Watson Farley & Williams invites you to our On Site Construction Autumn 2025 Update webinar.

This webinar comprises four bitesize updates bringing you up to date on the latest key legal developments. There will also be the opportunity to pose questions to our panel.

In this webinar, we will cover the following topics:

Records, Records and Broken Records
Ryland Ash, Dispute Resolution Partner
What evidence is really necessary on construction projects?

BSA Gateway approvals: How to manage and mitigate delays
Jamie Bell, Real Estate Senior Associate
An overview of the Gateway approvals and how to manage and mitigate potential delays arising from the approval process.

Contracts masterclass: common trends and pitfalls
Barry Hembling, Construction Partner
Contracts masterclass – common trends and pitfalls: which clauses are common in the current market and how to navigate problem issues.

2025 in perspective
Theresa Mohammed, Dispute Resolution Partner
As we launch our annual review, we look back at some of the key market and legal trends from the last year and look forward to what the year ahead has in store.

The panel will be moderated by Rebecca Williams, Dispute Resolution Partner.

We hope you are able to attend and kindly ask you to RSVP by clicking the ‘Register your interest’ button. Should you have any queries in the meantime, please contact events@wfw.com.

This year, Hodgson Russ continues its annual Labor & Employment Conference as a hybrid event. Join our attorneys as they provide insight into some of 2025's most critical issues.

Who should attend: In-house counsel, CEOs, COOs, human resources professionals, benefits administrators, risk managers, and all interested managers.

Up to 5.5 hours of CLE, HRCI, SHRM credit requested.

*Please note, this year will only have one track of presentations*

EVENT AGENDA:

8:30 a.m. 

Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 - 9:05 a.m.

Welcome 

9:05 - 9:40 a.m.

Session 1: Breaking News and Recent Developments

10:50 - 11:40 a.m.

Session 2: The Death of DEI?

11:50 a.m. - 1:05 p.m.

Lunch

Session 3: Free Speech in the Workplace

1:15 - 2:05 p.m.

Session 4: Developing Effective Compensation Plans and Wage & Hour Changes Underway

2:15 - 3:05 p.m.

Session 5: Major Changes in Progress at NLRB

3:15 - 4:30 p.m.

Cocktail Reception 

In a world where information is everywhere, finding exactly what you need, when you need it, can be a challenge. And more time spent searching for answers to your employment and labor law questions means less time for you to respond to the critical needs of your organization. Littler Edge is designed to help you with your employment and labor law compliance efforts by providing access to the best of Littler's collective knowledge and experience, all in one location.

The speaker will demonstrate the capabilities of Littler Edge and the many benefits it can bring to your company.

Time:
11:00 - 11:45 a.m. PT
12:00 - 12:45 p.m. MT
1:00 - 1:45 p.m. CT
2:00 - 2:45 p.m. ET

We will look at AI agents and how they differ from other generative AI applications. We will then look at how to manage the risks around these powerful tools to allow you to leverage them for efficiency gains.

Littler attorneys and in-house counsel from some of the nation's top retailers present a highly engaging roundtable discussion. This interactive forum will allow industry colleagues to share how businesses are handling current legal challenges. Participants will explore practical and out-of-the-box approaches to address challenges they have faced, sharing ideas and strategies that have proven successful.

Topics to be discussed at this roundtable include:

• Managing intermittent FMLA or other types of intermittent leaves

• Handling religious accommodation requests especially for alternate scheduling and Sundays off

• Potential impact of new NYC mayor

• How your company is handling training under Retail Worker Safety Act

Registration: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Breakfast will be provided.

The reasons for (suspicious use of) FMLA leave get more creative each year. Like the guy who said he was helping his wife at home with IVF treatments…but the employer knew his wife wasn't at home. We'll tell you about him and how they knew he was fibbing—you're not going to believe it. Or the truck driver who injured himself by crashing his company car…only was there no evidence of a crash. We'll tell you about him, too.

And most importantly, we'll provide every bit of reassurance that you shouldn't feel helpless when dealing with suspected FMLA and ADA fraud!

In this complimentary webinar, Littler shareholder Jeff Nowak and ComPsych's Matt Morris will provide practical suggestions on how employers can address suspected FMLA and ADA leave misuse in your workplace, focusing on the steps you can take to root out and minimize fraudulent use of these job-protected leaves.

Through the use of case studies (and always a bit of humor), you will learn how to:

• Identify and understand the most common forms of FMLA fraud

• Effectively use certification and recertification to respond to a pattern of misuse or suspected FMLA or ADA misuse

• Manage intermittent FMLA leave—a main culprit of FMLA misuse

• Conduct effective investigations into potential misuse of FMLA and ADA leave

• Implement must-have personnel policies to prevent FMLA fraud

• Learn how to use the "honest belief" tool to protect your organization against misuse of FMLA and ADA leave

• Navigate whether you can assess attendance points or issue discipline for an absence protected by the ADA

And, of course, we'll sing. We'll definitely sing.

Time:
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. PT
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. MT
12:00 - 1:15 p.m. CT
1:00 - 2:15 p.m. ET

A practical look at how businesses can protect themselves from unfair competition risks tied to senior executive departures. Presenters will cover the latest strategies companies are using to safeguard their talent and confidential information and provide actionable guidance you can apply to your organization. The webinar also offers a high-level overview of the key differences between England and the U.S. when managing senior talent on either side of the Atlantic.

Explore how employers can proactively mitigate risk and protect commercial interests, including:

• Legal protections in England and the U.S.: How employers in conjunction with or instead of restrictive covenants rely on confidentiality clauses, notice periods, garden leave, implied terms and fiduciary duties to limit competitive threats

• Executive compensation as a retention and protection tool: Learn how employers on both sides of the Atlantic build restrictions into long-term incentive schemes and the legal implications of enforcing forfeiture versus clawback provisions. We’ll also flag challenges when RSUs are issued under U.S.-governed plans (e.g., Delaware law) by a U.S. parent company

• Managing senior departures: Prevention is better than cure. We’ll discuss practical steps to ensure that senior exits minimize disruption and protect the interests of the business

• Enforcement mechanisms: Compare High Court injunctions in England with U.S. temporary restraining orders (TROs) and understand the role of speedy trials and breach of contract claims

This session is ideal for legal counsel, HR leaders and business managers navigating cross-border employee transitions and looking to strengthen their competitive position through strategic legal and contractual tools.

Time:
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. PT
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. MT
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. CT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET

In today’s dynamic business environment, workforce reductions may become necessary but companies must ensure they are legally compliant. Littler attorneys present a comprehensive webinar designed to discuss how to comply with WARN, best practices for RIFs and separations from employment.

Time:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CT
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Upcoming Tysons Corner Fall Series | In-person and Webinar
November 12, 2025 | In-person: The Current IE&D Landscape
December 10, 2025 | Webinar: Election 2025: The Likely Impact of the Virginia Election on Future Legal Developments for Employers

While recent U.S. laws have compelled employers to retreat from DEI measures, laws in jurisdictions outside the United States—such as in the E.U.—mandate that employers lean into such measures. For global employers with both U.S. and non-U.S. workers, this policy divergence presents a conundrum. Straddling this divergence makes a “global” DEI approach almost impossible and instead requires a careful strategic approach that ensures that “pro-DEI” local laws are complied with, while also not running afoul of the charge of “illegal DEI” under U.S. law.

This webinar will provide an overview of this divergent legal landscape and discuss how to chart this careful strategic approach! 

You can read more on this topic in the below related article:

A DEI Conundrum: We Employ U.S and Non-U.S. Workers. How Can We Straddle Diverging DEI Requirements?
August 26, 2025 | Littler Publications 
By: Lavanga Wijekoon, Donald Dowling, Alyesha Asghar, Brandon Mita, Sonia Cortes, Jan-Ove Becker and Raoul Parekh

Time:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CT
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

The EU Pay Transparency Directive is reshaping compensation practices across Europe, with its influence extending to organizations worldwide. As the June 2026 implementation deadline approaches, employers are actively preparing for compliance. However, many practical questions remain that the Directive itself does not fully address. To help employers navigate these uncertainties, Littler has compiled the most frequently asked client questions and will address them in this global webinar.

The answers to these questions will feature insights from our Pay Transparency Directive taskforce, including real-world experiences from audits and a practical overview of what to expect as the Directive takes effect. Whether you're building from scratch or refining existing frameworks, this session will help you navigate the Directive with confidence and actionable insights—not just theory. 

We invite all stakeholders, including in-house counsel and heads of compensation, to join us to gain a deeper understanding of the Directive and to equip your organization with the tools needed for effective compliance.

Time:
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. PT
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. MT
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. CT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. BST
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. CET
6:00 p.m. EEST

Join David Wilks, Immigration Partner at Hodgson Russ, to discuss the recent executive order (EO) regarding proposed changes to the H-1B visa process and fees, and how those changes may affect businesses and individuals.

Our attorneys will provide the latest information on the EO, including:

• The proposed $100,000 fee

• Travel considerations

• What to expect next

This 60-minute webinar will also include Q&A.

AI isn’t some distant sci-fi fantasy anymore - it’s showing up in your hiring platforms, employee monitoring tools, and even helping your team write emails faster. But how do you stay ahead of the curve and minimize legal exposure? This session gets real about what today’s employers are facing as they embrace AI on the job. We’ll dive into issues like bias in recruitment algorithms, productivity tracking pitfalls, and what “transparent AI” really means.

This program is offered as an in-person event and will not be livestreamed or recorded.

Registration: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Breakfast will be provided.

Uncertainty in global markets and the rapid ascension of AI in the workplace have prompted many employers to reduce headcount through reductions-in-force, restructurings and accelerated performance-based terminations. Too often, these decisions are reached quickly and without assessing legal risks or planning for optimal execution. We will unpack some of the recommended best practices for tech employers to effectively manage legal risk and to ensure they and their teams are prepared.

Time:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CT
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Over the summer, the Financial Conduct Authority provided its long-awaited update on its proposed next steps in dealing with non-financial misconduct in regulated firms.

The consultation paper signals a significant fleshing-out of the regulatory approach to sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and other non-financial misconduct, including where conduct outside the workplace may be relevant.

Our speakers will discuss:

• The proposed handbook updates and changes to the Conduct Rules and Fitness and Propriety test

• What non-financial misconduct is from the regulator's perspective

• Guidance on when the regulator expects allegations of non-financial misconduct to have regulatory consequences, and what those consequences may be

• When conduct outside work may have regulatory implications

• Key steps financial services employers should take in readiness for the implementation of the changes

The webinar will be of interest to HR and internal counsel working in any organisation that is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.

Time:
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. PT
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. MT
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. CT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. BST
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. CEST

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated all aspects of our digital lives. Many Canadian employers now incorporate AI functions into various aspects of their business, including human resources. While technology can open the door to new efficiencies and possibilities, it can also add an additional level of risk that businesses want to understand and mitigate.

This webinar, designed for business leaders, HR professionals, in-house counsel, and anyone involved in implementing or monitoring AI, will guide you through the legal framework and practical considerations with AI use in the workplace. We'll explore some of the evolving ways that AI is being used within human resources, some of the potential risks associated with AI use, and policies and practices employers can implement to minimize potential liability.

Topics will include:

• Different forms of AI and how they are used in human resources

• Legislative requirements related to AI use in the workplace

• Common areas of potential liability

• Strategies to mitigate risk while fostering adoption

Time:
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. PT
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. MT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. ET

On July 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law, creating above-the-line tax deductions for “qualified tips” and “qualified overtime compensation.” In this session, Rob Pritchard, co-chair of Littler’s Wage and Hour Practice Group, and David Jordan, co-chair of Littler’s Hospitality Industry Group, will discuss what employers need to know about these deductions, including:

• Who is entitled to take the deductions?

• What constitutes “qualified tips” or “qualified overtime compensation” eligible for the deductions?

• Are there limits on an employee’s right to take the deductions?

• When do the deductions take effect?

• Will the Act impact an employer’s withholding and reporting obligations?

• How might an employer modify an employee’s current compensation arrangement to take advantage of the deductions?

Time:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CT
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Littler attorneys will explore how employers should handle testing both applicants and employees for drugs in Maine, how to best conduct sexual harassment investigations, how to create effective policies for managing gambling in the workplace, and how to navigate accommodation requests by employees affected by gambling or drug and alcohol addictions.

Time:
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. ET
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. CT
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MT
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. PT

As pressure on wages increases, the practice of tipping is exploding nationally. Tipping has spread into nontraditional industries, such as athletics, education, retail and fundraising. And gratuities in traditional self-serve, nonservice businesses continue to multiply, leaving customers and employers frustrated. The federal, state and local landmines are considerable, and the risk of extensive class wide litigation is high. The potential liability stretches from companies to managers, and the remedies of disgorgement, fines, penalties and fees can be enormous.

In this 60-minute webinar, Dan Boatright and David Jordan, Littler shareholders and co-chairs of the Hospitality Industry Group, unlock the mysteries around tipping rules. During this event, Dan and David will also identify the strategies for limiting risk in this area for employers looking to mitigate rising labor costs. Additionally, a member of the ComplianceHR team will walk you through PolicySmart™ and the Reference Center, solutions designed to simplify the complexity of employment law.

Time:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CT
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Littler attorneys present a comprehensive overview of the most impactful changes from the 2025 Connecticut legislative session and recent federal employment law developments. In addition, they will explore significant Connecticut and federal court decisions that are impacting the workplace. Attendees will gain the insights needed to understand and respond to the evolving legal landscape.

Time:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CT
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

In an era of rapidly advancing technology, employers face an increasingly complex landscape of data security challenges. Two points remain constant: employees are still the top cause of data breaches, and HR data remains among the highest at-risk data at most companies. But the risks have grown.

During this 60-minute webinar, Littler attorneys Zoe Argento, William Simmons and Andrew Gray will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and data protection, delving into the dynamic “cat-and-mouse” game where sophisticated phishing attacks are met with equally advanced AI-driven detection systems. They will also discuss the challenges posed by increasing regulatory scrutiny, high levels of remote work, ransomware attacks and the collection of new types of data, such as AI profiling data. Focusing on practical strategies, panelists will discuss how employers can manage data protection throughout the employment lifecycle – from conducting thorough background checks and training and monitoring to securing sensitive information during offboarding. Additionally, Stephanie Swenson from ComplianceHR will walk you through PolicySmart™ and the Reference Center, solutions designed to simplify the complexity of employment law.

Time:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PT
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CT
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Businesses with multistate activities face considerable compliance challenges for state tax purposes -- especially with regard to sales tax and nexus. This webinar will cover nexus rules and nexus-triggering events along with protections under Public Law 86-272, which restricts a state from imposing a net income tax on interstate sales of tangible, physical goods. Our presenter will cover various approaches to compliance and other practical considerations when working with sales tax and nexus activities.

This program will address applying residency tax rules to commuters, occasional visitors, and full-time residents of the various states. It will also identify the practices most states use to determine if a taxpayer has "truly" changed their residence. For example, changing your residence from a high-tax state (think NY, NJ & CA) to a low or no-tax state (think FL) can dramatically reduce the amount of state taxes you have to pay. But high-tax states don't let their residents go smoothly. If you continue to maintain any connection to the former residence (think snowbirds), the high-tax state may contest that you genuinely changed your residence. 

In this webinar, you will learn how states determine a taxpayer's residency and how to make the states respect your residency change.