Looking for a primer on commercial insurance? Join us to learn about compliance with policy conditions such as notice, cooperation, and consent to settle; common exclusions and limitations of coverage; how and when to tender a claim; reservation of rights; control of the defense; and strategies to work collaboratively with your insurance company to resolve claims. 

Sam Jackson and Kate Davis present about the coming changes to federal overtime rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Come hear updates about increases to compensation thresholds for salaried employees and for highly compensated employees. Changes take effect July 1, 2024, so don’t miss your chance to have all your questions about the new rules answered. 

As artificial intelligence in the workplace is becoming more commonplace, companies are grappling with the best way to actually use it in the workplace. While AI can be a great tool for helping human resources departments and employees be more efficient, it may also lead to concerns about confidentiality, data protection, and copyright infringement. Moreover, the EEOC has indicated that it will focus on the use of AI in recruiting and hiring due to concerns that it masks and perpetuates bias and discrimination in hiring.  This session addresses the latest EEOC guidance on the use of AI in the workplace and best practices related to its use and how to avoid discrimination claims when using AI.

The purpose of this discussion is to facilitate a better understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences among individuals within the legal profession. The focus will be on reviewing the acronym, understanding pronoun usage and gaining insight into the challenges faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The ultimate goal is to become a stronger ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. 

It is important to acknowledge that the LGBTQIA+ community is diverse and encompasses a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities. By exploring the acronym, we can gain a better understanding of the diverse individuals who make up the community. Additionally, learning about pronoun usage in legal settings can help us to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Acknowledging the persistent challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, including discrimination and violence, this session prompts legal professionals to reflect on their roles as allies. By raising awareness of these challenges and exploring strategies for support and advocacy, participants will be empowered to take concrete steps toward creating equitable and inclusive legal spaces.

This session seeks to equip legal professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to become effective allies to the LGBTQIA+ community. Through understanding, support, and advocacy, we can foster a legal environment that upholds the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equality for all individuals.

In a post-COVID world where working remotely is now part of the norm, it has become increasingly important for companies to adequately protect their confidential and trade secret information. This presentation covers the intersection between employment and intellectual property law, specifically relating to the employee onboarding and termination processes, to ensure that your employees do not access, use or disclose your confidential, or trade secret information in a manner in which that information would become public or misappropriated. We also discuss best practices to protect your, your clients', and any third party confidential and trade secret information through appropriate safeguards that should be implemented in the employee onboarding and termination process. Lastly, we discuss best practices relating to remediation when you become aware that an employee has brought another party’s confidential or trade secret information into your company upon hiring.   

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) beneficial ownership information reporting became effective January 1, 2024. Six months in, what are the lessons learned and some practical tips for compliance. The presentation outlines the general reporting requirements and available exemptions, giving insight into emerging issues and some of the technical nuances associated with complying with the CTA.

This session brings together a panel of distinguished attorneys from Spencer Fane and a notable client. The panel features our firm’s General Counsel, Leslie Greathouse, acclaimed for her leadership in professional responsibility and risk management. Joining her is a celebrated ethics columnist from our firm, Keith Call, whose articles have been a beacon for navigating the nuances of legal ethics. The panel is completed by Maureen Vogel, Associate General Counsel from a major health insurance provider, offering an in-house perspective on the ethical considerations that are pivotal in our industry. Together, they will discuss the issues afflicting internal legal departments, the rules of professional conduct applicable to those questions, and an exploration of practical solutions.

Please note: There is no handout for this session due to the nature of the panel discussion. 

When business owners prepare for the sale of a business, a key part of their advisory team should include a tax, trusts, and estates attorney. Involving an estate planner prior to a letter of intent allows for tax planning options to be utilized that would not otherwise be available to the business owner if they wait until after the deal is inked to get tax advice. This presentation explains the federal transfer tax system and why it is especially relevant for business owners, key estate planning documents, and corporate documents for business owners to implement ahead of a sale, state income tax planning options, and how trusts can help business owners save money upon the sale of their business.

This CLE looks into the recent uptick in large jury verdicts. The presenters discuss factors that may be contributing to this trend, as well as strategies for mitigating risks both before and during litigation. Their recommendations address company policies, document preservation, corporate representative depositions, jury selection, witness testimony at trial, and appeals.