The legal landscape facing employers remains complex. Navigating the evolving patchwork of federal, state, and local workplace laws can feel like a full-time responsibility for employers, human resources professionals, in-house counsel, and business leaders alike. As the second term of President Trump\u2019s Administration progresses, employers should continue to monitor developments at key federal agencies, including the NLRB, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the EEOC, as well as emerging trends in the federal courts. At the same time, state and local legislatures across the country remain active, introducing new employment-related laws and regulations that can significantly impact day-to-day operations. Staying informed and proactive is more critical than ever for employers seeking to manage risk and maintain compliance.\u00a0\u200b<\/p>\n
Conn Maciel Carey\u2019s complimentary\u00a02026 Labor and Employment Webinar Series<\/strong><\/a>,<\/span> which includes monthly programs (sometimes more often, if events warrant) put on by attorneys in the firm\u2019s\u00a0national<\/strong>\u00a0Labor and Employment Practice<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, will focus on a host of the most challenging and timely issues facing employers, examine past trends, and look ahead at the issues most likely to arise.\u200b<\/p>\n To register for an individual webinar in the series, click on the link in the program description below. If you missed any past programs from our annual Labor and Employment Webinar Series, here is a link\u00a0to an archive of recordings<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0of those webinars.<\/p>\n Presented by <\/em><\/strong>Lindsay DiSalvo<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span> and <\/em><\/strong>Scott Hecker<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n With over a year of President Trump\u2019s second term under our belts, the current administration\u2019s priorities have begun to take shape. While we expect enforcement activity to decrease during President Trump\u2019s second term, wage and hour investigations are still happening, so employers must be ready to demonstrate compliance when the Wage and Hour Division (\u201cWHD\u201d) shows up at their doors. In addition to identifying WHD\u2019s current points of emphasis and primary areas of concern, this webinar will take you through the stages of an investigation and some tips for handling various aspects of the investigation process.<\/p>\n Participants in this webinar will learn:<\/p>\n Click here to register<\/strong><\/span><\/a> for this webinar.<\/p>\n This program has been approved by SHRM for 1 hour of HR professional development credit.<\/p>\n This program has been approved for 1 (General)) recertification credit hour toward aPHR\u2122, aPHRi\u2122, PHR\u00ae, PHRca\u00ae, SPHR\u00ae, GPHR\u00ae, PHRi\u2122 and SPHRi\u2122 recertification through the HR Certification Institute.<\/p>\n Presented by <\/em><\/strong>Kara M. Maciel<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, <\/em><\/strong>Scott Hecker<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, and <\/em><\/strong>Letitia Silas<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n This timely presentation provides an overview of the federal regulatory and enforcement landscapes that will shape employers\u2019 obligations and workplace practices in 2026. More than a year into the second Trump Administration, key leadership positions have been filled, allowing agencies\u2014including the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission\u2014 to develop and implement major priorities.<\/p>\n Our discussion will highlight how these agencies\u2019 enforcement strategies are evolving, with a focus on emerging enforcement issues, such as national origin discrimination, religious accommodations, independent contractor and joint employers, and reversal of NLRB law to the benefit of the business community. Attendees will gain insight into the most significant risks facing employers, from wage-and-hour audits to discrimination claims and recent employee activism in the workplace, leaving the webinar with practical steps organizations can take now to prepare for a year of heightened oversight and rapidly shifting rules.<\/p>\n Click here to register<\/a><\/strong><\/span> for this webinar.<\/p>\n This program has been approved by SHRM for 1 hour of HR professional development credit.<\/p>\n This program has been approved for 1 (General)) recertification credit hour toward aPHR\u2122, aPHRi\u2122, PHR\u00ae, PHRca\u00ae, SPHR\u00ae, GPHR\u00ae, PHRi\u2122 and SPHRi\u2122 recertification through the HR Certification Institute.<\/p>\n Presented by <\/em><\/strong>Megan S. Shaked<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span> and <\/em><\/strong>Kimberly Cole<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n California employment law is known for its constant shifts and strong protections of employee rights. Join us for our annual review as we summarize recent changes for 2025, discuss trends and predictions for this year\u2019s legislative session, and highlight best practices for periodic review of policies and practices to ensure compliance in the Golden State.<\/p>\n Participants in this webinar will learn about:<\/p>\n Click here to register<\/a><\/strong><\/span> for this webinar.<\/p>\n This program has been approved by SHRM for 1 hour of HR professional development credit.<\/p>\n This program has been approved for 1 (General)) recertification credit hour toward aPHR\u2122, aPHRi\u2122, PHR\u00ae, PHRca\u00ae, SPHR\u00ae, GPHR\u00ae, PHRi\u2122 and SPHRi\u2122 recertification through the HR Certification Institute.<\/p>\n Presented by <\/em><\/strong>Aaron R. Gelb<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span> and <\/em><\/strong>Letitia Silas<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Managing workplace relations, performance management, and enforcing workplace policies are important to providing safe, positive, and productive workplace. They can also be rife with legal risks.\u00a0 From internal investigations and high-risk personnel actions or business transactions to responding to employees’ concerted activities and union organizing efforts, this webinar will help employers issue spot and better understand when and why to engage appropriate legal counsel in matters implicating labor and employment laws.<\/p>\n Click here to register<\/strong><\/a><\/span> for this webinar.<\/em><\/p>\n This program has been approved by SHRM for 1 hour of HR professional development credit.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n This program has been approved for 1 (General)) recertification credit hour toward aPHR\u2122, aPHRi\u2122, PHR\u00ae, PHRca\u00ae, SPHR\u00ae, GPHR\u00ae, PHRi\u2122 and SPHRi\u2122 recertification through the HR Certification Institute.<\/em><\/p>\n Presented by <\/em><\/strong>Dan Deacon<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, <\/em><\/strong>Emily Toler Scott<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, and <\/em><\/strong>Andrea Chavez<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Employers striving to provide safe, compliant, and productive workplaces face no shortage of challenges when it comes to testing employees for potential drug use. The federal government is rescheduling marijuana and banning certain hemp products, state laws about marijuana and employees\u2019 privacy continue to evolve, and opioid use remains prevalent. Drug testing employees is often prudent or even necessary, but it is anything but straightforward. Getting it wrong can lead to claims of retaliation, disability discrimination, breach of privacy, state law violations, and complaints to federal and\/or state agencies.<\/p>\n Drug use in the workplace can also create safety and health risks to employees and customers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) have different safety and health standards that may be implicated by testing employees, and the agencies often investigate retaliation complaints made by employees who are disciplined after positive tests. Employers need to understand their compliance obligations and how to use drug tests to promote safety. And if an accident occurs, a drug test can be a crucial tool during any investigation or enforcement action.<\/p>\n Participants in this webinar will learn:<\/p>\n Click here to register<\/a><\/strong><\/span> for this webinar.<\/p>\n This program has been approved by SHRM for 1 hour of HR professional development credit.<\/p>\n This program has been approved for 1 (General)) recertification credit hour toward aPHR\u2122, aPHRi\u2122, PHR\u00ae, PHRca\u00ae, SPHR\u00ae, GPHR\u00ae, PHRi\u2122 and SPHRi\u2122 recertification through the HR Certification Institute.<\/p>\n Presented by<\/em> <\/strong>Megan S. Shaked<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span> and <\/em><\/strong>Darius Rohani-Shukla<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n AI tools now screen applicants, rank candidates, schedule shifts, and flag performance, putting algorithmic decision-making at the center of employment decisions. This session explains how to vet and monitor these tools, including key due-diligence steps and practical vendor strategies. We\u2019ll also provide updates on AI regulation across the country and help you issue-spot additional legal risks as new laws take effect. We\u2019ll also demystify bias audits, what they are, how to test for disparate impact on protected groups, and how to document and act on results so audits are meaningful, defensible, and aligned with emerging standards.<\/p>\n Click here to register<\/a><\/span><\/strong> for this webinar.<\/p>\n This program has been approved by SHRM for 1 hour of HR professional development credit.<\/p>\n This program has been approved for 1 (General)) recertification credit hour toward aPHR\u2122, aPHRi\u2122, PHR\u00ae, PHRca\u00ae, SPHR\u00ae, GPHR\u00ae, PHRi\u2122 and SPHRi\u2122 recertification through the HR Certification Institute.<\/p>\n Presented by<\/em> <\/strong>Aaron R. Gelb<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span> and <\/em><\/strong>Letitia Silas<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n In today\u2019s highly polarized political climate, political speech is increasingly present in the workplace – through employee conversations, social media activity, and interactions with customers. Employers must carefully navigate these issues while maintaining a respectful work environment and complying with a complex web of federal, state, and local laws.<\/p>\n This webinar will provide practical guidance on managing political expression in the workplace while minimizing legal risk. It will also address when political speech may be protected, when employers may lawfully impose limits, and strategies for handling common workplace scenarios in a manner that supports compliance.<\/p>\n Participants in this webinar will learn about:<\/p>\n Click here to register<\/a><\/span><\/strong> for this webinar.<\/p>\n This program has been approved by SHRM for 1 hour of HR professional development credit.<\/p>\n This program has been approved for 1 (General)) recertification credit hour toward aPHR\u2122, aPHRi\u2122, PHR\u00ae, PHRca\u00ae, SPHR\u00ae, GPHR\u00ae, PHRi\u2122 and SPHRi\u2122 recertification through the HR Certification Institute.<\/p>\n Presented by<\/em> <\/strong>Jordan B. Schwartz<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span> and <\/em><\/strong>Hema Steele<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n When faced with a request for a disability-related accommodation, employers often focus on the legitimacy of the request or the feasible accommodations that will meet the employee\u2019s need and ensure compliance with the ADA. And when faced with a safety concern, employers focus on how to keep employees safe and remain OSHA-compliant without adversely affecting operations. But what happens when these two worlds collide? What if the accommodation impinges on the employer\u2019s safe work practices or safety policies or OSHA requirements?<\/p>\n In this webinar, participants will learn how to address the complicated situation of when a request for accommodation clashes with safety requirements.<\/p>\n Click here to register<\/a><\/strong><\/span> for this webinar.<\/p>\n This program has been approved by SHRM for 1 hour of HR professional development credit.<\/p>\n This program has been approved for 1 (General)) recertification credit hour toward aPHR\u2122, aPHRi\u2122, PHR\u00ae, PHRca\u00ae, SPHR\u00ae, GPHR\u00ae, PHRi\u2122 and SPHRi\u2122 recertification through the HR Certification Institute.<\/p>\n Presented by<\/em> <\/strong>Letitia Silas<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span> and <\/em><\/strong>Ashley D. Mitchell<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n As artificial intelligence (\u201cAI\u201d) continues to transform workplaces, employers and their human resources professionals face new challenges and opportunities. This webinar will explore the intersection of AI and labor relations, focusing on how emerging technologies impact collective bargaining, workplace surveillance, employee rights, and union strategies.<\/p>\n Participants will learn about:<\/p>\n Click here to register<\/strong><\/a><\/span> for this webinar.<\/p>\n This program is pending approval by SHRM for 1 hour of HR professional development credit.<\/p>\n This program is pending approval for 1 (General)) recertification credit hour toward aPHR\u2122, aPHRi\u2122, PHR\u00ae, PHRca\u00ae, SPHR\u00ae, GPHR\u00ae, PHRi\u2122 and SPHRi\u2122 recertification through the HR Certification Institute.<\/p>\n Presented by<\/em> <\/strong>Jordan B. Schwartz<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, <\/em><\/strong>
\nThursday, January 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
Insights into Wage and Hour Investigations<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n
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\nWednesday, February 11, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
Employer Compliance with Workplace Laws in 2026: A Discussion of DOL, NLRB, and EEOC Priorities<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n
\nWednesday, March 11, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
Annual California Employment Law Update<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n
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\nTuesday, April 7, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
Timing \u2013 Understanding When to Engage Labor and Employment Counsel<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n
\nTuesday, May 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
Drug Testing in the Workplace \u2013 Employers\u2019 Rights and Responsibilities (L&E\/OSHA\/MSHA Crossover)<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n
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\nWednesday, June 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
AI in the Workplace: Managing Algorithms & Bias Audits to Maximize Benefits and Reduce Legal Risk<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n
\nWednesday, July 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
Political Speech in the Workplace<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n
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\nWednesday, August 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
Clash of the Workplace Titans: When Safety Requirements Conflict with Disability-Related Accommodations<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n
\nWednesday, September 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
Artificial Intelligence and Labor \/Employee Relations: What Employers Need to Know<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n
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\nTuesday, October 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET \/ 10 a.m. PT<\/h3>\n
Whistleblower & Retaliation Law in 2026 \u2014 Where Employers Are Getting Tripped Up<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n