The Employment Law Symposium will begin with networking, coffee, and refreshments from 8:30 to 8:55 a.m. on Friday, September 5.
Symposium sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the event will conclude at 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be served from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
We will include scheduled breaks in between sessions. Employment Law Symposium sessions include:
Top of the Wheel: The Labor Commissioner's Vantage Point
Speakers: North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley, Avery Locklear, and Will Oden
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Two Ward and Smith attorneys take the stage for an exclusive interview with the North Carolina Labor Commissioner. They will explore the state's most pressing workplace safesty issues and discover how the Commissioner is steering the Department of Labor. This high-level session offers unique insights into the regulatory landscape and the direction ahead for North Carolina's workforce.
Fast Pass Through the Legal Landscape: Quick Hits on Four Critical Workplace Issues
Speakers: Justin Hill, Emily Massey, X. Lightfoot, and Gavin Parsons
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Buckle up as four Ward and Smith attorneys break down the game-changing trends transforming labor and employment law practice. From immigration and restricted covenants to trade secret theft and DEI, these fast-paced, practical sessions are designed to keep you sharp through every twist and turn in today's evolving legal landscape.
Networking Break: 10:30 a.m. -10:45 a.m.
Hands Up: Thrills and Chills of Labor Relations with the NLRB
Speakers: National Labor Relations Board Regional Attorney Tim Mearns, Hayley Wells, and Justin Hill
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
For this insightful interview, two Ward and Smith attorneys team up with a representative from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to navigate through recent and critical board orders and decisions. Discover the NLRB's latest initiatives and learn how to stay on track while addressing employee rights in today's dynamic labor landscape.
The Speed Circuit: Racing Through Today's Top Labor Law Topics
Speakers: Avery Locklear, Grant Osborne, and Devon Williams
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Three Ward and Smith attorneys gear up to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing today's workplaces. They will navigate through the WARN Act requirements, loop around recent Supreme Court rulings, and race toward a forecast of the HR industry. Prepare for key insights to stay on track through these complex challenges in your organization.
Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Coaster Showdown: The Non-Compete Dilemma
Speakers: Ken Gray, X. Lightfoot, and Avery Locklear
12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
When a rival amusement park tries to derail the competition by poaching their head rollercoaster engineer with a custom coaster design, drama and non-competes ensue. This hands-on experience will put attendees in the driver's seat as they play various roles and navigate real-life HR investigations with their tablemates. Strap in to assume the role of an HR professional, employee, accuser, accused, or others as you work through case examples.
The Launch Pad: EEOC's Strategic Acceleration
Speakers: EEOC National Director of Field Management Programs Tom Colclough, X. Lightfoot, and Genesis Torres
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Hold on tight while Tom Colclough, Director of Field Management Programs for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, along with Ward and Smith Labor Employment attorneys X. Lightfoot and Genesis Torres, take you through the EEOC's dynamic landscape. This fast-paced session will navigate the curves of challenging issues the EEOC is currently tackling and the sharp turns waiting on the horizon.