AGENDA

7:30 AM: REGISTRATION & NETWORKING BREAKFAST

8:00 AM: KEYNOTE PRESENTATION (GENERAL SESSION):

SUSAN POST
STRATEGIC CHANGE MANAGEMENT & TRANSFORMATION LEADER

From Idea to Adoption: Leading the Human Side of Change

Successful organizational change requires alignment among people, process, and technology. When the people dimension is addressed too late, or not at all, even a technically successful implementation may fail to achieve its intended outcomes.

Using an AI meeting-assistant rollout as a case study, this keynote will define organizational change management and explore how organizations can prepare and support employees as they adopt new ways of working. The presentation will introduce ADKAR, a widely used framework based on Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement, as a practical lens for examining the individual change journey, where the AI meeting assistant rollout fell short, and how the approach could have been strengthened. The keynote will also highlight the critical role of leaders and managers and demonstrate how strong organizational change capabilities can help organizations adapt to change more quickly and successfully, creating a strategic advantage.



9:20AM - 10:00AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

Best Practices For Performance Management and Effective Employment Terminations, When Necessary

Attorneys Bob Kilroy and Reid Wakefield

Bob Kilroy and Reid Wakefield will be discussing best practices to ensure effective performance management and, when such practices fail, to conduct employment terminations to minimize organizational risk. In presenting this topic, Bob and Reid will rely on real-world experience, including drawing upon experience in observing how judges, juries, and government agencies perceive and evaluate termination decisions.

Smart Tools, Real Risks: Navigating AI in Today's Workplace

Attorneys Brian Casaceli and Massiel Sanchez

AI is no longer on the horizon – it is already in the workplace. Massiel and Brian will discuss what AI is, how employees and employers use it daily, and the associated legal risks. Employers must understand how AI use can give rise to discrimination claims, threaten trade secrets and confidential information, and enable employees to build and pursue legal claims without an attorney. The session will cover current best practices – from policy drafting to training – to help employers manage these risks.

10:10AM - 11:00AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

Drawing the Line: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Attorneys Nicholas Anastasopoulos and Sydney Straub

An overview and refresher on sexual harassment under Massachusetts law, with a focus on the protections and obligations established by M.G.L. Chapter 151B. We will explore what constitutes unlawful sexual harassment, including quid pro quo and hostile work environment claims, examine common workplace scenarios and evolving standards of conduct, and discuss employer responsibilities for preventing, investigating, and responding to complaints. The presentation will also address practical considerations for employers seeking to minimize risk and foster a respectful workplace.

Complying with State and Federal Wage and Hour Laws, Pay Transparency, and the Overtime Credit under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Attorneys Corey Higgins and Kim Rozak

In this presentation, Corey and Kim will address the wage and hour issues employers most frequently miss, must-take action items under the Pay Transparency law, and overtime that is eligible for deduction under federal law including employers’ obligation to report correctly on W-2s for the 2026 and 2027 tax years. Although seemingly mundane legal topics, attendees will leave this presentation knowing how to correct what they are doing incorrectly or not doing at all.

11:10AM - 12:00PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Before Day One: Legal Considerations from Recruiting through Onboarding

Attorneys Brian Casaceli and Reid Wakefield

The decisions employers make during recruiting, hiring and onboarding can have significant consequences throughout the employment relationship – and particularly when that relationship ends. In this presentation, Brian and Reid will address key compliance considerations before an offer of employment is made, including job postings and applications, interview practices, background checks, and other common recruiting issues. This presentation will also address the legal and practical issues that arise during the offer and onboarding process and discuss best practices for protecting business interests and mitigating risk. 

Beyond the Basics: Intermittent Leave, Post-Leave Discipline, and Other Complex Issues Arising Under the Massachusetts PFMLA 

Attorneys Hayley Cotter and Jonathan Sigel

This presentation will begin with a high-level overview of the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, then cover complex issues for employer compliance pursuant to the Act. Using real-world examples, we’ll walk through some of the thornier issues employers have faced in navigating situations like intermittent leave, ADA accommodation, and post-leave discipline in light of the first PFMLA jury verdict in favor of a terminated employee.

REGISTRATION

This seminar is free to attend; however, registration is required. Please use the registration link below to complete registration for each person attending. We look forward to seeing you on October 8th!