* Negotiation of Protective Employment and Separation Contracts
* Demanding and Securing Equal Pay
* Confronting, Combatting, and Eliminating Gender Biases
Sue Ellen Eisenberg & Associates, P.C.
Sue Ellen Eisenberg & Kerry K. Cahill
33 Bloomfield Hills Parkway, Suite 145 Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304 (248) 258-5050 * www.seelawpc.com
Dear Friends:
Welcome to Forging the Future of Workers’ Rights—the 2024 National Employment Lawyers Association Annual Convention in Philadelphia!
We are delighted you could join us for NELA’s signature event of the year. We extend our thanks to the members and boards of NELA-Eastern Pennsylvania, NELA-New Jersey, and the Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association for their warm and generous hospitality.
We also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of retiring NELA Board members Heather M. Collins, Linda M. Correia, and Rachhana T. Srey. We thank them for their leadership in NELA and salute their passion in advancing the cause for all workers.
Please join us for NELA’s Gala Fundraiser on Friday, June 28 from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Gala is our yearly celebration of our collective accomplishments and the power of our voices when we unite to protect and promote workers’ rights on Capitol Hill and in courtrooms across the nation. We offer our deepest gratitude to the sponsors of the 2024 Gala for making NELA an even stronger and more influential force for working people and their advocates.
The 2024 NELA Annual Convention Committee, along with our Convention moderators and speakers and the NELA team, have worked hard over the past several months to bring you extraordinary programming throughout the next three days. We hope you take advantage of the many opportunities to meet and collaborate with some of the best plaintiffs’ employment lawyers in the country. Learn, celebrate, connect, rejuvenate, and then return to your office equipped with new ideas, tips, and strategies that you can immediately apply to your practice.
On behalf of the Board and Staff of the National Employment Lawyers Association, thank you for joining us and for all you do to promote a more just and inclusive American workplace.
Carla D. Brown
Karen Maoki President Interim Executive Director
NELA EASTERN
PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER
Dear Respected Guest,
The Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA-EPa) warmly welcomes you to this year’s Convention, Forging the Future of Workers’ Rights NELA-EPa is proud to coordinate an unparalleled opportunity for workers’ rights professionals to engage with fellow advocates and glean insights from esteemed experts in the field.
We take pride in recognizing the exceptional contributions of outstanding individuals to the field of workers’ rights law. This year’s Distinguished Service awards honorees are The Honorable Bernice B. Donald and Bruce A. Fredrickson of Webster & Fredrickson. The NELA 2024 Spotlight Award recognizes a NELA leader who best captures NELA’s mission. Congratulations to this year’s award recipient, area practitioner Camille Fundora Rodriguez of Berger Montague.
These leaders are helping to shape tomorrow, but let us take a moment to reflect on the story of workers’ rights, and Philadelphia’s role in it. In 1786, only 10 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, the city’s printers orchestrated the United States’ first trade-specific strike. This was a significant milestone not only in workers’ rights history, but American history. It signaled the beginning of organized trade union activity among workers in the United States, as craftsmen sought to address their common concerns and improve their working conditions.
We take pride in recognizing the exceptional contributions of outstanding individuals to the field of workers’ rights law.
We hope you enjoy this year’s Annual Convention. Outside of the event, take some time to visit Independence Hall to see the room where it happened. Grab a cheesesteak at Ishkabibble’s, see a monument to the very real George Washington at Eakins Oval, or the statue of the very fictional Rocky Balboa at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There is something for everyone.
Sincerely,
Steven T. Auerbach President of the National Employment Lawyers Association Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter
2024 NELA BOARD
Carla D. Brown President Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, PC Reston, VA
M. Nieves Bolaños First Vice President Attorney at Law Chicago, IL
Mark Hanna Vice President of Public Policy Murphy Anderson, PLLC Washington, DC
Deborah H. Karpatkin Vice President of Affiliate Relations Law Office of
Deborah H. Karpatkin New York, NY
Ben Lebsack Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Lowrey Parady Lebsack, LLC Denver, CO
Summer H. Murshid Secretary Hawks Quindel, SC Milwaukee, WI
Christopher Houk Treasurer Houk Law Firm, PLLC Tempe, AZ
Linda M. Correia Immediate Past President Correia & Puth, PLLC Washington, DC
Bernard Alexander Alexander Morrison + Fehr, LLP Los Angeles, CA
Bryce W. Ashby Donati Law, PLLC Memphis, TN
Heather M. Collins HMC Civil Rights Law Brentwood, TN
Maria G. Diaz Allred, Maroko & Goldberg Los Angeles, CA
Christine T. Elzer Elzer Law Firm, LLC Pittsburgh, PA
Amanda A. Farahany Barrett & Farahany Atlanta, GA
Maureen Truax Holland Holland & Associates, PC Memphis, TN
Shelby Leighton Public Justice Washington, DC
Nina T. Pirrotti Garrison, LevinEpstein, Fitzgerald & Pirrotti, PC New Haven, CT
Scott M. Pollins Pollins Law Firm Swarthmore, PA
Donna Williams Rucker
Tully Rinckey, PLLC Washington, DC
Robert W. Schmidt
Robert W. Schmidt Law Firm Austin, TX
Adria Lynn Silva Sass Law Firm Tampa, FL
Rachhana T. Srey Nichols Kaster, PLLP Minneapolis, MN
Jeffrey N. Young Solidarity Law Cumberland Foreside, ME
Paul H. Tobias Founder In Memoriam
2024 INSTITUTE BOARD
Diane S. King President King Employment Law Denver, CO
Denise M. Clark Vice President Clark Law Group, PLLC Washington, DC
Alicia K. Haynes Secretary Haynes & Haynes, PC Birmingham, AL
Wade B. Cowan Treasurer Attorney at Law Nashville, TN
Patricia A. Barasch Schall & Barasch, LLC Moorestown, NJ
M. Nieves Bolaños Attorney at Law Chicago, IL
Carla D. Brown Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, PC Reston, VA
Bruce A. Fredrickson Webster & Fredrickson PLLC Washington, DC
Donna R. Lenhoff
Donna Lenhoff Associates Washington, DC
Maria Price Cisco Systems Inc. Washington, DC
Phillis h. Rambsy Rambsy Law PC Nashville, TN
RETIRING NELA BOARD MEMBERS
The National Employment Lawyers Association thanks and applauds our retiring Board Members for their tireless service. Thank you for inspiring us all to forge a brighter future for workers’ rights!
HEATHER M. COLLINS
LINDA M. CORREIA
RACHHANA T. SREY
NELA AFFILIATE REPRESENTATIVES
Eighth Circuit NELA
Jill Zwagerman
Alabama
NELA-Alabama
Sonya Edwards
Arizona
AzELA
Jeffrey A. Silence
California
California Employment Lawyers Association
Barbara Figari Cowan
Bay Area Cabal
Patrice L. Goldman
Traci M. Hinden
LEFTJAW
Thomas W. Falvey
Sacramento Employment Lawyers Association
Christopher H. Whelan
Colorado
Colorado PELA
Ariel DeFazio
Connecticut
Connecticut Employment Lawyers Association
Amanda M. DeMatteis
District of Columbia
Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association
Lauren A. Khouri
Florida
Florida NELA
Amanda Biondolino
Georgia
NELA Georgia
Tamika Sykes
Hawaii
NELA-Hawaii
Elbridge W. Smith
Illinois
NELA-Illinois
Max Barack
Indiana
NELA-Indiana
Tae Sture
Iowa
Iowa NELA
Thomas Bullock
Kentucky
Kentucky Employment Lawyers Association
Barbara D. Bonar
Louisiana
Louisiana Employment Lawyers Association
J. Arthur Smith, III
Baton Rouge NELA
J. Arthur Smith, III
Maine
Maine NELA
David G. Webbert
Maryland
Maryland Employment Lawyers Association
Neil R. Lebowitz
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association
David I. Brody
Michigan
Michigan Employment Lawyers Association
Sarah S. Prescott
Minnesota
Minnesota NELA
Brian T. Rochel
Employee Lawyers Association of the Upper Midwest
Leslie L. Lienemann
Missouri
Kansas City NELA
Phillip M. Murphy II
St. Louis NELA
Nicole Matlock
Nebraska
Nebraska NELA
Joy Shiffermiller
Nevada
Nevada NELA
Joshua D. Buck
New Hampshire
New Hampshire NELA
Benjamin T. King
New Jersey
NELA-NJ
Leslie A. Farber
New York
NELA/New York
Laurie E. Morrison
North Carolina
NELA-North Carolina
Faith Herndon
Ohio
Ohio Employment Lawyers Association
Neil E. Klingshirn
Paul H. Tobias Cincinnati Employment Lawyers Association
Randolph H. Freking
Cleveland Employment Lawyers Association
Kami D. Brauer
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association
Amber L. Hurst
Tulsa Employment Lawyers Association
Jonathan E. Shook
Oregon
Oregon Employment Lawyers Association
Beth Creighton
Pennsylvania
NELA-Eastern Pennsylvania
Steven T. Auerbach
Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association
Nicole Daller
Rhode Island
Rhode Island NELA
Charles S. Kirwan
Tennessee
TENNELA
Brian Winfrey
Texas
Texas Employment Lawyers Association
Kyla Cole
Dallas/Ft. Worth NELA
Janice Gilmore
Brittney Thompson
El Paso/West Texas Employment Lawyers Association
Christopher Benoit
NELA Houston
Mickey Washington
San Antonio Employment Lawyers Association
Thomas J. Crane
Utah
Utah Employment Lawyers Association
Galen T. Shimoda
Vermont
Vermont Employment Lawyers Association
Roger E. Kohn
Virginia
Virginia Employment Lawyers Association
Paul Falabella
Washington
Washington Employment
Lawyers Association
Beth Terrell
West Virginia
West Virginia Employment
Lawyers Association
Christine L. Glover
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Employment
Lawyers Association
Robert M. Mihelich
“We have
influenced life in America, our organization. There is no question that the work that our lawyers have done has made an impact on employees— workers—all over the country for the last years. For a little organization...
that is something to be proud of.”
– PAUL H. TOBIAS, NELA FOUNDER
InIn March 1985, a dozen plaintiff employment lawyers from nine states attending the ABA’s Labor and Employment Law Section meeting in Wesley Chapel, Florida decided to form the Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association (PELA). Led by Paul H. Tobias, the founding members envisioned that this new organization would provide the assistance and information sought by attorneys representing individual employees, particularly in wrongful termination cases. It would develop the professional network necessary for effective sharing and support of ideas, successes, problems, and frustrations. PELA also would serve as an instrument for advancing public policy and legislation affecting the rights of employees. In this regard, the founding members of PELA contemplated a publication, which later would be called The Employee Advocate, a membership directory, a brief bank, educational programs uniquely designed for plaintiff employment lawyers, and the development of state and local PELA groups around the country. In 1990, PELA changed its name to the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) to represent the growing national scope of its membership and held its first Annual Convention.
employment cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and Circuit Courts of Appeals since 1985. NELA is at the forefront of major employment issues, including banning forced arbitration of employment claims, resisting reforms to the civil justice system that would make it more difficult for workers to vindicate their rights, and ensuring a fair and diverse judiciary. At the circuit, state, and local levels, NELA Affiliates across the nation are supporting workers’ rights advocates in their communities and adding their voices in NELA’s advocacy initiatives.
The cornerstone of NELA is, and always has been, community.
In 2008, NELA created a related charitable policy and advocacy organization, now known as the National Institute for Workers’ Rights (Institute). The Institute advances workers’ rights through research, thought leadership, and education for policymakers, advocates, and the public, and is NELA’s indispensable partner in pursuing our shared vision for the world: A future in which all workers are treated with dignity and respect; workplaces are equitable, diverse, and inclusive; and the well-being of workers is a priority in business practices.
In the thirty-nine years since its founding, NELA has gained a reputation for providing exceptional educational programs for plaintiff employment lawyers. Its substantive law committees and practice groups provide technical support to NELA members and keep them abreast of recent developments, and the NELA Exchange provides a forum for members to share strategies, resources, and encouragement. With the assistance of dozens of volunteers, the organization has participated as amicus curiae in significant
The cornerstone of NELA is, and always has been, community. Among the original goals set at the inaugural meeting of PELA is the “PELA Pledge”: Members agree to receive calls from fellow members and render assistance. The devices used to share information have changed since 1985, but the guiding principle remains the same: NELA’s greatest strengths are the generosity and collective power of our community of workers’ rights advocates.
SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
CONVENTION SPONSORS
AARP LOGO
Dundon Advisers LOGO
Morgan & Morgan LOGO
Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation
National Institute for Workers’ Rights
NELA-Eastern Pennsylvania
NELA-NJ
Nichols Kaster, PLLP
Schall & Barasch, LLC
Tobias, Torchia & Simon/Freking Myers & Reul, LLC
Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association
CONVENTION EXHIBITORS
Balanced Bridge Consulting By Carella
eGenerationMarketing
employstats
Eve Legal hona
ILYM
JS Held Law Clerk
LeapNeat Consulting
Lexamica
Miles Mediation & Arbitration
National Women’s Law CenterLegal Network for Gender Equality
Phoenix Class Action Administration
Solutions
Rust Consulting
Scorpion
Simpluris
Steno
Syllo
Camille Fundora Rodriguez Berger & Montague, PC Philadelphia, PA
Carla D. Brown
Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, PC Reston, VA
Joseph W. Gibson
The Employment Law Center of Maryland Frederick, MD
Claire Hunter
HKM Employment Attorneys Denver, CO
Cheryl Legare
Legare, Attwood & Wolfe, LLC Decatur, GA
Karen Maoki
National Employment Lawyers Association Concord, CA
Deborah K. Marcuse
The ROAR Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, MD
John McKnight
Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP Washington, DC
CONVENTION COMMITTEE
Michael A. Filoromo, III Katz Banks Kumin Philadelphia, PA
Jeffrey A. Mittman
National Employment Lawyers Association Concord, CA
Angeli Murthy Morgan & Morgan, PA Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Robert W. Schmidt
Robert W. Schmidt Law Firm Austin, TX
Pooja Shethji Outten & Golden LLP Washington, DC
Douglas M. Werman Werman Salas PC Chicago, IL
Ashley O. Westby
National Employment Lawyers Association Washington, DC
We the People
We are thrilled to welcome you to America’s birthplace, and congratulate the many members of the National Employment Lawyers Association on an amazing year of
The National Employment Lawyers Association
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Chapter
NELA STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
Paul
Erica
Tacarra L. Andrade Membership Director
Alicia Battle Events Coordinator
Leah A. Hofkin Director of Development
Karen Maoki Interim Executive Director
Pedro A. Valverde Digital Communications & Technology Manager
• Advocate for laws and policies that level the employment playing field
We look forward to working together with NELA and its members to level the playing field for workers in the years to come.
Contact us about trial & appellate ADEA, ADA, ERISA, FMLA, FLSA, and related state law matters. To learn more, visit www.AARPFoundation.org/litigation or call (202) 434-2060.
2024 NELA Annual Convention Keynote Speaker
NELA is thrilled to welcome Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval as our 2024 Annual Keynote Speaker.
Senator Nikil Saval is a father, husband, writer, and organizer representing Pennsylvania’s First Senatorial District. His commitment to solidarity and justice for working people, and his skill at coalition building, carried him from his roots as a labor organizer to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, where he currently serves as Democratic Chair of the Senate’s Urban Affairs & Housing Committee and Chair of the Senate’s Philadelphia Delegation.
Saval has focused his legislative work on critical response to Pennsylvania’s ongoing housing, mass incarceration, wage, and climate crises, while simultaneously pushing for deep structural change so that communities across the Commonwealth have the resources and support they need to thrive. He led the creation of Pennsylvania’s nationally acclaimed Whole-Home Repairs Program, which establishes a one-stop shop for home repairs and weatherization.
Saval has written extensively for The New York Times and The New Yorker and served as co-editor of literary journal n+1 He authored Cubed: A Secret History of the Workplace and the newly released Rage in Harlem: June Jordan and Architecture
Senator Saval will be introduced by NELA member Rahul Munshi.
2024 NELA Annual Convention Courageous Plaintiffs
Mark Miles
Mark Miles v. Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Stephanie Harvey Represented by Erica Jacobsen White (Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA)
I am honored to be the recipient of the Courageous Plaintiff Award from the National Employment Lawyers Association. I currently serve as a Police Officer with the MarylandNational Capital Park Police. I have dedicated my career to serving my country and my community, and I believe this lawsuit has furthered my service to the citizens of Maryland.
Early in my career with Park Police, it was apparent that other officers on my squad were hesitant to trust me because of my race. Regardless, I did my best to fulfill and excel at my duties. Sadly, my work ethic did not seem to matter and the racial comments, led by my former Sergeant, only grew more offensive and overt. Once I spoke up, I was retaliated against for speaking out against racism in the department.
This tale is as old as time. My grandfather, Maurice Miles, was forced to dine separately from his white colleagues while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He told us proudly about how he rode his bike downtown to listen to Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. My father, Mark Miles Sr., also endured numerous instances of racism while serving with the Maryland State Police. I stand here today, feeling blessed that I had the support of my family and friends to take a stand against this behavior.
Inspired by my father, my grandfather, and by the citizens I protect, I fought for justice. This fight led to being isolated by my squad and not receiving adequate backup when requested, putting my life in immediate danger. The discrimination I experienced took a toll on my wellbeing, both personally and professionally. It affected my confidence, morale, and ability to perform effectively. This fight was necessary for the future of this department and for young officers of color who want to pursue this profession with integrity and honor.
Today, I am fortunate to have made a difference, and I am grateful that I get to continue to serve my community.
The case resulted in significant changes inside the Park Police, including the termination and discipline of the offending officers, which both improved the working conditions for other officers inside the Park Police, as well as removing officers engaging in this conduct from the street.
Jennifer Harris Harris v. FedEx Corporate Services Inc.
Represented by Brian
P. Sanford and Elizabeth “BB” Sanford (The Sanford Firm)
Jennifer Harris was a rising star at FedEx in sales. Because of her exceptional performance, FedEx promoted her over twelve years to a sales manager overseeing over $50 million in annual sales. Twice she received FedEx’s highest annual sales award, the President’s Club award.
When Ms. Harris noticed that her new white manager was treating her differently than Ms. Harris’ white peers, she reported to FedEx that she believed she was being discriminated against because of her race. FedEx then disciplined her for the first time in her career. When Ms. Harris complained of retaliation, FedEx increased the discipline. When Ms. Harris filed an EEOC charge, FedEx fired her.
Ms. Harris filed suit in federal court in Houston, TX. FedEx refused to mediate or offer any amount to settle. The jury found FedEx liable for unlawful retaliation and awarded her $1,160,000 in compensatory damages and $365 million in punitive damages. The trial court entered a judgment in the full amount and FedEx appealed.
The Fifth Circuit found no evidence to support punitive damages and reduced the compensatory damages to $258,619.57. Ms. Harris and her advocates are petitioning the Supreme Court for a Writ of Certiorari.
The verdict against FedEx has had a huge impact on advancing the legal rights of workers. It was in the top 100 of all verdicts in the U.S. in 2020 and the top 10 in Texas.
The impact of this case has caused corporations to review and increase oversight of discrimination and retaliation policies. It has also had a significant effect on raising settlement compensation for workers.
COURAGEOUS
Sarah “Alica” Lindsley Lindsley v. TRT Holdings, Inc.
Represented by James Vagnini (Valli Kane & Vagnini LLP) & Jay D. Ellwanger (Ellwanger Henderson)
Sarah “Alica” Lindsley began her career with Omni Hotels as a fine dining server at a restaurant outlet in Tucson, AZ. Despite immediately facing sexual harassment and a “boys club” culture, she persevered and moved up in the company, ultimately becoming Director of Food & Beverage at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi, Texas. While Omni was happy to have and promote a dedicated, hardworking, and responsible employee, it was also willing to discriminate against Ms. Lindsley in how it paid her.
Hoping that her superiors would respect her position in the organization, she reported the discrimination. Instead, she was subjected to vicious retaliation. Immediately after filing a charge with the EEOC, her charge was circulated around her workplace. Soon after, she received a less than stellar performance rating, the first in her career. When she confronted her General Manager, he yelled at her, demanding she stop the EEOC investigation. In a final effort
to turn her own team against her, Omni lowered the reviews of Ms. Lindsley’s team without her involvement or consent.
After prevailing before the EEOC on her unequal pay and retaliation claims, a lawsuit was filed. Omni refused to settle. Ms. Lindsley’s case was dismissed on summary judgment. She refused to give up and appealed the District Court decision, ultimately prevailing before the Fifth Circuit. The case was remanded back for trial. A jury awarded Ms. Lindsley $100,000 in compensatory damages and $25,000,000 in punitive damages for Title VII violations. The award was reduced to the $300,000 Title VII cap by the District Court. The District Court also ordered Omni to “post the jury’s verdict on the company bulletin boards in employee break areas with the following notice ‘A jury in Dallas found that Omni unlawfully discriminated against employee Sarah Lindsley under Title VII because of her sex.’” The notice also had to be distributed to all Omni employees electronically. Defendants have appealed the verdict and judgment in its entirety.
Ms. Lindsley’s case highlights the absurdity of the Title VII caps created almost a half century ago. She is thrilled that a jury ultimately believed her and validated her experience, however, the road has been long and the impact devastating. She continues to fight for the rights of women in the workplace and the end of damages caps.
Abby Grossberg
Abby Grossberg v. Fox News Corp., Tucker Carlson, et al.
Represented by Parisis G. Filippatos Filippatos PLLC
Matthew Hunter
Matthew L. Hunter v. City of Des Moines, Iowa
Represented by David Albrecht and Kellie L. Paschke Fiedler Law Firm, PLC
Lynn M. Kramer
Kramer v. PROCON, LLC et al
Represented by Heather M. Burns Upton & Hatfield, LLP
Alessandra Morales
Morales v. McDivitt Law Firm, P.C. et al.
Represented by Clayton E. Wire Ogborn Mihm, LLP
Ulku Rowe
Rowe v. Google LLC
Represented by Cara E. Greene, Gregory S. Chiarello, and Shira Gelfand Outten & Golden LLP
Karyn D. Stanley
Karyn D. Stanley v. City of Sanford, Florida
Represented by Patricia R. Sigman
Sigman & Sigman, PA
Le Roy Torres
Torres v. Texas Department of Public Safety
Represented by Brian J. Lawler Pilot Law, LLC
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF
NELA
We support their mission to empower workers’ rights attorneys through legal training, promoting a fair judiciary, and advocating for laws and policies that level the playing field for workers.
Simpluris class action and claims administration offers comprehensive settlement planning, execution, and reporting.
Our Class Action Offerings
• Data Management
• Legal Noticing Expertise and Planning
• Claim Form & Website
• Contact Center
• Claims Processing & Adjudication
• Distribution, QSF Management, & Taxation
• Physical Print / Mail and Email / SMS Campaigns
LIEFF CABRASER PROUDLY
Lin Y. Chan
Christopher E. Coleman
Jallé H. Dafa Kelly
Jessica A. Moldovan
Michael Levin-Gesundheit
Michelle A. Lamy
Daniel M. Hutchinson
Dean M. Harvey
Anne B. Shaver
Caitlin
Frank J. White
Miles Mediation
TENNELA
CONGRATULATES AND THANKS OUR OWN JUDGE
BERNICE
B. DONALD ON A LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO OUR LEGAL SYSTEM
Tennessee Employment Lawyers Association
gala design OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS FORGING THE FUTURE
AWARDS PRESENTATION
Thursday, June 27
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Salons G-H (Level 5)
Included with Convention Registration
We have the privilege of recognizing Bruce A. Fredrickson (DC) for his longstanding leadership and distinguished service to the NELA community and presenting a special distinguished service award to The Honorable Bernice B. Donald (Ret.) (TN), a trailblazer with an extraordinary record of public service. Camille Fundora Rodriguez (PA) will receive our Spotlight Award, which recognizes NELA leaders who represent our future.
In addition, the National Institute for Workers’ Rights will be presenting its annual Impact for Workers Award to the Peggy Browning Fund.
GALA DANCE PARTY
Friday, June 28
8:00–11:00 p.m. Salons G-H (Level 5)
Separate Ticket Required
Don’t miss this highlight of our time together! The evening includes music, dancing, and sweet and savory snacks. Every Gala attendee will receive two complimentary drink tickets courtesy of Dundon Advisers LLC. Drop in anytime!
NELA’s 2024 Gala Fundraiser reinforces NELA’s mission of empowering workers’ rights attorneys through legal training, promoting a fair judiciary, and advocating for laws and policies that level the playing field for workers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Gala sponsors for their commitment to making NELA an even stronger and more influential force for working people and their advocates.
Tickets are still available and may be purchased in advance at the Registration Desk or at the door.
2024 NELA GALA HONOREES
Please join NELA in honoring three members of our extended national family for their inspiring commitment to justice for workers. The Awards Presentation takes place on Thursday, June 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Salons G-H (5th Floor).
NELA has the immense privilege of presenting a special distinguished service award to a true hero, The Honorable Bernice B. Donald (Ret.), a trailblazer with an extraordinary record of public service. In January 2023, she retired from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, concluding a 40-year judicial career which began when she won election to the General Sessions Criminal Court for Shelby County, TN and became the first African American woman judge in the state. Judge Donald later became the first African American woman to serve as a U.S. Bankruptcy judge and made history again first, when President Bill Clinton nominated her to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, and then when she was appointed to the Sixth Circuit by President Barack Obama. While Judge Donald’s long-standing involvement with NELA may be a small component of her countless contributions to American jurisprudence, it has been highly significant to us. She is one of our most popular speakers at CLE events, and her pioneering work on implicit bias has elevated the national conversation about systemic inequities in the law and legal profession. Following her retirement from the bench, Judge Donald joined Burch, Porter & Johnson in Memphis. A nationally recognized third-party neutral, Judge Donald serves as an arbitrator or mediator in a wide range of specialized areas and regularly serves as a court-appointed special master. A 1979 graduate of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Judge Donald also holds an LL.M. from Duke University School of Law and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Suffolk University.
Our colleague Bruce A. Fredrickson (Webster & Fredrickson, PLLC, DC) exemplifies the very best of NELA. He has had a successful, pioneering career as a plaintiffs’ employment lawyer, including having led the class action against the U.S. Information Agency which, after 23 years, resulted in a settlement of $508 million, the largest settlement in the history of Title VII. A former president of NELA and the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association (MWELA), Bruce has generously devoted countless hours to supporting other NELA lawyers, including as a frequent speaker at our CLE events. He has played a key role in advancing NELA’s legislative priorities, including helping to lead our charge to secure the 2004 enactment of the provision of the Civil Rights Tax Relief Act eliminating double taxation of attorneys’ fees in employment and civil rights cases. Bruce was the founding president of the National Institute for Workers’ Rights, NELA’s public interest organization, and currently serves on the Institute’s Board. He teaches trial advocacy at American University’s Washington College of Law and an undergraduate law course at Dartmouth College, his alma mater. He earned his JD from The George Washington University Law School.
NELA is proud to present our 2024 Spotlight Award to Camille Fundora Rodriguez (PA), a shareholder in Berger Montague PC’s Employment & Unpaid Wages practice group where her practice focuses on wage and hour class and collective actions arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act and state laws. Her leadership in advancing DEI issues at her firm of more than 100 attorneys and her involvement in NELA, including as a CLE speaker and member of the Annual Convention Committee, demonstrates that she is a NELA leader who represents our future.
Camille is Berger Montague’s DEI Coordinator and leads the firm’s DEI Task Force, which enacts a broad range of diversity efforts, including efforts to hire and retain attorneys and non-attorneys from diverse backgrounds and to foster an inclusive work environment, including through Firmwide trainings on implicit bias issues that may impact the workplace. She is a graduate of Widener University School of Law. In 2023, Ms. Rodriguez was named as one of The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, received the “Diversity Initiative” award by The Legal Intelligencer, and an honoree for the “Diversity in Business Awards” by the Philadelphia Business Journal
Cheers to Interim Executive Director
Karen Maoki
Thank you for stepping forward to guide this small but mighty team. We look forward to your thoughtful, steady, and collaborative leadership.
2024 NELA GALA SPONSORS
It is with gratitude that we acknowledge our generous sponsors of this year’s Gala Fundraiser. Drink tickets graciously provided by
CHAMPIONS OF JUSTICE
barrett &
BENEFACTORS
Alexander Morrison + Fehr, LLP
Stephen R. Bruce Law Offices
Katherine L. Butler
Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, PC
Ellwanger Henderson
Kaplan Law Firm, PLLC
King Employment Law
Lichten & Liss-Riordan, PC
Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
Nichols Kaster, PLLP
The Sanford Firm
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE
M.Nieves Bolaños
Console Mattiacci Law, LLC
Garrison, Levin-Epstein, Fitzgerald & Pirrotti, PC
Getman, Sweeney & Dunn, PLLC
Hawks Quindel, SC
Haynes & Haynes, PC
HKM Employment Attorneys LLP
HMC Civil Rights Law
Lowrey Parady Lebsack
Morgan & Morgan
NELA-NJ
Outten & Golden LLP
Pitt McGehee Palmer
Bonanni & Rivers
Schall & Barasch, LLC
Robert W. Schmidt Law Firm
PRESIDENT’S CABINET
Allred, Maroko & Goldberg
Benoit Legal, PLLC
Berger Montague PC
Noelle Brennan & Associates, Ltd.
California Employment Lawyers Association
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC
Colorado PELA
Donati Law, PLLC
Elzer Law Firm, LLC
Florida NELA
Gilbert Employment Law, PC
Gillespie Sanford LLP
The Law Offices of Gilda A. Hernandez, PLLC
Janet E. Hill
Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA
Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, PC
Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association
Murphy Anderson PLLC
NELA-Illinois
NELA/New York
Pollins Law
Ritz Clark & Ben-Asher LLP
Sedey Harper Westhoff, PC
Tennessee Employment Lawyers Association (TENNELA)
Texas Employment Lawyers Association
Werman Salas PC
Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association
Williams Law Firm, PC
Winebrake & Santillo, LLC
ADVOCATES
Armstrong & Associates
Barrett Johnston Martin & Garrison, LLC
Borealis Law PLLC
Brown, Goldstein & Levy
Rex Burch
Butler Curwood PLC
Colorado Employee Advocates
Carmen Comsti
Connecticut Employment Lawyers Association
Cornish & Dell’Olio, PC
The Employment Law Group, PC
Fiedler Law Firm
Fitzgerald Law, PLLC
Friedman & Houlding, LLP
Golden Law LLC
Barry Goldstein
Hammons, Hurst & Associates
Leah A. Hofkin
Holland & Associates, PC
Houk Law Firm
Hughes Socol Piers
Resnick & Dym, Ltd.
Johnson & Webbert LLP
Law Office of
Deborah H. Karpatkin
Kator, Parks, Weiser &
Wright PLLC
Matt Koski
Livingston, Adler, Pulda, Meiklejohn & Kelly, PC
Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau, LLC
Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen
Jonathan J. Margolis
Minnesota NELA
NELA-Alabama
NELA-Eastern
Pennsylvania
NELA Georgia
New Hampshire NELA
Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association
Olivier & Schreiber LLP
Patricia A. Podolec, Attorney at Law
Solidarity Law
Upton & Hatfield, LLP
Virginia Employment Lawyers Association
Thomas A. Warren Law Offices, PL
Wienand & Bagin
Wisconsin Employment Lawyers Association
Zipin, Amster & Greenberg, LLC
Zuckerman Law
PARTNERS
Bantle & Levy, LLP
Barton Mendez Soto PLLC
Bennett & Belfort, PC
Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC
Betz + Blevins
Law Offices of
Kathleen Cahill, LLC
Cannon Law
Cashdan & Kane, PLLC
Wade B. Cowan
Creighton & Rose, PC
Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, PC
Eisenberg & Schnell, LLP
Frankel Syverson PLLC
Gaul and Dumont
Goddard Law
Henrichsen Law Group PLLC
Horne Daller LLC
Hunter Law Firm
Hynes & Kreuser, SC
Toni Jaramilla, A Professional Law Corporation
Law Offices of David L. Lee
The Maddox Firm | Long Term Disability & ERISA
Maine Employee Rights Group
Mason, Griffin & Pierson, PC
Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky PC
Murray, Plumb & Murray
2024 NELA GALA SPONSORS
Law Office of
Robert S. Notzon
O’Malley & Madden, PC
Nina T. Pirrotti
Pontikes Law, LLC
Robin B. Potter
Mark Risk, PC
Geraldine Sumter
The Villegas Law Firm, APC
SUPPORTERS
Richard K. Blundell Law Firm
Bracker & Marcus LLC
Business Arbitration & Mediation Services (BAM)
Chet Levitt Fund for Employment Law
Joyce L. Collier
Costello, Mains & Silverman, LLC
Dow Golub Remels & Gilbreath, PLLC
The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC
Jamie S. Franklin
Green Savits, LLC
Law Office of
Douglas B. Janney III
Shelby Leighton
Maine Employment
Lawyers Association
Law Offices of
Colleen M. McLaughlin
Mensing Law LLC
Jennifer Morton Law, PLLC
The Law Offices of Kell A. Simon
TCORS
Pedro A. Valverde
Venick Austin & Rosen, PLLC
Ashley O. Westby & Sean P. McKee
Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP
FRIENDS
Center for Employment Law
Patrick Cowlin
Brian East
Stephen C. Fiebiger Law Office, Chartered
Law Office of Howard Mark Fine
The Law Office of Lenore C. Garon, PLLC
Graybill & Hazelwood, LLC
The Law Office of Susan E. Jewell
Patricia Losacker
McElroy Law Firm
Nisar Law Group PC
Rintoul Law, LLC
Nina B. Shapiro
The Law Offices of Carol G. Silverman
John A. Wenke – Attorney at Law – El Paso, TX
Anonymous
Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the individuals, firms, and organizations acknowledged here. We apologize for any errors or omissions. Sponsors as of May 23, 2024.
TOGETHER WE CAN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORKPLACE JUSTICE ADVOCATES
The Peggy Browning Fund is honored to be the National Institute for Workers’ Rights Impact for Workers Award recipient and offers our congratulations to NELA’s 2024 Distinguished Service honorees, the Honorable Bernice B. Donald (ret.) (Burch, Porter & Johnson), Bruce A. Fredrickson (Webster & Fredrickson, PLLC), and Camille Fundora Rodriguez (Berger Montague PC).
Many thanks to the NELA Board, Institute Board & the 2024 NELA Annual Convention Committee.
Arbitrator
Mediator
Special Master
Appellate Consultant
Moot Court Judge
Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC is honored to announce that Hon. Bernice Donald (Ret.) has joined the firm after her distinguished career in the judiciary. She will continue her domestic and international mediation and arbitration practice, and her work as a special master, advisor on appellate strategy, mock
judge, and counsel in internal investigations.
CODE OF CONDUCT/HEALTH & SAFETY
NELA EVENTS CODE OF CONDUCT
At NELA we strive to create continuing legal education programs that are educational, collaborative, respectful, and enjoyable for all attendees. To create a safe and inclusive environment for our entire community, we expect all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff at NELA events to conduct themselves in a respectful and collegial manner.
NELA is dedicated to providing harassment-free in-person and virtual events for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion.
We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or other unwelcome or unlawful behavior at our events. Harassment includes but is not limited to:
• Offensive verbal or written comments related to gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion.
• Deliberate intimidation, threats, stalking, or following.
Sexual propositions or posted/texted sexual images.
Unwelcome sexual attention, comments, jokes, remarks, or gestures.
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
• Unwelcome photography or recording.
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
Violations of this Code may be reported to any NELA team member and will be addressed by the Interim Executive Director.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The health and safety of our members, guests, NELA & Institute staff, and the hotel team is our foremost priority.
Health Guidelines
All attendees and guests are encouraged to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations per CDC guidelines. While masks are not required, please respect those who choose to wear one.
If you begin experiencing symptoms that could be consistent with COVID-19, a “cold” or any other respiratory infection, please do not attend sessions or food functions.
Safety In and Around the Convention
NELA encourages all attendees to use common sense safety practices not only inside the host hotel but in the city in which the Convention is hosted including:
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Do not leave personal items unattended in the meeting space.
• Take off your Convention name badge before leaving the meeting space.
• Travel in groups and stay on well-lit and trafficked streets.
For questions at any time, please see a staff member at the Registration Desk.
NELA Convention meeting rooms Wi-Fi
Network: Marriott Bonvoy Conference Network
Network Name: NELA
Password: nela2022
Password: NELA 2024
2024 Annual Convention Materials and Microsite
The written materials for the Convention are available for download at nela.org/nela24materials. Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms and Convention meeting rooms at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, but we strongly encourage you to download the materials in advance of the sessions you will be attending.
Use the Convention Attendee Microsite to make the most of your time with us.
• Start networking by completing your Directory Profile to share information about yourself with other attendees.
• Begin or continue a discussion, reach out to a speaker, organize an outing, or simply say hello on the Attendee Discussion List.
• Check out the biographies of our incredible faculty.
• We have created an online CLE Tracker to help you report the sessions you attended.
• The Convention Program Evaluation is also easily accessible from the Convention Attendee Microsite. Help us shape future CLE by submitting a Program Evaluation.
Please note that a valid email address must be provided in order to access the online Convention materials.
Session Recordings
Hungry Mind Recordings (HMR) will professionally record the Convention’s plenary and concurrent sessions. Individual audio MP3 files will be available for purchase at the HMR table in Franklin 11-13. Audio recordings and accompanying written materials of all plenary and concurrent sessions will be available for online purchase after the Convention.
NELA members use our powerful suite of AI-enhanced litigation applications to save time and get better results for their clients.
• Automated Case File Organization
• Complete eDiscovery Solution
• AI-Powered Search
• Case Strategy Tools Schedule a demo by contacting us at sales@syllo.ai.
3RD
Gala
Gala Dance Party
4TH FLOOR
Concurrent Sessions | Exhibitors | Breaks | Practice Group Meetings
All sessions will use Slido for Q&A. Slido provides more participation by allowing audience members to ask questions from their device. No need to get up and wait on line!
How?
Use your device to scan the QR code or go to slido.com and enter code NELA24
Pick your session from the list and type in your question.
Moderators and Presenters will see your question and provide answers as time permits. Q&A microphones will only be available in the Practical Skills sessions.
WEDNESDAY PROGRAM
*Program and speakers subject to change. Please see attendee microsite for the most up-to-date program information.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2024
9:30–10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
2:00–8:00 p.m.
4:00–6:00 p.m.
6:00–6:30 p.m.
6:30–8:00 p.m.
2024 Affiliate Leadership Workshop Registration & Networking Breakfast Salon I
2024 Affiliate Leadership Workshop & Forum Salon I
2024 Annual Convention Registration 5th Floor Registration II
Law Students & New Practitioners Panel Discussion Salon J
Speakers: Shifa Alkhatib, Sacred B. Huff & Adreanna Sellers
Law students, recent law graduates, and those new to plaintiffs’ employment law are invited to join NELA and the National Institute for Workers’ Rights for an engaging and interactive discussion on how a career in plaintiff-side employment law offers a unique and meaningful way for new lawyers to use their skills to drive progressive social change. Experienced employment law practitioners will discuss their work as advocates for workers’ rights and how it intersects with and advances other social justice issues including civil rights, immigration, environmental justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gender equality. The panelists also will address how to enter the plaintiffs’ employment law field and what skills and experience can help law students be successful advocates as they begin their legal careers.
Law Students & New Practitioners Reception
Salons E-F
A networking reception for law students and new lawyers, including those new to plaintiffs’ employment law, will immediately follow the Panel Discussion.
President’s Welcome Reception
Salons E-F
Convention participants are invited to join NELA President Carla D. Brown, the NELA Board, and the 2024 Annual Convention Committee for an informal gathering to celebrate 39 years of workers’ rights advocacy, renew friendships, and make new ones. First-time Convention participants are especially encouraged to attend.
Sponsored by AARP Foundation Litigation, NELA-EPa, NELA-NJ, and WPELA.
THURSDAY PROGRAM
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024
7:00–9:00 a.m.
7:00–8:30 a.m.
8:30–9:15 a.m.
9:15–10:30 a.m.
2024 Annual Convention Registration
5th Floor Registration II
Breakfast Buffet
Salons E-F
Breakfast is available to Convention registrants only.
Paul H. Tobias Roll Call of the States & Opening Remarks
Salons G-H
Carla D. Brown, NELA President & Karen Maoki, Interim Executive Director
Clara Coleman & Sacred B. Huff, Co-Chairs of NELA’s New Practitioners Committee will lead the Roll Call.
Forging the Future of Workers’ Rights: Honoring Courageous Plaintiffs
Salons G-H
Courageous Plaintiffs: Jennifer Harris, Sarah “Alica” Lindsley & Mark Miles
Advocates: Brian P. Sanford & Elizabeth “BB” Sanford, Erika Jacobsen White & Jay P. Holland, James A. Vagnini & Jay D. Ellwanger
The Convention’s opening plenary session will bring to life the stories of three remarkable individuals who stood up to their employers and held their ground in the face of immense adversity, not only to vindicate their own rights, but to improve the lives of others as well. Our honorees embody the change we want to see in the American workplace, and their courage will inspire us to continue the fight to elevate justice for all workers. Their lawyers will share their legal theories and litigation strategies that led to their clients’ extraordinary victories.
Honoring Courageous Plaintiffs is generously sponsored by Correia & Puth, PLLC.
10:30–11:15 a.m. Exhibitor Open House
Franklin 11-13
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
Please take this time to visit our Convention exhibitors and complete your Passport to Success! Get a stamp from each of our exhibitors and return your passport to the Registration Desk to be entered into a drawing for a complimentary 2025 CLE of your choice!
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Demystifying the Class or Collective Action Case
Salons G-H
Moderator/Speaker: Sarah Schalman-Bergen
Speakers: Deirdre A. Aaron & Chauniqua D. Young
If taking on a class or collective action seems daunting, this is the panel for you. Our experts will discuss how to select the right cases, handle certification, and provide strategies that will prepare you to take on class and collective actions with confidence.
THURSDAY PROGRAM
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Practical Skills
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
Trauma Informed Lawyering
Salons I-J
Moderator/Speaker: Heather M. Collins
Speakers: Sarah E. Nesbitt & Virginia Villegas
Plaintiffs experiencing discrimination, harassment, assault, retaliation, or any other unlawful action in their workplace are experiencing immense trauma. Learning how to effectively communicate with traumatized clients and minimize the impact of secondary trauma on your mental health is critical in effective advocacy. This session will provide strategies for trauma informed advocacy from client intake to trial.
This session is generously sponsored by Sue Ellen Eisenberg & Associates, PC.
Discovery/Pre-Trial Advocacy
Taking Effective Rule 30(b)(6) and Data Depositions
Franklin 1/2
Moderator/Speaker: Robert L. Schug
Speakers: Sarah J. Arendt, Walt Auvil & Pooja Shethji
This panel will provide a detailed roadmap for getting the most out of Rule 30(b)(6) depositions in all types of employment cases. Our experienced practitioners will explore strategies for taking effective 30(b)(6) depositions in individual lawsuits and class actions, using Rule 30(b)(6) to explore issues relating to ESI and data discovery, and dealing with common obstacles used by defendants to prevent these depositions from serving their intended purpose.
Ongoing Developments in Private-Sector Whistleblower Litigation
Franklin 3/4
Moderator/Speaker: Jason M. Zuckerman
Speakers: Lynne Bernabei, Austin Kaplan & Nicolas Mendoza
The panel will discuss new developments in private sector whistleblower cases, including the impact of the decision in Murray v. UBS. The panel will also discuss recent developments in Sarbanes-Oxley, Dodd-Frank, and False Claims Act litigation, including the whistleblower reward programs of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and the Internal Revenue Service, the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, and new state legislation.
State of the ADAAA
Franklin 5/6
Moderator/Speaker: Michal Shinnar
Speakers: Meaghan L. Kuelbs, Heather E. Nodler & Carolyn L. Wheeler
In this session, NELA members and attorneys from EEOC’s Office of Legal Counsel will examine how courts have applied the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADAAA made important changes to the definition of the term “disability” under the ADA, by rejecting the holdings in several Supreme Court decisions and directing the EEOC to modify its earlier ADA regulations. The purpose of these changes was to make it easier for individuals seeking protection under the ADA to establish the existence of their disabilities within the meaning of the ADA. Speakers will discuss 3-4 cases and their outcomes, paying special attention to the extent of reliance on the ADAAA or pre-ADAAA case law, how the cases were plead, and other issues that may be of interest to employment attorneys.
THURSDAY PROGRAM
12:30–2:00 p.m.
Annual Luncheon & Keynote Address
Salons E-F
NELA is thrilled to welcome Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval as our 2024 Annual Keynote Speaker. Senator Nikil Saval is a father, husband, writer, and organizer representing Pennsylvania’s First Senatorial District, which lies in the heart of Philadelphia. Senator Saval’s commitment to solidarity and justice for working people, and his skill at coalition building, carried him from his roots as a labor organizer to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, where he currently serves as Democratic Chair of the Senate’s Urban Affairs & Housing Committee and Chair of the Senate’s Philadelphia Delegation. Senator Saval has focused his legislative work on critical response to Pennsylvania’s ongoing housing, mass incarceration, wage, and climate crises, while simultaneously pushing for deep structural change so that communities across the Commonwealth have the resources and support they need to thrive. Senator Saval will be introduced by Rahul Munshi.
2:15–3:15 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Advanced Class & Collective Action Practice
Salons G-H
Moderator: Michael J. Scimone
Speakers: Sally J. Abrahamson, Christina Le & Christine E. Webber
Join our panelists as they address the current cutting-edge issues in class and collective action practice and take you past the basics to hone your skills and excel in your next case. Panelists will discuss how to handle complicated damages issues, strategic issues that arise in satisfying jurisdictional rules, and trial considerations for class and collective actions.
Practical Skills/Fundamentals of Employment Law
How to Conduct an Arbitration Successfully
Salons I-J
Moderator/Speaker: Rachhana T. Srey
Speakers: Rachel M. Bien & Doris J. Dabrowski
This practical skills session will contain strategies and tips to make your case successful in arbitration. Our experts will share their tips, provide demonstrations, and engage with the attendees to hear their experiences for succeeding in arbitration.
Effective Law Practice Management
Franklin 1/2
Moderator/Speaker: Heather Burke
Speakers: Qusair Mohamedbhai & Patricia V. Pierce
While law school may teach you about res judicata, it often fails to teach you the intricacies of timekeeping and case management software. Our speakers will provide you with invaluable lessons on how to effectively run your law practice. From case selection to the importance of technology in improving efficiency in your practice, this session will improve your ability to successfully manage a plaintiffs’ side law practice.
DEI Discrimination in the Age of AI
Franklin 3/4
Moderator/Speaker: Max P. Barack
Speakers: Anthony J. May & Samantha Wehrle
As workplace technology advances, so must legal strategies for protecting workers. From algorithmic discrimination to company communications monitoring, this session will address emerging issues facing workers and how to handle these innovative cases.
2:15–3:15 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
Workplace Defamation Claims
Franklin 5/6
Moderator/Speaker: Joyce L. Collier
Speakers: Patricia Barasch & Liz Chako
This session will provide an overview of recent case law relating to defamation claims against individuals who have made workplace harassment, discrimination, or retaliation claims. Experts will also discuss the components of a typical defamation action, address the key steps to avoid allegations of defamation and outline strategies for responding to retaliatory defamation claims.
3:15–4:00 p.m.
4:00–5:15 p.m
5:30–6:30 p.m.
6:30–7:45 p.m.
BREAK
Franklin 11-13
DEIA and Employment Law in the Wake of Students for Fair Admissions
Last June’s Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions dealt a clear blow to affirmative action policies in higher education. But did its reach extend to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion programs? What is the current legal status of those efforts? This session will address the recent challenges to workplace DEI initiatives and how plaintiffs’ employment lawyers can be part of the fight to protect diversity in the workplace.
2024 Gala Awards Ceremony
Salons G-H
NELA Distinguished Service Honoree: Bruce A. Fredrickson
NELA Special Distinguished Service Honoree: The Honorable Bernice B. Donald (Ret.)
NELA Spotlight Honoree: Camille Fundora Rodriguez
Institute Honoree: Peggy Browning Fund
Speakers: Patricia A. Barasch, Carla D. Brown, Donald A. Donati, Karen Maoki, Erica Posey & Ashley O. Westby
All are invited to help us honor three of your colleagues for distinguished service, inspiring leadership, and commitment to the cause of justice for workers. The National Institute for Workers’ Rights will also present its annual Impact for Workers’ Award.
Annual Reception
Salons E-F
The Annual Reception is included in the registration fee for Convention registrants only. Guest tickets for the Annual Reception may be purchased at the Registration Desk or at the door.
Sponsored by Syllo
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024
7:00 a.m.
7:30–9:00 a.m.
7:30–8:45 a.m.
Tobias 5K Run
Hotel Lobby
2024 Annual Convention Registration
5th Floor Registration II
Breakfast Buffet
Salons E-F
Breakfast is available
8:30–9:30 a.m.
DOL & EEOC Presentation
Salons G-H
Moderator: Subhashini Bollini
9:45–10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
FRIDAY PROGRAM
Speakers: Charlotte A. Burrows, Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) & Seema Nanda, United States Solicitor of Labor
Join the Chair of the U.S. EEOC and Solicitor of Labor as they discuss the continued efforts by their respective agencies to advances equity and justice in the workplace. This session is not eligible for CLE.
National Institute for Workers’ Rights Presentation
Salons G-H
Speakers: Jason Solomon & Erica Posey
Join the director of the National Institute for Workers’ Rights (NIWR) and the Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow for a discussion of NIWR’s work generally to promote economic dignity and workplace justice, and specifically an intiative to counter the attacks on DEI and encourage companies not to back away from efforts to increase access to opportunities at work. This session is not eligible for CLE.
Summary Judgment Jiujitsu
Salons G-H
Moderator/Speaker: Vishal H. Shah
Speakers: David L. Lee & Rahul Munshi
The core philosophy of the martial art of jiujitsu is to manipulate your opponent’s force against them. This panel will teach you how to use your opponent’s tactics against them and succeed during summary judgment. Discover how to put the defense on the horns of a dilemma by either helping you prove your case or acknowledging the existence of material, disputed facts, and how to grapple with emerging defense strategies.
12:00–12:30 p.m. BREAK
Franklin 11-13
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Effectively Using Expert Witnesses
Salons G-H
Moderator/Speaker: Victoria T. Kepes
Speakers: Susan E. Huhta, Toni J. Jaramilla & Robert W. Schmidt
Using expert witnesses can be an invaluable part of your case, but pitfalls abound. Our experienced practitioners will teach you when to use them, when to avoid them, and how to identify which expert witness is the best fit for your case.
Practical Skills Developing a Successful Client Relationship
Salons I-J
Moderator/Speaker: M. Megan O’Malley
Speakers: Obinna I. Abara, Michael A. Filoromo, III & Rebecca L. Salawdeh
This practical session will help attendees develop strategies to engage with their clients in a meaningful way. Our panelists will address how to avoid common mistakes in client communication, create a relationship of trust and open communication and set boundaries. This session will include demonstrations and the chance for attendees to share their dos and don’ts.
FRIDAY PROGRAM
12:30–1:30 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
Concerted Activity Under the NLRA
Franklin 1/2
Moderator: Erica Posey
Speakers: Michael T. Anderson & Yona Rozen
Under General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, the NLRB has been more aggressive about protecting concerted activity in a variety of ways, particularly in non-union workplaces where concerted activity has been used to declare non-competes and confidentiality clauses unlawful. How can lawyers continue to take advantage of this protection in cases you might not think to bring to the NLRB? What would remain if the Administration changes?
In the Wake of Morgan v. Sundance: Forced Arbitration 2023–2024 Update
Franklin 3/4
Moderator/Speaker: Shelby Leighton
Speakers: Jennifer Bennett & Rebecca Peterson-Fisher
In 2022 in Morgan v. Sundance, the Supreme Court held unanimously that arbitration agreements are on the same footing as other contracts. This created a “sea change” in the world of forced arbitration, in the words of Justice Samuel Alito. A number of forced arbitration cases have been moving through the courts since the decision, addressing important issues like severability and what classes of workers are exempt from the Federal Arbitration Act. Our experts will address the most recent developments and case law in the world of arbitration.
Considerations in Representing Executives
Franklin 5/6
Moderator: Avi L. Kumin
Speakers: Edward D. Buckley & Kerry C. Zaroogian
This session will address the issues that arise when representing C-suite and other executive employees. From contract negotiations to benefits agreements and severance packages, our experts will ensure you leave this session with the ability to effectively represent executives.
1:30–1:45 p.m.
1:45–2:45 p.m.
1:45–2:45 p.m.
Boxed Lunch Pickup
Salons E-F
Members Forum
Salons G-H
Join NELA President Carla D. Brown, the NELA Board, and NELA Staff to learn about the exciting new initiatives, programs, and member benefits at NELA!
NELA Committee & Practice Group Meetings (Level Four)
•Age Discrimination Practice Group (Meeting Room 401)
•Class & Collective Actions Practice Group (Meeting Room 402)
•Disability Rights Practice Group (Meeting Room 403)
•EEOC Working Group (Franklin 1/2)
•Employee Benefits Practice Group (Meeting Room 404)
•Ethics & Sanctions Committee (Franklin 3/4)
•Family Responsibilities Discrimination Practice Group (Meeting Room 405)
•Federal Rules Working Group (Meeting Room 410)
•Federal Workers Practice Group (Meeting Room 408)
• Immigrant/Low-Wage Workers Practice Group (Meeting Room 411)
•LGBTIA+ Workers Practice Group (Meeting Room 406)
•Trial Advocacy Practice Group (Meeting Room 409)
•Wage & Hour Practice Group & DOL Working Group (Franklin 5/6)
• Whistleblower Practice Group (Meeting Room 412)
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Cross Examination Skills for Deposition & Trial
Salons G-H
Moderator/Speaker: David Albrecht
Speakers: J. Bernard Alexander, III & Gilda “Jill” Hernandez
FRIDAY PROGRAM
Practical Skills/DEI
Perfecting the art of cross examination is crucial to the success of any case. Our experienced faculty will share their tips and tricks for making the most of witness testimony and what pitfalls to avoid.
Neurodiversity in the Legal Profession
Salons I-J
Moderator/Speaker: Deborah K. Marcuse
Speakers: Ting Cheung & Rebecca Rodgers
As law firms continue to pursue creating inclusive and accessible workplaces, it is vital to include neurodiversity in the conversation. This practical session will offer valuable insight for how to create a workplace that not only accommodates neurodiverse attorneys but encourages success.
Discovery/Pre-Trial Advocacy Organizing Your Discovery for Success
Franklin 1/2
Moderator/Speaker: Summer H. Murshid
Speakers: Alexandra K. Piazza & Adria Lynn Silva
Join our panel of litigation experts as they walk through their best tips and tricks to organize your discovery and set yourself up for success in summary judgment and at trial. From drafting the initial complaint, through depositions and discovery, experts and admissibility issues, you will walk away knowing exactly how to approach discovery in your next individual or class action case.
Helping Caregivers Get the Care They Deserve: Wage & Hour Claims for Home Care Workers
Franklin 3/4
Moderator/Speaker: Benjamin L. Davis, III
Speakers: Matthew Dunn & Peter Winebrake
Panelists will offer insights and tips to address significant wage and hour litigation issues (under the FLSA and State law) by focusing on cases in this specific realm. Attendees also will explore unique challenges and opportunities in this area of wage & hour practice. A portion of the session will engage with problems of misclassification/independent contractors reflecting developments under DOL’s final independent contractor rule.
The Ethical Modern Attorney
Franklin 5/6
Moderator: Deborah H. Karpatkin
Speakers: Casey R. Denson, Shoshee Hui & Kerry Murphy
While some ethics rules never go out of style, new ethical dilemmas arise as technology and societal work norms change. How can you ethically advertise using social media? Are you allowed to respond to a bad Yelp review? What is your duty to your clients when you take parental leave or a vacation? Do you need cybersecurity insurance? Join our experts as they address the ways in which you can practice ethically in the era of advanced technology and work-life balance.
4:00–4:30 p.m.
BREAK
Franklin Hall 11-13
FRIDAY PROGRAM
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Representing Federal Sector Employees 101
Salons G-H
Moderator/Speaker: Holly V. Franson
Speakers: Andrew J. Perlmutter & Sacred B. Huff
Federal sector workers make up an estimated 1.9% of the United States workforce and work under complex personnel practices and procedures. Learn how you can expand your practice by adding federal sector cases. Our practitioners will guide you through the most important basics of tackling a federal sector case and how you can succeed at every stage.
Practical Skills
Cutting-Edge Voir Dire
Salons I-J
Moderator/Speaker: R. Scott Oswald
Speakers: Dennis E. Egan & Alicia K. Haynes
Choosing the right jury for an employment trial is one of the most vital decisions a plaintiffs’ attorney can make. Our expert trial lawyers will demonstrate how to use practical tools to prepare for and conduct voir dire, ultimately selecting the right jury for your case.
Recurring Challenges in Representing Plaintiffs in Sexual Harassment & Assault Cases
Franklin 1/2
Moderator/Speaker: Scott M. Pollins
Speakers: Judie A. Saunders & Megan S. Goddard
Sexual harassment and assault cases present a series of challenges for both the client and attorney. This panel addresses some of the more complex legal questions that arise in sexual harassment claims, including harassment or assault outside of the office and the challenges of reporting these claims.
Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Attorneys
Franklin 3/4
Moderator/Speaker: Chiquita Hall-Jackson
Speakers: Camille Fundora Rodriguez & Sherry D. Soanes
While many companies and organizations, including plaintiffs’-side employment firms, talk the talk of DEI, how do they walk the walk? As attorneys of diverse backgrounds and experience graduate law school or proceed in their legal career, how can you make sure you are creating a workplace that is inclusive? How do organizations grow and support attorneys that have been marginalized in the past? Join our speakers to learn more and join the conversation.
Labor Trafficking—What You Need to Know
Franklin 5/6
Moderator/Speaker: Anna P. Prakash
Speakers: Caitlin Boehne, Rachel Dempsey, Chelsea Edwards & Meredith Stewart
Many wage theft cases have aspects of labor trafficking like training repayment agreements, financial penalties for quitting and immigration threats. As wage and hour practitioners know, adding a Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) claim to a wage theft case can supersize damages, but there are other considerations to consider. Join this expert panel to discuss liability issues of general contractors, pre-filing dispute resolution of trafficking cases, connecting with government agencies including prosecutors as well as interaction with immigration law.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY PROGRAM
8:00–11:00 p.m.
2024 Gala Dance Party
Salons G-H
Please join us for this special celebration of our community! The evening includes music, dancing, and other treats. Drop in anytime. Every Gala attendee will receive two complimentary drink tickets courtesy of Dundon Advisers LLC.
The Gala requires a separate ticket to attend. Tickets may be purchased at the Registration Desk or at the door.
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
7:30–9:00 a.m.
7:30–9:15 a.m.
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
Practical Skills
2024 Annual Convention Registration 5th Floor Registration II
Breakfast Buffet
Salons E-F
Breakfast is available to Convention registrants only.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Beginner’s Guide to Using AI in Your Law Practice
Salons G-H
Speakers: Jeffrey W. Chivers & Phillip M. Kitzer
Using AI in your practice can increase productivity and efficiency. But how do you get started? This panel will discuss what AI tools exist for law practice management, how to utilize them for maximum effect, and how to do so ethically.
Practical Wellness for Burned Out Attorneys
Salons I-J
Speaker: Maureen Truax Holland
Join our panelists for a practical and interactive discussion on how you can manage your stress, vicarious trauma, and burnout in a lasting and meaningful way.
Discovery/Pre-Trial Advocacy Creative & Effective Storytelling for Workers’ Rights Advocates
Franklin 1/2
Moderator/Speaker: Mariyam Hussein
Speakers: Brian J. Foley & Laura C. Mattiacci
Presenting an effective case to an arbitrator, judge, or jury is not just about causation standards and statutory interpretations. In order to truly move decisionmakers, lawyers must share their clients’ stories. This session will provide you with tips to channel your inner storyteller, to ensure that you are creating the most vivid picture you can of the harm your client endured.
Available Claims at the Hiring Stage
Franklin 3/4
SpeakerModerator: Iris Halpern
Speakers: Christopher M. McNerney & Katie Svoboda-Kindle
This session will include a discussion of pre-employment claims, including discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics, criminal history, and other federal and state employment protection laws and concepts.
9:15–10:15 a.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
Legislative Efforts, Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement (DALE), and Other Potential Relief for Exploited Immigrant Workers
Franklin 5/6
Moderator: Jacqueline Villanueva
Speakers: Jessie Hahn, Lerae Kroon & Julia Solorzano
This panel will discuss legal protections for immigrant workers who are suffering labor abuses at work. Workplaces with numerous labor and employment law violations often hire easily exploited undocumented workers. While labor and employment law generally apply equally to all workers, regardless of immigration status, the remedies are not equal. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Hoffman Plastics Compounds, Inc. v. NLRB in 2002, undocumented workers have generally not had the right to back pay or reinstatement when they are retaliated against for raising wage and hour or discrimination claims or engaging in protected concerted activity, greatly chilling enforcement of workplace rights by the most exploitative workplaces. In the following decades, through years of advocacy and legal strategies, advocates have successfully developed strategies to provide protections for undocumented workers, including local policy initiatives to protect workers from abusive use of employment eligibility verification systems (such as E-Verify), alternative remedies for victims of unlawful termination, and the expansive use of the new Deferred Action for Labor-based Enforcement.
10:15–10:40 a.m. BREAK
Franklin 11-13
10:40-10:50 a.m.
10:50 a.m.–12:40 p.m.
12:40 p.m. Convention Adjourns SATURDAY
Ethics and Sanctions Committee Presentation
Salons G-H
The Year in Review: Significant Developments in Employment Law Salons G-H
Moderator: Ashley O. Westby
Speakers: Heather Newsom Leonard, Professor Eric Schnapper & Professor Suja Thomas
The 2024 Annual Convention will close with a robust discussion of the employment cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court during its 2023–2024 term, significant appellate court, legislative, and state law developments, as well as emerging issues in plaintiffs’ employment law.
The Year in Review is generously sponsored by Barrett & Farahany.
2024 Trial Boot Camp
October 17–19, 2024
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin Austin, TX
2025 Wage and Hour Update
March 28–29, 2025
Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis St Louis, MO
Help
2025 Annual Convention
June 25–28, 2025
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Baltimore, MD
2026 Annual Convention
June 24–27, 2026
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel New Orleans, LA
shape NELA’s signature event of the year by submitting your session proposals.
2025 ANNUAL CONVENTION
June 25–28, 2025
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Baltimore, MD
Generally, concurrent sessions are 60 minutes long and feature a moderator and two speakers. NELA reserves the right to modify proposals that are accepted and to select speakers other than those proposed. Please note that NELA will contact you only if your proposal is accepted by the Annual Convention Committee. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!
NELA hopes to enhance the quality and diversity of its Annual Convention by including your ideas through this Call for Proposals. The deadline for submission of proposals is Friday, September 6, 2024. www.nela.org/2025proposals
NELA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Equal Remedies Act Of 2024
H.R. 8298 | S. 4327
Introduced by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Bobby Scott (D-VA), and Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA), the Equal Remedies Act of 2024 will remove the arbitrary limits on damage awards and modernize the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) to allow age discrimination victims to pursue
Help Us Pass This Bill and Get Full Justice for Workers
Call your members of Congress and urge them to support this important piece of legislation. Capitol Hill Switchboard (202) 224-3121.
Let us know if you have a connection with a member of Congress.
More info at www.enddamagecapsforworkers.com.
Share client stories about workers who did not receive the full jury award because of damage caps. Keep us updated on your efforts!
NELA ENHANCED MEMBERS
Thank you to those members who generously support NELA through their enhanced annual membership dues.
Champions
Parisis G. Filippatos
Defenders
Barbara Figari Cowan
Advocates
Patricia A. Barasch
Beth E. Bertelson
Roxanne B. Conlin
Donald A. Donati
Sustaining
Lisa J. Banks
David Blanchard
Kathleen L. Bogas
Bert S. Braud
Stephen R. Bruce
David A. Burkhalter, II
Stephen Z. Chertkof
Denise M. Clark
Linda M. Correia
Bill Day, Jr.
Dennis E. Egan
Contributing
Walt Auvil
John P. Batson
Jonathan Ben-Asher
Renee Brooker
Deena Buchanan
Lori Bullock
Heather M. Collins
Doris J. Dabrowski
Brendan J. Donelon
Arthur R. Ehrlich
Gary M. Gilbert
Timothy A. Ricker
Alicia K. Haynes
Sue Ellen Eisenberg
Bruce A. Fredrickson
Evan L. Goldman
April L. Hollingsworth
Stephen B. Lebau
Michael L. Pitt
Scott M. Pollins
Peter Winebrake
Debra A. Freid
J. Gary Gwilliam
Vicki Kuftic Horne
Michael A. Josephson
Debra S. Katz
Avi Kumin
Ralph Emerson Lamar, IV
Richard P. Neuworth
Joshua Newville
Wayne N. Outten
Joshua Parkhurst
Gregory George Paul
Patricia A. Podolec
Jonathan C. Puth
Mary Anne Sedey
Jonathan Street
Merle Joy Turchik
Angela Walker
Thomas A. Warren
Benjamin H. Yormak
Hal K. Gillespie
Harold M. Goldner
Kenneth D. Haynes
Jay P. Holland
Thomas Gregory Jarrard
Susan E. Jewell
Deborah H. Karpatkin
James W. Kytle
Jonathan J. Margolis
Cheri L. McCracken
Ellen J. Messing
C. Ryan Morgan
Summer H. Murshid
J. Heydt Philbeck
Dan Siegel
Douglas N. Silverstein
Michael C. Subit
Geraldine Sumter
Hollie Wieland
Clayton Wire
Jeffrey Neil Young
NELA’s strength is in our community of individual members, law firms, Affiliates, allied organizations, and coalition partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following for their generous financial contributions.
Campaign to Eliminate Damage Caps
J. Bernard Alexander, III
Carla D. Brown
Edward D. Buckley
Heidi Burakiewicz
Cannon Law
Kathleen Chavez & Elizabeth Chavez, FMCO Law
Lisa L. Clay
Sean W. Cook
Brendan J. Donelon
Ellwanger Henderson
Christine T. Elzer
Rachel Emens
Amanda A. Farahany
Bruce C. Fox
Bruce A. Fredrickson
Hal K. Gillespie
Mark Hanna
Andrew J. Horowitz
Deborah H. Karpatkin
James H. Kaster & Joellen M. Kaster
Rafael Lázaro
Sean M. McGivern
Morgan & Morgan
Wayne N. Outten
Patricia A. Podolec
Scott M. Pollins
Jonathan C. Puth
Barry D. Roseman
The Sanford Firm
Robert W. Schmidt
Geoffrey H. Simpson
The Spiggle Law Firm
Tae Sture
Carolyn L. Wheeler
Wienand & Bagin
J. Bryan Wood
Anonymous (2)
Legislative & Public Policy Fund
Henry Brudney
Deena Buchanan
Stephen Churchill
Denise M. Clark
Timothy J. Coffey
David Conforto
Matthew R. Custardo
Brian Dolman
Arthur R. Ehrlich
Parisis G. Filippatos
Karen K. Fitzgerald
Christine Forsythe
Debra A. Freid
Nicole Gainey
Joshua David Gruenberg
Athena M. Herman
Bruce J. Highman
April L. Hollingsworth
William Hommel, Jr.
Vicki Kuftic Horne
Leslie Hunter Davis
Michael G. Kane
Mary-Ann Leon
Heather Newsom Leonard
Mary Jo Lowrey
Ann Lugbill
Matthew Maddox
Jonathan J. Margolis
Paul Henry Merry
Barbara Ann Moore
Richard J. Murray
Summer H. Murshid
Victoria Lynn Neal
Kathryn S. Piscitelli
Patricia A. Podolec
Jeffrey A. Rager
Nancy Richards-Stower
John P. Sheridan
Dorian Vandenberg-Rodes
Patrick John Walsh
Sanctions Assistance Fund for Emergency Relief
Gavriela M. Bogin-Farber
Subhashini Bollini
Katherine L. Butler
David R. Cashdan
Stephen Churchill
Beth Creighton
Brian Dolman
Parisis G. Filippatos
Karen K. Fitzgerald
Nicole Gainey
Alicia K. Haynes
Athena M. Herman
April L. Hollingsworth
Vicki Kuftic Horne
Michael G. Kane
Ilir Kavaja
Mary-Ann Leon
David Lichtenstein
Scott A. Lucas
Ann Lugbill
Matthew Maddox
Mary Ruth Mann
Jonathan J. Margolis
Sean M. McGivern
Eduard Meleshinsky
Ellen J. Messing
Jeffrey A. Mittman
Alberto Naranjo
Victoria Lynn Neal
Patricia A. Podolec
Melissa A. Pomfred
Erica Posey
Robin B. Potter
Phillis h. Rambsy
Richard R. Renner
Nancy Richards-Stower
John P. Sheridan
Joseph L. Sulman
Jonathan Wall
Ashley O. Westby
Wesley Woolf
Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of individuals, law firms, and other organizations acknowledged here. We apologize for any errors or omissions. Donors from May 1, 2023–April 30, 2024.
Congratulations to Jason Solomon and Erica Posey at the Institute for all their hard work and for their accomplishments this past year.
Many thanks to Karen Maoki for agreeing to be NELA’s Interim Executive Director.
We wish the best for Jeffrey Mittman in his travels.
LEGAL FUNDING SOLUTIONS
FROM A COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST
THE CASE IS SETTLED, BUT THE DISTRIBUTION OF YOUR FEES IS DELAYED.....
We can bridge the gap.
Stop waiting and get paid now with a post-settlement advance from Balanced Bridge Funding.
Join Jason Solomon, the Institute’s director, and Erica Posey, the 2022-2024 Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow, to hear about the Institute’s work to promote economic dignity and workplace justice, including efforts to counter the attacks on DEI.
NIWR: Promoting Economic Dignity and Workplace Justice
Salons G-H (5th Floor)
Friday, June 28 | 9:45 a.m.
Founded in 2008, the Institute is the related charitable public interest organization of NELA. The Institute advances workers’ rights through research, thought leadership, and education for policymakers, advocates, and the public.
IMPACT FOR WORKERS AWARD
The National Institute for Workers’ Rights, NELA’s sister organization, is proud to present our annual Impact for Workers Award to the Peggy Browning Fund for its deep commitment to the future of worker advocacy.
Based in Philadelphia, the Peggy Browning Fund educates and inspires the next generation of advocates for workplace justice. Through fellowships, workers’ rights conferences, networking, and other programs, the Fund provides unique opportunities for law students to work for economic and social justice. Its programs provide diverse, challenging work and educational experiences in the area of workers’ rights with the goal of increasing the students’ understanding of the current issues workers face as well as promote the students’ entry into the practice of public interest labor law.
With the Fund’s support, NELA and the Institute have hosted summer law clerks and launched the careers of new workers’ rights advocates every year since 2007.
Create a Lasting Legacy
By including NELA or the Institute in your estate plans, you can create a meaningful personal legacy to forge the future of workers’ rights and workers’ rights advocacy for years to come.
Please visit the NELA Advocacy or Institute table in the Grand Ballroom Foyer to learn more about the power of naming NELA or the Institute as a beneficiary in your will, retirement account, or life insurance policy.
Invest In Our Future: Honoring The Legacy of Paul H. Tobias
THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL H. TOBIAS
Paul H. Tobias, NELA’s Founder and First Executive Director, was a pioneer in the field of plaintiffs’ employment law. For more than 50 years, he was the source of boundless inspiration for our community of workers’ rights advocates. Whether or not you knew Paul, his prolific accomplishments in advancing equality and justice in the American workplace have touched you. He was a true workplace hero whose passion for employment law came from a deep desire to help individuals.
THE PAUL H. TOBIAS ATTORNEY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Named in his honor, the Paul H. Tobias (PHT) Attorney Fellowship Program exemplifies our commitment to cultivating the next generation of workers’ rights advocates. The PHT Attorney Fellowship provides
a new lawyer who embodies Paul’s indomitable spirit with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge issues at the Institute for two years.
ECONOMIC DIGNITY, WORKPLACE JUSTICE & THE FUTURE OF WORKER ADVOCACY
With a mission of advancing workers’ rights, the Institute is a think tank and action platform focused on the private enforcement of workplace law. Working closely with Institute Director Jason Solomon, our 2022–2024 PHT Fellow, Erica Posey, is involved in all aspects of the Institute’s work to promote economic dignity, workplace justice, and the future of worker advocacy. Erica was instrumental in the creation and publication of the Institute’s latest report, The Right to Talk to Co-Workers and Management About Working Conditions: A Study of Enforcement at
the NLRB, available at no charge at www.niwr.org.
VISIT WITH THE INSTITUTE
To learn more be sure to drop by the Institute’s table in the Grand Ballroom Foyer, come to the Institute’s discussion on Friday morning at 9:45 in Salons G–H when Jason and Erica will be addressing the Institute’s efforts to counter attacks on DEI, or attend the session Erica is moderating on Friday afternoon at 12:30 on Concerted Activity under the NLRA.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The PHT Attorney Fellowship Program is made possible by the generous commitment of members of the NELA community. Please help us carry out Paul’s legacy by joining our fight for workers’ rights. You can make a tax-deductible contribution during the Convention at the Institute table or online anytime at bit.ly/ForWorkers.
THE POWER OF CY PRES TO ADVANCE WORKERS’ RIGHTS
Cy pres awards have been and will continue to be critical to the Institute’s ability to advance workers’ rights through research, thought leadership, and education for policymakers, advocates, and the public. The Institute has an excellent track record as a cy pres beneficiary, and since 2008 has been the recipient of more than $1.6 million in cy pres awards in 66 class or collective actions brought on behalf of workers. The Institute is a compelling designee in employment discrimination, wage and hour, and other litigation concerning workplace violations.
Please join us in extending our gratitude to the following attorneys and law firms who have designated the Institute as a cy pres recipient since 2008. They have made a tremendous difference not only to us, but to the lives of the workers we touch.
Abbey Spanier, LLP
Altshuler Berzon, LLP
Beaumont Costales
Berger & Montague, PC
Betz + Blevins
Blanchard & Walker PLLC
Burr & Smith, LLP
Maia Caplan
Chavez Law Firm
Cummins & Cummins, LLP
Donati Law, PLLC
Donelon, PC
Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA
Eisenberg & Schnell, LLP
Fish Potter Bolaños, PC (formerly Potter Bolaños LLC)
FMCO Law
Bruce C. Fox
Ty Frankel & Patti Syverson
Jamie S. Franklin
Suzanne Garrow
Getman, Sweeney & Dunn, PLLC
Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho
Law Offices of Janice Goodman
Law Offices of Geoffrey L. Gross, LLC
Haines Law Group
Hawks Quindel, SC
Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, LLC
Heisler, Feldman, & McCormick, PC
Hersh Law Firm, PC
Hua Gallai & Gonzales, LLP
Johnson Becker, PLLC
Kern Law Firm, PC
Tuvia Korobkin
Labor Law, PC
Leventhal Lewis Kuhn Taylor Swan PC
McGuinn, Hillsman & Palefsky
Law Offices of Colleen M. McLaughlin
Rowdy Meeks Legal Group LLC
Meizlish & Grayson
Miller O’Brien Jensen, PA
Nichols Kaster, PLLP
Law Office of Thomas Rutledge
Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP
Schneider Wallace Cottrell
Konecky LLP
Law Offices of James M. Sitkin
Soderstrom Law PC
Sprenger & Lang, PLLC
Stephan Zouras, LLP
Thomas & Solomon LLP
Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
The Law Office of Rob Wiley, PC
Woodall Law Offices
The Institute and NELA acknowledge the visionaries of workers’ rights who have made financial contributions to further the Institute’s work. The giving levels below reflect our supporters’ combined contributions from May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024.
FOUNDATION GRANTS
The M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation
Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation
GENERAL SUPPORT
$2,500+
Filippatos PLLC
Joseph D. Garrison & Brenda J. Garrison
Frances J. Hollander
Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky PC
Outten & Golden LLP
Schall & Barasch, LLC
The Estate of Marjorie B. Tarkow
$1,000–$2,499
Bryce W. Ashby
Katherine L. Butler
Carmen Comsti
Joseph A. Golden
April L. Hollingsworth
King Employment Law
Donna R. Lenhoff & Michael F. Jacobson
Deborah K. Lim & Michael J. Woo
Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen
Jeffrey A. Mittman
Maria Lloyd Price
Jonathan C. Puth & Mira F. Courpas
Winebrake & Santillo, LLC
$500–$999
Bertelson Law Offices, PA
M. Nieves Bolaños
O’Malley & Madden, PC
Fern M. Steiner
$250–$499
John P. Batson
Paul H. Benoist
Debra P. Chaw
William H. Ewing
Alicia K. Haynes
Leah A. Hofkin
In Memory of Gerald A. Hofkin
Deborah H. Karpatkin
David Lichtenstein
Kathryn S. Piscitelli
Roberta Steele
Walter L. Taylor
Carl M. Varady
Christine E. Webber
$100–$249
Lisa J. Bernt
Thomas J. Duff
Lenore C. Garon
Law Offices of Goldman & Ehrlich, Chtd.
Bruce J. Highman
In Memory of Louis A. Highman
Phyllis C. Hofkin
William Hommel, Jr.
Vicki Kuftic Horne
Patricia Ito In Honor of Teri Chaw
Mary Jo Lowrey
Ann Lugbill
Jonathan J. Margolis
Barbara Ann Moore
Marilou Righini & Massimo Righini
Louis Frances Robbio
Randall D. Schmidt
Jamaal W. Stafford
Kamee B. Verdrager
Virginia Villegas
Jeffrey Neil Young
Up To $99
Alan Banov
Henry Brudney
Kirby F. Cañon
Stephen Churchill
Denise M. Clark
Timothy J. Coffey
Christine Forsythe
Nicole Gainey
Alan H. Garber
Leon Greenberg
Michael G. Kane
Mary-Ann Leon
Brendan P. Lynch
Matthew Maddox
Eduard Meleshinsky
Meredith Munro
Patricia A. Podolec
Nancy Richards-Stower
Lisa R. Sahli
John P. Sheridan
Pedro A. Valverde
Aidan Walden
Louie A. Wright
THE PAUL H. TOBIAS ATTORNEY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
$1,000+
Terisa E. Chaw & James A. Hendriksen
In Honor of Joseph D. Garrison
Haynes & Haynes, PC
In Memory of Tammy Edwards
Phyllis Tobias
In Memory of Paul H. Tobias
$500–$999
M. Nieves Bolaños
Bruce A. Fredrickson & Kristin K. Fredrickson
$250–$499
Alan R. Kabat
Diane S. King
Matt Koski
Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen
$100–$249
Elinor C. Chaw
Elzer Law Firm, LLC
Leah A. Hofkin
Patricia Losacker
In Memory of Paul H. Tobias
Jeffrey A. Mittman
Liane Scott & Eric Scott
In Honor of Terisa E. Chaw & James A. Hendriksen
Jason Solomon
In Honor of Erica Posey
Pedro A. Valverde
WORKERS’ RIGHTS ADVOCACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Kira Fonteneau
April L. Hollingsworth
John C. Ireland
Toni J. Jaramilla
Ann Lugbill
Kim Michael
Victoria Lynn Neal
Nina T. Pirrotti
Patricia A. Podolec
Donna Williams Rucker
Julie Salwen
Trang Q. Trang
Cynthia Forman Wilkinson
We also acknowledge the Peggy Browning Fund for making possible the Workers’ Rights Advocacy Fellowship Program.
The Visionary Circle
Members of the Visionary Circle make an annual commitment of $1,000 or more to support the ongoing work of the Institute. We are honored to recognize the members of the 2023–2024 Visionary Circle.
Pacesetters ($2,500–$4,999)
Filippatos PLLC
Joseph D. Garrison & Brenda J. Garrison
Frances J. Hollander
Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky PC
Outten & Golden LLP
Schall & Barasch, LLC
Visionaries ($1,000–$2,499)
Bryce W. Ashby
M. Nieves Bolaños
Katherine L. Butler
Terisa E. Chaw
& James A. Hendriksen
Carmen Comsti
Joseph A. Golden
Haynes & Haynes, PC
April L. Hollingsworth
Toni J. Jaramilla
King Employment Law
Donna R. Lenhoff & Michael F. Jacobson
Deborah K. Lim & Michael J. Woo
Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen
Jeffrey A. Mittman
Maria Lloyd Price
Jonathan C. Puth & Mira F. Courpas
Phyllis Tobias
Winebrake & Santillo, LLC
Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the individuals, law firms, and other organizations acknowledged here. We apologize for any errors or omissions.
Eve Legal
E v e r y o n e s h o u l d h a v e a c c e s s t o
a g r e a t l a w y e r .
t e r r e l l m a r s h a l l . c o m L a w G r o u p P L L C S e a t t l e , W a s h i n g t o n
“For we are leaders of inclusiveness and community, of love, equity, and justice.”
-
Judith Heumann, Disability Rights Activist
Take a moment and look through the following greetings and advertisements from your friends, colleagues, NELA members, NELA Affiliates, and the many businesses and organizations that support NELA. We are grateful for your continued support of our work.
Our gratitude & appreciation to NELA’s Affiliates
Members Committees & Practice Groups for your invaluable contributions.
Celebrating the many years of having the distinct honor to work with spectacular NELA colleagues to achieve real results for workers and fight for social justice inside and outside the courtroom!
¡Si se puede!
Together, we salute this year’s Gala Honorees and thank them for their work to advance workers’ rights, a fair judiciary, and a diverse, accessible, and inclusive space in which to perform this important work.
Congratulations to Hon. Bernice B. Donald (Ret.), Bruce Fredrickson, and Camille Fundora Rodriguez! YOUR WORK HELPS KEEP NELA STRONG!
Solidarity forever - M. Nieves Bolaños, Patrick Cowlin, Robin Potter, and Alex Taylor
It takes a team of specialized employment lawyers to represent Wisconsin workers in their employment claims, and it takes a trusted association to support that team.
Our continued support of the National Employment Lawyers Association ensures expert legal training and resources to all employment attorneys in Wisconsin and at a national level. It’s an investment in the future of promoting fair judiciary, laws, and policies through a united organization.
Together, we will continue to advocate for Wisconsin workers by holding employers accountable for employment discrimination, wage theft, unfair labor practices and all other issues facing employees.
Hawks Quindel is proud to be home to many of the state’s most soughtafter employment lawyers—all committed to delivering results. We’ve built our business on our hard-earned record for success in both individual and class-action lawsuits. We are proud of our reputation as smart, ethical, and effective attorneys. Hawks Quindel S.C. | www.hq-law.com
h m c c i v i l r i g h t s c o m | 6 1 5 - 7 2 4 - 1 9 9 6 N a s h v i l l e , T e n n e s s e e S t o k i n g o u r F i r e f o r W o r k e r s ’ R i g h t s
H o n o r i n g J u d g e B e r n i c e B D o n a l d : C h a m p i o n o f J u s t i c e a n d E q u a l i t y
Denver, Colorado
Lowrey Parady Lebsack
The fight for dignity in the workplace, fair wages, and safe spaces to gather is at our doorstep. We stand for workers’ rights with our fellow NELA members.
KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT
Thank you NELA for your leadership and our shared advocates: Board members Bernard Alexander and Maria Diaz and newly elected Board member Toni Jaramilla.
Joseph Sellers, Christine Webber, Brian Corman, Michael Hancock, Aniko Schwarcz, Harini Srinivansan, Rebecca Ojserkis, Phoebe Wolfe, Dana Busgang, Megan Reif cohenmilstein.com
PELA congratulates Judge Donald, Bruce, and Camille on their deserved recognition!
Congratulations to Judge Donald on a remarkable career!
R EPRESENTING WORKERS
• W AGE AND H OUR
• E MPLOYEE D EFENSE
• D ISCRIMINATION AND R ETALIATION
THROUGHOUT P ENNSYLVANIA
elser law
FL NELA
15 Attorneys Dedicated Solely To Plaintiff ’s Employment Law with a Record of Winning Jury Trials
$25.6 Million NJ Federal Court Jury Verdict Against Starbucks, plus $2.7 Million Judgment for Economic Loss (2023)
$2.3 Million NJ Federal Court Jury Verdict & Judgment in Race & Retaliation Discrimination Case (2022)
$3.1 Million PA Federal Court Jury Verdict & Judgment in Age Discrimination Case (2021)
$700,000 PA Federal Court Jury Verdict & Judgment in Age Discrimination Case (2021)
$6.3 Million PA Federal Court Jury Verdict & Judgment in National Origin & Retaliation Case, reduced to $2.1 Million due to caps (2018)
$910,000 PA Federal Court Jury Verdict & Judgment in Age & Sex Discrimination Case (2018)
$51.56 Million NJ Federal Court Jury Verdict & Judgment in Age Discrimination Case, $50 Million Punitive Award Vacated (2017)
$2.1 Million PA Federal Court Jury Verdict & Judgment in Age Discrimination Case (2017)
$1.56 Million NJ State Court Jury Verdict in Breach of Contract Case (2017)
$1.7 Million PA State Court CEPA Jury Verdict (2013)
JGL proudly supports NELA, and salutes courageous plaintiffs everywhere
JGL–Representing real people. Getting real results, including:
• $600 million in pharmaceutical fraud qui tam
• $345 million in Medicare fraud claims, the highest recovery for kickback claims in history.
• $20 million in qui tam for surgeon performing medically unnecessary spinal surgeries
• $8.5 million jury verdict in sexual assault and battery case
• $3 million jury verdict in age discrimination case
• $1 million jury verdict in unpaid wages case and
2024 NELA Courageous Plaintiff, Mark Miles
Jay Holland Principal and Chair of Labor & Employment and Qui Tam Practices Attorney for 2024 Courageous
Michal Shinnar Senior Counsel Chair, NELA Disability Law Practice Group
White
JGL represents people in employment, civil rights, and consumer rights cases in Maryland and Washington, DC, and qui tam cases around the country
Plaintiff, Mark Miles
Erika Jacobsen
Principal Attorney for 2024 Courageous Plaintiff, Mark Miles
Experience Integrity
murphy anderson
Congratulations to Bruce A. Fredrickson, founding member of Webster & Frederickson, PLLC, as he is honored with NELA’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award.
Bruce has nearly 40 years of experience in employment discrimination, labor, and civil rights. He has represented employees in discrimination and harassment cases, severance negotiations, and other employment matters, and oversees the firm’s employment practice working with clients and firm attorneys.
Bruce battled for over two decades to win the largest employment discrimination award in the history of the Civil Rights Tax Reform Act. The Hartman class action case paid out over $590 million divided among 1,100 women. In 2005, MWELA recognized Bruce as Lawyer of the Year and presented a special award for his extraordinary lobbying work related to passage of the Civil Rights Tax Reform Act, which eliminated taxation of attorneys’ fees in employment suits and settlements.
MWELA also congratulates one of our own, NELA President, Carla D. Brown, of Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, P.C. We’re proud to see you at the helm!
The Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association is a vibrant NELA affiliate, 350+ lawyers strong. As advocates for employee and civil rights, we work to protect the rights and privileges of employees in private and public sectors in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We are pleased to support the programs and activities of NELA.
MWELA
Pollins Law Creating Great Futures
In Nebraska (402) 316-3060 employmentlawnebraska.com
In Iowa (515) 254-1999 employmentlawiowa.com Serving employees (and justice) in Iowa and Nebraska
"Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." Congressman John Lewis (1940 -2020)
Proud to honor Bruce Fredrickson, each of the 2024 NELA Annual Gala Honorees, and every NELA member who works every day to balance the scales and level the playing field for workers.
Matt Koski
McGuinn, Hillsman & Palefsky San Francisco, CA
“If yo u can’t fly, then run; if yo u can ’t run, then walk; if yo u can ’t walk, then crawl; but whatever yo u do, yo u have to keep moving forward.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.
The people so often sleepy, weary enigmatic, Is a vast huddle with many units saying, “I earn my living. I make enough to get by and it takes all my time. If I had more time I could do more for myself. and maybe more for others. I could read and study and talk things over and find out about things. It takes time. I wish I had the time.”
Carl Sandburg
Fighting for and protecting the rights of employees in Minnesota since 1985
www.nelaga.org
President- Tamika Sykes
P President Elect-Julie Oinonen S Secretary- Cherri Shelton
P Past President- Teresa Saggese Mills T Treasurer-Dean R. Fuchs Board Members
Nina Maja Bergmar
Zachary Panter
Beverly Lucas
Jake Knanishu
Anita Bala
Hon. Bernice B. Donald
Employment Law Group
We represent employees in cases of:
n Wrongful Termination
n Discrimination based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, sexual harassment, and gender identity
n Violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act
n Hostile Environment
n Violations of the Equal Pay Act law@uptonhatfield.com uptonhatfield.com 603-244-6381
upton & hatfield
MICHAEL MCGRATH
BROOKE SHILO
SUSAN LOWRY MADELINE K. OSBON
LAUREN IRWIN
HEATHER BURNS
Forged in Pittsburgh Christian Bagin
Not EvErythiNg that is FacEd caN BE chaNgEd, But NothiNg caN BE chaNgEd uNtil it is FacEd — James Baldwin
hErBErt EisENBErg laura s schNEll christophEr pacEllE
EisENBErg & schNEll llp thE WoolWorth BuildiNg 233 BroadWay, suitE 2704 NEW york, NEW york 10279 212. 966.8900
EisENBErgschNEll com
Neil L. Henrichsen
Renee Cook
Chiung-Hui Huang
Dawn C. Stewart Civil Rights, Litigation, Employee, & Whistleblower
We are all honored to honor Bruce Fredrickson who personifies the best of NELA.
Bruce, your fearless quest for justice for the disenfranchised and boundless energy in pursuit of it is an inspiration to us all. Keep fighting the good fight!
I am fiercely proud to call you my colleague and dear friend.
Nina T. Pirrotti
Houk Law Firm
Changing the world one case at a time.
The Houk Law Firm is pleased to support NELA and the 2024 Annual Convention
Forging the Future of Workers' Rights Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Congratulations to the awardees:
Honorable Bernice B. Donald Bruce A. Fredrickson Camille Fundora Rodriguez
www.houklawfirm.com 1850 N Central Ave, 2010 Phoenix, AZ 85004
480-569-2377
Se Habla Español
Chris Houk, Attorney
Marina Kovačević, In-House Counsel
Jenny Jansch, Attorney
Isa Ramirez, Legal Assistant
Nicole Houk, Accounting
A special thank you to this year’s honorees
The Honorable Bernice B. Donald (ret.), Bruce A. Fredrickson (DC) and Camille Fundora Rodriguez
Ritz Clark & Ben-Asher LLP StrategicEmploymentLawyers
Jonathan Ben-Asher
Miriam F. Clark
Susan Ritz (Senior Counsel) One Liberty Plaza 165 Broadway, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10006-1404
Phone: 212-321-7075 www.rcbalaw.com
The Law Offices of Gilda A. Hernandez stands ready to help North Carolinians, and others, fight for their rights against employers who have not paid them fairly and pursuant to the requirements of federal and state wage and hour laws. ABOUT US:
WHO WE REPRESENT:
Our firm represents people individually and/or on a collective/class action basis for wage issues
Our firm also represents individuals in matters relating to retaliation and wrongful termination based on FMLA, discriminatory practices, complaints of unpaid wages and/or safety violations.
CONTACT
P: (919) 741 - 8693
F: (919) 869 - 1853
ADDRESS
1020 Southhill Drive Suite 130 Cary, NC
WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT NELA AND ITS MISSION TO PROMOTE JUSTICE AND EQUITY FOR ALL WORKERS.
www.gildahernandezlaw.com Or, simply scan the QR code.
Justin M. Plaskov, Partner Jester Gibson & Moore, LLP 1999 Broadway, Ste. 3225 Denver, CO 80202 (720) 657-1328 (Direct)
jplaskov@jgllp.com ColoradoEmployeeAdvocates.com
Colorado Employee Advocates, founded by Justin Plaskov (NELA Member since 2012), serves Colorado and Wyoming employees through the law firm Jester Gibson & Moore, focusing on: Section 1981, Title VII, & ADA
Cornish & Dell'Olio, P.C. is proud to support NELA and all NELA members who are Forging the Future of Worker's Rights in Colorado and across the country. Ian Kalmanowitz Brad Sherman
Employment Law Demands Tough Attorneys
“We
— Mark E. Hammons,
Sr.
Founding Partner
With more than forty years experience, Hammons, Hurst & Associates is one of the nation’s leading firms specializing in employment law. Employment
Mark E. Hammons, Sr.* and Amber L. Hurst
Member, National Employment Lawyers Association
E. Hammons
Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association
Leaders in Protecting Employee Rights
Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association is an organization of lawyers on your side for employment matters. Please visit our website at www.oela.org
OELA is a non-profit organization that has the purpose of furthering the education of and sharing resources with the attorneys who practice employment law, specifically Plaintiff’s cases.
GODDARD LAW
www.goddardlawNyc.com empOWeRinG
39 Broadway, Suite 1540
New york, Ny 10006
(646) 964-1178
Stand Up For Workers was established by people who care about the basic rights of the American worker. We support candidates who prioritize workers’ rights.
Join us on Thursday after NELA convention activities to watch the first presidential debate of 2024!
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTY
8:30PM
Gather with workers' rights champions on-site at the Marriott to watch the first presidential debate! Food & drinks provided. RSVP below for location.
Lichten & Liss-Riordan, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm that is dedicated to vindicating the rights of workers around the country through class actions and individual litigation. The firm has brought and won landmark cases throughout the United States on behalf of workers who have been deprived of their wages, tips, and overtime, or wrongfully misclassified as independent contractors, or who have suffered discrimination or retaliation. The firm has been recognized by numerous organizations and publications for its innovative and vigorous advocacy on behalf of workers.
Increasing recoveries on employment claims on bankrupt and financially- stressed defendants since 2016.
