Columbus Employment and Labor Law Annual Update

Join us for a focused midyear update on employment law trends designed to help employers evaluate policies, manage risk and move confidently through the remainder of 2026. Taft Columbus Employment and Labor Relations attorneys will cover key topics including employee handbooks, free speech and social media, immigration, workers’ compensation, FMLA, ADA and real‑world HR cautionary tales.
Approved for CLE and SHRM credits.

Schedule

Registration & breakfast | 8-8:30 a.m.
Seminar | 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Lunch & open discussion | 12-1 p.m.

For questions, please contact Melissa Payne.

Agenda

Update on Employers’ Policies and Rules:  Are Yours Lawful?
All employers are covered by the National Labor Relations Act, even without unionized employees. The National Labor Relations Board has attacked many “favorite” employer rules under its decision from 2023. We will discuss many of the rules under fire and suggest alternatives (where possible!) for your Employee Handbooks and policies.
Pamela S. Krivda

Trending but Tricky: Free Speech, Social Media, and Employer Responsibilities
Social media amplifies users’ voices on everything from political opinions to workplace observations. While social media creates opportunities for engagement, it also poses challenges for employers and stretches the limits of traditional rules for union and non-union workplaces. Learn practical approaches for addressing social media use to protect employee rights, minimize reputational risk, and maintain a respectful company culture.
Abigail M. Thederahn

Is Your HR Toolkit Up to Date?
This session will dive into immigration-related recommendations for corporate HR including discussion of I-9 best practices and ICE raid activity under Trump 2.0 with real-world examples.
Emily Cashell & Dave Thomas

Injury Alphabet Soup
This session will help managers and HR professionals understand the complex interplay between the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and workers’ compensation laws. The presentation will analyze real-world scenarios and provide practical strategies for coordinating leave, accommodations, and return-to-work decisions.
Sue A. Roudebush

Case Law Update
This session will examine the latest guidance, legislation, and case law on discrimination, wage and hour, noncompete, arbitration agreements, and more. We will highlight key takeaways to drive compliant policies and informed decision‑making.
Lauren A. Kemp

Cautionary Tales from the HR Department
This session will explore a variety of legal issues and problems—based upon anonymous real-life examples—that HR professionals may deal with on regular basis.  The interactive presentation is designed to be thought provoking and will present attendees with analysis, discussion and questions regarding what could go “right” and what could go “wrong,” as you consider what you would do under the same or similar circumstances.
Janica Pierce Tucker & Jeffrey J. Patter