Premier Employment Law Conference

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Payroll challenges continue to multiply, causing headaches for payroll and HR professionals alike. Learn the trickiest issues, along with common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid. Find out how to bypass problems and improve every facet of your payroll operations. Topics include payroll changes included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ERC audits, key changes to W-2s and 1099s, timekeep¬ing, expense reimbursement, remote employees and more.

Speaker: Alice Gilman, Esq., is an expert in payroll and tax compliance who has covered payroll issues for more than 35 years. She serves as the editor of Payroll Legal Alert, published by Business Management Daily.

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Are you confident you’re handling all kinds of accommodation requests correctly? Do you know when to engage in an interactive process or when to make an instant decision? The type of accommodation matters, whether for disability, religion or pregnancy. This interactive “bootcamp” training session lets you roleplay (or watch) the give-and-take that creates a legally defensible reasonable accommodation. You’ll help solve real-world scenarios with your HR peers, taking valuable knowledge back to your organization, HR teams and frontline supervisors.

Speaker: Anniken Davenport is a noted employment law attorney and the legal analyst and senior editor for HR Employment Law Advisor. She has authored several books and leads numerous webinars and events focusing on employment law topics. Anniken has served as a professor at Penn State University, where she taught business law and HR management, and she directed the Legal Studies Program at Wilson College.

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

When you’re the first person to own HR compliance at a company, there’s no playbook—you write it yourself. In this practical and insightful session, you’ll hear firsthand how one HR professional stepped into a compliance void and built a full program from the ground up. She’ll walk you through what worked, what didn’t and how the company stays current with the ever-evolving legal landscape. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing structure, you’ll leave with actionable strategies for ensuring compliance, managing risk and staying ahead of new employment laws.

Speaker: Paula J. Lebeck serves as HR compliance specialist with U.S Venture Inc.

12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The world has changed. AI is no longer in its infancy. A viral social media post can sink your management team—or your company. Federal agencies have changed their stand on everything from affinity groups to civility rules. Updating your handbook is the essential task you must get right. No AI usage policy? Big mistake. Lax fraternizing rules? That’s inviting a viral moment. This session covers these and many other must-have policies with sample language to use right away.

Speaker: Anniken Davenport

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

After a morning of sessions, recharge and network with your peers. This is also your first chance to interact with many of the LEAP speakers before heading into the pre-conference workshops at 3 p.m.

3:00–5:00 p.m.

California’s workplace rules change constantly, with new court decisions, legislation and regulations reshaping employer obligations. This session analyzes the most common mistakes and the significant recent changes in California law. Most importantly, our experienced California attorneys offer practical strategies to stay compliant and mitigate risk. Essential for any organization with employees in the Golden State.

3:00–5:00 p.m.

HR teams invest heavily in policies and processes to reduce legal risk, but without well trained managers, those efforts often will fall short. This session focuses on how to equip managers with essential HR and employment law knowledge and the confidence to apply your organization’s policies, practices and procedures correctly. You’ll learn how to actively engage managers as partners in compliance, building stronger teams while protecting your organization.

3:00–5:00 p.m.

Perfect the art of performance reviews by creating processes that drive results and minimize legal risk. In this session, you’ll learn how to make sure your organization’s reviews are fair, legally defensible, documented effectively and free of common and costly missteps. When done right, performance reviews can boost employee engagement and align feedback with your organization’s strategic goals. Take this training back to your managers to ensure continuity throughout the organization.

3:00–5:00 p.m.

Managing family and medical leave under federal and state laws requires more than just checking boxes. This advanced session offers the tools to confidently handle complex leave requests (including intermittent leave), navigate complex scenarios and know when—and how—to say no, all while staying compliant and reducing risk. Bring your trickiest questions for our leave expert.

5:00–6:00 p.m.

Join us for a drink while you network with LEAP’s experts and your fellow attendees. Newcomers can take this chance to get the lay of the land while returning attendees catch up with old friends.

8:00–8:45 a.m.

Put your HR expertise to the test at this favorite annual event led by three top LEAP speakers. Collaborate with your colleagues to analyze real workplace challenges, showcase your HR acumen and learn from your colleagues. Plus, you might walk away with a prize.

9:00–9:15 a.m.

9:15–10:00 a.m.

Kick off LEAP 2026 as our expert speakers summarize the most pressing challenges that will impact your organization over the next 12 months. From recent Supreme Court rulings and a host of new state laws to shifting rules and confusion surrounding restrictive covenants like non-competes, you’ll gain practical strategies to address these issues head-on. Buckle up—this session moves quickly and sets the stage for the rest of the program.

10:00–10:45 a.m.

The new administration has ushered in a host of changes that are impacting employers every day. Some are helping employers, while others are causing consternation and challenges. This session will address the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement practices, legislative strategy (especially the employer impact of HR-1), relationship with organized labor and use of executive orders. This session will also examine the reshaping of many workplace rules by the EEOC, DOL, NLRB and other federal agencies. Our expert panel will unpack these developments and deliver practical guidance to help your organization navigate the D.C. upheaval with confidence.

10:45–11:00 a.m.

11:00–11:30 a.m.

Recent Supreme Court decisions have upended workplace bias law and driven an increase in litigation, including claims that were previously referred to as “reverse discrimination” cases. On the other hand, the Trump administration has tried to eliminate so-called “disparate impact” cases. And some courts are re-examining the burden of proof in discrimination cases, potentially making these cases more difficult to defend. This session will break down what all this means for employers and how HR should prepare for the new discrimination litigation environment.

11:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Nearly three years after the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act took effect, employers continue to struggle with the complexities of accommodating pregnant employees. And with many states adding their own pregnancy-related requirements, compliance has only grown more challenging. This session will give you practical guidance on navigating federal and state standards. Our panel will also help you manage related issues, including infertility, reproductive loss leaves, milk expression and more.

12:00–1:30 p.m.

The current employment law landscape is fraught with enormous shortcomings stemming from an increasingly partisan landscape; overlap and conflict between federal, state and local laws; and a court system overrun with employment law disputes (with price tags that continue to rise). Is there anything that can fix a broken system? A Washington insider and former chair of the NLRB will examine the areas most in need of overhaul, the proposals that are actually under consideration and what changes would constitute meaningful improvement.

1:45-2:30 p.m.

Balancing employee free speech rights with employers’ rights (and needs) to manage their workplaces is becoming increasingly complex. Add in a social media environment that allows employees to express their various beliefs far and wide, and the result is a legal minefield for employers. This session will help you understand employer and employee rights, identify potential legal risks and ensure your policies are clear, compliant and enforceable.

1:45-2:30 p.m.

If your organization provides goods or services to the federal government, directly or through a subcontractor, there are significant compliance obligations you must meet. From new oversight structures at the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to the potential application of the False Claims Act to those who receive federal monies (including contractors), HR needs to stay alert and up to date. And this starts with your affirmative action plans! Learn best practices to reduce risk while meeting your federal contractor obligations.

1:45-2:30 p.m.

This session will walk HR professionals through the proactive steps every employer should take now to strengthen employer/employee relations. Learn how to build strong, forward-looking policies and practices that reduce employer risk, strengthen employee relations, and support compliance. This will also ensure your company can directly manage its workforce without the intervention of third parties, such as organized labor. We’ll also tell you what you need to know should an organizing campaign arrive at your workplace.

2:45–3:30 p.m.

So-called “restrictive employment covenants”—including noncompete, nonsolicitation, trade secret and confidentiality agreements—present opportunities to protect organizations. But they can also raise legal issues if not implemented carefully. Navigating legal limitations at the state and federal levels presents many challenges, but they aren’t insurmountable. We’ll show you how to do it right.

2:45–3:30 p.m.

Learn how to plan and execute a reduction in force with clarity, compliance and compassion—while protecting your organization from legal risk. This session will cover best practices for selecting and documenting criteria, reducing exposure to lawsuits, delivering tough messages with empathy and addressing employee questions and pushback consistently and confidently. While one can hope that their organization avoids a RIF, being prepared in case they can’t is the better strategy.

2:45–3:30 p.m.

Despite the recent attacks on DEI initiatives, inclusive workplaces allow employees to thrive and are still a vital component of HR best practices. Learn from our experts how to focus inclusion policies and practices on the right (and lawful) levers. Discover the latest trends and predictions for the year ahead, equipping inclusive leaders with strategies to navigate the evolving landscape, mitigate risks and continue the work of fostering inclusive cultures.

3:45–4:15 p.m.

As AI adoption accelerates, HR’s role in managing its use has never been more critical (and risky). This session explores recent legal developments regarding limitations on the use of AI in the workplace, as well as best practices for AI-driven data collection. You’ll gain practical guidance on how to evaluate AI tools for compliance, spot and address potential bias in analytics, and apply lessons from real-world case studies to your own workplace.

4:15–4:45 p.m.

Don’t miss this LEAP favorite as we unpack the wildest HR developments from 2025. With plenty of humor, Joe Clees returns to turn real-world blunders into valuable lessons—ensuring you leave laughing, and ready to keep your organization off next year’s list!

4:45–5:00 p.m.

5:00–6:00 p.m.

You don’t want to miss this reception at the famous Legends Lounge inside Paris. Take advantage of the unique setting to relax, have a drink and network with new and old friends. And grab a photo with our special guest … you won’t want to miss this!

7:30–8:15 a.m.

AI dominates the headlines—but how are HR teams using the technology while staying out of court? This interactive, moderator-led session gives you a chance to share your experiences and hear how your LEAP colleagues are leveraging AI in hiring, talent management and other core HR processes. Explore real-world applications, discuss common pitfalls and learn the vital role HR plays in shaping responsible AI adoption.

7:30–8:15 a.m.

Facing a deposition can prove intimidating, even for experienced HR professionals and executives. This session demystifies the process with practical do’s and don’ts, key issues to discuss with your attorney and proven strategies to stay calm, confident and in control. Learn how to prepare yourself—and guide your C suite leaders—to handle tough questioning without making costly mistakes. Even if you are not currently facing litigation, this is a great skill-building opportunity for all HR professionals.

7:30–8:15 a.m.

With the number of pay-transparency and equity laws increasing across the country, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the latest compensation developments and best practices. Minimize risk while implementing structured and consistent pay policies at your organization with the lessons from this workshop. Our experts will also discuss the benefits of conducting a pay audit and guide you through the process to ensure compliance and fairness in your organization.

8:00–8:55 a.m.

Enjoy breakfast and a discussion about the latest workplace legal and HR issues with one of LEAP’s experts. Choose a table based on your topic of choice and enjoy the discussion before heading to the general session. And if you attend an early-morning seminar, feel free to join the conversation when that session concludes.

9:00–9:10 a.m.

9:10–10:00 a.m.

HR professionals face a wide range of challenges today—and this session will dig into some of the toughest questions that keep you up at night. Our panel of experts will address questions such as how employers can deal with more religious accommodation requests, new federal government standards and increasing tension overall regarding religion and the workplace. Are organizations still prioritizing diversity and inclusion initiatives, or is DEI “dead”? Our legal experts will answer these questions, along with many other late-breaking concerns, while sharing practical strategies to manage risk, maintain compliance and navigate sensitive workplace issues with confidence. This session is much better than sleeping pills!

10:00–10:30 a.m.

Employee or independent contractor misclassification. Exempt vs. nonexempt status. Overtime pay, meal breaks, rest breaks. State vs. federal law. Wage-and-hour rules are notoriously complex, and common mistakes often lead to millions of dollars of compensatory damages and steep penalties. Adding AI into the mix only increases the compliance challenges. In this session, we’ll break down how to navigate these complicated laws, avoid the biggest pitfalls and implement strategies that reduce your organization’s legal risk.

10:30–10:45 a.m.

10:45–11:15 a.m.

Many HR professionals don’t realize that disability is the No. 1 employment discrimination claim filed across the country, and increased by 9.2% over the last year, according to the EEOC’s most recent data. To be prepared for these claims—and an ever-growing list of qualifying conditions and accommodations—HR professionals must stay on top of the varying laws, developing legal expectations and best practices. This session provides practical guidance on staying compliant with the ADA and other disability-related laws while minimizing litigation risk (and still running your business).

11:15–11:45 a.m.

Workplace violence incidents continue to rise, leaving employers searching for answers on how to be prepared. Dr. Dennis Davis, recognized nationally as an expert on workplace violence prevention and a popular LEAP speaker, will detail proven strategies to identify warning signs, reduce risk factors and respond effectively. Learn how to protect employees, prevent escalation and limit organizational liability through proactive policies and training.

11:45–12:30 p.m.

Do you have a burning question you’ve been eager to ask an employment lawyer or HR expert? Here is another great opportunity! During lunch, one of the program speakers will join each table to discuss the LEAP sessions, answer questions and offer insights into the many workplace challenges of today.

12:30–1:00 p.m.

Lawsuits begin in everyday moments: a rushed coaching chat, a vague accommodation response, a sloppy timekeeping fix, a manager who “meant well.” In this energizing keynote, you’ll learn where preventable risk hides and how to close the gaps quickly. Discover how to build credible documentation, handle complaints with speed and neutrality, tighten wage-and-hour hot spots, deliver accommodation/leave responses that hold up and coach managers so compliance becomes automatic. Leave with a clearer path to fewer claims, calmer employees and a stronger culture.

1:15–2:15 p.m.

Watch experienced HR professionals conduct real-time interviews with both the accuser and accused, then hear expert employment lawyers analyze every step. Learn what works, what doesn’t and which missteps could put your company at risk of costly litigation. Walk away with practical, legally sound strategies to improve your workplace investigations.

2:15–2:45 p.m.

Wrap up your LEAP experience with this essential recap session. Representatives from each general session, breakout and workshop will highlight their most valuable insights, leaving you with a clear checklist of top issues and actionable steps to implement at your organization upon your return on Monday.

2:45–3:15 p.m.

In today’s litigious world, everyone needs a good laugh. Join the LEAP Roundtable Players for a fun, game show-style finale to LEAP, packed with employment law twists. Join in on the action as a contestant and compete for fun prizes!

3:15 p.m.–3:20 p.m.

We end the general session with quick closing thoughts and the Grand Prize drawing for complimentary admission and two-night hotel accommodations at LEAP 2027.

3:30–4:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this special session on how to handle terminations featuring Joe Beachboard and Dr. Dennis Davis. This workshop will detail how to approach termination decisions and conversations with confidence, balancing legal compliance, risk management and psychological sensitivity. Learn how to prepare and structure termination meetings, manage reactions and document properly. After this session, you will be equipped to handle separations legally, respectfully and effectively.

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