Managing High-Risk EEOC Charges: From Intake to Investigation
The EEOC’s enforcement landscape is evolving rapidly. With the agency’s new National Enforcement Plan prioritizing high-impact cases, intentional discrimination claims, vulnerable-worker protections, and matters with broader workplace implications, employers face heightened scrutiny from the earliest stages of the charge process. Join NELC for a practical discussion on managing high-risk EEOC charges from intake through investigation, including strategies for effectively mediating with the EEOC and drafting persuasive and strategic position statements to prevent extensive investigation. This program will examine emerging EEOC priorities, recent enforcement trends, investigation tactics, and the agency’s renewed focus on early resolution, conciliation, and targeted litigation. Attendees will gain actionable guidance on fact development, documentation strategies, risk assessment, and common mistakes that can undermine a defense before the EEOC. Designed for both in-house and outside employment counsel, this webinar will provide a current playbook for navigating complex charges, mitigating litigation risk, and positioning employers for successful outcomes in an increasingly aggressive enforcement environment.
NELC Thought Exchange | Changing Rules Relative to Independent Contractors/Gig Workers
The impact of treating an individual as an independent contractor/gig worker is becoming more complicated due to increasing regulatory changes on national and local fronts. This program will explore some of the developments and concerns each of us should be aware of when considering the classification of an individual. The discussion will be facilitated by Steve Chariyasatit of Instacart, with moderation by Darrell Gay and Barbara Johnson. Look forward to you joining us on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern This is a members-only event. If you are not a current NELC member, click here to renew your membership or join.
NELC Thought Exchange | Developing State and Local Laws on Protected Leave
The NELC Thought Exchange is an interactive forum for NELC members to share strategies, ideas, and best practices on rapidly evolving labor and employment law issues. Join leading labor and employment law practitioners in our member-driven discussion on Developing State and Local Laws on Protected Leave. We’ll walk through the fast-growing patchwork of state and local requirements governing paid and unpaid leave from work, and compare practical approaches for keeping policies current, managing risk, and advising clients and business partners with confidence. Bring your questions—and your insights from the field. Open to NELC members only. If you’re not a member or your membership has lapsed, click here to renew or join before registering for this event.
Webinar | AI in Litigation: Practical Use and the In-House Perspective
Thursday, February 26 | 1PM – 2PM Eastern Time | via Zoom Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the practice of law and litigators who learn to integrate AI into their workflow now will soon outpace everyone else. In this practical and interactive webinar hosted by the National Employment Law Council, speakers will break down exactly how to leverage AI to streamline your litigation practice, reduce costs, and sharpen strategy through real, live examples, as well as provide insight on what corporate clients expect from their outside counsel’s use of AI in litigation. Sheppard Mullin Labor & Employment Attorney Dimiana Saad will provide an inside look at how litigators can use AI in day-to-day practice, from reviewing deposition transcripts and generating client-ready communications to conducting AI-assisted legal research and streamlining review of voluminous document productions. PepsiCo Employment Law Director Dorthy Lukens will share the in-house perspective on what corporate clients expect from outside counsel’s use of AI, how companies are evaluating AI risk and opportunity, and how counsel can use AI to enhance service, efficiency, and value. This webinar is designed for litigators, in-house counsel, and legal leaders interested in using AI not only as a buzzword – but as a practical, everyday accelerator for litigation strategy and execution. This is a NELC members-only event.
Webinar: New Year’s Resolutions: Enhancing Collaboration Between In-House and Outside Counsel in 2026
Wednesday, January 28 | 2PM – 3PM Eastern Time | via Zoom As the legal industry prepares for another demanding year, many in-house legal teams are seeking to enhance and strengthen their relationships with outside counsel. With numerous options available, you might question what sets an exceptional outside legal partner apart from its peers. How can you foster more effective, efficient partnerships with clients that deliver sustained value? In this engaging webinar, a panel of in-house legal professionals will share their “wish list” for creating impactful and collaborative outside counsel relationships. Throughout the discussion, they will highlight what they most appreciate in legal partners and provide practical strategies for building trust, streamlining workflows, and demonstrating added value throughout the year. Whether you are looking to differentiate yourself in new business development or to better align with your existing clients’ evolving needs, this session will offer actionable insights for cultivating stronger, more productive legal partnerships in 2026. Speakers: Jewelle Johnson Graphic Packaging International, LLC VP, Assistant General Counsel, Chief Labor & Employment Counsel Sidney O. Minter Advance Auto Parts Senior Counsel, Employment and Labor, Continental U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada Kali Wellington-James Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Corporate Counsel, Employment Law, North America and APAC
Webinar: Law Firm Economics: Understanding the Business Behind the Practice
Join us for a dynamic and informative webinar that delves into the financial and operational foundations of law firm management. This session will explore how law firms generate revenue, make strategic economic decisions, and adapt to evolving market forces that are reshaping the delivery of legal services. Whether you’re a junior associate seeking to understand the business side of your practice, a seasoned partner involved in firm leadership, or in-house counsel managing outside legal spend, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the economic drivers that influence law firm behavior and performance. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of: Revenue Models: How firms bill clients, structure fees, and manage collections. Cost Structures: What contributes to overhead and how firms control expenses. Profitability Metrics: Key indicators used to measure financial health and partner performance. Billing Practices: The impact of hourly billing, alternative fee arrangements, and client expectations. Budgeting and Forecasting: How firms plan for growth, allocate resources, and evaluate case value. Market Trends: How technology, client demands, and competition are transforming the legal landscape.