition, she has been recognized by Tampa Magazine as a Top Lawyer in Labor and Employment in the Tampa Bay Area. Ms. Sass is honored to be a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and one of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment and Civil Rights Lawyers as listed by Lawdragon. The various honors she has received accurately reflect Cynthia’s reputation as an attorney, dedication to assisting her clients and high ethical values.
For a full list of Cynthia’s awards, publications, speaking engagements and associations, check out the below categories or her Resume CV.
Over the years, Cynthia Sass has received recognition for her abilities from a variety of independent sources, on both national and local levels. For example:
Best Law Firms™ in Employment Law for Individuals – U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers®, 2011-present
Top Lawyers, Voted #1 by Peers – Tampa Magazine, 2017-present
Best Lawyers® in Employment Law for Individuals – The Best Lawyers in America®, 2007-present
Best Lawyers® in Litigation – Labor and Employment – The Best Lawyers in America®, 2023-present
The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Law Firm – Martindale-Hubbell, 2005-present
500 Leading Plaintiff Employment and Civil Rights Lawyers – Lawdragon, 2019-present
Top 100 Trial Lawyers – The National Trial Lawyers, 2014-present
Florida Super Lawyers® in Employment Law – Thomson Reuters, 2006-present
The Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers – Martindale-Hubbell, 2011-present
Who’s Who in American Law – Marquis Who’s Who®, 2009-present
AV Preeminent® Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence – Martindale-Hubbell, 2005-present
Top Attorney, Superb 10.0 – Avvo, 2006-present
Top 3 Employment Lawyers in Tampa – ThreeBest Rated, 2016-present
Top 100 Florida – – Florida Super Lawyers®, Thomson Reuters, 2023-present
Top 50 Women in Florida – Florida Super Lawyers®, Thomson Reuters, 2008-2014, 2016-2017, 2020-present
Top 50 Tampa Bay – – Florida Super Lawyers®, Thomson Reuters, 2021-present
Lead Counsel Verified in Employment Law – Thomson Reuters, 2020-present
Legal Elite in Labor and Employment Law – Florida Trend, 2005-2012, 2014-2016, 2018, 2022
Appreciation Award – Co-Chairing Labor & Employment Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association from 2016 – 2019, awarded in 2022 (delay due to COVID-19)
Women in the Law | Labor and Employment – Best Lawyers®, Business Edition, April 2019
Lawyer of the Year | Employment Law | Individuals | Tampa – The Best Lawyers in America®, 2017
Clients’ Choice – Avvo, 2015-2017
Client Champion Silver – Martindale-Hubbell, 2017, 2021
Top 50 Tampa Bay Attorneys – Florida Super Lawyers®, Thomson Reuters, 2014, 2021-present
Outstanding Service Award as Chair – Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 2006-2007
Outstanding Faculty Member – Employment Law Trial Skills Program, Stetson University College of Law, 2001
Cynthia Sass is admitted to the following:
The Florida Bar, 1987
Florida Supreme Court, 1987
Florida District Courts of Appeal, 1987
Supreme Court of the United States, 2006
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2005
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1988
United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, 1991
Ms. Sass is also certified as a Federal Mediator / Florida Supreme Court Mediator Circuit Civil since 2002
Cynthia Sass serves the legal community through her work on a variety of committees, including president and chair positions:
Board of Governors Member – The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2021-2023
Employee Co-Chair – Technology Subcommittee, Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2021-2023
Executive Council Member – Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 1998-present
Committee Member – Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2009-present
Committee Member – Employment-at-Will Subcommittee, Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2009-present
Committee Member – Technology Subcommittee, Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2009-2014, 2018-present
Fellow – The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2011-present
Employee Co-Chair – Pro Bono and Community Outreach Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2021-2022
Committee Member – Lawyers for the Arts Committee, Tampa Museum of Art, 2019-2022
Emeritus Employee Co-Chair – 14th Annual Section Conference Planning Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2019-2020
Committee Member – Annual 11th Circuit Regional Program Planning Committee, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2019-2020
Employee Co-Chair – 13th Annual Section Conference Planning Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2018-2019
Co-Chair – ABA Liaison Committee, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 2016-2019
Co-Chair – Labor and Employment Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association, 2016-2019
Employee Vice Chair – 12th Annual Section Conference Planning Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2017-2018
Employee Co-Chair – Webinar Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2016-2018
Executive Board Member – Trial & Litigation Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association, 2010-2016
Florida Supreme Court Appointee – Standard Jury Instruction Committee – Civil Cases, a Special Committee, The Florida Bar, 2010-2015
Chair – Spoliation Subcommittee, Standard Jury Instruction Committee – Civil Cases, a Special Committee, Florida Supreme Court Appointee, The Florida Bar, 2010-2015
Committee Member – Employment Subcommittee, Standard Jury Instruction Committee – Civil Cases, a Special Committee, Florida Supreme Court Appointee, The Florida Bar, 2010-2015
Employee Co-Chair – National Programs Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2014-2016
Co-Chair – Annual 11th Circuit Regional Program Planning Committee, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2013-2014
Employee Co-Chair – Technology in the Practice & Workplace Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, 2009-2012
Participant – Leadership Development Program, Section of Labor and Employment Law Section, American Bar Association, 2009-2012
Committee Member – Negligence Subcommittee, Standard Jury Instruction Committee – Civil Cases, a Special Committee, Florida Supreme Court Appointee, The Florida Bar, 2011
Chair – Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 2006-2007
Chair-Elect – Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 2005-2006
Legal Education Chair – Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 2004-2005
CLE Chair – Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 2003-2004
Co-Chair – Judicial Education Committee, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 2002-2003
President – Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, 1999-2000
Co-Chair – Individual Rights Committee, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 1999
President-Elect – Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, 1998-1999
Member – Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar
Member – National Employment Lawyers Association
Member – Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association
Member – Trial Lawyers Section, The Florida Bar
Member – Federal Bar Association
Member – Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association
Member – Trial & Litigation Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association
Member – Labor and Employment Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association
Cynthia Sass matriculated from:
Juris Doctor – T. C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, 1987
Bachelor of Arts – Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, 1984
The materials linked below are being made available for informational purposes only and are not to be relied upon as legal advice.
Editor-in-Chief – Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Second Edition, Cumulative Supplement, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and Bloomberg, 2021-present
Current Trends in Technology – 12th Annual South Florida’s Premier Labor & Employment Law Conference, The Seminar Group, August 2022
Jurisdictional Questions Raised When Remote Workers Reside in Other States and Countries – Labor and Employment Law newsletter, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, Volume 49, No. 3, Fall 2021
Website Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities – Continuing Legal Education, Senior Lawyers Committee, The Florida Bar, October 2021
Regional Editor and Florida Chapter Co-Author – Cumulative Supplement to Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Second Edition, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and Bloomberg, August 2021
First Amendment as It Applies to Public Employees – Continuing Legal Education, Florida Department of Health, October 2020
Regional Editor and Florida Chapter Co-Author – Cumulative Supplement to Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Second Edition, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and Bloomberg, November 2019
First Amendment in Public Employment – 45th Annual Public Employment Labor Relations Forum, Labor and Employment Law Section and the City, County and Local Government Law Section, The Florida Bar, October 2019
Discovery and Deposing the Alleged Harasser and Defense Witnesses: Plaintiff’s Perspective, Chapter Author – Sexual Harassment and Retaliation: A Practical Guide for Plaintiff and Defense, Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section, American Bar Association, April 2019
Regional Editor and Florida Chapter Co-Author – Cumulative Supplement to Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Second Edition, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and Bloomberg BNA, November 2018
Where’s the Witness? Preserving Witness Testimony Through Trial – Effectively Litigating Employment Cases from Inception Through Trial, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, September 2018
Employee Perspective on Strategic Use of Forensic Experts in Defending Non-Compete, Trade Secret and Business Tort Claims – Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee Midwinter Meeting, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, March 2018
Recent Legislative Development of the New Administration – Labor and Employment Law Newsletter, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, Summer 2017, Volume 45, Number 4
Regional Editor and Florida Chapter Co-Author – Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Second Edition, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and Bloomberg BNA, November 2017
Website Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities – Beyond Employment: ADA Compliance on Websites and Physical Access, Advanced Labor & Employment Topics, Commission on Disability Rights, American Bar Association and Labor & Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, April 2017
EEO – Procedural – 17th Labor and Employment Law Annual Update and Certification Review, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, January 2017
Workplace Challenges of Privacy, Social Media and Technology Issues – 16th Annual Employment Law: Rights, Benefits, and Emerging Issues, Sterling Education, Inc., January 2017
Regional Editor and Florida Chapter Co-Author – Cumulative Supplement to Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., November 2016
Returning to Work: Fitness-for-Duty Exams and Related Legal Issues – 10th Annual Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, November 2016
Is Your Website Compliant? – Up, Up and Away with Websites and Drones, Celebration: A Century of Service, Risk Management Committee, Florida Realtors, August 2016
Website Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities – 5th Annual 11th Circuit Regional Program, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, January 2016
Privacy and Today’s Technology in the Workplace – Essentials of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc., January 2016
Hiring and Terminating Employees in the Current Economy – Essentials of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc., January 2016
Regional Editor and Florida Chapter Co-Author – Cumulative Supplement to Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., November 2015
The Basics of Litigating Front Pay, Compensation and Punitive Damages Claims (Plaintiff’s Perspective) – 9th Annual Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, November 2015
To Catch a Thief: Prosecuting, Defending and Insuring Claims for Cyber Espionage – Midwinter Meeting, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, March 2015
Settlement Agreements – 4th Annual 11th Circuit Regional Program, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, January 2015
The Termination Process – Hiring and Terminating: The Ins and Outs of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc., January 2015
Overview of Confidentiality, Non-Compete, and Non-Solicitation Agreements – Hiring and Terminating: The Ins and Outs of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc., January 2015
Regional Editor and Florida Chapter Co-Author – Cumulative Supplement to Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., 2014
Social Media, Employer Surveillance and Employee Privacy – Blazing the Trail: Courage | Challenge | Change, Annual Convention, National Employment Lawyers Association, June 2014
A Primer for Workers Compensation Attorneys on Common Employment Claims – Hillsborough County Bar Association, April 2014
BYOD: An Employee’s Perspective – Midwinter Meeting, Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, March 2014
Employment Claims You Should Know About – Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, February 2014
Privacy and Social Media in the Workplace – 13th Annual Employment Law: Beyond the Basics, Sterling Education, Inc., January 2014
Regional Editor and Florida Chapter Co-Author – Cumulative Supplement to Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., November 2013
When and How to Discipline or Discharge – Employee Documentation, Discipline & Discharge, National Business Institute™, July 2013
Recruitment/Hiring Documents – Employee Documentation, Discipline & Discharge, National Business Institute™, July 2013
Ethical Issues Facing Attorneys in the Age of Technology – Annual CLE Seminar, Trial and Litigation Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association, May 2013
Update on Ethical Issues and Social Media – Midwinter Meeting, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, March 2013
Electronic Dumpster Diving: The Legal Ethics of “TMI” – 6th Annual Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, November 2012
Florida Update: Employment Law – Teleconference, National Business Institute™, September 2012
Current Issues in Fair Labor Standards Act Litigation – 11th Circuit Regional Program, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, February 2012
Regional Editor and Florida Chapter Co-Author – Employment at Will, A State-by-State Survey, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, and The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., November 2011
General Practitioners Beware! Employment Claims You Should Know About – Continuing Legal Education Luncheon, The Plant City Bar Association, November 2011
Rainmaking: The Art of Increasing Business for Your Law Firm for Building a Book of Business – 5th Annual Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, November 2011
EEOC Developments from the Past Year – The Employment Lawyers’ Speech: A Panel Discussion on Significant Cases, NLRB Changes and EEOC/DOL Developments from the Past Year, Labor and Employment Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association, October 2011
Valuing a Case – Clear Skies and Smooth Sailing for Employment Law Cases, Summer Conference, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, September 2011
Privacy and Social Media in the Workplace – Employment Law Update: Contemporary Challenges in a Changing Workplace, Sterling Education, Inc., August 2011
The Rise of the Machines: Discovery and Spoliation Issues in This Age of Technology – Advanced Labor Topics, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, June 2011
10 Biggest Mistakes Employers Make From a Plaintiff Attorney’s Perspective – Emerging Legal Issues: Employment Lawyers and Corporate Counsel Seminar, Hillsborough County Bar Association, March 2011
Up In The Air and Everywhere: E-Discovery Beyond Email, Cloud Computing and Virtual Servers – 4th Annual Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, November 2010
Legal Issues Facing Job Seekers – Real Estate Live Seminar, Greater Association of REALTORS®, September 2010
Electronic Discovery and Technology-Derived Evidence – Midyear Meeting, Technology in the Practice and Workplace Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, April 2010
Legal Issues Facing Job Seekers – Career Development Seminar, University of Phoenix, April 2010
Electronic Spoliation Sanctions: Delete at Your Own Risk for Beachcombing on the Non-Compete Shores: A Primer for Developing Electronic Evidence – Midwinter Meeting, Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, March 2010
Change You Can Believe In (Like It or Not!): Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Paycheck Fairness Act, Family and Medical Leave Act Revisions, and Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments – Employment Law Overview for Law Firms and Law Practices, President’s Showcase, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, June 2009
Discharge and Discipline – The Many Facets of Employment Discrimination, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the City of Tampa Division of Community Affairs, August 2008
The Florida Civil Rights Act – Employment Laws Affecting Larger Law Firms, What Every Law Firm and Law Practice Needs to Know About Federal and Florida Employment Laws, Presidential Showcase, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, June 2008
Current Legal Developments Under the FMLA – Employment Laws Affecting Larger Law Firms, What Every Law Firm and Law Practice Needs to Know About Federal and Florida Employment Laws, Presidential Showcase, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, June 2008
Settlement of Employment Cases – Fighting for the Rights of Florida Employees!, Fall Conference, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, October 2007
Drafting Considerations in Employment Settlement Agreements (Plaintiff’s Perspective) – Preparedness in the Changing Environment of Employment Practice, 25th Annual Multi-State Labor and Employment Law Seminar, Tulane University Law School, June 2007
Current Legal Developments Under The FMLA: Plaintiff’s and Defendant’s Perspective for FMLA Update and 11th Amendment Immunity – Creative Lawyering: Winning Strategies in Employment Litigation, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, August 2006
Current Legal Developments Under the FMLA – Plaintiff’s Perspective – Preparedness in the Changing Environment of Employment Practice, 24th Annual Multi-State Labor and Employment Law Seminar, Tulane University Law School, June 2006
FLSA/Wage and Hour Basics Compliance – Fundamentals of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc., June 2006
How Do You Value Your Case? – Advanced Labor Topics, Continuing Legal Education and Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, May 2006
Solving Unique Pay Questions – Wage and Hour Law: Answers to Everyday Questions, National Business Institute™, April 2006
The Florida Civil Rights Act – Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Seminar, August 2005
Wage and Hour Law: Compliance Under the New FLSA Overtime Regulations – Overtime: How the New Regulations Affect Your Clients or Your Company in Florida, National Business Institute™, February 2005
An Overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act for the Non-Employment Lawyer – Lawyer magazine, Hillsborough County Bar Association, February 2005
Harassment and Discrimination Update for the Modern Workplace – Human Resources Law Update, Sterling Education, Inc., July 2004
Other Areas of Liability in Employment Discrimination: Age and Gender Discrimination – Fundamental Issues in Florida Human Resources Law, National Business Institute™, January 2004
I Can’t Possibly Be a Target – 2nd Annual Conference, WCEA Staffing, Inc., October 2003
Sexual Harassment: Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities – Fundamental Issues in Florida Human Resources Law, National Business Institute™, May 2003
Employment Laws in Florida – Delta Sigma Pi, Professional Business Fraternity, March 2003
Employment Laws in Florida: Hiring to Firing – Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, December 2002
Sexual Harassment: Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities – Fundamental Issues in Florida Human Resources Law, National Business Institute™, May 2002
Conducting the Interview – Selecting and Terminating Employees in Florida, National Business Institute™, August 2001
Sex, Lies and Other Statutory Violations – Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, February 2001
State Law Claims – Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, December 1999
Department of Labor’s Regulation Requiring Notice Under the Family & Medical Leave Act Held Invalid by the Eleventh Circuit – Lawyer magazine, Hillsborough County Bar Association, November 1999
Offers of and Demands for Judgment – Tactics and Techniques, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, September 1999
Employee Hiring: What Are Your Options? – Women’s Symposium, December 1998
The Family and Medical Leave Act and Equal Pay Act Issues – American Society of Women Accountants (n/k/a Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance), March 1998
Practical Tips and Issues Involved in Employment-Related Settlements from an Employee’s Perspective – Claim du Jour: Labor and Employment Law Issues for the Creative Practitioner, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, February 1998
New Traps and Sinkholes in the Florida Civil Rights Act – Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, January 1998
Sex and Pregnancy Discrimination and Family and Medical Leave Act – Florida Legal Assistants, Inc., October 1997
Is Written Notice a Condition Precedent to Bringing a Whistleblower Cause of Action Against A Private Employer? – Lawyer magazine, Hillsborough County Bar Association, March 1997
Stress and Mental Disorder: New Responsibilities for Employers Under the ADA – Personnel Law Update, Florida Conference, Council on Education in Management, February 1996
Taxation of Recoveries Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act After Schleier – Lawyer magazine, Hillsborough County Bar Association, May 1995
Sexual Harassment: Psychological Injury No Longer Necessary to Prove Hostile Work Environment – The Checkoff magazine, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, 1993
Current Trends in Technology – 12th Annual South Florida’s Premier Labor & Employment Law Conference, The Seminar Group, August 23, 2022
On the Record with Sarina Fazan – Empower, Advocate and Represent Employee Rights in the Workplace, Sarina Fazan Network, April 27, 2022
Preparing for the Next Crisis: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic – 15th Annual Section Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Beverly Hills, California), November 2021
Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) – What Senior Lawyers, Other Lawyers, and Law Firms Should Know About the Protections and Obligations of This Law – Continuing Legal Education, Senior Lawyers Committee, The Florida Bar (Virtual), October 2021
Employee Rights on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations – Fox 13 News (Interview), March 2021
First Amendment in Public Employment – Continuing Legal Education, Florida Department of Health (Virtual), October 2020
The Intersection of Employment Law and Criminal Law – Joint 4th, 5th and 11th Circuit Regional Program, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (St. Petersburg, Florida), February 2020
First Amendment in Public Employment – 45th Annual Public Employment Labor Relations Forum, Labor and Employment Law Section and the City, County and Local Government Law Section, The Florida Bar (Orlando, Florida), October 2019
Practicing at the Intersection of Criminal Law and Employment Law: A Panel Discussion Regarding Employees’ and Employers’ Criminal Activity in the Workplace – What employment counsel should consider when representing their clients who are accused of crimes in the workplace, CLE Crossover Luncheon, Labor and Employment Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association (Tampa, Florida), April 2019
A View From the Bench: I Wish I Didn’t Know Now What I Didn’t Know Then – 12th Annual Section Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (San Francisco, California), November 2018
Where’s the Witness? Preserving Witness Testimony Through Trial – Effectively Litigating Employment Cases from Inception Through Trial, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar (Palm Beach, Florida), September 2018
Strategic Use of Forensic Experts in Prosecuting and Defending Non Compete, Trade Secret and Business Tort Claims – Midwinter Meeting, Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Clearwater Beach, Florida), March 2018
Businesses Cutting Out Holiday Parties for Fear of Sexual Harassment – ABC Action News Good Morning Tampa Bay (Interview), November 2017
Number of People Seeking Legal Advice Locally for Sexual Harassment Spikes Since National Headlines – ABC Action News Good Morning Tampa Bay (Interview), November 2017
Beyond Employment: ADA Compliance on Websites and Physical Access – Advanced Labor & Employment Topics 2017, Labor and Employment Law Section and CLE Committee, The Florida Bar (Key West, Florida), April 2017
ADA Compliance Issues: What Happens When Websites & Apps are Inaccessible – ADA and Website Accessibility, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar (Live Webinar), February 2017
EEO – Procedural – 17th Labor and Employment Law Annual Update and Certification Review, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar (Kissimmee, Florida), January 2017
Workplace Challenges of Privacy, Social Media and Technology Issues – 16th Annual Employment Law: Rights, Benefits, and Emerging Issues, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), January 2017
Return to Work Issues – 10th Annual Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Chicago, Illinois), November 2016
Emerging Issue of Website Compliance Under the ADA – Continuing Education Meeting, Sandspur Chapter, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Tampa, Florida), October 2016
Employee Rights in the Workplace – Rights & Repairs, Money Talk 1010 AM Radio (Interview), September 2016
Is Your Website Compliant? – Up, Up and Away with Websites and Drones – Celebration: A Century of Service, Risk Management Committee, Florida Realtors (Orlando, Florida), August 2016
Most Websites are Not ADA Compliant, Is Yours One of Them? – Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Live Webinar), March 2016
ADA/Website Accessibility – 5th Annual 11th Circuit Regional Program, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (Coral Gables, Florida), January 2016
Hiring and Terminating Employees in the Current Economy – Essentials of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), January 2016
Privacy and Today’s Technology in the Workplace – Essentials of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), January 2016
Basics of Litigating Front Pay, Compensation and Punitive Damages Claims – 9th Annual Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), November 2015
To Catch a Thief: Prosecuting, Defending and Insuring Claims for Cyber Espionage – Midwinter Meeting, Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Naples, Florida), March 2015
Advanced E-Discovery: Database Issues in Employment Cases – Continuing Legal Education Program, Section of Labor and Employment Law, Section of Science & Technology, and Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, American Bar Association (Live Webinar), March 2015
Settlement Agreements – 4th Annual 11th Circuit Regional Program, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (Coral Gables, Florida), January 2015
The Termination Process – Hiring and Terminating: The Ins and Outs of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), January 2015
Overview of Confidentiality, Non-Compete, and Non-Solicitation Agreements – Hiring and Terminating: The Ins and Outs of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), January 2015
SOX, OSHA, and Beyond: Litigating Whistleblower Claims at the U.S. Department of Labor – Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association | National Employment Lawyers Association | Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar | Hillsborough County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section (Tampa, Florida), December 2014
Social Media, Employer Surveillance and Employee Privacy – Blazing the Trail: Courage | Challenge | Change, Annual Convention, National Employment Lawyers Association (Boston, Massachusetts), June 2014
Workers’ Compensation Attorneys’ Fees for Claimant’s Attorneys and Relevant ERISA and Labor Law Issues – CLE Luncheon, Workers’ Compensation Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association (Tampa, Florida), April 2014
Balancing Interests in a BYOD World – Midwinter Meeting, Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Los Cabos, Mexico), March 2014
Employment Claims You Should Know About – Seminar Luncheon, Tampa Bay Paralegal Association (Tampa, Florida), February 2014
Privacy and Social Media in the Workplace – 13th Annual Employment Law: Beyond the Basics, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), January 2014
When and How to Discipline or Discharge – Employee Documentation, Discipline & Discharge, National Business Institute™ (Live Webinar), July 2013
Recruitment/Hiring Documents – Employee Documentation, Discipline & Discharge, National Business Institute™ (Live Webinar), July 2013
Ethical Issues Facing Attorneys in the Age of Technology – Trial Technology and Ethics, Annual CLE Seminar, Trial and Litigation Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association (Tampa, Florida), May 2013
Social Media: The Separation of Work and Play – National Symposium on Technology in Labor and Employment Law, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Berkeley, California), April 2013
Update on Ethical Issues and Social Media – Midwinter Meeting, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Miami Beach, Florida), March 2013
Electronic Dumpster Diving: The Legal Ethics of “TMI” – 6th Annual Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Atlanta, Georgia), November 2012
Florida Update: Employment Law – National Business Institute™ (Teleconference), September 2012
Non-Competes in the Electronic Workplace: Solicitation in the Age of Social Media – Section of Labor and Employment Law and ABA Center for Continuing Legal Education, American Bar Association (Live Webinar and Teleconference), May 2012
Current Issues in Fair Labor Standards Act Litigation – 11th Circuit Regional Program, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (Coral Gables, Florida), February 2012
Employment Claims You Should Know About – CLE Luncheon, The Plant City Bar Association (Plant City, Florida), November 2011
Building a Book of Business – 5th Annual Section Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Seattle, Washington), November 2011
The Employment Lawyers’ Speech: A Panel Discussion on Significant Cases, NLRB Changes and EEOC/DOL Developments from the Past Year – Labor and Employment Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association (Tampa, Florida), October 2011
Valuing a Case – Clear Skies and Smooth Sailing for Employment Law Cases, Summer Conference, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association (St. Pete Beach, Florida), September 2011
Privacy and Social Media in the Workplace – Employment Law Update: Contemporary Challenges in a Changing Workplace, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), August 2011
Shaping Your Client’s Expectations from Intake to Settlement – 22nd Annual Convention, National Employment Lawyers Association (New Orleans, Louisiana), July 2011
The Rise of the Machines: Discovery and Spoliation Issues in This Age of Technology – 2011 Advanced Labor Topics, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar (Naples, Florida), June 2011
Discovery and Subpoenas for the Next Generation of Workplace Technology – National Symposium on Technology in Labor and Employment Law, Technology in the Practice & Workplace Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (New York, New York), April 2011
10 Biggest Mistakes Employers Make From a Plaintiff Attorney’s Perspective – Emerging Legal Issues: Employment Lawyers and Corporate Counsel Seminar, Hillsborough County Bar Association (Tampa, Florida), March 2011
Up In The Air and Everywhere: E-Discovery Beyond Email, Cloud Computing and Virtual Servers – 4th Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Chicago, Illinois), November 2010
Legal Issues Facing Job Seekers – Real Estate Live Seminar, Greater Association of REALTORS® (Tampa, Florida), September 2010
It’s Not Just Email Anymore: E-Discovery and Technology-Derived Evidence and the Virtual Workplace – Midyear Meeting, Technology in the Practice & Workplace Committee Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (New York, New York), April 2010
Legal Issues Facing Job Seekers – Career Development Seminar, University of Phoenix (Tampa, Florida), April 2010
Beachcombing on the Non-Compete Shores: A Primer for Developing Electronic Evidence – Midwinter Meeting, Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association (Coronado, California), March 2010
Case Assessment: Assessing, Valuing and Strategizing When Employment Law Claims Walk Through Your Law Firm Door – Litigation Perspectives from Start to Finish, Winter Conference, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association (Lake Buena Vista, Florida), February 2010
Discrimination and Fair Labor Standards Act Claims – Employment Discrimination Law Training Program for Judicial Law Clerks, Federal Judicial Center (Tampa, Florida), October 2009
Change You Can Believe In (Like It or Not!): Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Paycheck Fairness Act, Family and Medical Leave Act Revisions, and Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments – President’s Showcase, 59th Annual Convention, The Florida Bar (Orlando, Florida), June 2009
Discharge and Discipline – The Many Facets of Employment Discrimination, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the City of Tampa Division of Community Affairs (Tampa, Florida), August 2008
Employment Laws Affecting Larger Law Firms: The Florida Civil Rights Act – What Every Law Firm and Law Practice Needs to Know About Federal and Florida Employment Laws, Continuing Legal Education and Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar (Boca Raton, Florida), June 2008
Employment Laws Affecting Larger Law Firms: The Family and Medical Leave Act – What Every Law Firm and Law Practice Needs to Know About Federal and Florida Employment Laws, Continuing Legal Education and Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar (Boca Raton, Florida), June 2008
Settlement of Employment Cases – Fighting for the Rights of Florida Employees!, Fall Conference, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association (Champions Gate, Florida), October 2007
Drafting Considerations in Employment Settlement Agreements (Plaintiff’s Perspective) – Preparedness in the Changing Environment of Employment Practice, 25th Annual Multi-State Labor & Employment Law Seminar, Tulane University Law School (Williamsburg, Virginia), June 2007
Fair Labor Standards Act: Update – HR Fever, Masters Program, 70th Annual Conference, Florida Public Personnel Association (Tampa, Florida), July 2006
FMLA and 11th Amendment Immunity – Creative Lawyering: Winning Strategies in Employment Litigation, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association (St. Petersburg, Florida), August 2006
Current Legal Developments Under the FMLA (Plaintiff’s Perspective) – Preparedness in the Changing Environment of Employment Practice, 24th Annual Multi-State Labor & Employment Law Seminar, Tulane University Law School (Orlando, Florida), June 2006
FLSA/Wage and Hour Basics Compliance – Fundamentals of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), June 2006
Terminating Employees – Fundamentals of Employment Law, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), June 2006
How Do You Value Your Case? – Advanced Labor Topics, Continuing Legal Education Committee and Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar (Ponte Verda Beach, Florida), May 2006
Solving Unique Pay Questions – Wage and Hour Law: Answers to Everyday Questions, National Business Institute™ (Orlando, Florida), April 2006
Employment Discrimination Law Training Program for Judicial Law Clerks – Federal Judicial Center (Tampa, Florida), January 2006
The Florida Civil Rights Act – Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Seminar (Tampa, Florida), August 2005
Wage and Hour Law: Compliance Under the New FLSA Overtime Regulations – Overtime: How the New Regulations Affect Your Clients or Your Company in Florida, National Business Institute™ (Tampa, Florida), February 2005
Wage and Hour Compliance Under the New FLSA Overtime Regulations – Suncoast Utilities Contractors Association (Tampa, Florida), February 2005
Arbitration Pros and Cons from the Plaintiff’s Perspective – HR Tampa Fall Expo & Legal Conference (Tampa, Florida), November 2004
Harassment and Discrimination Update for the Modern Workplace – Human Resources Law Update, Sterling Education, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), July 2004
Other Areas of Liability in Employment Discrimination: Age and Gender Discrimination – Fundamental Issues in Florida Human Resources Law, National Business Institute™ (Tampa, Florida), January 2004
I Can’t Possibly Be a Target – 2nd Annual Conference, WCEA Staffing, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), October 2003
Employment Laws in Florida – Boardroom Perspectives, May 2003
Employment Laws in Florida – Delta Sigma Pi, Professional Business Fraternity (Tampa, Florida), March 2003
Employment Laws in Florida: Hiring to Firing – Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, December 2002
Starting Off Right: Client Intake, Case Evaluation and Selection – National Employment Lawyers Association, June 2002
Sexual Harassment: Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities – Fundamental Issues in Florida Human Resources Law, National Business Institute™, May 2002
Keeping Ahead of the Tidal Wave of Employment Discrimination Issues, Program Chair – Continuing Legal Education and Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, November 2001
Laying a Good Foundation for Employment Practices – Larkin Contracting, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), November 2001
Wrongful Termination and Common Law Claims – American Bar Association and Stetson University College of Law (St. Petersburg, Florida), October 2001
Conducting the Interview – Selecting and Terminating Employees in Florida, National Business Institute™, August 2001
Round Table Discussions – Strategizing Under the Sun, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, August 2001
Employment Law Trial Skills Program – Stetson University College of Law (St. Petersburg, Florida), July 2001
The Pitfalls of Thinking of Clauses as Boilerplate (in non-competition agreements) – Midwinter Meeting, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, March 2001
Mediation and Predispute Resolution and Investigation – Midwinter Meeting, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association, March 2001
Sex, Lies and Other Statutory Violations – Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, February 2001
Sex, Lies and Other Statutory Violations – Larkin Contracting, Inc. (Tampa, Florida), December 2000 and January 2001
Round Table Discussions: Panel Member on Employment Issues – Strategizing Under the Sun, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, September 2000
State Law Claims – Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, December 1999
Practical Tips and Issues Involved in Employment-Related Settlements From an Employee’s Perspective – Tactics and Techniques, Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, September 1999
Restrictive Covenants: Attacking The New Servitude – 10th Annual Convention, National Employment Lawyers Association (New Orleans, Louisiana), July 1999
Employment Law Trial Skills Program – Stetson University College of Law (St. Petersburg, Florida), July 1999
Overview of Employer’s Obligations Under Federal and State Law – Town & Country Chamber of Commerce (Tampa, Florida), May 1999
Discovery Issues – EEO Basics Seminar, American Bar Association, April 1999
Employment Law Trial Skills Program – Stetson University College of Law (St. Petersburg, Florida), March 1999
Employee Hiring: What Are Your Options? – Women’s Symposium, December 1998
The Family Leave Act & Equal Pay Issues – American Society of Women Accountants, March 1998
Issues Involved in Employment-Related Settlement Agreements from the Employee’s and the Employer’s Perspectives – Claim du Jour: Labor and Employment Law Issues for the Creative Practitioner, Labor and Employment Law Section, The Florida Bar, February 1998
New Traps and Sinkholes in the Florida Civil Rights Act – Florida Chapter, National Employment Lawyers Association, January 1998
Sex and Pregnancy Discrimination and Family and Medical Leave Act – Florida Legal Assistants, Inc., October 1997
Stress and Mental Disorder: New Responsibilities for Employers Under the ADA – Personnel Law Update, Florida Conference, Council on Education in Management, February 1996
New Responsibilities for Understanding Personnel Law – Council on Education in Management, July 1995