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Misclassification is a pain point in a variety of industries, especially those that utilize owner-operator workforces. Everyone knows they want to avoid a misclassification claim, but few understand exactly what that means. The term “misclassification” represents a broad spectrum of legal woes. It might include workers’ compensation claims, unemployment claims, civil action claims, Department of Labor claims, and many other types of claims at various levels of government. Differences in state and federal law further complicate the issue.

In this webinar, set for 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 22, Openforce CEO Ryan Kelly, and Taylor & Associates Partner Kristen M.J. Johnson, will provide a blueprint for jump starting risk mitigation. Ryan will discuss the types of misclassification claims and how they affect companies with owner-operator workforces.

As a webinar participant, you will receive information on how such claims are changing based on an evolving regulatory landscape, including AB5, the ABC test, and more.

Key Items to Be Addressed:

• Complex nature of “misclassification” and the broad spectrum of legal woes under this designation;
• How to implement a comprehensive overarching strategy that safeguards your business against the most common claims for your industry; and
• Early effects of COVID-19 and how to be better prepared during uncertain times.

Ryan Kelly is currently the CEO of Openforce, the leading independent contractor lifecycle management solution. Prior to Openforce, Kelly most recently served as President of the LawLogix division of Hyland Software, the industry leader in I-9 and E-Verify compliance software. Kelly has also held key executive roles in sales, marketing, business development and product management at innovative software firms such as AppointmentPlus and Axosoft. Kelly is a former practicing attorney with deep roots in the transportation sector. For nearly 15 years he exclusively served the Arizona transportation industry, representing motor carriers, air carriers, freight brokers and virtually all other types of logistics providers. He also served as legal counsel and executive committee member for the Arizona Trucking Association, as well as being an active member and frequent speaker for the Transportation Lawyers Association and the Association for Transportation Law, Logistics and Policy.

Kristen M.J. Johnson is a partner at the transportation law firm of Taylor & Associates and leader of the firm’s litigation group. In 2020, Kristen was the only private practice attorney selected as a Top Woman to Watch in Transportation by the Women in Trucking Association. She practices a full range of business litigation and arbitration, including freight claims, contract and tort disputes, appeals, and government investigations. She advises clients on risk management, case and witness preparation, regulatory response and compliance programs, and critical strategy. Kristen is a former Fulbright Scholar and a thought leader, active in her industry and community. She is a member of Women in Trucking, the Transportation Lawyers Association, and the Conference of Freight Counsel. When she is not practicing law, she advocates for children and those in need.