The Valley Industry Association is set to host an employment law update seminar for Santa Clarita residents.

The event takes the place of the regular monthly VIA luncheon, which will be moved to the Hyatt on a one-time basis. Tickets are $45 until Feb. 11, and $50 each after that, based on availability. Reservations can be made online at EmploymentLawRSVP.com.

“Be afraid. Be very afraid.”

That’s the warning Poole & Shaffery, LLP, has been sounding for businesses facing a raft of new laws in 2016 that affect a wide range of topics, from wages to sick leave, accommodation of employee religious beliefs and more.

“It’s becoming increasingly more difficult for California business owners to stay abreast of everything they need to know from a legal standpoint,” said Brian Koegle, a partner at Poole & Shaffery who will be one of two presenters leading the 2016 Employment Law Update, hosted by the Valley Industry Association, at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.

Brian Koegle, a partner at Poole & Shaffery

“In 2015, Gov. Jerry Brown signed more than 800 bills into law. If you’re a business owner, there’s a good chance that the effects of some of these new laws are sneaking up on you, and you don’t even know it,” Koegle said. “Our goal with the 2016 Employment Law Update is to provide business owners with valuable information to help them understand — and comply with — the new laws that are most likely to affect them.”

Poole & Shaffery partner David Poole, who will co-present with Koegle, said the event will help businesses avoid the catastrophic results that can occur if they are found to be noncompliant with state regulations.

David Poole, will co-present with Koegle.

“It can be anything from your employee handbook to your compliance with equal pay laws — California employment laws are always changing, and cover a broad array of topics,” Poole said. “We’re also going to be providing a look ahead at anticipated 2016 legislation and upcoming court rulings that are expected to have an impact on businesses, too.”

Poole & Shaffery, LLP, is a full-service law firm of legal professionals who are committed to providing high-quality representation to each business or corporate client. The firm has garnered a reputation throughout the Los Angeles area for providing professional, effective legal representation in litigation, business counseling, transactional services, arbitration and mediation and a range of other legal services. Info: www.pooleshaffery.com.