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2024 Employment Law Conference

November 7, 2024 | NIU, Naperville

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General Sessions

Breaking Barriers: A Real-Life Perspective on Inclusion and Accessibility

Samyuktha Neeraja, MPH, CAE
American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, State Association Relations Manager
Co-Author: A Little Perspective: Real Stories of Little Ladies
Co-Host: A Little Perspective Podcast

Samyuktha Neeraja, an association leader and dedicated disability advocate, lives with achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism. She faces daily challenges in a world not built for her – challenges many may not even realize they take for granted. In this session, Samyuktha will help you understand dwarfism and the role intersectionality plays in her life as a South Asian woman with a disability. She will share unique personal and professional experiences, providing insights on how organizations can promote inclusion and prioritize accessibility for people with disabilities. You’ll gain practical tips to enhance accessibility measures within your organization and be empowered to ensure inclusion for people with disabilities in various settings.

Employment Law Update

Kelly Hayden, JD
Chief Legal Counsel, HR Source

With so much happening in the area of employment law, staying informed is crucial. Join Kelly Hayden, Chief Legal Counsel at HR Source, for her ever-popular Employment Law Update. Kelly will navigate through the latest changes in employment laws and recent court decisions. Equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to ensure your organization remains compliant and successful amidst the evolving legal landscape.

Breakout Sessions I

FMLA Basics and Beyond

Sonal Shah, JD
Assistant Director, Employment Law Services, HR Source

Although the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been around for more than 30 years, the rules remain cumbersome and confusing. In this session, Sonal Shah will cover the basics of FMLA while also exploring some of the unique and tricky situations that come up. With a mix of lecture and case studies, Sonal will help you gain a better understanding of the law and ensure you have the knowledge needed to effectively address your real-life situations.

Paying Fairly is Fairly Hard: Let’s Make it Easier

Paul Reiman
Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Analyst, Novo Insights

“Equal pay for equal work” has long been the law, but recent changes in regulation and workforce expectations have increased the pressure on employers to approach pay equity and pay transparency differently. As state laws on pay transparency have expanded, even employers not subject to their state’s law, and those operating in states without transparency requirements, are being affected. Today’s workers expect more transparency in the broad pursuit of fair compensation treatment. These issues are uniquely challenging for smaller organizations, with limited resources to drive a transparent compensation program. Join Paul Reiman as he describes key tactics that organizations can use to progress their pay transparency strategy and support equitable compensation practices.

Practical ADA Accommodation Strategies

Allison Sues, JD
Senior Employment Counsel, HR Source

Does determining if a medical condition “substantially limits a major life activity,” or if an employee can “perform an essential function with or without a reasonable accommodation” throw you into a legalese fog? Join Allison Sues for a discussion on how to best comply with the ADA in plain terms and with proactive approaches. Allison will clarify how to identify employee comments that trigger an employer’s duties under the ADA, and how to best engage in the interactive process. She’ll define which medical information can be collected, what accommodation requests can be denied, and illuminate the considerations that agencies and courts use to determine whether the employer was working in good faith to assist employees with disabilities.

Breakout Sessions 2

Artificial Intelligence and Data Privacy in the Workplace

Michelle Olson
Shareholder, Vedder Price P.C.

Cara Ottenweller
Shareholder, Vedder Price P.C.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the workplace in new and unpredictable ways. Employers are not the only ones taking notice of this exciting and revolutionary technology, however. Federal and state governments have issued a patchwork of laws and guidance designed to protect employee privacy and promote the equitable use of AI. Is your organization ready to meet these new compliance challenges? Join Vedder Price Shareholders Michelle Olson and Cara Ottenweller to learn about the legal requirements and best practices related to the use of AI in the workplace. They’ll address guidance issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board and other agencies, as well as federal and state data privacy laws. Although, like AI itself, the legal landscape will continue to evolve, this session will put attendees on strong footing for continued use and compliance.

Tricky Terminations Under ADA and FMLA

Stephanie Dorning, JD
Employment Counsel, HR Source

Navigating discipline and terminations can be difficult, particularly when addressing employees who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Understanding the legal requirements and best practices for handling terminations is essential for creating a fair and respectful process that minimizes legal risk for your organization. In this session, we’ll explore best practices for identifying and documenting performance issues for employees on protected leave or those with reasonable accommodations. Discussion will focus on how to balance employee rights with the needs of the business and balancing the legal risks of terminations in these circumstances.

Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Refreshing Advice for Employers Soured Over Reputational Attacks

Ryan Jacobson
Partner, Amundsen Davis

Warren Buffet once remarked, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” No business organization or member of its leadership team are immune to public ridicule. Harassment and discrimination claims, class actions and data breaches, and even disgruntled employees, can frustrate operations when false accusations and rumors invade the workforce. Join Ryan Jacobson, a seasoned attorney with more than two decades of experience, as he shares essential strategies for safeguarding your organization's reputation. Ryan knows the stress that comes with managing crises and false accusations, and he'll provide practical, on-the-spot advice for navigating these challenges with confidence. You’ll leave equipped with the tools to handle reputational risks in today’s fast-paced and volatile landscape.

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