Smith & Downey will be sponsoring a free breakfast seminar on June 16th to discuss Workplace Privacy. See the attached for further details on topics and how to register.

We have seen a substantial increase in the number of inquiries regarding privacy-related issues. These questions pertain to both the acquisition of “private” information about employees and job applicants and the protection of an employer’s “private” information such as its trade secrets.

In response, we are sponsoring a breakfast seminar that will discuss the following issues:

ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE INFORMATION ABOUT EMPLOYEES/APPLICANTS
1. Background checks, including an overview of applicable federal (e.g., Fair Credit Reporting Act) and state (e.g., Maryland Job Applicant Fairness Act) laws;
2. The non-health plan-related laws governing an employer's acquisition of employee medical and genetic information;
3. Drug and alcohol testing;
4. Criminal history considerations;
5. Social media considerations;
6. Social Security numbers (and related issues); and
7. Miscellaneous privacy issues, including employee use of employer telephones and computers.

PROTECTION OF EMPLOYER’S PRIVATE INFORMATION
1. Overview of Uniform Trade Secrets Act; and
2. Use of non-disclosure, non-compete and trade secret agreements.

The seminar will be held at Abilities Network, 8503 Lasalle Road, Towson, Maryland 21286, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

Continental breakfast will be provided and there is no charge for the seminar. Space is limited, so please contact Jamie Pasko at jpasko@smithdowney.com or 410-321-9000 if you would like to reserve a spot.