Coffey discusses public-sector HR management and how it differs from the private-sector with attorney Julia Gannaway.

They discuss the impact of the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the US Constitution; drug testing of government employees; and federal employment laws that don’t apply to public-sector employers.

They also discuss documenting employment actions in an environment where most records are publicly available; Texas’ civil service rules and other statutory due process requirements; and public-sector unions.

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About our Guest:

Julia Gannaway is a partner in the law firm of Ross | Gannaway, PLLC. Her practice is dedicated largely to employment in the public sector, and the firm represents only employers. The firm’s office is located in Southlake, but their clients are around Texas.

She advises clients on matters relating to employer investigations and public safety disciplinary actions in Chapter 143 settings and non-Chapter 143 cities; matters relating to the Fair Labor Standards Act and Texas law regarding clients before Federal and State courts, administrative hearings for civil service and TCOLE, and in EEOC/DOL investigations.

Julia is a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M with an economics degree and obtained her J.D. from the University of Houston in 1994.

Julia worked as an Assistant City Attorney in Odessa and Bryan before transitioning to private practice.

She is a member of the Texas City Attorney’s Association and the Texas Bar College. Julia currently serves on the Fort Worth HR Board of Directors as Legal and Legislative Director. She also is a regular speaker for various employer organizations around Texas.

Julia can be reached at (817) 774-6416 or https://rossgannaway.law.

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.

Additionally, Imperative is included in the prestigious Best Places to Work in Texas list and has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.

Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the US Constitution’s impact on public-sector employers.

2. Understand which federal laws don’t apply to government employees.

3. Understand Texas’ civil service procedures and other state-specific due process requirements.