Registration Information
In registering for this seminar, I attest that I devote a substantial portion of my professional time to defending the interests of individuals, business, associations, or governmental entities in civil litigation. I understand that DRI reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel my registration, without a refund, if I do not meet the criteria described above.
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Member Pricing |
Non-Member Pricing |
Non-Member Bundle ^ |
| Onsite Registration* |
$1,695 |
$2,095 |
$2,015 |
Group Registration
(Non-Sponsored) |
Group registration is for registering four or more attendees. Members and non-members receive a 15% discount off the member and non-member rates respective to the time the group registration is initiated (i.e. Early Bird, Regular or On-Site registration periods). There is one free registration with every 10 paid registrations.
If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here. Please note that online registration is not available for this offer. |
| Government |
Government members will receive the applicable government rate for the seminar upon login. If the government rate does not appear after logging in, please call DRI directly at (312) 795-1101 to receive the discounted rate. Invoices can be sent after purchase upon request. |
Not a DRI Member? Select the Non-Member Bundle and Save!
^ Not a DRI Member and new to DRI? Take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle and receive up to 9 months of membership when you register for the seminar. You’ll be able to add this special offer to your cart at check out. Note: Trial membership processing can take up to 30 days from the date of purchase, please contact DRI Customer Service with any questions. Please note renewing members and members with recently lapsed memberships are not eligible for a Non-Member Bundle.
Learn more about membership at DRI and get started on your DRI journey today!
*If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate. If you would like to join DRI to receive the member pricing and see the benefits of becoming a member, click here to go to the Application page.
Networking Events
Premier Networking Reception at the Fogg Street Lawn Club
Sponsored by: ABC
Date: Thursday, May 8 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar
Location: Fogg Street Lawn Club, 648 Fogg St, Nashville, TN 37203
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the DRI Premier Networking Reception! After a day of learning, join us at the one-of-a-kind Fogg Street Lawn Club for a truly unique experience. Picture this: you're sipping cocktails on Nashville's first rooftop lawn bowling green, chatting with fellow attendees, and soaking in the British-inspired atmosphere. It's like bocce ball with a twist! Unwind with light bites, an open bar, and the chance to forge lasting connections. Trust me, this isn't your average networking event – it's a night you won't want to miss!
Hotel Information
The seminar will take place at Renaissance Nashville Hotel, 611 Commerce Street, Nashville, TN 37203.
To contact the hotel directly, call 615.225.8400.
The DRI room block at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel is now sold out. Please use the link below to reserve a room at a nearby available hotel.
Alternative Hotels
If you are planning on attending the conference and have not secured a hotel reservation, search for hotel availability via our trusted partner aRes Travel**. Book online or call 800.559.3186 for assistance; for International callers 619.546.5773.
**aRes Travel is a third-party travel planner. Rates, deposits, and cancellation policies may vary and are the responsibility of the guest. Questions on hotel policies or payments made on aRes website should be directed to the aRes Reservation Center or to the hotel directly.
Full Agenda
*Schedule and Speakers subject to change
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
| Time (Central) |
Session |
10:00–11:00 a.m.
|
Community Service Project | Community Resource Center
Click here for details on the community service project.
|
| 12:00 p.m. |
Registration |
| 2:00 p.m. |
First Timers / Non-Member Meet and Greet |
| 2:45 p.m. |
A Double Header: Best Practices for Accommodating Neurodiversity and Pregnancy
Equip yourself to effectively advise clients about their duties under the ADA to accommodate complex conditions like neurodiversity and pregnancy. In the first of two informative sessions, Lovita Tandy provides a primer on neurodiversity, outlines the duty to accommodate neurodiversity under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and covers best practices for accommodating neurodiverse employees and job candidates. Then, join us for a discussion of the evolving landscape of pregnancy accommodations under the recently enacted Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and its associated regulations, along with helpful issue-spotting for compliance with state and local requirements.
Lovita Tandy, Krevolin & Horst, LLC, Atlanta, GA
Christine Bestor Townsend, Ogletree Deakins, Milwaukee, WI
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| 3:45 p.m. |
The Year in Review: Annual Discrimination and Retaliation Law Update
One of the annual conference’s perennial favorites, with a new face! Ankush Dhupar highlights the key discrimination, harassment, and retaliation decisions from the past year. Bring a copy of his materials and be ready to take notes, as the material presented in this valuable session will help every defense lawyer in their briefing in the coming year.
Ankush Dhupar, Paul Hastings, LLP, Los Angeles, CA |
| 5:00 p.m. |
Adjourn
|
| 6:00 p.m. |
Networking / Cocktail Hour
|
| 7:30 p.m. |
Dine-Arounds
Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).
Sign up for Dine-Arounds |
| 9:30–11:30 p.m. |
Meet the Young Lawyers Social Hour
All attorneys attending DRI's Employment and Labor Conference are invited to unwind and connect at our Post-Dinner Happy Hour this Wednesday May 7, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.
We'll gather at The Fib, located inside the Renaissance Nashville Hotel (611 Commerce Street, Nashville, TN 37203). The bar is on the lobby level and easily accessible as you enter the hotel.
Grab a drink and keep the conversations going after your dine-arounds. This happy hour is a casual and inclusive event open to everyone in the legal community.
|
Thursday, May 8, 2025
| Time (Central) |
Session |
| 7:00 a.m. |
DRI for Life Walk/Run
Looking for an opportunity to stretch your legs and get some fresh air? Join your fellow DRI Employment and Labor Law Seminar attendees on Thursday morning for a walk/jog/run around downtown Nashville. Participants should meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00 a.m. After meeting up, we’ll make our way around a 2.6 mile course highlighting downtown Nashville sights. We look forward to seeing all of you at the Employment and Labor Law Seminar and engaging in a fun activity to further explore the city.
No sign up required! If you have any questions, please reach out to Carol Harding.
|
| 8:30 a.m. |
Registration & Coffee Service
Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee. |
| 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome and Introductions
Mark A. Fahleson, Rembolt Ludtke LLP, Lincoln, NE
Sandy L. Morris, Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel, P.C., Chicago, IL
|
| 9:15–10:15 a.m. |
"I Am Not Okay:" Navigating the Twin Challenges of Mental Health Struggles and the Opioid Crisis
Attorneys are not immune to mental health issues or opioid addiction, two struggles that are often intertwined. Indeed, statistically speaking, attorneys struggle with anxiety and depression at a higher rate than the general public. This session will discuss Dr. Stephen Loyd’s personal struggle with opioid addiction, as well as his path to recovery, which provides valuable lessons for all professionals in high-stress, demanding jobs who might be predisposed to or grappling with an addiction issue. It will also provide employment attorneys with a toolkit to deploy when presented with these issues within themselves, their firms, and their clients’ employees.
Dr. Stephen Loyd, Cedar Recovery, Nashville, TN
Fred J. Bissinger, Lawson Electric Co., Chattanooga, TN |
| 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
DRI Cares | Blessings in a Backpack
Click here for details on DRI Cares project. |
| 10:15 a.m. |
Coffee Break |
| 10:30 a.m. |
You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me: Keeping Up with Best Practices for Paid and Unpaid Leave
This engaging presentation will explore how to guide employers as they manage all kinds of leaves of absence, both paid and unpaid, including leaves under the Family and Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA), leave as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), leaves under mandatory paid sick leave statutes, leaves under state paid leave programs, and more. The presenters will present both an in house and outside counsel view of leave management, including an interactive discussion of multiple scenarios.
Helen R. Holden, Spencer Fane, Phoenix, AZ
Blair Troy, AllianceBernstein L.P., Nashville, TN |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Glorious Laborious – The Definitive Update on The Year’s Labor Law Developments
Jean Faure and Kevin Carr return with their comprehensive update of the year’s most significant National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) developments in a rapid-fire, entertaining format.
Jean Elizabeth Faure, Faure Holden: Attorneys at Law, PC, Great Falls, MT
Kevin L. Carr, Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC, Jacksonville, FL |
| 12:30 p.m. |
DRI Networking Lunch
|
| 2:00 p.m. |
Trial Strategies in Defending Sexual Harassment Claims
Follow a live mock sexual harassment trial demonstrating important trial skills and learn the how's and why's of effective defense strategy through live play-by-play commentary. See the Plaintiff and Defendant’s Opening Statements, examination of witnesses, and demonstrations on the admission of evidence including business and medical records. Observe how defense counsel develops a trial theme and weaves it through the case, along with a demonstration of technical skills.
Bob Boston, Holland & Knight LLP, Nashville, TN
Cortlin Bond, Bradley, Birmingham, AL
Nicholas S. Ruble, Baker Sterchi, Kansas City, MO
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| 3:00–4:00 p.m. |
Ethical Considerations in DEI: It Takes “All Kinds of Kinds” to be Successful
This session will address the state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and address direct questions about difficulties encountered when working to help clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel understand what DEI is, what it’s not, and what the future of these initiatives may be going forward, focusing on the ethical considerations that arise.
Moderator
Brian H. Leinhauser, MacMain Leinhauser, West Chester, PA
Stephanie Houston Mays, Maynard Nexsen PC, Birmingham, AL
Amy L. Miletich, Miletich PC, Denver, CO
|
| 3:30–5:45 p.m. |
Small Group Networking | Bourbon Tasting
Available either 3:30–4:30 p.m. or 4:45–5:45 p.m.
Click on "Small Group Networking" tab below for details. |
| 4:00 p.m. |
Employment and Labor Law Committee Business Meeting |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Premier Networking Reception | Fogg Street Lawn Club
Click here for details on the reception. |
| 8:00 p.m. |
Dine-Arounds
Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).
Sign up for Dine-Arounds
|
Friday, May 9, 2025
| Time (Central) |
Session |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Registration and Coffee Service |
| 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome and Announcements
Brian H. Leinhauser, MacMain Leinhauser, West Chester, PA
|
| 9:10 a.m. |
Walk the Line: Effectively Addressing Whistleblowing and Retaliation Risks in the Workplace
Learn about the expansive universe of whistleblower protection laws and delve into current trends and best practices for handling employee complaints to address valid concerns and reduce the potential risks of retaliation claims.
Brittany Adams, Dollar General Corporation, Nashville, TN
|
| 10:10 a.m. |
Coffee Break
|
| 10:25 a.m. |
Mediation Tactics and Strategies: Do We Have to "Meet in the Middle?"
Resolution is the goal of mediation but too often parties are pushed directly to an artificially inflated midpoint. Join this experienced panel as they offer counterstrategies against the “Meet in the Middle” approach and explore other need-to-know issues such as identifying key mediation attendees; navigating coverage issues, policy retentions and deductibles; considerations for self-insured clients; and handling difficult plaintiffs. There will be plenty of takeaways from this rousing discussion offering mediation strategies from the varied perspectives of the client, carrier, and mediator.
Moderator
Robert Luskin, Chartwell Law, LLP, Atlanta, GA
Frank A. Bear, Green Thumb Industries, Chicago, IL
David Dietz, The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, Cincinnati, OH
Tanya Tate, Miles Mediation & Arbitration, LLC, Atlanta, GA
|
| 11:25 a.m. |
Restrictive Covenants: How Can I Miss You If You Won’t Go Away?
Many employers rejoiced last year when the district court struck down the FTC rule banning non-compete agreements. But the headaches from restrictive covenants aren’t going away any time soon. Learn how an employer can protect itself from unfair competition in this rapidly evolving area of the law.
Scott Gibson, Denton Peterson Dunn, PLLC, Mesa, AZ
Stephen D. Riden, Beck Reed Riden LLP, Boston, MA |
| 12:25 p.m. |
Adjourn |
Small Group Networking
Informal Welcome Reception at Puckett’s Restaurant
Date: Tuesday, May 6 from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Pricing: $45/person; drinks are pay-your-own-way
Location: Puckett's Restaurant, 500 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219
Come join us for a welcome reception at Puckett's Restaurant in Nashville! Tickets are $45 per person and includes heavy appetizers. Hope you can join us!
Sign up for the welcome reception - payment is available via Venmo (@lieselotte-carmen-burks) or Zelle (lburks226@gmail.com).
Bourbon Tasting
Date: Thursday, May 8 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. OR 4:45–5:45 p.m.
Pricing: $85/person - can be added when you register for the seminar*
Location: Onsite at Renaissance Nashville hotel
Are you ready to discover the perfect way to cap off your seminar day? Join us for a cozy and intimate small group bourbon tasting featuring the exquisite Belle Meade Bourbon. Gather with fellow attendees and let our beverage navigator guide you through a delightful exploration of this local icon. Discover the nuances of this smooth and flavorful spirit through interactive tastings and engaging conversation. Don't miss out on this unique chance to indulge your senses and make meaningful connections.
*Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis (25 max). Tickets are non-refundable unless DRI cancels the event due to not meeting the minimum attendance requirement.
Thursday Small Group Networking at Pins
Date: Thursday, May 8 from 4:45–6:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free to attend, but a pay-your-own-way event
Location: Pins Mechanical Co. 1102 Grundy St, Nashville, TN 37203
Challenge your colleagues to a game of duckpin bowling or share a beverage during our Small Group Networking at Pins. Join us at this pay-your-own-way event and make some connections leading up to the Premier Networking Reception later in the evening. Hope you can join us!
CLE Information
Earn up to 10.00 hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE), including 1.00 hour of Ethics from this seminar.
View CLE Credit by State
In some states that charge late CLE submission fees, there will be a $100 late fee to report CLE credits submitted more than 30 days after a seminar/virtual event. Click here for details on CLE late fees.
DRI's Employment and Labor Law Seminar is proudly supported by:
If you would like to contact DRI about seminar sponsorship opportunities (including pricing) or to reserve a spot, please visit the sponsorship page.
DRI Cares
Blessings in a Backpack
Please join us in supporting Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Seminar attendees will have the opportunity to fill bags of food on the way to the joint networking lunch on Thursday, May 8. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the Nashville community.
Donate to Blessings in a Backpack
Community Resource Center
Please join us for a community service project assembling hygiene kits to benefit Community Resource Center at the offices of Spencer Fane at 511 Union Street, Suite 1000, happening on Wednesday, May 7 from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
If you are interested, click here to sign-up. Space is limited, so please sign up to reserve your spot! For questions, please contact Bethany Stewart at bstewart@spencerfane.com.
If you can't make it, please consider donating to Community Resource Center. A minimum of $30 is requested. Donations can be made via Venmo to @Bethany-Vanhooser. To confirm you're sending to the right account, the last 4 digits of the associated phone number are 7119.
Additional Resources
If you have any questions or concerns regarding DRI programs, please contact DRI Customer Service at 312.795.1101 or custservice@dri.org.