The Legal Conference is presented entirely by a panel of experienced Employment & Labor Law attorneys.  While this conference is targeted to experienced HR practitioners, all are welcome.  Topics include "You Make the Call" and an open Q&A where our attorneys field and answer questions from our attendees.  

Session Description: Back by popular demand, this interactive legal panel puts you in the decision-maker’s seat. Each attorney will present a real-world HR scenario drawn from recent school district experiences. Attendees will review the facts, discuss options at their tables, and weigh in on how they'd respond. Then, the presenting attorney will walk through key legal considerations, potential risks, and recommended approaches. This session is fast-paced, practical, and a great opportunity to sharpen your legal instincts alongside your peers.

Session Description: From FMLA and ADA to Workers’ Comp and district-specific leave policies, managing employee absences can feel like navigating a maze. This session breaks down the legal requirements and shines a light on common misconceptions that trip up even seasoned HR professionals. Learn how to handle intermittent leave, overlapping protections, return-to-work issues, and documentation — all while keeping your district compliant and your operations running smoothly.

Session Speaker: Chrissy Hamiel, Attorney, VP of Attolles

Session Description: As conversations around fair pay and wage equity gain traction, school districts are facing new pressures to be more transparent — both legally and culturally — about how pay decisions are made. This session will unpack recent FLSA developments and explore how emerging pay transparency expectations intersect with job postings, compensation structures, and internal policies. Learn what’s required, what’s recommended, and how your district can build trust through clear, compliant, and well-communicated pay practices.

Session Speaker: Brian Goodman, Attorney, Partner at Boardman Clark

Brian is partner at Boardman Clark and is a member of the firm’s School Law, Labor & Employment, and Municipal practice groups. Brian has experience guiding public and private sector employers through a variety of challenging legal situations including: employee separations, employee leaves of absences and accommodations, artificial intelligence and technology developments, and discrimination and respectful workplace issues. In addition, Brian has experience with a variety of public sector issues, including First Amendment rights, and compliance with open meetings and public record laws.

 

Session Description: Recent advancements in AI have generated a variety of legal issues for HR professionals.  Use of AI in the job application process raises potential discrimination issues.  Additionally, as AI technology advances, novel legal issues are likely to arise including the potential dangers of employees using AI to create poor work product, HR using AI to improperly draft employment documents, the risk of disclosing confidential information by using AI, and more.  At the same time, this presentation hopes to arm attendees with some tools for properly utilizing the vast potential of AI in the field of HR because, AI is here to stay.

 

Session Description: From evolving guidance on DEI initiatives and gender identity protections to directives on AI, wage transparency, and workplace safety, recent federal executive orders are reshaping the compliance landscape for public schools. This session will highlight key executive actions impacting HR, including those tied to Title IX, federal contractor obligations, and civil rights enforcement. Learn what’s already in effect, what’s being challenged, and how your district can prepare for what’s next.