Speaker and Program - November 20, 2024
Tom O'Day
Legal Updates / HR Hot Topics
Tom O'Day, Partner, Husch Blackwell, Madison WI
Audrey Merkel, Associate, Husch Blackwell, Milwaukee WI
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
8:30 am to 11:00 am - Breakfast
Mound City Bank Motor Branch, Platteville
Program description:
In this presentation, we will delve into five critical areas shaping the modern workplace: ADA and reasonable accommodations, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), restrictive covenant agreements, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, and Artificial Intelligence. We will also explore how the outcome of the presidential election could shape each of these areas. Understanding these potential changes is crucial for organizations to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and prepare for future challenges and opportunities. As we move forward, staying informed and adaptable will be key to ensuring compliance and fostering a thriving workplace.
Speaker Profile:
Tom O'Day Tom O'Day is a partner with Husch Blackwell, located in the Madison Office. He advises and represents employers through sophisticated labor and employment matters with a particular focus on the healthcare and education sectors. Clients value Tom's experience and practical guidance on day-to-day operations, growing business and navigating what can feel like the volatility of litigation. Tom assists employers with a full range of human resource issues, including employment and severance agreements, noncompete agreements, proactive compliance, policy handbooks, medical reporting obligations, and discrimination, harassment, and wage claims.
Tom understands that proactive compliance is often the best and most cost-efficient defense, and works closely with clients to write policy, provide training, and meet or exceed regulatory benchmarks. He monitors legal trends and strategize with clients on how best to grow a business in tandem with changing regulations. When investigation or litigation occurs, he is a fierce advocate for clients, helping them to resolve issues with minimum interruptions to daily operations while implementing best practices to avoid future litigation.
Audrey Merkel
Audrey Merkel is an Associate with Husch Blackwell and is located in the Milwaukee office.
Audrey assists clients with a wide variety of labor and employment matters. She assists with employment litigation, advises on the employment issues present in corporate transactions, and provides preventative counsel to help clients stay compliant with the law. Her experience includes defending employers in cases involving allegation of discrimination and harassment, drafting and updating employee handbooks and separation agreements, and advising on legally compliant recruiting and hiring processes.
