MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2024

Hostility in the Workplace

We will discuss how best to address the growing claims of a hostile work environment and toxic work environment. The discussion will include managing performance in the wake of these concerns, the role of HR, legal departments, and outside investigators, assessing whether there are legitimate issues or simply the use of the latest buzzwords, what to do when a union is involved, and effective mitigation strategies.

Facilitators

• Jeffrey A. Dretler, Rubin and Rudman LLP (Boston, MA)
• Lisa A. Zaccardelli, Hinckley Allen (Hartford, CT)

The Future of Diversity Initiatives in the Workplace

Join us in a dialogue about the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down race-conscious college admissions policies designed to maintain racially diverse student bodies. We’ll discuss new challenges to workplace diversity programs as a result of this case, how it has affected companies’ DEI/ESG initiatives, the potential legal risks and benefits of diversity efforts, and potential new paradigms to address diversity in the workplace.

Facilitators

• Aretta K. Bernard, Roetzel & Andress (Cleveland, OH)
• Sandra L. Rappaport, Hanson Bridgett LLP (San Francisco, CA)
• Sheryl J. Willert, Williams Kastner (Seattle, WA)

The Artificial Intelligence Revolution and Its Impact on HR

Let’s talk about the new frontier of artificial intelligence and its impact on human resources, hiring practices and the workplace – including how it’s being used, what are the risks, and what are the implications.

Facilitators

• Barbara Barron, MehaffyWeber (Houston, TX)
• Adam C. Grafton, Bovis Kyle Burch & Medlin LLC (Atlanta, GA)
• Melisa C. Zwilling, Carr Allison (Birmingham, AL)

The Interplay Between the NLRB and Key Employment Agreements

U.S. employers without unions sometimes forget that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) pays attention to them too. The NLRB’s activity over the last few years has broadened what is considered “concerted” activity by employees, has made it easier for unions to obtain recognition, and significantly has limited what employers can do in key agreements with workers, including severance agreements, non-competition agreements, and independent contractor arrangements. This interactive session will explore the latest rulings, emerging trends, and potential pitfalls for employers striving to partner with their employees and protect their businesses.

Facilitators

• Robert P. Brooks, Adler Pollock & Sheehan, P.C. (Providence, RI)
• Julie A. Proscia, Amundsen Davis LLC (Chicago, IL)

TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024

It’s All About the Class

Most employers will face an employment class action at some point. Whether it’s wage/hour, discrimination, benefits, or something else – there are proactive steps that companies can take to avoid or at least put themselves in a good defensive position. We’ll discuss current trends in workplace class actions, as well as the use of severance agreements, mediation and other dispute resolution alternatives.

Facilitators

• Julie Z. Devine, Lashly & Baer, P.C. (St. Louis, MO)
• Greg A. Garbacz, Klinedinst PC (San Diego, CA)
• David M. Wilk, Larson King LLP (St. Paul, MN)

Accommodations Galore

The robust topic of accommodations has erupted far beyond the context of the ADA. We will be discussing public accommodations, religious accommodations, and the continued employee push for emotional support, remote work and other ADA-linked accommodations in the workplace. Bring your best practices to share.

Facilitators

• Susanne Mombelli, Senior Corporate Counsel, Labor and Employment, Leprino Foods Company
• Mia K. Lardy, Modrall Sperling (Albuquerque, NM)
• Kristin VanOrman, Strong & Hanni, PC (Salt Lake City, UT)

Burning Issues

Back by popular request, this session will provide interactive discussion on the most recent topics in labor and employment matters based on a survey of participants a few weeks prior to the event.

Facilitators

• Emma C. Nowacki, Duke Evett, PLLC (Boise, ID)
• Katherine F. Parks, Thorndal Armstrong, PC (Las Vegas, NV)