2024 HR & Employment Law Conference

Employment Law 2024… and Beyond: What Happened, What’s Next, and What to do About It

Michael G. Trachtman, Esq., Partner — Wisler Pearlstine General Counsel Initiative It has been many years since so many substantial changes in employment law have emerged in so short a period of time. The upshot has been the onset of dangerous new strains of employee claims and regulatory enforcement proceedings, with more to come … DEI, religion in the workplace, independent contractors converted to employees, artificial intelligence, covenants not to compete, wage and hour changes … Businesses that adjust can prosper; those that cannot will struggle. Based on over 40 years’ experience, business attorney and MEA outside general counsel Michael G. Trachtman explains where we are, where we are headed, and how to adapt to a new legal landscape.

Was It Something I Said? Navigating Political Speech in the Workplace

Amy McAndrew, Esq., Director of Legal and Compliance Services — MEA The issue of employee political speech in the workplace is complex, and it has become more complex over the last several years, given the divided political and social climate. In this dynamic socio-political landscape, understanding the rights and responsibilities surrounding political expression in the workplace is crucial for fostering a respectful and inclusive work environments. This session will delve into legal frameworks, organizational policies, and practical strategies for effectively managing political discourse in the workplace, while maintaining productivity and harmony and avoiding legal liability.

The Global Shift Towards Pay Transparency—Don’t Get Left Behind

Lulu Seikaly, Esq., Senior Corporate Employment Counsel — Payscale Currently, 1 in 4 U.S. workers are impacted by pay transparency laws, and the impact is reaching every corner of the globe. Few employers are ready for this level of transparency. Many are unsure what this could mean for their organization. In this session, Payscale’s Senior Corporate Employment Counsel, Lulu Seikaly, will share research on pay transparency trends and explain why organizations should plan for pay transparency — sooner rather than later.  Attendees will come away with a better understanding of these legal requirements and how to implement them into their organizations’ HR and compensation strategies.  Read More »

Latest EEOC Enforcement Trends

Debra Lawrence, Esq., Regional Attorney, Philadelphia District Office — Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Learn how discrimination law is ever evolving, and how the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s enforcement and litigation efforts impact your organization.

The State of the States: A Discussion of Significant State Law Differences

Sarah Spletzer, Esq., Senior Employment Counsel — MEA As more and more companies employ workers in states and localities beyond the jurisdiction in which the employer is physically located, the importance of understanding state law differences is paramount. In this session, Sarah will discuss the most significant employment law differences in the states and localities in our MidAtlantic region, as well as touch on important recent changes in the employment laws of states outside our immediate area. Employers will gain insight, from both a legal and practical perspective, on how best to reflect these laws in employer policies and practice.

When Employees Are Here, There & Everywhere: Form I-9 & Immigration Considerations

Chris Thorn, Esq., Chair, Immigration Practice Group — Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Although more and more companies are instituting return-to-office mandates, most are still allowing employees to work from home at least part of the week. Others have quietly reduced office attendance to cut costs and some have even gone to a fully-remote model. In addition to this continuing trend of hybrid work schedules, employers continue to receive employee requests for “workations” allowing them to work remotely in a vacation-type location. During this session, Chris will help employers understand the Form I-9 and immigration issues that should be considered when employees are here, there, and everywhere. Read More »

Heard on the Employer Hotline Q&A

Jane Disher HR Advisor — MEA Member organizations call the MEA hotline thousands of times every year for guidance on HR and compliance issues. During this session, MEA HR advisor Jane Disher will share some frequently asked questions and answers.