Meeting/Event Information

Friday the 13th HR Ethics: Recognizing and Managing Everyday Ethical Risks

Program Description

This program focuses on ethical decision-making and professional responsibility in human resources practice. Through facilitated discussion of realistic workplace scenarios, participants will examine how routine HR decisions can create significant ethical, legal, and reputational risks when warning signs are overlooked. The session addresses common ethical challenges, including confidentiality of employee information, conflicts of interest, workplace investigations, favoritism, and inappropriate conduct by management.

Participants will develop practical skills for identifying ethical risks, applying structured decision-making frameworks, and responding appropriately to complex situations in alignment with organizational values and professional standards. The program supports competency development in ethical practice, risk management, and employee relations, and is designed to promote sound judgment and accountability in HR decision-making.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Identify ethical risks associated with common HR decisions and practices.
2. Distinguish between legal compliance obligations and ethical responsibilities in HR roles.
3. Apply structured frameworks to analyze and respond to ethical dilemmas.
4. Evaluate the impact of HR decisions on organizational culture, employee trust, and risk exposure.

• SHRM Body of Applied Skills & Knowledge:
• Ethical Practice
• Employee Relations
• Risk Management

• HRCI:
• HR Ethics
• Employee Relations
• Compliance and Risk Management

Jennifer A. Fornetti, Partner, Fisher Phillips

Jennifer Fornetti is a strategic litigator and employment law attorney who brings a passion for advocacy and a track record of superior results in complex employment and general civil litigation. With a focus on representing businesses in high-stakes disputes and trial experience on both the plaintiff and defense side, Jennifer defends clients against claims including wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment. Her extensive experience in state and federal courts has earned her a reputation as a formidable opponent who can distill complex issues into clear, actionable strategies for clients.

Jennifer balances aggressive representation with a client-centered approach, taking the time to understand each client’s unique business needs and goals and tailoring her counsel to address their specific challenges. Whether defending against class actions, collective actions, or individual claims, Jennifer is a trusted advisor who provides practical guidance and zealous advocacy every step of the way. Her skillful management of complex discovery, depositions, and trial preparation has enabled her to achieve favorable results for clients in a wide range of industries, including construction, technology, and hospitality.

Before joining Fisher Phillips, Jennifer was a partner in the Las Vegas office of a multi-jurisdictional litigation firm where she focused on matters involving labor and employment, construction, personal injury, and general liability litigation. She also has extensive experience handling complex litigation matters, including breach of contract and tort claims.

Education

• J.D., 2001, St. Louis University School of Law
• B.A., 1998, cum laude, Bradley University

Bar Admissions

• Nevada
• Colorado
• Arizona
• Missouri
• Montana

Court Admissions

• U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada
• U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
• U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona

Judy Sanderlin, Associate, Fisher Phillips

Judy Sanderlin is an associate in the firm’s Las Vegas office and advises and defends employers in all aspects of workplace law.

Prior to joining Fisher Phillips, Judy was a litigation paralegal for five years. Her experience also includes working as a legal advocate for the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. Judy earned her Juris Doctorate from William S. Boyd School of Law in 2023.

Judy’s extensive experience in casino food and beverage operations and her experience as a casino table games dealer provides unique insights that will benefit the firm’s hospitality industry clients.

Education

• J.D., 2023, University of Nevada Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law
• B.S., 2020, summa cum laude, National Paralegal College

Bar Admissions

• Nevada

Court Admissions

• U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada
• Nevada Supreme Court

Professional Activities

• Southern Nevada SHRM, Board of Directors, Legislative
• Member, National LGBT Bar

Southern Nevada SHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for 1 hour SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

This program has been pre-approved for 1 hour for both Ethics and Strategic/Business credit toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).

This program is not a Library District event. The views expressed and other information presented are solely those of the producing entity.