The Employment Law Symposium will begin with networking, coffee, and refreshments from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6.
Symposium sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the event will conclude at 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We will include scheduled breaks in between sessions. Employment Law Symposium sessions include:
Turning Up the Heat: Rapid Fire Legal Updates
Speakers: Justin Hill, Erica Rogers, and Devon Williams
9:05 a.m. - 9:35 a.m.
This engaging and fast-paced session is designed to keep you at the forefront of the latest legal trends impacting the labor and employment industry. Three distinguished Ward and Smith attorneys will deliver concise, high-impact presentations on crucial topics that are setting the labor and employment law landscape ablaze.
Red-Hot Rights: An Interview with the NLRB
Speakers: Grant Osborne, Genesis Torres, and Shannon Meares, NLRB
9:35 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
In this insightful and lively interview, two Ward and Smith attorneys team up with Shannon Meares from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to dissect recent and critical board orders and decisions. Discover the NLRB's latest initiatives and understand how to navigate the path to safeguarding employee rights in today's dynamic labor landscape.
Fiery Debates: Current Challenges in Today's Workplace
Speakers: X. Lightfoot, Avery Locklear, and Emily Massey
10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
In this presentation, Ward and Smith attorneys will tackle some of the most pressing issues facing today's workplaces. They will explore the boundaries of political speech at work, analyze the impact of the Harvard ruling on DEI initiatives, and discuss the latest updates on the USDOL salary minimum threshold. Prepare for an enlightening and provocative discussion offering key insights to navigate these complex challenges in your organization.
Networking Lunch
11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Enjoy delicious food and beverages while you network with your peers. This is the perfect opportunity to connect, build relationships, and exchange ideas on topics related to labor and employment.
Sparking Collaboration: An Interview and Q&A with EEOC Director Tom Colclough
Speakers: Avery Locklear, Will Oden, and Tom Colclough, EEOC
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tom Colclough, Director of Field Management and Programs for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, along with Ward and Smith Labor Employment attorneys Avery Locklear and Will Oden will turn up the heat in a deep dive into the EEOC's fiery landscape. This blazing session will spotlight the challenging issues the EEOC is currently tackling and the hot-button topics on the horizon.
Heatwaves of Drama: An Interactive Case Study
Speakers: Amy Fitzhugh, Ken Gray, and Hayley Wells
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
When the A/C goes out in the building on a hot August day, heatwaves of drama ensue. This interactive session will allow attendees to each play a role and act out real-life HR investigations with their tablemates. You'll be able to assume the role of an HR professional, employee, accuser, accused, or others as you walk through case examples. Each case example will then be discussed in an open forum.