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Annual Conference


Registration Now Open!!

BOLI's 40th Annual Employment Law Conference is November 7th and 8th (Thursday and Friday). 

BOLI’s conference connects employers with resources for navigating complex – and often changing – workplace rules. Our 40th annual event will include sessions on the topics that concern Oregon employers the most — Paid leave. Performance management pitfalls. Wage and hour challenges. New laws and more!

For practical insight and timely updates, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with top employment law attorneys, human resource experts, and of course, BOLI’s Employer Assistance team.

This year's conference will be 100% virtual. We hope you’ll join us!

One price for the whole event: $350 

Can’t make a session? Attendees will have access to recorded sessions shortly after the event.

HRCI, SHRM and CLE recertification credit approval pending. 

Register Here!!

2024 Conference Agenda 

Click here for the agenda, showing session dates and times*

2024 Legislative & Regulatory Update

Session Description

In this session, Barran Liebman partner Nicole Elgin will cover several state and federal regulatory updates, including recommendations and best practices for employers. The updates will also cover the impact of the United States Supreme Court's recent decision in Loper, which fundamentally changes the deference that courts will give to agencies' reasonable interpretations of law. Furthermore, with the election days before the conference, Nicole will provide insights into what further regulatory changes employers should plan for based on the results of the election. 

Specific topics will include:

  • DOL Increase to Salary Threshold for Exempt Employees
  • DOL Final Rule on Independent Contractors
  • FTC Non-competes
  • DOL Farmworker Protection Rule
  • Corporate Transparency Act Implementation
  • Final Rule on Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
  • BOLI Requirements for Employer Responses to Harassment Allegations
  • PLO/OFLA

​Speaker​

Nicole Elgin Barran Liebman LLP​

Nicole Elgin is a partner at Barran Liebman LLP, where she represents employers in traditional labor and employment law matters. Nicole’s labor practice ranges from strategizing employer campaigns during a unionization drive to negotiating collective bargaining agreements and representing employers in hearings before arbitrators and the National Labor Relations Board. Her employment law practice includes working with employers to adapt workplace policies to the latest legislative changes at the state and national levels. Nicole defends employers facing investigation by Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), Washington’s Labor & Industries (L&I), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Nicole earned her B.A. from the University of Washington and her J.D., cum laude, from Lewis & Clark Law School. 

RIP PIP: Laying the Performance Improvement Plan to Rest

Session Description

The traditional Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is no longer viable in today's dynamic workplace. What was intended as a lifeline for struggling employees has turned into a detour straight to the exit door. Let's face it: Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) are often the last stop before termination, leaving employees demoralized and disengaged.

But why do PIPs fail to improve performance?

  • They focus on symptoms, not the root causes.
  • They can kill morale instead of boosting it.
  • They're a band-aid, not a cure.
  • Performance is a shared responsibility, not just the employee's burden.
  • They're reactive, not proactive - like calling the ambulance after the final breath.
  • To many, a PIP is the corporate death warrant - signed, sealed, and delivered.

In this session, we'll put PIPs to rest and dive into a fresh approach that fosters employee development and addresses performance issues before they escalate. This isn't just about avoiding the pitfalls of PIPs; its about building a framework that gets ahead of issues before they become problems and empowers your workforce. Come discover a better way to nurture performance and foster growth.​

​Speaker​

Deborah Jeffries SHRM-CP, PHR, CPC, Vice President for HR Answers Inc.

Deborah harbors a deep passion for people. With a diverse background spanning HR, Education, Service, Retail, Manufacturing, and Food Service, she has dedicated nearly four decades to training others in Recruitment, Communication, Team Building, HR, Supervisory Skills, and beyond. As a consultant, trainer, and coach, she zeroes in on inventive yet practical strategies for the modern workplace, divulging her secrets for aiding and guiding others. She captivates, inspires, and propels participants towards personal growth and skill enhancement, all while fostering introspection. Her workshops are characterized as humorous, slightly eccentric, and immensely educational, offering excellent tools, applicable frameworks, and invaluable insights, coupled with compelling stories and pertinent experiences.​ 

Paid and Protected Leave

Session Description

Paid Leave Oregon ensures individuals and families — of every kind — have the​ time and support they need to care for themselves and their loved ones when life’s important moments affect their health and safety. It is also a program that has evolved dramatically over recent legislative sessions. 

Staff from both Paid Leave Oregon and BOLI Employer Assistance will make sure you are up to date with this overview and discussion on:

  • Paid Leave eligibility
  • Benefits and leave types
  • Employer responsibilities with Paid Leave
  • Where employers can find help and resources
  • How Paid Leave and BOLI work together

​Speakers​​

​Joseph Tam Employer Assistance, BOLI

Joseph Tam is a Learning and Development Specialist with the Employer Assistance team and a former Senior Civil Rights Investigator with the Civil Rights Division of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.  He has been working for the agency for about 39 years. He is a graduate of Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho and Portland State University. He has been co-presenting with the Oregon Employment Department on Paid Leave Oregon throughout Oregon since 2023. He conducts in-person seminars and webinars on Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Oregon Sick Time Law, Legal Hiring Practices, Effective Supervisory Practices, Documentation, Discipline and Discharge, Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, Life of a Workers' Compensation Claim, Injured Workers Laws, Disability Laws, Workplace Accommodations Issues, Wage and Hour Laws, Payroll Issues, Dealing with Difficult Employees, Drug and Alcohol Issues in the Workplace, etc.. He is known to make the Recordkeeping seminar “interesting." He has regularly presented in BOLI's Annual Employment Law Conference since 2007. In the 2022 conference, he presented “How to track OFLA, FMLA, and Paid Leave Oregon in 2023." An Oregon employment law attorney wrote, “I watched your video yesterday from the Annual Conference and found your presentation on OFMLI/OFLA/FMLA imminently helpful and entertaining!".​

Jeff Burgess​ Employer Assistance, BOLI

Jeff received his underg​raduate degrees in Business Economics and Law and Society from the University of California at Santa Barbara where he was a Scottish Rite scholar. He went on to law school at the University of Mississippi and practiced law in California and Colorado for 15 years, focusing on litigation. He joined the Bureau of Labor and Industries in 2002 where he was an agency prosecutor for 7 years, taking civil rights and wage and hour cases to administrative hearing. In 2009 he joined the Employer ​Assistance Program where he teaches seminars, edits handbooks and answers inquiries about employment law for business owners, managers, human resources professionals and attorneys. Jeff lives in McMinnville with his wife Tiffany and various critters.​

Case Law Update 2024

Session Description

Back by popular demand, this session will cover recent case law and legislative updates on the Oregon and national level that may have an impact on employers, and will offer key takeaways for how employers, managers, and human resources personnel can avoid potential compliance pitfalls.​

​Speakers​

Anthony D. Kuchulis Dunn Carney LL​P

​​Anthony D. Kuchulis is an attorney at Dunn Carney LLP where he focuses his practice on helping employers and management solve difficult employment questions and challenges. Anthony prides himself on being a partner to his business clients and an experienced legal consultant who examines all aspects of a challenge for the most expeditious solution. With over a decade of trial experience, Anthony has represented employers and businesses in the northwest and across the country of all sizes, on all matters, including trying cases to juries, arbitrators, and judges, as well as defending businesses and management from state and federal labor department complaints, including OSHA, BOLI, WISHA, DOL, EEOC (and more). Anthony is known for his creative litigation strategies and often unconventional advice work that includes an analysis of all legal and nonlegal options available to ensure the best possible outcome to the most complex problems. ​

Cristin Casey​ Littler Mendelson PC

​​Cristin Casey is an experienced attorney who focuses her practice on labor and employment law matters.  Prior to joining Littler, Cristin was with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries as Chief Prosecutor and Civil Rights Division Administrator. ​Her experience includes:

  • Litigating employment discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing and retaliation, leave law, wage and hour, disability and reasonable accomodation cases in an adminstrative forum.
  • Managing and advising on workplace investigations.
  • Prevailing wage rate laws.

Previously, Cristin was an assistant district attorney at the Lane County District Attorney's Office.

During law school, she was the business editor for the Willamette Law Review. ​

Conducting Effective Employment Investigations

Session Description

This session will review strategies for conducting personnel investigations, covering all steps of an investigation, from choosing an investigator (internal or external), preparing for the interviews, the order of witness interviews, interviewing the complainant and accused, procedural rules, making findings and preparing a written report.

​Speakers​

Kjersten Turpen Shareholder at Ogletree Deakins  

Kjersten Turpen represents domestic and international employers in all areas of employment law. She has extensive experience litigating claims of trade secret misappropriation, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations. She represents clients in private arbitrations, federal and state courts, and before administrative agencies such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and its state counterparts. Kjersten has obtained favorable verdicts and settlements for clients across a variety of industries and during all phases of litigation. She is licensed in Oregon, Washington, California, and Idaho. Prior to private practice, Kjersten twice clerked for federal judges in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, where she was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for exemplary service.​

Sarah Hale Shareholder at Ogletree Deakins 

Sarah Hale advises public and private employers throughout Oregon and Washington on a wide variety of workplace-related matters. She has extensive experience counseling clients on day-to-day employment and labor issues, including leave and disability law compliance, conducting workplace investigations, drafting workplace policies and employee handbooks, and representing clients in collective bargaining, union contract negotiations, and grievance and interest arbitrations. Sarah guides employers as they navigate complex and intricate employment law issues, empowering them with the decision-making tools to help workplaces run smoothly.  Before private practice, Sarah served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Marsha J. Pechman in the U.S. District Court and the Honorable Marlin J. Appelwick in the Washington State Court of Appeals.​

The Humanity of the ADA

Session Description

Did you know that over 19 million working-age individuals in the U.S. have a disability? It's time to embrace the power of inclusion. Join us for an enlightening session with Emily Purry as she sheds light on the profound impact from viewing the ADA through a lense of humanity instead of law. Statistics show that businesses that prioritize disability inclusion outperform their peers by 28%. Unlock easy and actionable insights to create a more inclusive workplace. Be part of the change! Take away tangible simple things you can do to create a more welcoming environment for people with disabilities. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and grow with Emily Purry on the journey to a more inclusive future​.​

​Speaker​

Emily Purry Owner of Purry Consultants 

​As a legally blind athlete, Emily brings her lived experience to her work with a lighthearted, relatable, and energetic message. With three biracial children including one on the autism spectrum, she is uniquely qualified to provide insightful and impactful guidance on topics of inclusion and belonging.

Emily Purry holds a Master’s Degree in Business Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She founded Purry Consultants to advocate for disability rights and to normalize the conversation around disability. With a deeply personal perspective, her unique approach strives to improve employee recruitment and retention and to increase customer loyalty.​

Will They, Won't They?: A Dramatic Pause on Restrictive Covenants

Session Description

Non-competition agreements and other restrictive covenants have long served as critical tools for businesses looking to protect their employee base, competitive position, and confidential information.  Over the last several years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), National Labor Relations Board, and state legislatures—including Oregon—have increased efforts to curb the legality of such agreements, leaving employers with more questions than answers. Most recently, the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule threatens to prohibit most non-competition agreements entirely, but is under considerable scrutiny by the courts.  Join Lisa Shevlin and Christine Sargent for a timely discussion addressing important updates to the non-compete agreement landscape and recommended practices for employers to continue protecting themselves and their important data.​    

​Speakers

Lisa P. Shevlin​ Littler Mendelson LLP

A skilled litigator, Lisa P. Shevlin has handled numberous multi-million dollar cases involving employment-related claims from the pre-claim investigation stage through trial. She also regularly conducts workplace investigations and advises clients on various matters that arise in the employer-employee relationship. Lisa's experience in complex litigation arises from her work in both the public and private sector. This broad foundation allows her to appreciate the unique facts and interests involved in each case. ​

Christine E. Sargent​ Littler Mendelson LLP

Christine E. Sargent assists employers in all aspects of employment law. As an up and coming litigator, Christine has significant experience defending her clients in civil litigation suits involving discrimination, retaliation, and harassment claims. After learning to litigate at a regional defense firm where she worked closely on matters involving construction defects, toxic torts, and catastrophic personal injuries, Christine sought to bring her experience to the employment law world. Christine’s personable yet deliberate and thoughtful demeanor is well-known in the Portland market. Growing up in a military family allowed Christine to develop a disciplined and competitive work ethic that she brings to her legal career in all that she does on a daily basis. As Christine continues to grow as a litigator at Littler, these qualities will only serve to accelerate her on a more national scale.​

During law school, Christine externed for the Hon. Stacie F. Beckerman at the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Her tenure at the federal court provided her with valuable insight into federal claims in employment law and beyond, as well as the opportunity to get to know federal judges. She clerked for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office as a certified legal student, which required her to be in court every day for arraignments and pre-trial proceedings. Christine also clerked for a solo practitioner whose practice consisted primarily of ERISA long-term disability claims.

Christine takes pride in staying up to date on developing case law. In doing so, Christine regularly contributes to defense publications and also serves in numerous leadership positions, both locally and nationally.​​

Discipline and Discharge

Session Description

One of the toughest things an employer will ever have to do is to terminate one of its employees. This session will discuss potential problems and best practices on how to prepare for and carry out an involuntary discharge.

​Speaker​

Clarence Belnavis Fisher Phillips​ LLP

​Clarence Belnavis is the regional managing partner of Fisher Phillips’ Portland office and a partner in the Seattle office. He is a trial attorney focusing on employment litigation, including disability, racial and gender discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and wrongful discharge. Clarence also represents employers in wage and hour claims, employment class actions, and traditional labor matters.

In addition to his litigation practice, Clarence proactively advises clients with respect to labor and employment matters, including disability and return to work issues, employee handbooks, termination procedures and litigation avoidance. Clarence also provides client trainings and educational presentations to industry groups and organizations regarding current and developing employment law issues.​

Navigating Paid Leave Oregon: A Panel Discussion

Session Description

​​Paid Leave Oregon has undergone multiple changes since passage, including major adjustments this summer with SB 1515. This panel discussion will feature top employment law and leave experts answering key questions about our new leave law landscape. How will employers navigate an employee's claim for sporadic, intermittent leave? Can employers require fitness for duty certifications upon return? What should an employer do if they believe the employee has fraudulently applied for leave or is abusing it? Join us for the conversation on this and other key Paid Leave topics.

​Panelists

Melissa Healy Stoel Rives LLP

Melissa represents employers in all areas of labor and employment law. She advises on and serves as counsel in high-stakes labor and employment matters, including those related to employee leaves of absence, and conducts investigations for public and private sector clients. She has a strong traditional labor background and regularly represents employers in discharge and contract interpretation arbitrations, and in matters before the National Labor Relations Board. She frequently conducts training for employees and management, including training on harassment, discrimination, and protected leave laws.

Melissa is a frequent speaker and author on a variety of employment and labor law topics. Among other activities, Melissa is a contributing editor for The Developing Labor Law and serves on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel. 

Josh Nasbe Legislative Director, BOLI

Josh has practiced law in all three branches of state government. His love of policy development and the legislative process brought him to BOLI where he now serves as the Bureau's Legislative Director and Administrative Rules Coordinator. These roles have afforded him a front row seat from which to view recent changes in the leave landscape. 

Kaitlynn Chritton Policy Manager, Paid Leave Oregon

Bio coming soon.

Panel Moderator

Charlie Burr Employer Assistance, BOLI​

Charlie Burr works as a Learning and Development Specialist for BOLI's Employer Assistance Program, where he helps businesses large and small navigate frequently complex workplace requirements. Previously, Burr served as BOLI’s public information officer for five years, providing communications support for the agency’s legislative agenda and enforcement initiatives. Burr lives in northeast Portland with his wife Libby, daughters Marigny and Shelby, and dog Diamond.


​​

Legal Hiring

Session Description

Selecting the right person for the job is one of the most impactful decisions a business can make for its long-term success. However, finding the right person requires time, energy and resources. Legal requirements impose important constraints on recruiting candidates, conducting interviews and performing background checks. A single misstep can expose a company to complaints or lawsuits over issues like discrimination, negligent hiring, invasion of privacy and equal pay. This seminar will guide you through legally compliant hiring practices that help identify the best candidates while minimizing legal risks.

​Speakers

Chet Nakada Employer Assistance, BOLI

​​Chet Nakada is a Learning and Development Specialist with the State of Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries Employer Assistance Program. He started with the Agency in 1995. He conducts employer seminars and helps employers comply with Oregon's Wage and Hour and Civil Rights Laws. Prior to working for Employer Assistance he worked as a Senior Civil Rights Investigator and prosecuted cases for the Agency in the Administrative Prosecution Unit.​

Tiffany Ray Employer Assistance, BOLI

​​Tiffany Ray is a Learning and Development Specialist with BOLI's Employer Assistance Program, currently on rotation from her role as a Senior Civil Rights Investigator. As an investigator, she has handled hundreds of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases. Previously, she managed unit managers and staff as a Program Manager for both the Adult Protective Services and Case Management teams at Senior and Disability Services. She also served as an HR Training and Compliance Officer for the University of Oregon, providing training on discrimination, harassment, Title IX, and Clery Act requirements. She holds both a J.D. and M.S. in Conflict and Dispute Resolution from the University of Oregon. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her partner, Billy, and her three cats, Eggs, Bruce, and Little Miss.​

Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace: Disability, Religion, Pregnancy/Childbirth, and Domestic Violence Victim Protection

Session Description

How well do you know the legal obligations that affect Oregon employers when they field workplace accommodation requests? The significant changes to accommodation-related laws make issue spotting, compliance, and risk mitigation all worthy of a review.

Tune in to learn about the ins and outs of the following accommodation requirements:​

  • Disability accommodation requests under the ADA, as amended;
  • Religious accommodation requests under the recent standard set by the U.S. Supreme Court;
  • Pregnancy and childbirth accommodation requests, per the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s recently issued regulations;
  • Safety accommodation requests under Oregon’s law protecting workers who are victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and stalking;​

We will review employers’ legal obligations and best practices as they relate to reasonable accommodations in the workplace under various laws that apply to employees’ religion, disability, pregnancy, and domestic violence victim status. ​​

Speaker​

Joy Ellis Foster Garvey PC

Joy advises and represents employers while working under the premise that it is always in the employer’s best interest to proactively address workplace challenges before they become HR headaches or worse yet, lawsuits. Joy works with employers in all aspects of their employment-related legal needs, including advising employers on how to avoid being sued; answering day-to-day questions about discipline, discrimination, harassment, leave laws, accommodations, hiring, and termination; developing and updating employee handbooks; and drafting employment contracts and severance agreements. Joy’s practice also includes conducting independent workplace investigations. In addition to her advice practice, Joy is a litigator who defends employers. She has successfully handled hundreds of BOLI and EEOC complaints, and she regularly defends lawsuits in Oregon and Washington’s courts.​

Roadmap of a Work Injury Claim

Session Description

An injured employee can be a nerve-wracking and often confusing journey. This presentation will describe the “typical” path of a workers’ compensation claim, the detours that can happen along the way, and how you as an employer can best navigate the path to arrive at a favorable landing spot. ​

​Speaker

Vincci Lam Reinich Wilson

Vincci Lam’s practice is focused on all aspects of workers’ compensation defense and litigation. Growing up in an immigrant family who greatly benefited from public systems, she is acutely aware of the tremendous impact these systems, such as workers’ compensation, have on the stability and prosperity of a community. Vincci focused on Political Science at the University of Washington and emphasized Employment and Administrative Law in her legal studies at the University of Oregon. Vincci is a lead instructor for the Firm’s Oregon Workers’ Compensation Certification Course. She also serves on the Oregon State Bar’s Workers’ Compensation Section, as Chair of the Bench-Bar Forum. Vincci was elected a shareholder in 2017.​

The Secret Life of a BOLI Civil Rights Complaint

Session Description

This session will cover an in-depth inside look at the BOLI Civil Rights Division complaint process. We’ll offer tips and tricks for communicating with investigators, drafting positions statements, navigating investigations, and handling the “dreaded” finding of substantial evidence of a violation.​

​Speakers​

Michael Wood Civil Rights Division, BOLI

Bio coming soon.

Leila Wall Civil Rights Division, BOLI

Bio coming soon.

Strategic Documentation

Session Description

Effective documentation is key for discouraging and defending against employee claims.  But what kind of documentation stands up best in court or before a government agency?  How do you prioritize what to capture, and—most importantly—how on earth can you find the time to fit it in?  This session will cover these topics and more, including practical tips on how to efficiently make case-winning documentation part of your management routine​.

​Speaker​

Kurt Barker Best Best & Krieger LLP ​​

Kurt Barker is a partner at Best Best & Krieger in Bend, Oregon, and serves as Chair of the firm’s multi-state Labor & Employment law team. He is the current Legislative Affairs Chair of SHRM-Central Oregon and a past President of its board; he also serves on the boards of the Central Oregon Employers Council and Saving Grace.  Kurt has been representing employers in all aspects of the employment relationship for 23 years, including counseling regarding terminations and accommodations, drafting handbooks and contracts, conducting anti-harassment and other trainings, helping employers avoid claims, and defending them before agencies and in state and federal courts.  Since 2012, peers repeatedly have selected Kurt for listing in Best Lawyers in America for both (1) Management-side Employment Law and (2) Labor and Employment Litigation, and he was recently recognized by Super Lawyers for his work in Employment & Labor, as well.​

Going Beyond the Surface: A Guide to Conducting Prompt and Thorough Workplace Investigations

Session Description

Employers are increasingly at risk for not adequately responding to workplace complaints. One of the best defenses to a harassment or discrimination lawsuit is that the employer conducted a prompt and thorough investigation into an employee’s complaints. Responding carefully (and quickly) to complaints of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation (among other things) is crucial for employers when trying to maintain a positive and productive workplace and avoid litigation.​​

Undertaking an investigation into those allegations can be a complicated process that can have serious ramifications if not addressed properly. This session will give employers the tools needed to conduct an effective workplace investigation, or work with a third-party investigator, in order to resolve internal complaints before they become more complicated and widespread. Topics include:

  • When to conduct an investigation
  • Purpose/goal of investigation
  • Deciding between an in-house or third-party investigator
  • Conducting a thorough and prompt investigation
  • Interviewing witnesses and assessing credibility
  • Making findings and conclusions
  • Discipline, determination, and imposition
  • How to ensure the investigation will satisfy "just cause"

​Speakers

Christine A. Slattery Miller Nash LLP

​​Christine A. Slattery is a partner at Miller Nash LLP with deep experience conducting independent workplace investigations for Oregon and Washington employers in the following areas: sexual harassment; harassment on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and/or disability; discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, sex/gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and/or disability; retaliation and/or interference regarding use of FMLA and/or state-leave protections; retaliation; whistleblower retaliation; bullying; toxic work environments; poor job performance; intimidation, coercion, menacing, and/or stalking; treatment of students and student-athletes by educators and/or coaches; and other types of conduct that may constitute a violation of the employer’s policies. Christine holds a certificate from the Association of Workplace Investigators, an international organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the quality of impartial workplace investigations.

She also counsels employers on a wide variety of employment-related issues and is experienced in providing in-depth workplace trainings for management and non-management employees on a wide range of topics, including workplace investigations basics; comprehensive anti-discrimination and harassment practices; combating unconscious bias; promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; employee engagement; and maintaining a respectful workplace.

Jess Osborne Miller Nash LLP

Jess Osborne is a partner with Miller Nash LLP and represents public, private, and nonprofit employers in a variety of traditional labor law and employment matters. Jess advises employers on collective bargaining, including as lead negotiator, contract administration and implementation, organizing and election issues, and more. Jess also represents employers in labor arbitrations and before the National Labor Relations Board. In her employment practice, Jess advises employers in relation to compliance with employment law statutes, challenges with organizational change, organized workforce questions, and conducting workplace investigations. Jess also represents clients in employment litigation matters related to wrongful discharge, wage and hour, and other related areas. 

Auditing Your HR Practices to Root Out Unconscious Bias

Session Description

This insightful presentation guides attendees through the HR auditing processes to combat unconscious bias and inequities. Discover how subtle biases can influence critical employment decisions in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, development, performance evaluations, compensation, promotions, and retention. The presentation will dive into practical, impactful strategies employers can implement to identify and address these biases at every stage. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to cultivate a more equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.​    ​   ​     

Speaker

Jean Back Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt PC

Jean Back is a management-sided employment lawyer with Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt and has practiced in the areas of Labor and Employment and General Litigation in Oregon, Washington since 1991. Ms. Back’s practice is split between providing employment advice to company owners, managers, and Human Resources professionals, performing internal investigations, providing employee and manager training, and in representing companies in lawsuits involving all aspects of employment grievances, including discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, wage claims, and lawsuits related to non -competition agreements and protection of trade secrets.

Ms. Back is on the Boards for the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (“OMEP”) and the SW WA SHRM chapter and has been a regular speaker to Oregon and Washington employers on a variety of employment topics.

Telework Toolkit: Remote Workforce Management & Multi-State Considerations for Employers

Session Description

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many employers to rethink remote work policies, and “hybrid” work environments have since become a reality for many employers. As a result, states are beginning to catch up to this new reality and legislate issues arising out of remote workforces. With an abundance of potential remote work issues at stake, particularly when multi-state borders come into play, it is important for employers to implement effective policies that protect their workplace on the front-end. In this presentation, Barran Liebman partner Wilson Jarrell will discuss considerations for a remote workplace, including remote work as a reasonable accommodation, wage and hour considerations, and geographical considerations for employees potentially working remotely from out-of-state.​

Specific topics will include the following: 

  • Legal & Practical Considerations in Drafting Remote Work Policies
  • Managing Expectations & Requirements of Remote Employees
  • Compliance Concerns with Employees Working Partially or Fully in Other States (or Abroad)
  • Potential Effects on Independent Contractor Relationships
  • Travel Time Considerations for Hybrid or Primarily Remote Employees
  • Recent Developments in Advertising Open Positions Which Could be Filled Remotely
  • Recent Developments in the Application of Paid Leave & Other State Programs Applicable to Multi-State Workers

​Speaker

Wilson Jarrell Barran Liebman LLP

​​Wilson Jarrell is a partner at Barran Liebman LLP, where he advises and represents employers and management on a wide range of employment issues. He proactively counsels management in developing effective workplace policies and works closely with clients to ensure satisfactory resolution when the need for litigation arises. He also serves as a workplace investigator, regularly conducting investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other sensitive issues. Prior to joining Barran Liebman, Wilson externed for the Honorable Marco A. Hernandez in the United States District Court for Oregon and clerked for the Office of Lincoln County Legal Counsel. He is highly active in the community, currently serving as a Board Member for the Federal Bar Association Oregon Chapter and as a Board Member and Treasurer for the Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section. Wilson earned his B.A., magna cum laude, in Mathematics from Humboldt State University, and graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law, third in his class, where he was elected to Oregon Law’s Order of the Coif for his outstanding commitment to academic excellence.​

Wage and Hour: Top issues and pitfalls

Session Description

What are an employer's obligations when an employee quits without notice? When can an employer deduct the cost of tools or uniform? When should an employer classify a worker as an employee not independent contractor?​

Join wage and hour experts Jeff Burgess and Charlie Burr for a discussion focused on top compliance pitfalls and strategies to avoid potential claims and complaints. This interactive session will feature the most up-to-date look at common wage problems to help your organization manage risk and avoid complaints.  


​Speakers​​​

Jeff Burgess Employer Assistance, BOLI​

Jeff received his undergraduate degrees in Business Economics and Law and Society from the University of California at Santa Barbara where he was a Scottish Rite scholar. He went on to law school at the University of Mississippi and practiced law in California and Colorado for 15 years, focusing on litigation. He joined the Bureau of Labor and Industries in 2002 where he was an agency prosecutor for 7 years, taking civil rights and wage and hour cases to administrative hearing. In 2009 he joined the Employer ​Assistance Program where he teaches seminars, edits handbooks and answers inquiries about employment law for business owners, managers, human resources professionals and attorneys. Jeff lives in McMinnville with his wife Tiffany and various critters.​

Charlie Burr Employer Assistance, BOLI​

Charlie Burr works as a Learning and Development Specialist for BOLI's Employer Assistance Program, where he helps businesses large and small navigate frequently complex workplace requirements. Previously, Burr served as BOLI’s public information officer for five years, providing communications support for the agency’s legislative agenda and enforcement initiatives. Burr lives in northeast Portland with his wife Libby, daughters Marigny and Shelby, and dog Diamond.​


New Protections: Protected Employee Speech and Religious Expression in the Workplace

​Session Description

Recent legislation, court decisions, and NLRB opinions have significantly broadened employees' rights to openly discuss and disclose previously restricted topics, such as wages, allegations of harassment or discrimination, and other unlawful working conditions. Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court has introduced heightened protections for employee religious expression, emphasizing enhanced rights to religious accommodation. This presentation will explore the expanded range of employee protections that employers must navigate, providing insights into balancing sometimes conflicting legal obligations. Attendees will also receive practical strategies and best practices to help maintain compliance in this evolving legal landscape.​​

​Speaker​

Heather Van Meter Miller Nash LLP

A Pacific Northwest native, Heather Van Meter has over 25 years of experience representing private, public, and not-for-profit entities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her practice most recently has focused on employment advice and litigation, while she also has extensive experience in general civil litigation, including mass torts, drug and medical device and products liability, negligence, and multi-district litigation in state and federal courts in Oregon and Washington. Heather also taught Constitutional Law at Lewis & Clark Law School and worked as a Senior AAG and trial attorney in the Oregon Department of Justice’s Civil Litigation Section for over eight years. ​

High Risks, High Rewards: Using AI in the Workplace

​Session Description

This practical, interactive session will demystify the use of popular AI-powered tools in the workplace. We'll cover key considerations when choosing, implementing, and monitoring AI tools that process employee data. Attendees will learn risk mitigation strategies and gain confidence in leveraging the transformative technology. 

​Speaker​

Laura Lemire Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt 

L​​​aura Lemire is Of Counsel at Schwabe in Seattle and has advised clients on privacy and security matters for 13 years.

Leveraging her expertise on global data protection laws and practical in-house experience, Laura assists clients in complying with diverse, complex data handling requirements and navigating regulatory uncertainty in her area. She has helped clients respond to regulatory inquiries and investigations in the U.S. and the EU, including investigations related to cookies, online advertising, algorithmic bias, and security incidents.  

Today, Laura advises clients in all industries and at all stages—from startups to Fortune 500 businesses.  Laura's counseled the biggest names in social media, the metaverse, cloud computing, ad tech, and AI. She often speaks on privacy and security issues, as well as the technologies shaping the data protection landscape.

Laura graduated with a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law. She is a member of the Washington State Bar, and has also completed certifications by the International Association of Privacy Professionals in the U.S. and the EU (CIPP/US, CIPP/EU) and MIT CSAIL's program on Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy.    



* Agenda and topics subject to change.