Lida Bannink is a shareholder with Eckberg Lammers and the lead attorney in our Labor & Employment group, as well as a litigator in our business law group. She places a special emphasis on counseling employers—both businesses and municipalities—on navigating the complex web of laws and regulations that shape their human resource needs. An educator at heart, Lida also provides proactive workplace training, equipping clients and their managers with practical tools to prevent issues before they arise. When called upon to litigate, she is a strong and effective advocate in the courtroom.

Workplace Counseling & Compliance

• Employee performance management
• Leave management (FMLA, ADA, state and local leave laws including Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (MPL))
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and accommodations
• Wage & hour compliance (overtime, classification, pay practices)
• Worker classification (employee vs. independent contractor; exempt vs. non exempt

Policies, Agreements & Documentation

• Employment handbooks and policy development
• Employment agreements including noncompete, confidentiality, and restrictive covenant agreements
• Telecommuting and remote work agreements
• Performance improvement plans
• Separation and termination agreements

Workplace Culture & Risk Prevention

• Manager training (importance of documentation, leave management, etc.)
• Discrimination, harassment, and respectful workplace training

Labor Relations

• Collective bargaining
• Contract administration
• Grievance resolution/arbitration

Investigations & Dispute Resolution

• Workplace investigations
• Pre-litigation strategy and dispute resolution
• Litigation & arbitration

Lida is actively involved in bettering the community, both professionally, such as her involvement in the St. Croix Valley Employers’ Association and personally through various volunteer events and charitable giving opportunities. She has a passion for the outdoors and helping others in need.

Client Testimonials

“I wanted to take a moment to share how much I sincerely appreciate the work and support I receive from Lida. There are times when we don’t need to connect often, but then we’ll have several matters arise all at once. Regardless of timing, she is always incredibly responsive and makes me feel like a priority and truly valued.

As an HR team of one, I rely heavily on the ability to bounce my legal research and thought process off her to ensure I haven’t missed anything and to gain a different perspective. That additional lens is invaluable when evaluating complex situations. I’m very grateful for her partnership and support.”

– Labor & Employment Client

“We received an award and decision after a four-day trial, and I could not be more pleased with the outcome and the opinion.The decision is a direct reflection on Lida Bannink’s guidance, advice, case preparation, and trial performance. I have spent 31 years working in this industry, testified hundreds of times in court cases, and worked with a variety of attorney’s over the years in a courtroom setting. I followed along each day of the hearing and could not have been more impressed with Lida’s preparedness and presentation of the case.

The decision is a win for Eckberg Lammers, for our organization, as well as for the community. More importantly, this decision will have a significant positive impact on the morale of our employees knowing we stand by our convictions of integrity, ethics, and professionalism; and we are willing to fight for those core values. Thank you on behalf of the members of our organization.”

– Labor & Employment Client

“Thanks Lida! You are always a day brighter for me! Thanks for your positive attitude and encouragement in these sometimes very difficult days! You are appreciated!”

– HR Round Table Participant