Explore the complete 2025 Program*. Session topics and suggested career level (early, mid, senior, and all) are noted for each session. 

This program is valid for 7 PDCs for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.

 

Topics covered:   

  

*The schedule and program are subject to change.

 

 

Opening Keynote

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Cottonwood

More details coming soon.


9:15 AM  - 10:15 AM 

Developments under the PWFA

Addressing Medical and Recreational Drugs in the Workplace

Workplace Investigations: Mastering Credibility Assessments

  | All Career Levels   | Early Career Level   | All Career Levels

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was birthed in Congress with bipartisan support. But the expansive implementing regulations published by the EEOC caused many groups to feel a wee bit sick in the morning. This session will discuss the history of this legislation that has experienced more complications than expected.

David Barton, Partner, BurnsBarton PLC

David is a partner with the employment law boutique, BurnsBarton.  David and his partners defend good employers from all types of employment claims.  They do so in the most cost-efficient manner possible, and as the only woman-owned employment law firm in the Southwest, they do with experience and perspective unmatched in the industry.

Americans now smoke marijuana more daily than they drink alcohol daily.  Does your business have policies in place to protect the company and help manage medical and recreational marijuana in the workplace?  In this session learn how to draft a policy that is compliant with Arizona’s drug testing statutes and other strategies and steps that employers can take to recognize impairment at work and address the rising use of recreational or medical marijuana.

Dave Selden, Attorney, PSGM Law

Dave Selden’s practice focuses on defending employers in employment and commercial litigation relating to the full range of employment issues, including but not limited to wrongful termination, non-competes, independent contractor and alleged misclassification issues with DES and other government agencies, defending claims of sexual harassment, employment discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and EEOC OR ACRD charges. He drafted most of the Arizona employment laws enacted during the past 25 years. He handles matters involving OSHA, ICE, OFCCP, DOL, NLRB, ADA, FMLA, Davis-Bacon, FAR, SCA, government contracts, and wage and hour laws.

Credibility assessments are critical to every workplace investigation.  Investigators must navigate witnesses who have faded memories, mysterious motivations, and irreconcilable perspectives.  How the investigator manages these challenges and weighs the evidence dictates the investigation’s effectiveness.  This session will teach participants a practical and proven approach to objectively assess credibility.  Participants will learn how to reach a well-reasoned conclusion even in the face of unclear and conflicting evidence.

Erich Knorr, Partner, Van Dermyden Makus Law Corp

Erich Knorr is an Attorney Investigator who conducts workplace investigations in Arizona and California.  He conducts investigations in a variety of industries in the public and private sectors. Erich previously represented public safety employees, and their labor associations, in litigation and disciplinary proceedings.

Liz DeChellis, AWI-CH, Partner, Van Dermyden Makus Law Corp

Liz also serves as Van Dermyden Makus’ Title IX Program Director, overseeing all Title IX investigations and hearings. Trained in Trauma-Informed Forensic Interviewing, Liz frequently serves as a Hearing Officer and an investigator in Title IX campus sexual harassment cases. Liz’s practice focuses on conducting workplace and campus investigations, as well as training.


10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Pay it Forward: What Employers Need to Know in 2025 about Wage and Hour Law

Animals as Accommodations

Are Times Changing? Proposed Immigration Legislation

  | All Career Levels   | All Career Levels   | Senior Career Level

As of January, 2025, increases in both state minimum wage and the federal salary threshold go into effect. There are also a number of changes that may impact employers based on the regulatory environment. This session will cover recent changes in federal and state law in an interactive format, led by experience employment practitioners.

Helen Holden, Partner, Spencer Fane LLP

Helen Holden helps businesses understand how successfully navigating the alphabet soup of federal and state employment laws can positively impact company culture. Helen brings over 20 years of experience to her focus on management-side employment law, which is evident in the practical advice and training she provides to management on human resource issues.     

Rob Warzel, Senior Associate, Spencer Fane LLP

Rob Warzel’s practice encompasses all aspects of human resources counseling, employment litigation, and traditional labor law, helping businesses identify risks and equipping them with the tools necessary to minimize the time and resources spent on legal matters. He works with clients ranging from large enterprises to sole proprietorships in complex matters involving breach of contract, wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, fraud, negligence, and more. 

No one would argue or complain about a seeing-eye dog but what about a stress-relieving peacock or an anxiety-reducing shrimp?  What are the limits on critters that can come to work?  This article will explore the odd requests and expansive limits of accommodation under the ADA.

David Barton, Partner, BurnsBarton PLC

David is a partner with the employment law boutique, BurnsBarton. David and his partners defend good employers from all types of employment claims.  They do so in the most cost-efficient manner possible, and as the only woman-owned employment law firm in the Southwest, they do with experience and perspective unmatched in the industry.

 A discussion of proposed changes to employment-based immigration laws, how they can affect hiring practices, and the likelihood of adoption.

Jon Schultz, Managing Partner & Attorney, Schultz Peña LLP 

Jon Schultz is the Managing Partner of Schultz Peña LLP. He is an experienced employment-based immigration attorney and complex commercial trial attorney. Jon’s employment-based immigration practice is focused on helping employers to develop, implement, and manage regulation compliant immigration petitioning systems.


Lunch Keynote

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Cottonwood

More details coming soon.


 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Top 10 Employment Law Developments To Expect Under President Trump

Developing Innovative and Lawful Employee Wellness and Wellbeing Strategies

Anatomy of a Claim

The State of Labor Relations: Guide to NLRB 2025

 | All Career Levels  | All Career Levels  | All Career Levels  | Senior Career Level

Learn about the new laws and regulations that will go into effect and those that may be modified or eliminated. Learn how to implement these changes at your Company to reduce risks and manage employment-related issues under the Trump Administration. These changes could range from changes in DOL and wage and hour changes, employee handbook policies, potential deportations that can lead to increased I-9 enforcement and labor shortages, revised independent contractor definitions and requirements, changes with OSHA, EEOC and NLRB.

Julie Pace, Attorney, PSGM Law

Julie Pace’s practice handles employment law, handbooks, drug and alcohol policies, I-9 and E-Verify compliance, OSHA, independent contractor and alleged misclassification issues with DES and other government agencies, and defends claims of sexual harassment, employment discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and wrongful discharge, and against charges by the EEOC or ACRD.  She regularly provides training to companies and assists with investigations.

Dave Selden, Attorney, PSGM Law

Dave Selden’s practice focuses on defending employers in employment and commercial litigation relating to the full range of employment issues, including but not limited to wrongful termination, non-competes, independent contractor and alleged misclassification issues with DES and other government agencies, defending claims of sexual harassment, employment discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and EEOC OR ACRD charges. He drafted most of the Arizona employment laws enacted during the past 25 years. He handles matters involving OSHA, ICE, OFCCP, DOL, NLRB, ADA, FMLA, Davis-Bacon, FAR, SCA, government contracts, and wage and hour laws.

Ready to build a happier, healthier workforce without accidentally breaking the law? Join us for an engaging (and legally sound!) exploration of employee wellness strategies. We’ll dive into the feel-good impact these programs have on your team’s overall wellbeing, untangle the legal knots that could trip you up, and share creative ways to develop programs your employees will actually love. Expect insights, laughs, and maybe even a wellness prize or two—because learning should be as fun as it is informative!

Jeffrey Toppel, Attorney, Bianchi & Brandt

Jeff Toppel is widely recognized as a practitioner in the area of labor and employment law, representing employers of all sizes in a wide variety of industries. Jeff works with his clients to provide timely and proactive advice on maintaining an issue-free workplace.  Jeff is currently a partner with Bianchi Brandt.

Jessica Somar, Director of Wellbeing, Benefit Commerce Group

Jessica is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in corporate wellness, specializing in program development, sales, and strategy within the health insurance and employee benefits industry. At Benefit Commerce Group, she leads the development of comprehensive wellbeing strategies for clients, advocates for wellness solutions, and champions internal wellness initiatives. Previously, she served as Cigna's Director of Health Engagement, overseeing a team of consultants and managing client portfolios. A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) with a Bachelor’s in Health Education from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Jessica is passionate about leading by example and inspiring others in their wellbeing journeys.

HR professionals play a crucial role in protecting their organizations against legal exposure while also balancing the needs of an ever-evolving workforce.  In this session, we will dissect legal claims from inception through resolution and explore how HR professionals play a vital role at each stage.  Learners will gain a deeper understanding of how HR and Legal work together to solve complex employment issues.

Helen Holden, Partner, Spencer Fane LLP

Helen Holden helps businesses understand how successfully navigating the alphabet soup of federal and state employment laws can positively impact company culture. Helen brings over 20 years of experience to her focus on management-side employment law, which is evident in the practical advice and training she provides to management on human resource issues.     

Rob Warzel, Senior Associate, Spencer Fane LLP

Rob Warzel’s practice encompasses all aspects of human resources counseling, employment litigation, and traditional labor law, helping businesses identify risks and equipping them with the tools necessary to minimize the time and resources spent on legal matters. He works with clients ranging from large enterprises to sole proprietorships in complex matters involving breach of contract, wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, fraud, negligence, and more. 

This session will explore the shift in the National Labor Relations Board that employers should anticipate under the new Trump Administration.  The NLRB under the administration of the "Most Union-Friendly President" made sweeping legal changes stating on Inauguration Day. 

Yijee Jeong, Associate, Littler Mendelson P.C.

Yijee Jeong advises clients on labor and employment law matters. Yijee represents management in various aspects of traditional labor law, including in union elections, labor arbitrations and grievances, unfair labor practice charges, and in administrative proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board. Yijee also maintains a litigation practice in both federal and state court, defending employers against claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims. She defends employers before administrative agencies, including state and federal agencies.

 


2:45 PM - 3:45 PM 

I-9 and E-Verify Compliance with Electronic I-9 Solutions

Arizona Employment Law Update

Restrictive Covenants and Employment Agreements: Now What?

 | Early Career Level  | All Career Levels  | Senior Career Level

ICE has stepped-up enforcement of electronic I-9 requirements as more employers implement electronic I-9 systems. A non-compliant electronic system can result in every Form I-9 completed on the noncompliant system being considered incomplete. The DOJ has also become more active in enforcing the nondiscrimination provisions of IRCA. DOJ now conducts discrimination audits based on E-Verify patterns, with financial consequences for employers. The cost of noncompliance is continuing to increase and it is more important than ever that companies ensure they are fully completing the Form I-9.

Julie Pace, Attorney, PSGM Law

Julie Pace’s practice handles employment law, handbooks, drug and alcohol policies, I-9 and E-Verify compliance, OSHA, independent contractor and alleged misclassification issues with DES and other government agencies, and defends claims of sexual harassment, employment discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and wrongful discharge, and against charges by the EEOC or ACRD. She regularly provides training to companies and assists with investigations.

Heidi Nunn-Gilman, Attorney, PSGM Law

Heidi Nunn-Gilman’s practice focuses on employment litigation and human resource matters. She advises clients on matters relating to labor and employment law, including I-9 and immigration compliance strategies, E-Verify, ICE and worksite enforcement, EEOC, Title VII, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, drug and alcohol, NLRB, PPA, CARES Act, wrongful discharge, non-competition and confidentiality agreements, wage and hour laws/DOL for both public and private employers, paid sick leave, employee handbooks, and executive agreements.

Join Michael Guilliam and Pablo Castellanos for a talk on the recent changes to employment law from federal, state, and local perspectives. This talk will go over noteworthy court decisions, current and upcoming changes to the law, and other employment matters employers should keep an eye on in 2025. 

Michael Guilliam, Attorney at Law, Littler Mendelson P.C.

Michael Guilliam is an associate with Littler Mendelson's Phoenix office. His practice is focused on employment defense litigation, investigations, and workplace violence prevention.

Pablo Castellanos, Attorney at Law, Littler Mendelson P.C.

Pablo Castellanos is an associate with Littler Mendelson's Phoenix Office. He regularly counsels employers on matters involving discrimination, harassment, disability and accommodations, and wage and hour issues.

 Navigating the changing landscape of restrictive covenants is difficult and high risk. We will cover both federal and state precedent regarding non-compete clauses, non-solicit provisions, and what strategy decisions to consider when determining whether to continue to use these documents for your organization.

 

Gina Carillo, Partner, Gammage & Burnham

Gina Carrillo is a passionate employment law attorney. She works with employers with the goal of creating a workplace that fosters high employee morale and minimizes employer liability. She worked for the EEOC for nearly 8 years and brings both a plaintiff side and employer experience to her work.

 


Closing Keynote: Employment Law Panel & Wacky Cases 

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Cottonwood

Join us for a dynamic and insightful "Employment Law Panel" designed exclusively for HR professionals seeking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of workplace legislation. Our expert panelists, comprised of seasoned legal professionals and industry leaders, will delve into the hottest legislative topics affecting the employment landscape. Then, close out Legislative Conference '25 with a laugh! Joseph Clees will highlight the weird, the bizarre, and the wacky employment cases.

Joseph Clees, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins

Joe Clees is a founding shareholder of the firm’s Phoenix office and has served in a variety of firm leadership roles, including its Board of Directors.  For more than 35 years, Joe has represented employers throughout the United States in employment litigation and labor relations. He also counsels clients on a wide array of state, federal, and tribal compliance laws. Joe has been singled out by Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers as one of the top labor and employment lawyers in the country for many years and as a Chambers USA “Top Leader in his Field.”

Jeffrey Toppel, Attorney, Bianchi & Brandt

Jeff Toppel is widely recognized as a practitioner in the area of labor and employment law, representing employers of all sizes in a wide variety of industries. Jeff works with his clients to provide timely and proactive advice on maintaining an issue-free workplace.  Jeff is currently a partner with Bianchi Brandt.