A comprehensive Washington, DC labor and employment law education and training program should start with a review of the statutory sources of these laws and the government agencies charged with enforcing them. Not only will your human resource staff need to reference these statutes in any formal policy they may draft for your company, but they should also get in the habit of dealing with these agencies directly in order to avoid problems that may result from a failure to comply with DC labor laws.

Boost your educational experience on DC work laws by knowing which lawyers you can reach out to, directly or through their websites, in order to stay informed of timely issues that might impact your company. Internet sources for DC work laws that summarize these regulations and inform you of trends you should know about include:

1. Find the most reliable online sources of Washington DC employment laws.

2. Provide an extra boost to your training program when you seek help in understanding employment law Washington DC from professionals.

3. Direct your human resource staff to register for seminars and educational events on DC employment law.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go to the statutory sources of Washington DC labor laws

Design your educational programs and workshops on DC employment law with training guides and other educational materials that the federal and state governments provide.

I recommend: The United States Department of Labor presents a detailed review of workplace standards, employee benefits, wage and hours of work regulations and work authorization for non-U.S. citizens that are enforced in Washington, D.C. and other states. The National Employment Lawyers Association links to the applicable federal and state regulations as it gives you tips on how to create a positive, stress-free environment.

Use articles on DC labor laws by employment lawyers in your training program.

Your educational program should make use of articles on DC labor laws that practicing attorneys prepare and post on their websites. Gain extra educational benefits from learning about employment laws related to federal workers.

I recommend: Allan Lescht & Associates details the elements of Washington, DC employment law cases, such as harassment, discrimination and contract dispute claims. Attorneys Katz, Marshall & Banks provide legal news on employment laws that offer your employees the chance to stay informed of the most recent issues.

Engage employees in seminars on DC labor regulations

Seminars stand out as exceptional educational opportunities because they put human resource staff in touch with leading professionals in the field and provide them with materials on which they can shape their company's policy.

I recommend: Check the National Employment Law Institute for special events geared specifically to Washington, DC labor laws. Seminar Information puts you in touch with educational events and opportunities, such as how to develop FMLA and ADA compliance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Human resource workshops dedicated to providing their employees with the most comprehensive Washington, DC labor and employment law education and training are suggesting that their staff attend arbitrations and mediations based on DC employment law violations in order for them to fully comprehend these laws.

Determining a productive way to educate yourself and your staff about Washington DC employment laws pays off in more ways than just escaping the cost of DC employment law firms. You and your staff spend more time doing business if your staff is aware of DC work laws -- not only can you get more business done but your staff knows providing a safe, happy working environment is important to you, their employer. Employees do their best when they're aware of what they're entitled to in terms of everything from lunch breaks to discrimination protection.

Consulting DC work law firms for assistance is the right thing to do in some cases but you can do research on your own to decrease your chances of ever needing them at all.

Consider the following plan to help your business comply with Washington, DC employment laws:

1. Resources to help you implement the simplest of strategies;

2. Expertise for big issues or sensitive questions surrounding DC labor and employment law; and

3. Purchase software and look to other online resources for a fraction of what you would pay a professional.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Avoid conflicts with DC labor law by educating your staff

DC manages its own labor department which posts valuable and, most importantly, free information for instant access. Assemble packets for your employees concerning the most delicate Washington, DC work laws such as discrimination, immigration and overtime laws. Place posters or fliers in break rooms or other gathering areas for easy reference. You're less likely to face lawsuits filed against your business or between your staff when everyone is knowledgeable about what's right and wrong in the workplace.

I recommend: The DC Department of Labor presents facts on issues ranging from discrimination to workplace safety and health in addition to offering printable documents and posters direct from their website.

Get solid backing for DC work law challenges with big firms

America's immigration policy is ever-changing and Washington, DC, labor laws are complex. Large firms offer both assistance specific to immigration and support in handling issues such as union management and discrimination.

I recommend: Switchboard's digital directory can help you find any labor and employment lawyers in DC. FindLaw features company profiles for the most trusted DC employment law firms. Consult the Attorney Search Network to find lawyers approved by the American Bar Association.

Buy software and find web resources to avoid DC labor lawyers

Labor lawyers in DC, like anywhere, don't come cheap. A majority firms with websites post newsletters for the latest changes and policies. You can be sensible about Washington, DC labor laws with in-house software that you or your human resources staff find easy to use. Look for software program with features devoted specifically to labor and employment law.

I recommend: Sign up for HRhero.com's monthly employment law letter written by DC employment laws attorneys. Compliance Pro and Ultimate Software both offer top-notch labor law software programs for human resources departments.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Address and document any discrimination or harassment conflicts between your staff as soon as you can, and know the DC labor regulations--often the employer is implicated in labor and employment lawsuits when they have knowingly let discrimination or harassment go on for extended periods of time.