Employment Law Conference

Renowned author Suzanne (“Evil HR Lady”) Lucas was this year’s keynote speaker. Lucas shared her unique perspectives on a range of workplace issues to help you better understand the people side of the business

Day Pitney attorneys Glenn Dowd and Lindsey Viscomi prepared attendees to navigate interactions with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and CBIA’s Eric Gjede shared an update on the successes (and disappointments) of the 2023 session, as well as issues to be aware of in early 2024.

Ogletree Deakins attorney John Stretton discussed the competing interests of employer protections and employee privacy rights while Robinson+Cole partners Abby Warren and Rachel Kushel looked at critical workplace contract risks.  

This year’s conference also featured a lunchtime session on the impact of artificial intelligence on HR.

Agenda

This program is approved for 5.5 HRCI credits and 5.5 SHRM PDCs.

7:30 am | Networking Breakfast

8:30 am | Opening Remarks

• Diane Mokriski, HR Counsel, CBIA

8:45 am | Keynote

• Suzanne Lucas, “Evil HR Lady”

9:30 am | You Just Heard from CHRO: Now What?

• Glenn Dowd, Partner, Day Pitney
• Lindsey Viscomi, Associate, Day Pitney

The dreaded letter from the Connecticut’s Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, notifying you of a complaint against your company: whether you’ve received a few, or none at all, this presentation arms you with the most up-to-date information you need to defend against potential discrimination claims. We discuss deadlines, strategy, settlement options, timelines, witnesses, documents, insurance coverage, and more. You’ll leave with a checklist of action items, and the next time you hear from the CHRO, you’ll be ready.

10:30am | Networking Break

10:45 am | Recognizing Workplace Contract Risks

• Rachel Kushel, Partner, Labor & Employment Group Chair, Robinson+Cole
• Abby Warren, Partner, Robinson+Cole

Even in a workplace where most employees work at-will, employment-related contracts abound—whether intentionally or not. Many employers inadvertently create contractual obligations to their employees through misplaced language in offer letters, performance reviews, and handbooks. Other employers purposefully execute contracts, but misunderstand their legal requirements. What really makes a contractor “independent?” What common mistakes render a separation agreement unenforceable? We address the errors that create unintended contractual consequences for employers of all sizes.

11:45 am | Lunch & Learn | HR & AI: Legal Implications of Using Artificial Intelligence in Employment

• Kevin Buckley, Senior Consultant, Software Engineering, Slalom
• Jim Goldschlager, General Manager, Slalom
• Serima Nazarian, Slalom
• Maura Rucker, Senior Director, Slalom

Lunch and learn about the ways AI impacts human resources—for better or worse. This lunchtime discussion updates you on the latest AI technologies, as well as the risks to be aware of before implementing them in your workplace.

1 pm | Networking Break

1:15 pm | Legislative Update

• Eric Gjede, VP of Public Policy, CBIA

CBIA’s Eric Gjede updates you on the successes (and disappointments) of the 2023 session, as well as issues to be aware of in early 2024. Don’t get caught off guard—stay in the know and ensure that your company understands new compliance requirements.

2 pm | Privacy in the Workplace

• Andrés Jiménez-Franck, Associate, Ogletree Deakins
• John Stretton, Managing Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins

A thin line separates employer protections from employee privacy rights. An employer must ensure a safe workplace, promote an inclusive culture, and protect its own reputation. But these interests often seem to clash with employees’ interests in second chance employment, individual privacy, and freedom of speech. We discuss this tension between employer and employee rights, including social media monitoring, property searches, surveillance, drug testing, and background checks. Attendees will receive a sample social media policy for individual adaptation.

3 pm | Adjourn