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 Speaker: Christina Katt & Lauren Burand, Buelow Vetter

Session Description: 

Employee absenteeism is becoming an increasing challenge for school districts—ranging from legitimate, legally protected leave to patterns that strain operations and raise concerns about misuse. This session will help HR leaders navigate the complex balance between supporting employees and maintaining accountability.

Participants will explore how to identify patterns of concern, apply policies consistently, and respond to excessive or questionable absences with confidence. Rather than a basic legal overview, this session will focus on real-world strategies, best practices, and decision-making frameworks that help you take action—while staying within legal guardrails. We’ll also highlight common missteps, documentation tips, and communication approaches that strengthen your position and support a fair, consistent culture. 

 Session Speaker: Chrissy Hamiel, Attolles

Session Description: 

Employee investigations are one of the highest-risk responsibilities for school district HR—and Act 57 has added new complexity to an already challenging process. This session will walk through the full lifecycle of an employee investigation, from initial complaint to final determination, with a focus on doing it right the first time.

Participants will gain practical guidance on planning and conducting investigations, maintaining neutrality, documenting findings, and making defensible decisions. The session will also break down key requirements and implications of Wisconsin’s Act 57, including timelines, reporting obligations, and common pitfalls districts encounter. Whether you’re handling investigations internally or overseeing the process, you’ll leave with clearer frameworks, greater confidence, and strategies to reduce risk while ensuring fairness.

 

Session Speaker: Brian Goodman, 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: 

Public school employees don’t leave their First Amendment rights at the door—but in today’s environment of social media, political division, and heightened community scrutiny, those rights are often misunderstood and tested.

This session will explore how employee speech—both on and off duty—can impact the workplace, disrupt operations, and create legal risk. Using timely, real-world scenarios, we’ll examine issues like social media posts, political expression, community advocacy, and staff conflicts. Participants will walk through how to assess whether speech is protected, when districts can take action, and how to respond in a way that is both practical and defensible. Expect a candid, scenario-driven discussion designed to help you navigate these situations with greater clarity and confidence.

Session Speaker: Mark Kapocius, vonBriesen & Roper

 Mark Kapocius is a school attorney with more than twenty years of experience working in administrative leadership roles for school districts in Wisconsin. As a Shareholder in the Government Law Group and School Law Section, Mark focuses his practice on school law and advising other public-sector entities on labor and employment matters, governance issues, collective bargaining, public records and open meetings compliance.

 

Session Description: 

Financial pressures and shifting enrollment are forcing many Wisconsin school districts to make difficult staffing decisions. Workforce reductions—whether through non-renewals, layoffs, or restructuring—require thoughtful planning, consistent decision-making, and careful execution.

This session will guide HR leaders through both the “who” and the “how” of workforce reductions. Participants will explore strategies for identifying positions impacted, applying fair and defensible criteria, and aligning decisions with district priorities. We’ll also walk step-by-step through the process, including timelines, required notices, communication strategies, and key risk points. With attention to both legal considerations and organizational impact, this session will help you navigate reductions in a way that protects your district while maintaining trust and culture.