Empower. Reclaim. Transform.: NELA 2025 Convention Program
June 25–28, 2025
Marriott Baltimore Waterfront
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Hawks Quindel’s Chicago office works tirelessly to protect Illinois and nationwide employees and whistleblowers against discrimination, retaliation, and wage theft. From pragmatic negotiation to litigating both individual and class/collective action cases, our employment attorneys get results for our clients. We welcome the opportunity to work with our NELA colleagues as co-counsel to tackle challenging cases together.
Chicago Shareholder Nieves Bolaños is honored to serve as NELA President and on behalf of all of Hawks Quindel, congratulates NELA on 40 years of fostering a powerful plaintiffs’ employment bar willing to stand up to anyone who threatens workers’ rights.
M. Nieves Bolaños Shareholder
Patrick J. Cowlin Shareholder
Alex Taylor Litigation Project Manager
Dear Friends:
Welcome to Empower. Reclaim. Transform.—the 2025 National Employment Lawyers Association Annual Convention in Baltimore. We are delighted you could be here to celebrate NELA’s 40th Anniversary!
We extend our thanks to the members and board of the Maryland Employment Lawyers Association for their warm and generous hospitality, and we invite you to visit the Registration Desk for information about attractions, restaurants, and activities in the surrounding area.
On Friday, June 27, please join us for NELA’s 40th Anniversary Gala from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. This year we will Party Like It’s 1985! to celebrate NELA’s founding and our collective accomplishments in these challenging and unprecedented times. We offer our deepest gratitude to the sponsors of the 2025 Gala for making NELA an even stronger and more influential force for working people and their advocates.
We also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of retiring NELA Board members Bernard Alexander, Maria G. Diaz, Mark Hanna, Deborah H. Karpatkin, Nina T. Pirrotti, and Scott M. Pollins. We salute their leadership and passion in advancing the cause for all workers.
The 2025 NELA Annual Convention Committee, along with our Convention moderators and speakers, have worked hard over the past several months to bring you extraordinary programming throughout the next three days. We hope you take advantage of the many opportunities to meet and collaborate with the best workers’ rights advocates in the country, and then return to your office equipped with new ideas, tips, and strategies that you can immediately apply to your practice. As ever, our greatest strengths are the wisdom, skills, generosity, and camaraderie of our community.
On behalf of the Board and Staff of the National Employment Lawyers Association, thank you for joining us and for all you do to promote a more just and inclusive workplace.
M. Nieves Bolaños
Karen Maoki President Interim Executive Director
Dear Esteemed Colleagues:
On behalf of the Board of the Maryland Employment Lawyers Association, allow me to welcome you to Baltimore for NELA’s 2025 Annual Convention, which, among other things, is celebrating NELA’s 40 amazing years of impact and advocacy! We are delighted and honored for you to join us for this great opportunity to connect with your fellow advocates and acquire new skills which will assist you in our collective and ongoing battle to protect workers’ rights across this nation.
Baltimore actually has a sizable history of firsts or near-firsts in relation to the country’s movement towards workers’ rights and civil rights more broadly. In 1866, the first attempt to create a national labor group in the United States occurred in Baltimore when the National Labor Union was founded. As one of its first orders of business, the Union pushed Congress to mandate an eight-hour workday. As we all know, the wheels of justice often move slowly, and the Union’s efforts were not immediately successful. However, it had planted a seed which would eventually grow into a larger movement concerning wages and hours that led to the passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938. In 1877, the first national labor strike started in Baltimore, as well as Martinsburg, West Virginia, before spreading elsewhere. The strike, which sadly grew violent, arose out of a pay cut for railroad workers, and it was a precursor to labor unrest in the decades that followed. In 1955, the nation’s first peaceful sit-in to oppose segregation occurred at Read’s Drug Store in Baltimore. One year later, and nearly a decade before the passage of Title VII, Baltimore began its own Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which continues to exist and operate to this day as the Baltimore Community Relations Commission. In more recent years, the Maryland legislature has passed numerous laws broadening the rights of workers, such as significantly improving harassment victims’ access to the justice system and implementing the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. But, as always, there remains much work to be done. And those of us who are attending this Convention play a vital role in the ongoing struggle to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers all over this country. We are very excited to welcome all of you to Baltimore for this enriching and educational gathering.
But, as always, there remains much work to be done. And those of us who are attending this Convention play a vital role in the ongoing struggle to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers all over this country.
While in town, we hope you will be able to take advantage of all that the city has to offer, from its Inner Harbor to the historic Fort McHenry—home of the Star-Spangled Banner—and a host of impressive museums, such as the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, the Museum of Industry, and the unique American Visionary Art Museum. And you definitely should not miss the opportunity, particularly if you’re a baseball fan, to visit what some consider the crown jewel of Baltimore—Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Fortunately, the O’s are playing at home from June 23rd to the 29th, with an off day on June 26th. And there are giveaways almost every night, including a Cal Ripken, Jr. Iron Man Bobblehead on June 28th! Nothing says Baltimore like Cal Ripken, Jr. The opponents are the Rangers and Rays, for those of you from Texas and Florida. Finally, if you’re up for just a bit of travel, there are mountains to the west and an ocean to the east as well as our Nation’s Capital just down the road. We hope you enjoy your time in Charm City!
Neil R. Lebowitz President, Maryland Employment Lawyers Association
2025 NELA BOARD
M. Nieves Bolaños President Hawks Quindel, SC Chicago, IL
Ben Lebsack First Vice President Lowrey Parady Lebsack DeFazio, LLC Denver, CO
Shelby Leighton Vice President of Public Policy Public Justice Washington, DC
Deborah H. Karpatkin Vice President of Affiliate Relations Law Office of Deborah H. Karpatkin New York, NY
Bryce W. Ashby Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Donati Law, PLLC Memphis, TN
Summer H. Murshid Secretary Hawks Quindel, SC Milwaukee, WI
Christopher Houk Treasurer Houk Employment Attorneys Tempe, AZ
Carla D. Brown Immediate Past President Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, PC Reston, VA
Bernard Alexander Alexander Morrison + Fehr, LLP Los Angeles, CA
Christine T. Elzer Elzer Law Firm, LLC Pittsburgh, PA
Amanda A. Farahany Barrett & Farahany Atlanta, GA
Jamie S. Franklin Chicago-Kent College of Law Chicago, IL
Maureen Truax Holland Holland & Associates, PC Memphis, TN
Toni J. Jaramilla Toni Jaramilla, A Professional Law Corporation Los Angeles, CA
Heather Newsom Leonard Heather Leonard, PC Birmingham, AL
Nina T. Pirrotti Garrison Law New Haven, CT
Scott M. Pollins Pollins Law Firm Swarthmore, PA
Donna Williams Rucker
Tully Rinckey, PLLC Washington, DC
Robert W. Schmidt
Robert W. Schmidt Law Firm Austin, TX
Adria Lynn Silva Sass Law Firm Tampa, FL
Jeffrey N. Young Solidarity Law Cumberland Foreside, ME
Paul H. Tobias Founder, In Memoriam
2025 NIWR BOARD
Diane S. King President King Employment Law Denver, CO
Denise M. Clark Vice President IAM National Pension Fund Washington, DC
Alicia K. Haynes Secretary Haynes & Haynes, PC Birmingham, AL
Wade B. Cowan Treasurer Attorney at Law Nashville, TN
Patricia A. Barasch Schall & Barasch, LLC Moorestown, NJ
M. Nieves Bolaños Attorney at Law Hawks Quindel, SC Chicago, IL
Bruce A. Fredrickson Webster, Fredrickson & Walker, PLLC Washington, DC
Donna R. Lenhoff Donna Lenhoff Associates Washington, DC
Maria Price Cisco Systems Inc. Washington, DC
Phillis h. Rambsy Rambsy Law PC Nashville, TN
RETIRING NELA BOARD MEMBERS
BERNARD ALEXANDER
MARIA G. DIAZ
MARK HANNA
DEBORAH H. KARPATKIN
NINA T. PIRROTTI
SCOTT M. POLLINS
The National Employment Lawyers Association thanks and applauds our retiring Board Members for their tireless service. Thank you for inspiring us all to forge a brighter future for workers’ rights!
NELA AFFILIATE REPRESENTATIVES
Eighth Circuit NELA
Mark V. Dugan
Alabama
NELA-Alabama
Sonya Edwards
Arizona
AzELA
Jeffrey A. Silence
California
California Employment Lawyers Association
Barbara “Brandi” Cowan
Bay Area Cabal
Traci M. Hinden
LEFTJAW
Thomas W. Falvey
Sacramento Employment Lawyers Association
Christopher H. Whelan
Colorado
Colorado PELA
Meredith Munro
Connecticut
Connecticut Employment Lawyers Association
Meaghan Kirby
District of Columbia
Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association
Avi Kumin
Florida
Florida NELA
Alexandra Underkofler
Georgia
NELA Georgia
Julie Oinonen
Hawaii
NELA-Hawaii
Elbridge W. Smith
Illinois
NELA-Illinois
Max Barack
Indiana
NELA-Indiana
Tae Sture
Iowa
Iowa NELA
Laura Schultes
Kentucky
Kentucky Employment Lawyers Association
Barbara D. Bonar
Louisiana
Louisiana Employment Lawyers Association
J. Arthur Smith, III
Baton Rouge NELA
J. Arthur Smith, III
Maine
Maine NELA
David G. Webbert
Maryland
Maryland Employment Lawyers Association
Neil R. Lebowitz
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association
Michaela C. May
Michigan
Michigan Employment Lawyers Association
Sarah S. Prescott
Minnesota
Minnesota NELA
Christopher Moreland
Employee Lawyers Association of the Upper Midwest
Leslie L. Lienemann
Missouri
Kansas City NELA
Kevin Baldwin
St. Louis NELA
Nicole Matlock
Nebraska
Nebraska NELA
Joy Shiffermiller
Nevada
Nevada NELA
Joshua D. Buck
New Hampshire
New Hampshire NELA
Benjamin T. King
New Jersey
NELA-NJ
Beth Rogers
New York
NELA/New York
Laurie E. Morrison
North Carolina
NELA-North Carolina
Faith Herndon
Ohio
Ohio Employment Lawyers Association
Kami D. Brauer
Paul H. Tobias Cincinnati Employment Lawyers Association
Kati Neff
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association
Amber L. Hurst
Oregon
Oregon Employment Lawyers Association
Beth Creighton
Pennsylvania
NELA-Eastern Pennsylvania
Steven T. Auerbach
Western Pennsylvania
Employment Lawyers Association
Rachel McElroy
Rhode Island
Rhode Island NELA
Danilo A. Borgas
Tennessee
TENNELA
Melody Fowler-Green
Texas
Texas Employment Lawyers Association
Kyla Cole
Dallas/Ft. Worth NELA
Jamie Gilmore
Brittney Thompson
El Paso/West Texas
Employment Lawyers Association
Christopher Benoit
Houston Employment Lawyers Association
Mickey Washington
San Antonio Employment
Lawyers Association
Thomas J. Crane
Utah
Utah Employment Lawyers Association
Katie Panzer
Vermont
Vermont Employment Lawyers Association
Roger E. Kohn
Virginia
Virginia Employment Lawyers Association
Joshua Erlich
Washington
Washington Employment
Lawyers Association
Beth Terrell
West Virginia
West Virginia Employment
Lawyers Association
Jared Adams
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Employment
Lawyers Association
Robert M. Mihelich
Celebrating 40 Years of Impact and Advocacy: A Legacy of Championing Workers’ Rights
InIn March 1985, a dozen plaintiff employment lawyers from nine states attending the ABA’s Labor and Employment Law Section meeting in Wesley Chapel, Florida decided to form the Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association (PELA). Led by Paul H. Tobias, the founding members envisioned that this new organization would provide the assistance and information sought by attorneys representing individual employees. It would develop the professional network necessary for effective sharing and support of ideas, successes, problems, and frustrations. PELA also would serve as an instrument for advancing public policy and legislation affecting the rights of workers. In 1990, PELA changed its name to the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) to represent the growing national scope of its membership and held its first Annual Convention. Four decades later, NELA continues to be a vital resource for plaintiffs’ employment lawyers and a champion for workers’ rights.
that stifle workers seeking justice. Additionally, NELA has played a key role in promoting a fair and diverse judiciary, recognizing that equitable judicial representation is essential to upholding workers’ rights.
Through its advocacy initiatives, NELA amplifies voices fighting against workplace injustices, building a movement that uplifts and protects workers at every level.
Empowering Workers’ Rights Advocates Nationwide
NELA’s influence extends across the country through its network of Affiliates. At the circuit, state, and local levels, NELA Affiliates strengthen workers’ rights advocacy within their communities, ensuring employment law protections are upheld nationwide. Through its advocacy initiatives, NELA amplifies voices fighting against workplace injustices, building a movement that uplifts and protects workers at every level.
Strength in Community: Transforming the Future of Workers’ Rights Advocacy
Impact Through Education, Advocacy, and Solidarity
Since its inception, NELA has set a high standard for educating and mobilizing workers’ rights advocates. Through top-tier educational programs, substantive law committees, and practice groups, NELA has fostered a community of lawyers committed to protecting the rights of workers.
With the dedication of countless volunteers, NELA has played a pivotal role as amicus curiae in significant employment cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and Circuit Courts of Appeals. NELA has been at the forefront of crucial legislative battles, spearheading efforts to ban forced arbitration in the workplace, fighting against reforms that undermine workers’ ability to stand up for their rights, and advocating to end statutory damage caps
NELA’s commitment to protecting and expanding the rights of workers has made it an indispensable ally in the fight for justice, ensuring that workers across the nation are treated with dignity and respect.
The cornerstone of NELA is, and always has been, community. Among the original goals set at the inaugural meeting of PELA is the “PELA Pledge”: Members agree to receive calls from fellow members and render assistance. The devices used to share information have changed, but the guiding principle remains the same: NELA’s greatest strengths are the generosity and collective power of our community of workers’ rights advocates.
With forty years of victories, advocacy, perseverance, and unwavering dedication, NELA stands poised to continue its essential mission—empowering workers’ rights attorneys, promoting a fair judiciary, and advocating for laws and policies that level the playing field for workers for generations to come.
Led by Paul H. Tobias, a dozen plaintiff lawyers from nine states decide to form the Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association (PELA).
PELA files its first amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Harbison-Walker Refractories v. Brieck.
NELANet, an electronic bulletin board service, is created for NELA members.
PELA changes its name to the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) and holds its first Annual Convention, “Just Cause Conspiracy,” in Lake Tahoe. Terisa E. Chaw is selected to be NELA’s Executive Director.
The Employee Rights Advocacy Law Student Fellowship Program is established for law students interested in plaintiffs’ employment law to work at NELA.
NELA begins its tradition of sponsoring two yearly continuing legal education programs in addition to its Annual Convention.
NELA creates a Judicial Oversight Program to monitor federal judicial vacancies and appointments, the precursor to today’s Judicial Nominations Committee.
NELA holds its first national Lobby Day and lobbies Congress on the Civil Rights Tax Fairness Act.
A provision of the Civil Rights Tax Relief Act eliminating the doubletaxation of attorneys’ fees in employment and civil rights cases is enacted.
NELA establishes the Sanctions Assistance Fund for Emergency Relief (SAFER), a legal defense fund to help workers’ rights lawyers facing unwarranted sanctions.
NELA launches The Employee Rights Advocacy Institute for Law and Policy now known as the National Institute for Workers’ Rights.
NELA expands its presence to Washington, DC, sharing office space with NELA member firm Passman & Kaplan.
NELA TIMELINE 2002 - 2024
NELANet is relaunched as The NELA Exchange.
NELA hosts its first biennial Trial Boot Camp.
With NELA’s leadership, the Equal Remedies Act of 2024 is introduced in Congress, calling for the elimination of statutory damage caps for employment discrimination in civil rights cases.
In the midst of a global pandemic, NELA delivers its 500th CLE program and its first virtual Annual Convention.
NELA FOUNDERS
Naida B. Axford (AZ)
Joseph A. Golden (MI)
Penny Nathan Kahan (IL)
Jean Klingensmith (CA)
Steven G. Heikens (MN)
William J. Holloway (IL)
HONORING PAUL H. TOBIAS: A Legacy of Impact and Advocacy
As NELA marks its 40th anniversary, we pause to honor and celebrate the visionary who made it all possible—Paul H. Tobias. His unwavering commitment to justice, his passion for advocacy, and his enduring legacy continue to shape NELA and the fight for workers’ rights across the nation.
Paul was not merely a founder; he was a trailblazer. At a time when contemporary employment law was just taking root, Paul recognized the urgent need for an organization devoted exclusively to supporting plaintiffs’ employment lawyers—those who fight for fairness, dignity, respect, and equality in the workplace. His vision gave rise to NELA, creating a robust network of advocates committed to leveling the playing field for workers everywhere.
Beyond his vision, Paul was deeply admired for his warmth, wisdom, and steadfast optimism. He saw the law not only as a profession but as a tool for change—one that could uplift the voices of workers and shape a more equitable future. His influence is embedded in every aspect of NELA, including the way members approach their work— with passion, resilience, and a spirit of camaraderie and generosity.
Forty years later, NELA stands strong because of the foundation Paul laid. We honor Paul for what he built and for the generations he inspired. His vision lives on in the thousands of lawyers who continue this work, in the victories won in courtrooms, and in the lives transformed by NELA’s advocacy. And as we look to the future, we do so with gratitude for his leadership, passion, and belief that justice belongs to all.
Thank you, Paul H. Tobias. Your legacy endures, and your impact will never fade.
Michael J. Leech (IL)
Michael G. Okun (NC)
Wayne N. Outten (NY)
Cliff Palefsky (CA)
Barry D. Roseman (CO)
Paul H. Tobias (OH)
Naida B. Axford NELA’s First
President Joseph A. Golden 1992–1994
Joseph D. Garrison 1994–1996
Mary Anne Sedey 1996–1998
L. Steven Platt 1998–2000
Frederick M. Gittes 2000–2004
Janet E. Hill 2004–2006
Kathleen L. Bogas 2006–2007
Bruce A. Fredrickson 2007–2010
Patricia A. Barasch 2010–2013
David L. Lee 2013–2015
Alicia K. Haynes 2015–2017
James H. Kaster 2017–2019
Wade B. Cowan 2019–2021
Linda M. Correia 2021–2023
Carla D. Brown 2023–2024
M. Nieves Bolaños 2024–Present
SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
CONVENTION SPONSORS
AARP LOGO
Dundon Advisers LOGO
Morgan & Morgan LOGO
Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation
National Institute for Workers’ Rights
Tobias & Torchia/Freking Myers & Reul, LLC
CONVENTION EXHIBITORS
Amicus Settlement Planners
Apex Class Action LLC
EmployStats Consulting Partners
Eve Legal
ILYM Group, Inc. InfoTrack
J.S. Held Law Leads
Legal Network for Gender EquityNational Women’s Law Center
Martindale-AVVO
Readback
Ringler Associates
RizeUp Media
Rust Consulting
Scorpion
Simpluris Steno Syllo TSEG
Wrk Receipts
CONVENTION COMMITTEE
NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS ASSOCIATION 2025 ANNUAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE
M. Nieves Bolaños
Hawks Quindel SC Chicago, IL
Lisa L. Clay
Lisa Clay Attorney at Law Wheaton, IL
Clara Coleman
Nichols Kaster PLLP Minneapolis, MN
Joseph W. Gibson
The Employment Law Center of Maryland Frederick, MD
Sacred B. Huff
Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, PC Washington, DC
Claire Hunter
HKM Employment Attorneys Denver, CO
Lauren A. Khouri
National Women’s Law Center Washington, DC
Philip M. Kitzer Kitzer Rochel PLLP Minneapolis, MN
Deborah K. Marcuse Marcuse Law Baltimore, MD
Angeli Murthy Morgan & Morgan, PA Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Robert W. Schmidt
Robert W. Schmidt Law Firm Austin, TX
Vishal H. Shah
Shah Litigation Boston, MA
Jamal W. Stafford
The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford Columbia, MD
Ashley O. Westby
National Employment Lawyers Association Washington, DC
To the NELA & NIWR team, for all you do …
Tacarra Andrade
Alicia Battle
Abby Frerick
Leah Hofkin
Erica Love
Asher Morse
Jason Solomon
Pedro Valverde
Ashley Westby
Celebrating 40 years of bringing Paul Tobias’ vision to life: advocacy, justice, community.
In all that we have accomplished together.
With gratitude and pride, Karen Maoki
NELA STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS STAFF
NELA VOLUNTEER
Losacker
The NELA Staff extends our deepest gratitude to Patty Losacker for her years of dedication, support, and friendship. Patty’s commitment to NELA has been instrumental in making the organization and the Annual Convention a success. She joins us each year to work hard and carry forward the legacy of our beloved Founder Paul H. Tobias.
Thank you for being such an integral part of this community—we are lucky to have you by our side.
NELA STAFF
Tacarra L. Andrade Membership Director
Alicia Battle Events Manager
Leah A. Hofkin Director of Development
NELA STAFF
Jason Solomon Director
Abby Frerick Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow
Asher Morse Attorney Fellow
NELA STAFF
Erica Love Program Assistant
Karen Maoki Interim Executive Director
Pedro A. Valverde Digital Communications & Technology Manager
Ashley O. Westby Program Director
Patricia
Tobias & Torchia/Freking, Myers & Reul, LLC
It takes a team of specialized employment lawyers to represent Wisconsin workers in their employment, disability and wage and hour claims, and it takes a trusted association to support that team.
For 40 years, NELA has worked to change the landscape of employment law, protecting and expanding the rights of all workers and championing justice regardless of the political environment.
hawks q 1 of 2
Hawks Quindel is proud to continue its support of NELA and we look forward to the next 40 years of NELA’s advocacy, expert legal training and resources for employment attorneys in Wisconsin and at a national level.
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We’re proud to support employment law firms and their clients with trusted LTD representation — and we always respect your client relationships.
Let’s work together.
Lichten & Liss-Riordan, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm that is dedicated to vindicating the rights of workers around the country through class actions and individual litigation. The firm has brought and won landmark cases throughout the United States on behalf of workers who have been deprived of their wages, tips, and overtime, or wrongfully misclassified as independent contractors, or who have suffered discrimination or retaliation. The firm has been recognized by numerous organizations and publications for its innovative and vigorous advocacy on behalf of workers.
Together in Defending Workers' Rights
AARP Foundation & NELA
Our Shared Mission:
Fight age discrimination in the workplace
Develop the next generation of employment lawyers
Empower employment rights attorneys
Advocate for fair workplace policies and practices
NELA Members include:
Bill Rivera
Louis Lopez
Victoria Williamson
Lauren Naylor
Sam Wehrle
Rachel Lokken
Partnership Opportunities
AARP
Ready to work together?
www.AARPFoundation.org/litigation
2025 NELA Annual Convention Keynote Speaker
NELA is proud to welcome Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn Brown (they/ them) as the Keynote Speaker for our 2025 Annual Convention.
Ly Xīnzhèn is a writer, public speaker, educator, trainer, consultant, advocate, community organizer and builder, activist, scholar, and attorney. Their work begins at and centers intersections of disability, queerness, race, gender, class, and nation and migration.
Ly Xīnzhèn brings nearly 15 years of experience as a committed advocate, community organizer, and policy expert at the nexus of disability rights and disability justice. Ly Xīnzhèn has spoken and consulted internationally and throughout the U.S. on a range of topics at the intersections of disability, race, class, gender, and sexuality, and has published in numerous scholarly and community publications. Their work has often focused on interpersonal, state, and corporate violence, deprivation, and exploitation targeting disabled people at the margins. They currently serve as Director of Public Policy for the National Disability Institute (NDI).
Previously, Ly Xīnzhèn served as Policy Counsel at the Center for Democracy & Technology, focusing on disability rights and algorithmic bias; Director of Policy, Advocacy & External Affairs at the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network; Justice Catalyst Fellow at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law; and Chairperson of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Outside of their work at NDI, Ly Xīnzhèn teaches at Georgetown University and serves as Co-President of the Disability Rights Bar Association, board member of the National Lawyers Guild, and founding board member of the Alliance for Self-Direction and Disability Rights. They also serve as an advisor for the Transgender Law Center’s Disability Project, the Nonbinary & Intersex Recognition Project, and Disability Rights Maryland. Ly Xīnzhèn is the founder of the Autistic People of Color Fund, which advocates for disability, racial, and economic justice with a focus on building generative economies and just transition.
NELA’s Commitment to an Inclusive and Accessible Convention
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are core values of the National Employment Lawyers Association and are essential to the achievement of our mission. NELA is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive event that enables all individuals to engage fully.
The Marriott Baltimore Waterfront is ADA compliant, including accessible entrances, bathrooms, and elevators. Each session room has designated accessible seating, which is clearly marked.
To ensure a comfortable environment, please avoid using fragrance, perfume, or cologne, as some attendees may be sensitive to chemicals. Flash photography should be avoided in all sessions unless speakers give express permission. Additionally, some attendees may use color communication badges to indicate their comfort level with social interaction. For more details on these badges, visit the Convention Attendee Portal.
For assistance in locating a gender-neutral restroom, please consult a staff member. A lactation room is located on the 3rd floor near the Convention Registration Desk, with keys provided at the Registration Desk.
For any accessibility questions, please visit the Registration Desk or email Program Director Ashley Westby at awestby@nelahq.org.
2025 NELA Annual Convention Courageous Plaintiffs
Paula Bird and Lauren Doe Bird, et al. v. Bondi (FBI)
Represented by Christine E. Webber, Rebecca A. Ojserkis, and Dana Busgang Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC
Paula Bird dreamed of becoming an FBI agent. During college, where she earned a BS in Psychology and Certificate in Behavioral Forensics. During College, she interned with the FBI in Washington, DC and the FBI’s Tampa Division prior to attending law school, a preferred path for FBI agents.
Lauren Doe took her own path to the FBI. After starting as a secretary following her graduation from college, Lauren decided she wanted to be an Agent. She was inspired in part by her grandmother who was one of just a few female corrections officers in a women’s prison.
Lauren and Paula excelled in basic training, passing physical fitness tests, academic exams, firearm qualifications, and defensive tactics assessments. However, the Tactical Training Unit instructors routinely challenged the female trainees’ “suitability.” Both women received disciplinary notations for mistakes their male counterparts made without consequence. They were dismissed before taking the tactics test, while men in similar situations were allowed to complete testing and graduate. Lauren requested to restart training but was denied, while a male trainee was granted that opportunity.
Nevertheless, both chose to remain with the FBI in nonagent roles, hoping to reapply. Lauren reported discrimination to leadership but received no response. Similar stories from instructors and trainees revealed a troubling pattern. In 2019, Paula and Lauren spearheaded a class action lawsuit against the FBI, alleging systemic discrimination in disciplinary citations and dismissals under Title VII. The case gained national attention, drawing scrutiny from Congress and leading to an Inspector General report in 2022 confirming that women represented 25% of trainees but 50% of those terminated for suitability issues.
After years of legal battles, the Department of Justice entered mediation, and in 2025, the court approved a groundbreaking $22.6 million settlement, one of the largest per capita recoveries in Title VII class action history. The agreement included damages for the 34 women affected, an independent review of FBI training policies, and opportunities for reinstatement—marking a significant step toward gender equity in the agency.
Through their courage, resilience, and determination, Ms. Bird and Ms. Doe helped reshape the FBI, creating lasting change for generations to come.
Edmon Calizon, Gerarlyn Sept Docot, and Kathleen Landazabal
Calizon, Docot, and Landazabal v. Premier Members, LLC, Priority Healthcare Group, LLC, The Gardens at West Shore, and The Gardens at Wyoming Valley Represented by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) and Murphy Anderson PLLC and supported by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
Mr. Calizon, Ms. Docot, and Ms. Landazabal are proud and dedicated registered nurses who migrated to the United States with dreams of building a better life for themselves through their work in the healthcare industry.
They were recruited from the Philippines and hired to work at a nursing home in Pennsylvania. However, after they arrived, they were forced to work at understaffed facilities without adequate training or support; they were routinely required to perform work outside the scope of their job responsibilities; they suffered from wage issues; and they were treated differently compared to their domestic nurse counterparts.
These working conditions caused them overwhelming stress and anxiety, but because they had signed employment contracts with coercive repayment terms—known as training repayment agreement provisions (TRAPs) or “stay-or-pay” contracts— they were faced with the impossible situation of continuing to work in exploitative jobs that put their licenses, their health, and the health of their patients at risk, or face financial ruin.
Mr. Calizon, Ms. Docot, and Ms. Landazabal ultimately made the brave choice to leave their jobs and fight back by filing complaints with the National Labor Relations Board to challenge their abusive employment contracts. Their efforts resulted in a settlement, and their former employers agreed to key policy changes: (1) to rescind the stay-or-pay” contracts for current and former employees; (2) to communicate to staff that their illegal work rules have been rescinded; and (3) to institute a training for managers who have any responsibility for nurses recruited outside the United States to ensure employment practices conform to the National Labor Relations Act. In addition, their former employers returned monies to other nurses who were forced to pay the company after they had left their employment.
Mr. Calizon, Ms. Docot, and Ms. Landazabal brought this case to send a powerful message that all workers deserve fair treatment and safe working conditions, and to highlight the need for ethical labor practices in the healthcare industry.
COURAGEOUS
Diana Portillo Medrano
Portillo Medrano v. International Golden Foods, LLC
Represented by Jonathan C. Puth and Andrew M. Adelman
Correia & Puth, PLLC
Diana Portillo, born in El Salvador, always knew she was a woman despite the sex assigned to her at birth. At 26, she moved to the United States, settling in Washington, DC, where she finally found the community and support to live openly and authentically as herself. However, her workplace—a McDonald’s franchise owned by International Golden Foods (IGF)—became a hostile environment after she came out as female in 2013. Managers and coworkers harassed her relentlessly, refusing to use her name and pronouns, mocking her appearance, and outing her as transgender to customers. She filed multiple complaints, but senior management did nothing, and the harassment escalated. In 2016, after a second written complaint, her supervisor publicly berated her for using the women’s restroom, shouting that she was not a woman. Days later, IGF fired her, falsely citing work authorization issues despite knowingly employing undocumented workers.
Determined to fight back, Diana filed a discrimination charge with the D.C. Office of Human Rights, and later, with the support of Correia & Puth, PLLC, sued IGF in the D.C. Superior Court. In August 2024, after an eight-day trial, a jury ruled in her favor, awarding her $930,000, including $700,000 in punitive damages, for the hostile work environment and retaliation she endured. IGF appealed, challenging both the verdict and the legality of undocumented workers’ protections under the D.C. Human Rights Act.
Despite these challenges, 2024 became a banner year for Diana. She was granted asylum in the United States and secured full-time employment as a community health worker, helping LGBTQ+ Latine communities navigate issues of discrimination, sexual health, and immigration— turning her pain into empowerment.
As a low-wage worker, undocumented immigrant, transgender woman, and primarily Spanish speaker, Ms. Medrano faced extraordinary barriers. Notwithstanding enormous challenges, she refused to stand down, exhibiting bravery, courage, and perseverance. In holding her employer accountable, Ms. Medrano reminds us that the rights and dignity of every worker, no matter how vulnerable, deserve fierce protection.
NELA Honors the 2025 Courageous Plaintiff Nominees for Reclaiming Justice
Dulal Ali
Represented by Cary S. McGehee Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers
Gabrielle Beebe
Represented by Kelly Magnuson Harding Mazzotti, LLP
Brett D’Alessandro
Represented by Donald F. Burke, Jr. Law Office of Donald F. Burke
Roberta Gabaldon
Represented by Gary M. Gilbert Gilbert Employment Law, PC
Dr. David Fintan Garavan
Represented by Christopher C. Sharp Sharp Law Firm, PA
Felisia Hamilton
Represented by Jay D. Ellwanger Ellwanger Henderson and James Vagnini
Valli Kane & Vagnini, LLP
Maureen Hill
Represented by Stephanie K. Wood Wood Win Justice
Kimberly James Represented by Tracy Olson Smart Schofield Shorter, PC
Brooky Parks
Represented by Iris Halpern Rathod Mohamedbhai LLC
Sabrina Perez
Represented by Michael Scimone Outten & Golden LLP
Marilyn Piety
Represented by
Brian J. Foley
Brian J. Foley Law
Tracy Price
Represented by Christine T. Elzer Elzer Law Firm, LLC and
Rachel McElroy McElroy Law Firm
The leading labor and employment administrator, last year, Rust: - Distributed more than $1.3 billion - Sent more than 1 million checks - Mailed nearly 1 million initial notices - Emailed nearly 1 million initial notices
gala design IT’S
NELA’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
June 27, 2025
Marriott Baltimore Waterfront
NELA’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
Friday, June 27
8:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Harborside Ballroom C-E
Separate Ticket Required
Please join us on Friday evening for NELA’s 40th Anniversary Gala. We will celebrate 40 years of impact and advocacy as we build our national community and strengthen our ability to fight for workers—now and in the decades ahead.
Since 1985, NELA has been a bulwark against powerful, influential, and well-resourced employers who strip workers of their right to a safe and just workplace. NELA and NELA lawyers have changed the landscape of employment law, protecting and expanding the rights of all workers and championing justice regardless of the political environment.
To mark this special occasion, NELA is throwing an 80s party! Don’t miss this well-earned night of fun and friendship with music and dancing to your favorite tunes from the decade. Come dressed in your 80s attire or come as you are!
We will gather after dinner (on your own) and provide sweet and savory snacks. Every Gala attendee will receive two complimentary drink tickets courtesy of Dundon Advisers LLC.
Proceeds from the Gala fuel our fight for workers at a time when NELA has never been important. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Gala sponsors for their investment in NELA’s future.
Gala tickets are still available and may be purchased in advance at the Registration Desk or at the door.
1400 16th Street, NW, Suite 450
Washington, DC 20036
202.602.6500
www.correiaputh.com
Photo: Shedrick Pelt/The Washington Post
2025 NELA GALA SPONSORS
It is with gratitude that we acknowledge our generous sponsors of this year’s Gala Fundraiser. Drink tickets graciously provided by
CHAMPION
BENEFACTORS
Stephen R. Bruce Law Offices
Charlson Bredehoft Cohen
Brown & Nadelhaft, PC
Hawks Quindel, SC
Kaplan Law Firm, PLLC
Lichten & Liss-Riordan, PC
Nichols Kaster, PLLP
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE
Alexander Morrison + Fehr, LLP
Barrett & Farahany
M. Nieves Bolaños
Katherine L. Butler
Correia & Puth, PLLC
Garrison Law
Getman, Sweeney & Dunn, PLLC
Gilbert Employment Law, PC
Haynes & Haynes, PC
HKM Employment Attorneys LLP
Toni Jaramilla, A Professional Law Corporation
King Employment Law
Lowrey Parady Lebsack DeFazio
Outten & Golden LLP
Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, LLP
Sedey Harper Westoff, PC
Werman Salas PC
PRESIDENT’S CABINET
California Employment Lawyers Association
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC
Colorado PELA
Disparti Law Group
Donati Law, PLLC
Florida NELA
Freking Myers & Reul LLC
Gillespie Sanford LLP
Goldshaw Greenblatt Pierce LLC
Hammons, Hurst & Associates
Johnson & Webbert LLP
Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, PC
Katz Banks Kumin
Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen
Maryland Employment Lawyers Association
Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association
Murphy Anderson PLLC
NELA-Illinois
NELA-NJ
NELA/New York
Pollins Law
Public Justice
Ritz Clark & Ben-Asher LLP
The Sanford Firm
Robert W. Schmidt Law Firm
Texas Employment Lawyers Association
Wienand & Bagin
Williams Law Firm, PC
ADVOCATES
Armstrong & Associates
Barrett Johnston Martin & Garrison, LLC
Butler Curwood PLC
Kathleen Cahill Law
Cashdan & Kane, PLLC
Terisa E. Chaw & James A. Hendriksen
Carmen Comsti
Connecticut Employment Lawyers Association
Cornish & Dell’Olio, PC
Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, PC
Eighth Circuit NELA
Elzer Law Firm, LLC
Employment Law Firm PC
The Employment Law Group, PC
Fiedler Law Firm
Fitzgerald Law, PLLC
Golden Law LLC
Goldman Davis Krumholz & Dillon, PC
Barry Goldstein
Leah A. Hofkin
Holland & Associates, PC
Houk Employment Attorneys
Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA
Law Office of Deborah H. Karpatkin
Kator Parks Weiser & Wright, PLLC
Matt Koski
Law Offices of David L. Lee
Legare, Attwood & Ragan, LLC
Donna R. Lenhoff & Michael F. Jacobson
Heather Leonard, PC
Chet Levitt Fund for Employment Law
Minnesota NELA
NELA-Alabama
NELA Georgia
New Hampshire NELA
Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association
Olivier & Schreiber PC
Phillips & Associates, PLLC
Patricia A. Podolec, Attorney at Law
Robin B. Potter
Roumel Law
Donna Williams Rucker
Schall & Barasch, LLC
Arthur T. Schofield, PA
Solidarity Law
Tennessee Employment Lawyers Association (TENNELA)
Thierman Buck LLP
Upton & Hatfield, LLP
The Villegas Law Firm, APC
Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association
Winebrake & Santillo, LLC
Zipin, Amster & Greenberg, LLC
PARTNERS
Arizona Employment Lawyers Association (AzELA)
Barton Mendez Soto PLLC
Bennett & Belfort, PC
Betz + Blevins
Blanchard & Walker PLLC
Bracker & Marcus LLC
Bullock Law PLLC
Colorado Employee Advocates
Costello, Mains & Silverman, LLC
Wade B. Cowan
V. James DeSimone Law
Eisenberg & Schnell, LLP
Frankel Syverson PLLC
Jamie S. Franklin
Graybill & Hazlewood, LLC
Henrichsen Law Group PLLC
Hommel Law Firm PC
Hunter Law Firm
Kapitan Gomaa Law, PC
Kitzer Rochel, PLLP
Lázaro Law Group, LLC
Shelby Leighton
Livelihood Law, LLC
Livingston, Adler, Pulda, Meiklejohn & Kelly, PC
Lucas & Varga LLC
2025 NELA GALA SPONSORS
The Maddox Firm | Long Term Disability & ERISA
Maine Employee Rights Group
Maine Employment Lawyers Association
Murray Plumb & Murray
Law Office of
Robert S. Notzon
O’Malley & Madden, PC
Pontikes Law, LLC
Mark Risk, PC
Kell A. Simon
Sud Law PC
Pedro A. Valverde
Virginia Employment Lawyers Association
The Washington Law Firm PLLC
Ashley O. Westby & Sean P. McKee
Webster, Fredrickson & Walker, PLLC
White & Quinlan, LLC
The Workers’ Firm LLC
Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP
SUPPORTERS
Dugan Schlozman LLC
The Gittes Law Group
Green Savits, LLC
Law Office of Douglas B. Janney III
Dolores Leal
Jennifer Morton Law, PLLC
Sass Law Firm
Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, LLP
FRIENDS
Allen Law Firm
The Law Offices of Jacob Aronauer
Center For Employment Law
Chavez Law Firm
Lisa L. Clay, Attorney at Law
Brian East
Law Offices of Jonathan M. Feigenbaum
Law Office of
Howard Mark Fine
The Law Office of Lenore C. Garon, PLLC
Law Office of Gretchen E. Lipman LLC
Law Office of Mickey Long
Patricia Losacker
McElroy Law Firm
Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky PC
The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC
Steve Wilson Firm
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CODE OF CONDUCT/HEALTH & SAFETY
NELA EVENTS CODE OF CONDUCT
At NELA we strive to create continuing legal education programs that are educational, collaborative, respectful, and enjoyable for all attendees. To create a safe and inclusive environment for our community, we expect all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, guests, volunteers, and staff at NELA events to conduct themselves in a respectful and collegial manner.
NELA is dedicated to providing harassment-free in-person and virtual events for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion.
We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or other unwelcome or unlawful behavior at our events. Harassment includes but is not limited to:
• Offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion.
• Deliberate intimidation, threats, stalking, or following.
• Sexual propositions or posted/texted sexual images.
• Unwelcome sexual attention, comments, jokes, remarks, or gestures.
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
• Unwelcome photography or recording.
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
Violations of this Code may be reported to any NELA team member and will be addressed by the Interim Executive Director.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The health and safety of our members, guests, NELA & NIWR team, and the hotel team are our foremost priority.
Safety at the Convention NELA encourages all attendees to use common sense safety practices during the Convention, including:
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not leave personal items unattended in the meeting space.
• Take off your Convention name badge before leaving the meeting space.
Be aware of confidential or personal information you share in public spaces (i.e., reading credit card information over the phone, etc.).
Health
Guidelines
All attendees and guests are encouraged to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations per CDC guidelines. While masks are not required, please respect those who choose to wear one. If you begin feeling ill or experiencing symptoms that could be consistent with a “cold” or any other respiratory infection, please do not attend sessions or food functions.
For questions at any time, please see a staff member at the Registration Desk.
CONVENTION INFORMATION
NELA Convention meeting rooms Wi-Fi
Network
Name: NELA
Network: MarriottBonvoy_Conference
Password: NELA 2025
Password: nela2022
2025 Annual Convention Portal
The speaker materials for the Convention are available on the 2025 Annual Convention Portal (Portal) at nela.org/nela2025. Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms and Convention meeting rooms at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront, but we strongly encourage you to download the materials in advance of the sessions you will be attending.
Visit the Portal to make the most of your time with us.
• Fill out your Participant Profile to share your information with other attendees.
• Find out who else is attending in the online Directory of Participants.
• Begin or continue a discussion, reach out to a speaker, organize an outing, or simply say hello on the Portal Discussion List.
• Check out the biographies of our expert faculty.
• Use the online Attendance Tracker to ensure your CLE hours are reported correctly.
• The Convention Program Evaluation is easily accessible from the Portal. Help us shape future CLE by submitting a Program Evaluation.
• Use the provided QR code and Slido links to join plenary and concurrent session Q&As.
• A full list of Convention Exhibitors is available for your convenience. Find the resources you need to strengthen your practice. Please note that a valid email address must be provided to access the Convention Portal.
Session Recordings
Hungry Mind Recordings (HMR) will professionally record the Convention’s plenary and concurrent sessions. Individual audio MP3 files will be available for purchase at the HMR table in the Grand Ballroom Foyer. Audio recordings and accompanying written materials of all plenary and concurrent sessions will be available for online purchase at nela.org/online-learning after the Convention.
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CONVENTION MEETING ROOMS
3RD FLOOR - GRAND BALLROOM
Convention Registration
Plenary Sessions
Concurrent Sessions
NIWR Update
Committee and Practice Group Meetings
Age Discrimination, Disability Rights, Ethics & Sanctions Committee, Family Responsibilities, Federal Workers, LGBTQ+ Workers, Wage and Hour
CONVENTION MEETING ROOMS
4TH FLOOR - HARBORSIDE BALLROOM
Breakfast Breaks
Exhibitors
Boxed Lunch Pickup
Annual Reception
Annual Luncheon
Tobias Roundtable 40th Anniversary Gala Committee and Practice Group Meetings Class and Collective Actions, EEOC Working Group, Employee Benefits, Immigrant/Low-Wage Workers, Trial Advocacy, Whistleblower
Code: #NELA25
All sessions will use Slido for Q&A. Slido provides more participation by allowing attendees to ask questions from their device.
No need to get up and wait on line!
How?
Use your device to scan the QR code or go to slido.com and enter code NELA25
Pick your session from the list and type in your question.
Moderators and Speakers will see your question and provide answers as time permits.
JOIN THE LEGAL NETWORK FOR GENDER EQUITY
1/2 NWLC?
We are a project of the National Women’s Law Center Fund that connects individuals facing sex discrimination at work, in school, or in healthcare settings, with legal help.
We are a nationwide network of attorneys committed to helping people fight for their rights to be free from sexual harassment and other sex discrimination.
Member attorneys receive free legal trainings and resources, and may also apply for litigation related funding from the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund for cases involving workplace sexual harassment.
Membership is FREE.
We invite you to join by using the QR code below, or visiting our table in the exhibit hall.
WEDNESDAY PROGRAM
*Program and speakers subject to change. Please see the Convention Portal for the most up-to-date program information.
Speakers: Dana Busgang, Clara Coleman, Joseph W. Gibson & Louis Lopez
Law students, recent law graduates, and those new to plaintiffs’ employment law are invited to join NELA and the National Institute for Workers’ Rights for an engaging and interactive discussion on how a career in plaintiff-side employment law offers a unique and meaningful way for lawyers to use their skills to drive progressive social change. Experienced employment law practitioners will discuss their work as advocates for workers’ rights and how it intersects with and advances other social justice issues including civil rights, immigration, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality. The panelists also will address how to enter the plaintiffs’ employment law field and what skills and experience can help law students be successful advocates as they begin their legal careers.
Law Students & New Lawyers Reception
Waterview Ballroom (1st Floor)
A networking reception for law students and new lawyers, including those new to plaintiffs’ employment law, will immediately follow the Panel Discussion.
The Law Students & New Lawyers Program and Reception are generously sponsored by AARP Foundation Litigation.
6:30–8:00 p.m.
President’s Welcome Reception
Waterview Ballroom (1st Floor)
Convention participants are invited to join NELA President M. Nieves Bolaños, the NELA Board, and the 2025 Annual Convention Committee for an informal gathering to celebrate 40 years of impact and advocacy, renew friendships, and forge new ones. Firsttime Convention participants are especially encouraged to attend.
The President’s Welcome Reception is generously sponsored by the Maryland Employment Lawyers Association.
THURSDAY PROGRAM
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2025
7:00–9:00 a.m.
7:00–8:30 a.m.
8:30–9:15 a.m.
9:15–10:30 a.m.
10:30–11:15 a.m.
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
2025 Annual Convention Registration
Grand Ballroom Registration Desk (3rd Floor)
Breakfast Buffet
Harborside Ballroom C-E (4th Floor)
Breakfast is available to Convention registrants only.
Paul H. Tobias Roll Call of the States & Opening Remarks
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
M. Nieves Bolaños, NELA President & Karen Maoki, Interim Executive Director
Clara Coleman & Sacred B. Huff, Co-Chairs of NELA’s New Practitioners Committee will lead the Roll Call.
Join NELA Leadership as we commence the 2025 Annual Convention with the Paul H. Tobias Roll Call of the States. Inspired by the national convention roll calls, this beloved tradition honors Paul’s enduring vision of unity, collaboration, and community.
Advocates: Jonathan C. Puth, Christine E. Webber & Elizabeth Koo
The Convention’s opening plenary session will bring to life the inspiring stories of six extraordinary individuals who were empowered to challenge their employers and stand firm despite overwhelming adversity. Our Courageous Plaintiffs boldly reclaimed their rights and transformed the workplace for the better. Their lawyers will share their legal theories and litigation strategies that led to their clients’ extraordinary victories.
Exhibitor Open House
Harborside Foyer (4th Floor)
Please take this time to visit our Convention exhibitors and complete your Passport to Success! Get a stamp from each of our exhibitors and return your passport to the Registration Desk to be entered into a drawing for a complimentary 2026 CLE of your choice!
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
The Art of Co-Counseling
Grand Ballroom Salons 1-2 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Phillip M. Kitzer
Speakers: Lisa L. Clay & Ty Frankel
Whether you are a solo practitioner or in a firm, knowing how to effectively co-counsel with other practitioners can be a vital tool in your toolbelt. Join our practitioners as they share the keys to successful co-counseling relationships. From finding co-counsel to navigating the ethical, financial, and practical dynamics at work, this panel will prepare you to take on more complex cases with confidence.
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Representing Federal Workers
Trial Advocacy
12:30–2:00 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
THURSDAY PROGRAM
Representing Federal Sector Employees in 2025
Grand Ballroom Salons 3-4 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Sonya C. Edwards
Speakers: James M. Eisenmann & Deryn A. Sumner
Federal sector employees are facing unprecedented challenges in 2025. Since January, thousands of federal workers have faced attacks ranging from illegal mass firings of probationary employees to widespread reductions in force. Whether you are taking on federal sector cases for the first time or learning current strategies to adapt to the everchanging threats to the federal workforce, our experts will ensure that you are prepared to represent these workers.
Focus Groups at Every Stage of Your Case
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Amanda M. DeMatteis
Speakers: Amanda A. Farahany & R. Scott Oswald
Focus groups can play an important role at every stage of your case. From developing your theme to determining if an expert witness is right for your case, a focus group can bring your litigation to the next level. This panel will discuss how to effectively use focus groups, when to call them in, and how to do it on a budget.
What Appellate Lawyers Want Trial Lawyers to Know
Grand Ballroom Salons 7-8 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Jamaal (“Jay”) W. Stafford
Speakers: Jennifer Bennett & Dara S. Smith
In an environment where the decks are often stacked against plaintiffs, at some point you will want to appeal your case. Ensuring that you are preparing for appeal during your initial litigation can make all the difference. From preserving potential appellate issues to early communication with appellate counsel, our panel will share their tips that all trial lawyers should know.
Arbitration Case Study
Grand Ballroom Salons 9-10 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Brian T. Rochel
Speakers: Lori Bullock & Kirby F. Cañon
Join our panelists as they break down one of their arbitrations from start to finish. This panel will examine the case step-by-step, explaining the strategies, the successes, and what could have gone differently. This in-depth examination will set you up to succeed at your next arbitration.
Annual Luncheon & Keynote Address
Harborside Ballroom C-E (4th Floor)
NELA is proud to welcome Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn Brown (they/them) as the Keynote Speaker for our 2025 Annual Convention. Ly Xīnzhèn is a writer, public speaker, educator, trainer, consultant, advocate, community organizer and builder, activist, scholar, and attorney. They currently serve as Director of Public Policy for the National Disability Institute (NDI).
THURSDAY
2:15–3:15 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Leaning Into AI as a Small Firm or Solo Practitioner
Grand Ballroom Salons 1-2 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Rachel L. McElroy
Speakers: Christopher Houk & Marjorie Mesidor
Utilizing AI in your practice can feel daunting as a small firm or solo practitioner. However, effectively (and ethically) incorporating AI in your practice can scale up your practice and help you effectively manage everything from case intake to document review. Our panelists will share how they have utilized AI on a small firm budget to better balance their workload and better represent their clients.
The Impact of Criminal Issues on Employment Cases
Grand Ballroom Salons 3-4 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Barbara “Brandi” Cowan
Speakers: Ronald L. Greenblatt & Adria Lynn Silva
While litigating employment cases, it is not uncommon to encounter issues related to the criminal justice system. From clients experiencing discrimination on the basis of criminal history to clients who file criminal complaints based on workplace harassment or assault, this panel will delve into the Constitutional, ethical, and practical implications of concurrent or threatened criminal proceedings on civil matters.
Trial Advocacy/ Fundamentals of Employment Law
Jury Instructions & Verdict Forms
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Christine T. Elzer
Speakers: Kira Fonteneau & Scott M. Pollins
Jury instructions and verdict forms are as vital to the success of a trial as any opening statement or cross-examination. The structure and language used in these documents can impact how a jury views your case. Additionally, taking jury instructions and verdict forms into account from the beginning of your case can influence your themes and discovery. Our experts will share their tips for drafting jury instructions and verdict forms, from developing a drafting timeline (based on local rules) and adapting model rules to crafting your instructions to make the stakes of your case clear and concise.
Protecting Workers in Uncertain Times
Emerging Issues for Immigrant Workers Amid Renewed Workplace ICE Enforcement
Grand Ballroom Salons 7-8 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Julia Solorzano
Speakers: Amal Bouhabib, Marisa Díaz & David Rodwin
Dramatic changes in immigration enforcement are making it harder for noncitizen workers to raise complaints about working conditions and wage theft. How can employment attorneys effectively represent immigrant workers right now? What types of immigration relief are still available—and may even derive from the workplace violations at issue? Panelists will discuss current immigration enforcement actions in the context of past actions, counseling noncitizen workers who have faced workplace violations, protecting noncitizen workers who have chosen to assert their rights through civil litigation, making the most of state-law protections, and other issues practitioners may need to responsibly represent noncitizen workers in today’s enforcement environment.
2:15–3:15 p.m.
3:15–4:00 p.m.
4:00–5:15 p.m
6:00–7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY/FRIDAY PROGRAM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
Practical Wellness for Plaintiffs’ Employment Lawyers
Grand Ballroom Salons 9-10 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Madison Fiedler-Carlson
Speakers: Obinna I. Abara & Ting Cheung
Plaintiffs’ employment attorneys spend their lives juggling clients who are often facing extreme and traumatic life circumstances, maintaining efficient law practices, and hopefully enjoying a vibrant life outside of work. In 2025, that balancing act got even harder. Our panelists will address the biggest issues facing attorney wellness and the practical skills you can use to make sure your own oxygen mask is on before helping others.
BREAK
Harborside Foyer (4th Floor)
Celebrating Progress & Gaining Momentum in Difficult Times
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Subhashini Bollini
Speakers: Former EEOC General Counsel Karla Gilbride, Merit Systems Protection Board
Chair Cathy Harris, EEOC Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal & Former Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda
Join workers’ rights advocates who made progress and inroads for our nation’s workers during their tenures at the EEOC and Department of Labor as they discuss the wins they are most proud of, what they see for the future of workers’ rights, and how NELA members can rally during this challenging time in history to protect and advance workers’ rights.
Please join us for our annual networking reception. In honor of NELA’s 40th Anniversary, we also will raise a glass to NELA and our national community. The Annual Reception is included in the registration fee for Convention registrants only. Guest tickets for the Annual Reception may be purchased at the Registration Desk or at the door.
The Annual Reception is generously sponsored by Syllo.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025
7:00 a.m.
7:30–9:00 a.m.
7:30–8:30 a.m.
Tobias 5K Run Meet in Lobby
2025 Annual Convention Registration
Grand Ballroom Registration Desk (3rd Floor)
Breakfast Buffet
Harborside Ballroom C-E (4th Floor)
Breakfast is available to Convention registrants only.
8:30–9:30 a.m.
The Tobias Roundtable Breakfast (non-CLE)
Laurel A-D (4th Floor)
Moderator: Bruce A. Fredrickson
9:45–10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
12:00–12:30 p.m.
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
FRIDAY
PROGRAM
Speakers: Patricia A. Barasch, Carla D. Brown & David L. Lee
As NELA celebrates our 40th Anniversary, join our former presidents for breakfast. Hear from this esteemed group of practitioners about their wins, what they have learned, and their hopes for the next generation of plaintiffs’ employment lawyers.
Dismantling Barriers to Justice: Updates from the National Institute for Workers’ Rights (non-CLE)
Grand Ballroom Salons 1-2 (3rd Floor)
Speakers: Abby Frerick, Toni J. Jaramilla & Jason Solomon
Join the director of the National Institute for Workers’ Rights (NIWR), NELA’s sister organization, and the 2024–2026 Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow for an update on NIWR’s ongoing efforts to urge companies to uphold their commitment to expanding workplace opportunities. Learn how plaintiffs’ lawyers can play a pivotal role in defending diversity, equity, and inclusion from ongoing challenges.
Understanding Historical Racism: How to Frame Your Case and Combat Bias
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
Speakers: Sacred B. Huff & Sherry D. Soanes
In 2025, the intentional effort to ignore the uncomfortable truths of our history has been thrust into the spotlight. Historical and institutional racism have always created disparities in the workplace, and a push to ignore this history is a push to deny these ingrained inequalities. Furthermore, plaintiffs’ employment lawyers will continue to see implicit (and explicit) biases from a variety of stakeholders responsible for the outcome of their cases. This panel will discuss how historical prejudices and biases still impact workers, and how plaintiffs’ employment lawyers can address these issues at every stage of a case to successfully advocate for their clients and address biases.
This session qualifies for 1.25 hour of diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias credit.
BREAK
Harborside Foyer (4th Floor)
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Winning Mediation Tactics
Grand Ballroom Salons 1-2 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Carla D. Brown
Speakers: Mark Hanna, Rebecca Peterson-Fisher & Donna Williams Rucker
Effective and inventive mediation tactics are vital tools that can often be overlooked in your training. Learn from our experts about how you can make your mediations successful from start to finish. From preparing your client and timing the mediation to understanding the nuances of negotiation, this session will ensure you are prepared for your next mediation.
This session is sponsored by Sue Ellen Eisenberg & Associates, PC.
FRIDAY PROGRAM
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Representing Federal Workers
Trial Advocacy
Protecting Workers in Uncertain Times
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
Representing Federal Sector Whistleblowers
Grand Ballroom Salons 3-4 (3rd Floor)
Moderator: Ricardo J.A. Pitts-Wiley
Speakers: Kristin D. Alden & Richard R. Renner
Federal workers play a vital role in ensuring that other government actors are not violating laws and regulations, committing fraud or waste, or endangering public health and safety. With the upheaval of the federal workforce in 2025, it is likely that an increasing number of federal sector employees will be taking a risk to expose government mismanagement. What protections do federal whistleblowers have? How are federal sector whistleblower cases different from those in the private sector? Our experts will prepare you to take on your next federal sector whistleblower case with confidence.
Big Verdicts and How to Keep Them
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
Moderator: Ianna Campbell
Speakers: Adam W. Hansen & Brian P. Sanford
Workers facing illegal workplace actions suffer more than just a loss of income. Often, they experience emotional trauma, medical bills, difficulty finding new employment, and a slew of domino effects. How do you effectively communicate to the judge and jury what your client is truly entitled to and once you get that number, how do you keep it? Our trial experts will share their tips for getting big verdicts and, maybe more importantly, making sure those damages make it through the appeals process.
Representing LGBTQ+ Clients: Cultural Sensitivities, Litigation Strategies, and Creative Remedies
Grand Ballroom Salons 7-8 (3rd Floor)
Speakers: Hayden DePorter, Allegra Fishel & Aniko R. Schwarcz
In a time when LGBTQ+ workers are facing increasing threats, plaintiffs’ employment attorneys need to be able to work with and effectively advocate for the rights of individuals who identify as being part of one or more LGBTQ+ communities. Our panelists will discuss the importance of language and cultural nuances when building rapport and trust with your clients, the complexities of representing LGBTQ+ clients in litigation, and best practices for educating judges and opposing counsel about the gender identities of clients we represent. Finally, the panel will discuss how lawyers can advocate for and obtain non-monetary remedies that will impact the employee’s workplace culture making it more inclusive of LGBTQ+ workers.
Navigating
Unique
Challenges in Age Discrimination Cases
Grand Ballroom Salons 9-10 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Michal Shinnar
Speakers: Louis Lopez & Michael L. Pitt
The ADEA and its case law presents some unique differences from other more traditional federal employment discrimination laws, including coverage, evidentiary proof schemes, and possible defenses. State laws provide even more nuanced interpretations of age discrimination cases. This session will provide a primer for those interested in learning more about the ins and outs of age discrimination, how to build a case, and best practices for navigating distinct issues in litigation.
FRIDAY PROGRAM
1:30–1:45 p.m.
1:45–2:45 p.m.
1:45–2:45 p.m.
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
Boxed Lunch Pickup
Harborside Ballroom C-E (4th Floor)
Members Forum
Grand Ballroom Salons 1-2 (3rd Floor)
NELA Committee & Practice Group Meetings
• Age Discrimination Practice Group – Atlantic (3rd Floor)
• Class & Collective Actions Practice Group – Kent A (4th Floor)
• Disability Rights Practice Group – Bristol (3rd Floor)
• EEOC Working Group – James (4th Floor)
• Employee Benefits Practice Group – Iron (4th Floor)
• Family Responsibilities Discrimination Practice Group – Chasseur (3rd Floor)
• Federal Workers Practice Group – Dover A (3rd Floor)
• Immigrant/Low-Wage Workers Practice Group – Kent B (4th Floor)
• LGBTQ+ Workers Practice Group - Dover B (3rd Floor)
• Trial Advocacy Practice Group – Kent C (4th Floor)
Wage & Hour Practice Group & DOL Working Group – Dover C (3rd Floor)
• Whistleblower Practice Group – Heron (4th Floor)
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
A Primer on Bankruptcy for Employment Lawyers
Grand Ballroom Salons 1-2 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Matthew Dundon
Speakers: Reena I. Desai & Victoria Williamson
Panelists will cover the importance of discussing bankruptcy and the potential for bankruptcy as part of a client intake; how to protect and preserve existing claims if a client needs to file (or has already filed) bankruptcy; how to address threats of bankruptcy from a defendant and how to litigate claims against parties in bankruptcy court.
Representing Federal Workers
Litigating Federal Sector Class Action Cases
Grand Ballroom Salons 3-4 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Heidi R. Burakiewicz
Speakers: Marlene A. Laimeche & Kerrie Riggs
In the past six months, thousands of former federal workers have filed class action lawsuits challenging mass firings and other illegal HR practices undertaken by the current administration. While class actions are allowed under the Merit Systems Protection Board, most federal sector cases in the past have been handled on an individual basis. Our federal sector experts will share their expertise on the opportunities, challenges, and goals of federal sector class action cases and help prepare attorneys who are tackling these cases for the first time.
FRIDAY PROGRAM
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Trial Advocacy
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
Cross-Examination Demonstration
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Rebecca Rodgers
Speakers: Bernard Alexander & Toni J. Jaramilla
In this innovative session, our experts will take turns cross-examining their moderator (turned witness) and breaking down the tactics they are using to get the information they need. This practical session will allow you to witness a real-time cross-examination and learn how you can integrate these techniques into your own trial practice.
Emerging Trends in Private Sector Whistleblower Cases
Grand Ballroom Salons 7-8 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Renée Brooker
Speakers: Inayat Ali Hemani, David M. Jochnowitz & Nicolas Mendoza
As technology and industries change, so too do the types of whistleblower cases plaintiffs’ employment attorneys are seeing. From issues with AI and cybersecurity to financial fraud stemming from rollercoaster tariff policies, our panelists will discuss the issues they see on the horizon for whistleblowers, the whistleblower protection programs you may not have heard of, and how you can be on the forefront of whistleblower litigation.
Transforming the Workplace: AI, Technology, and State Legislation
Grand Ballroom Salons 9-10 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Shelby Leighton
Speakers: Matthew U. Scherer & Christine E. Webber
While there is no federal law governing AI in the workplace, many states have been tackling the impact technology has on the workplace. From notifications to workers when AI is in use to liability for AI developers and the businesses that utilize these technologies, states are ensuring that AI does not become another tool of systemic discrimination. Our panelists will also discuss other state laws addressing technology in the workplace that you should know.
4:00–4:30 p.m. BREAK
Harborside Foyer (4th Floor)
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Doing Well While Doing Good
Grand Ballroom Salons 1-2 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Joseph W. Gibson
Speakers: Shoshee Hui & Melissa Pierre-Louis Washington
Hanging a shingle or moving up the ranks of a small to mid-size firm can be a daunting task for an attorney at any stage of their career. The idealistic goals of representing harmed workers can feel at odds with the realities of earning a living. How do you determine what cases to take? When and how should you hire staff? What are the biggest challenges, and the biggest benefits, to managing a small or solo law practice? Our panelists have done it and will help you build the confidence you need to do it as well.
FRIDAY PROGRAM
4:30–5:30 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
Using Experts in a Trauma Informed Manner
Grand Ballroom Salons 3-4 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Sam Wehrle
Speakers: Dr. Dawn Hughes, Anne Hunter & Nina T. Pirrotti
Workers facing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and assault in their place of employment often have to discuss and relive extremely traumatic events during the course of litigation. In many cases, you may choose to employ experts who need to interview your client and testify to the extent and impact of their trauma. Our panel, including Dr. Dawn Hughes, who has testified in hundreds of cases including, the Sean “Diddy” Combs, Harvey Weinstein & Depp v. Heard trials, will discuss how to choose an expert experienced with workplace trauma, support your client during expert interviews, and prepare your client to hear about their trauma from a third party during expert witness testimony. By engaging the right experts and facilitating a collaborative experience, advocates can improve their ability to succeed in cases involving traumatic events in the workplace.
Arguing & Proving Economic Damages
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Anna P. Prakash
Speakers: David L. Lee & Nora Ostrofe
Recovering economic damages from adverse employment actions is one of the fundamental reasons for filing suit, yet attorneys often focus so intently on proving liability that their damages argument takes a back seat. This session will provide both new and experienced attorneys with the fundamentals of crafting a damages analysis that is credible, defensible, and understandable to jurors, arbitrators, mediators, and judges. Topics will include how to brief damages interpretations, how to value non-wage damage, and crafting discovery to include adequate information for damages calculation.
Protecting Workers in Uncertain Times
Lessons for Employment Lawyers from Anti-Trans Cases in Other Areas of Law
Grand Ballroom Salons 7-8 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Andrew M. Adelman
Speakers: Lauren A. DiMartino & Joseph Wardenski
LGBTQ+ individuals are under attack on multiple fronts, including the workplace. Particularly, the transgender community has faced sports bans and attacks on their health care, with these issues taking center stage before the Supreme Court in Skirmetti. This panel will look at these cases and how we can implement the wins or lessons learned from them into in our own practice representing LGBTQ+ workers.
Developing and Sustaining Ethical Client Relationships
Grand Ballroom Salons 9-10 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Verónica M. González
Speakers: Paul H. Merry & Stephen B. Pershing
Employment litigators face a myriad of ethical obligations over the life of a case. Our panelists will share bar decisions and practical tips focusing on three areas where ethical challenges can be especially acute: confidentiality and attorney-client privilege (especially in the social media era), divergence of interests between lawyer and client, and withdrawal from representation. The presentation will be followed by interactive discussion.
This session qualifies for 1.0 hour of legal ethics credit.
8:00–11:00 p.m.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY PROGRAM
NELA’s 40th Anniversary Gala: Party Like It’s 1985!
Harborside Ballroom C-E (4th Floor)
Please join us for this special celebration of our community as we mark 40 years of impact and advocacy! We will gather for a well-earned night of fun and friendship with music, dancing, and tasty treats. Come dressed in your 80s attire or come as you are. Don’t miss our special song dedication hour beginning at 9 p.m. Every Gala attendee will receive two complimentary drink tickets courtesy of Dundon Advisers LLC.
The Gala requires a separate ticket to attend. Tickets may be purchased at the Registration Desk or at the door.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025
7:30–9:00 a.m.
8:00–9:15 a.m.
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Fundamentals of Employment Law
2025 Annual Convention Registration
Breakfast Buffet
Harborside Ballroom C-E (4th Floor)
Breakfast is available to Convention registrants only.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
What Employment Lawyers Should Know About ERISA
Grand Ballroom Salons 1-2 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: David Yellin
Speakers: Caroline E. Bressman & Scott M. Riemer
While most employment lawyers do not specialize in ERISA claims, these issues can impact your client’s case. This session will discuss how to spot ERISA issues in employment cases, including long-term disability and how to take ERISA benefits into account when negotiating severance agreements or settlements.
Using Innovative State Laws to Advance Workers’ Rights
Grand Ballroom Salons 3-4 (3rd Floor)
Moderator: Asher Morse
Speakers: Max P. Barack, Jacqueline Mendez-Soto & Laura Noble
While workers in New York and California have long been able to turn to their state courts for workplace protections that exceed the federal standard, more and more states are joining the ranks. From raising the minimum wage to expanding paid leave statutes, what states are leading the charge on advancing workers’ rights and how can you encourage your state to do the same?
This session is sponsored by the National Institute for Workers’ Rights.
Trial Advocacy
Demonstratives & Visual Aids for Trial
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Ben Lebsack
Speakers: Elizabeth “BB” Sanford & Stephanie K. Wood
Demonstratives and visual aids at trial can be an effective way to break down complicated topics, engage the jury, and provide a more visceral demonstration of your client’s experience. From the low-tech to the latest in trial technology, our panel will provide examples of how to use visuals and demonstratives effectively and on any budget.
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Protecting Workers in Uncertain Times
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)
Representing Employees Doing DEIA Work
Grand Ballroom Salons 7-8 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Gillian L. Thomas
Speakers: Mary E. Kuntz & Audrey Wiggins
With the announcement of Executive Orders directly aimed at rolling back crucial programs promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in workplaces and education, both federal and private sector workers are facing threats to their employment. Our panelists are at the forefront of standing up for workers who have made important DEIA work their life and will share strategies for effectively litigating these cases.
Recent Developments in NDAs, Non-Competes, and Other Restrictive Covenants
Grand Ballroom Salons 9-10 (3rd Floor)
Moderator/Speaker: Matthew LeGarde
Speakers: Vasu Reddy & Harjeen Zibari
With the FTC’s proposed ban on non-compete agreements, states taking aim at NDAs that often hide illegal behavior on the part of employers, and victories for workers challenging unconscionable training repayment programs, restrictive covenants are forefront in the discussion of workers’ rights. This panel will examine the current state of restrictive covenants, how you can utilize new laws and regulations on behalf of your clients, and what the future may hold for this area of the law.
10:15–10:40 a.m. BREAK
Harborside Foyer (4th Floor)
10:40–10:50 a.m. Ethics and Sanctions Presentation
10:50 a.m.–12:40 p.m.
The Year in Review: Significant Developments in Employment Law
Grand Ballroom Salons 5-6 (3rd Floor)
Moderator: Ashley O. Westby
Speakers: Heather Newsom Leonard, Professor Eric Schnapper & Professor Suja Thomas
The 2025 Annual Convention will close with a robust discussion of the employment cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court during its 2024–2025 term, significant appellate court, legislative, and state law developments, as well as emerging issues in plaintiffs’ employment law.
12:40 p.m.
Convention Adjourns
See you next year in New Orleans!
NELA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2025 Virtual Fall Seminar
Topic TBA October 30-31, 2025
2026 Spring Seminar
Topic TBA March 20–21, 2026
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop Chicago, IL
2026 Annual Convention
June 24–27, 2026
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel New Orleans, LA
2026 Trial Boot Camp October 22–24, 2026
Crowne Plaza Atlanta–Midtown Atlanta, GA
2027 Annual Convention
June 23–26, 2027
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch St. Louis, MO
Help shape NELA’s signature event of the year by submitting your session proposals.
2026 ANNUAL CONVENTION
June 24–27, 2026
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel New Orleans, LA
Generally, concurrent sessions are 60-75 minutes long and feature a moderator and two speakers. NELA reserves the right to modify proposals that are accepted and to select speakers other than those proposed. Please note that NELA will contact you only if your proposal is accepted by the Annual Convention Committee. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!
NELA hopes to enhance the quality and diversity of its Annual Convention by including your ideas through this Call for Proposals. The deadline for submission of proposals is Friday, September 19, 2025. www.nela.org/2026proposals
October 22–24, 2026
“To be in a room with such experienced attorneys with so much expertise and knowledge to share is amazing.”
NELA ENHANCED MEMBERS
Thank you to those members who generously support NELA through their enhanced annual membership dues.
Champions
Roxanne B. Conlin
Defenders
Barbara “Brandi” Cowan
Advocates
Clif Alexander
Austin W. Anderson
Patricia A. Barasch
Donald A. Donati
Sustaining
Ronald P. Ackerman
Bernard Alexander
Lisa J. Banks
David Blanchard
Renée Brooker
Stephen R. Bruce
Stephen Z. Chertkof
Linda M. Correia
Bill Day, Jr.
Dennis E. Egan
Jillian M. Fairchild
Peggy A. Farrell
Contributing
Bryce W. Ashby
Walt Auvil
Eric Bachman
John P. Batson
Jonathan Ben-Asher
Sandra L. Blevins
M. Nieves Bolaños
Scott Brady
Kate Butler
Matthew J.P. Coffman
Richard Condit
Blaney A. Coskrey, III
Robert E. DeRose
Brendan J. Donelon
Sonya Edwards
Arthur R. Ehrlich
Christine T. Elzer
Nicholas J. Enoch
Sara Faulman
Jonathan M. Feigenbaum
David Fielding
Karen K. Fitzgerald
Jamie S. Franklin
Evan L. Goldman
Steven F. Grover
Timothy A. Ricker
Lawrence Disparti
Sue Ellen Eisenberg
Parisis G. Filippatos
David W. Garrison
Vicki Kuftic Horne
Christine Forsythe
Harold M. Goldner
J. Gary Gwilliam
Jay P. Holland
William Hommel, Jr.
Kimberly Jeselskis
Robert B. June
Debra S. Katz
Stephen B. Lebau
Matthew Maddox
Toby J. Marshall
Richard P. Neuworth
Aaron Halegua
Mark Hammons, Sr.
Neil L. Henrichsen
Samuel Hernandez
Raymond L. Hogge, Jr.
April L. Hollingsworth
Kirk D. Holman
Thomas G. Jarrard
Susan E. Jewell
Michael G. Kane
Lucas Kaster
Ronald J. Kim
Daniel B. Kohrman
David C. Kresin
Avi Kumin
Cleveland Lawrence, III
David L. Lee
Jeffrey Lewis
Jonathan J. Margolis
Kelsey A.W. Marquard
Cheri L. McCracken
Alex Meier
Omar V. Melehy
Marjorie Mesidor
Joseph Michaels
Alicia K. Haynes
Michael L. Pitt
Scott M. Pollins
Carl M. Varady
Joshua Parkhurst
Gregory George Paul
Patricia A. Podolec
Jonathan C. Puth
Brian P. Sanford
Mary Anne Sedey
Vishal H. Shah
Dan Siegel
Angela Walker
Benjamin H. Yormak
Jeffrey Neil Young
C. Ryan Morgan
Leonard Mungo
Steven L. Murray
Layi Oduyingbo
Wayne N. Outten
J. Heydt Philbeck
Kathryn S. Piscitelli
Leah Roper
Cody A. Ryan
Rebecca L. Salawdeh
Glen D. Savits
Bryan J. Schwartz
Kevin J. Shehan
Greg Silverman
Douglas N. Silverstein
J. Arthur Smith, III
Patricia Nicole Syverson
Merle Joy Turchik
Julie A. Uebler
Louis H. Watson, Jr.
Christine E. Webber
Alysa Wiggins
Clayton Wire
You’ve Won the Case.
Don’t Let Taxes Steal It Away.
The case is over. You’ve done the hard work. You delivered justice. You got the result. But there’s one more step that too many attorneys and plaintiffs overlook, and it’s the one that can quietly undo everything: taxes.
We specialize in strategic pre-settlement tax planning to help employment attorneys and their clients keep more of what they’ve won — and reduce what’s lost to the IRS.
How We Help Attorneys
Our proprietary Attorney feeSaver™ strategy is unlike anything most lawyers have seen. It allows you to effectively eliminate taxes on your contingent fees — now, later, and forever — while creating a tax-free income stream for life and a significant tax-free death benefit for your loved ones.
There are no contribution limits, no ERISA restrictions, and no required distributions — just a smarter way to build and preserve wealth with every case you win.
How We Help Plaintiffs
Our free Settlement Tax Forecast Tool gives your clients a personalized tax estimate, shows them what they may owe, and outlines proven strategies to reduce their taxes.
The result? More money for your clients. Less liability and fewer tax questions for you.
Pre-settlement tax planning helps you and your clients keep more of the settlement.
NELA FUND DONORS
NELA’s strength is in our community of individual members, law firms, Affiliates, allied organizations, and coalition partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following for their generous financial contributions.
General Fund
Greenwald Neurosurgical PC
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Paul W. Mollica
Anne Straus & Alfred I. Straus III In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Stephanie Tarr
Jason Mark Zuckerman
Anonymous In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Sanctions Assistance Fund for Emergency Relief
N. Sue Allen
Michelle F. Bercovici
Heather E. Borlase
David R. Cashdan
Lisa L. Clay
David Conforto
Beth Creighton
Bill Day, Jr.
Sonja Deyoe
William H. Ewing
Parisis G. Filippatos
Nancy Grim
William Hommel, Jr.
Vicki Kuftic Horne
Christopher Houk
John C. Ireland
Ilir Kavaja
Ben Lebsack
Ann Lugbill
John P. Madden
Matthew Maddox
Cheri L. McCracken
Ellen J. Messing
Joey S. Niskar
Wayne N. Outten
Joshua Parkhurst
Patricia A. Podolec
Phillis h. Rambsy
Richard R. Renner
Nancy Richards-Stower
Brian P. Sanford
Richard D. Schramm
Joseph L. Sulman
Kevin S. Vogeltanz
David G. Webbert
Ashley O. Westby
Marni Willenson
Wesley Woolf
Workers’ Rights Advocacy Fund
N. Sue Allen
David R. Cashdan
Lisa L. Clay
David Conforto
Doris J. Dabrowski
Bill Day, Jr.
Vincent James DeSimone
Cyrus E. Dugger
William H. Ewing
Parisis G. Filippatos
David J. Fried
Nancy Grim
Bruce J. Highman
Christine Hopkins
Vicki Kuftic Horne
John C. Ireland
Laura Luisi
Brendan P. Lynch
Matthew Maddox
Steven L. Murray
Wayne N. Outten
Patricia A. Podolec
Nancy Richards-Stower
Brian P. Sanford
Jason C.N. Smith
Michael Stevens
Carl M. Varady
Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of individuals, law firms, and other organizations acknowledged here. We apologize for any errors or omissions. Donors from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025.
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TO HELP Interest-Free Grants for EMPLOYMENT Litigation Expenses NELA
If you prevail or settle, you are obligated to pay back the amount of the grant and no more. If the litigation is unsuccessful, you are relieved of any obligation to pay back the grant.
Although many of the grants are modest in size, they repeatedly prove their value by helping workers and their advocates achieve favorable outcomes in employment cases.
CHET LEVITT, was an attorney at the Washington, DC firm of Cashdan & Kane and a former member of NELA, was deeply committed to his work in employment and civil rights law. In 1996, a senseless act of violence took his life.
Build Your Lasting Legacy: Empower, Reclaim, and Transform the Future of Workers’ Rights & Workers’ Rights Advocacy
Thirty-five years ago, Paul Tobias had a dream of creating a non-profit public interest organization to complement the work of the National Employment Lawyers Association. That dream became a reality in 2008 when The Employee Rights Advocacy Institute For Law & Policy was established as NELA’s indispensable partner in the fight for equality and justice in the American workplace. As the Founding Executive Director of the Institute, I am honored to continue Paul’s vision by joining the Legacy Circle to Advance Workers’ Rights. Now known as the National Institute for Workers’ Rights, I invite you to support the Institute by including it in your will or trust—it will be the best investment you will ever make to ensure the future of workers’ rights advocacy.
Terisa E. Chaw
NELA Executive Director 1990-2017 & Institute Executive Director 2008-2017
As far as I know, the old saying, “You can’t take it with you,” is not fake news. So, I thought long and hard about which charities to include in my will. I finally landed on NELA being one of them. NELA has supported me so much over the years— through the listserv, seminars and the amazing people I have met. On this 40th anniversary of NELA, please join me in remembering Paul Tobias and this important organization by including NELA in your will.
Katherine L. Butler Houston, TX
NELA Board Member 2016-2022
By including NELA or the National Institute for Workers’ Rights in your estate plans, you can create your own meaningful legacy of advocacy and impact. Like the community members who have already committed to building NELA and NIWR’s future, you also have the option of joining NELA’s Paul H. Tobias Legacy Society or NIWR’s Legacy Circle to Advance Workers’ Rights.
I am strongly committed to the mission of strong and meaningful enforcement of the employment civil rights laws—Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA—and am proud to have devoted my career to that mission. I have included the Institute in my estate plan because it, and NELA, embody that mission better than any other organization. As we are learning, we certainly can’t count on the federal government to enforce civil rights. NELA and the Institute are needed now more than ever.
Donna Lenhoff
Donna
Lenhoff Associates
Washington, DC
Institute Board member since 2022
I intend to be around for a good while yet. However, recently, in addition to contemplating how to make more “good trouble” as a NELA lawyer, I’ve enjoyed designating which good causes—including NELA and the Institute—some of my savings will go to once I move on the Great Annual Convention in the sky. I have pledged to give a chunk of change I can be proud of to these two great organizations that have given me so much and whose members and staff continue to inspire me. I urge you to consider including NELA and the Institute in your estate plans as well. Let’s do what we can to ensure they have a bright future.
Dan Kohrman
Gilbert Employment Law
Silver Spring, MD
NELA Board Member 2007-2019
To learn more, please visit the NIWR table in the Grand Ballroom Foyer.
Informed by its partnership with NELA and NELA lawyers, the National Institute for Workers’ Rights (NIWR) advances workers’ rights through research, thought leadership, and education for policymakers, advocates, workers, and the public, with a focus on dismantling the barriers to justice workers and their advocates face.
NIWR shares NELA’s vision of a future in which all workers are treated with dignity and respect; workplaces are equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible; and the well-being of workers is a priority in business practices.
Our focus areas include:
Economic Dignity | Future of Worker Advocacy | Workplace Justice
Dismantling Barriers To Justice
90% of Americans Have No Union to Protect Their Rights
NIWR’s State Policy Clearinghouse tracks pro-worker policies, compiling state bills that strengthen worker protections. Partnering with NELA Affiliates and other advocacy groups, NIWR strives to make justice more accessible for workers by advancing these initiatives nationwide. Examples include:
New York’s Empowering People in Rights Enforcement (EmPIRE) Act
Illinois’ Temp Workers’ Bill of Rights
Minnesota’s full ban on noncompete clauses
Find out how you can help build our clearinghouse at niwr.org/state-policy-clearinghouse or scan the QR code.
Join Jason Solomon, NIWR Director, and Abby Frerick, the 2024–2026 Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow, for an update on NIWR’s ongoing efforts to encourage companies to uphold their commitment to expanding workplace opportunities. Learn how plaintiffs’ lawyers can play a pivotal role in defending diversity, equity, and inclusion from ongoing challenges.
Dismantling Barriers to Justice: Updates from the National Institute for Workers’ Rights
NoteligibleforCLE Friday, June 27, 2025
Grand Ballroom Salons 1-2 (3rd Floor)
9:45–10:30 a.m.
Jason Solomon NIWR Director
Abby Frerick 2024–2026 Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow
Read our new Policy Brief Making Equal Opportunity Real: How Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts Combat Workplace Discrimination at niwr.org/making-equal-opportunity-real or scan the QR code.
Toni J. Jaramilla
Toni Jaramilla, A Professional Law Corporation
THE POWER OF CY PRES TO ADVANCE WORKERS’ RIGHTS
Cy pres awards have been and will continue to be critical to NIWR’s ability to advance workers’ rights through research, thought leadership, and education for policymakers, advocates, worker, and the public. NIWR has an excellent track record as a cy pres beneficiary. Since 2008, NIWR has been the recipient of nearly $2 million in cy pres awards in 74 class or collective actions brought on behalf of workers. NIWR is a compelling designee in employment discrimination, wage and hour, and other litigation concerning workplace violations.
Please join us in extending our gratitude to the following attorneys and law firms who have designated NIWR as a cy pres recipient since 2008. They have made a tremendous difference not only to us, but to the lives of the workers we touch.
Abbey Spanier, LLP
Altshuler Berzon, LLP
Beaumont Costales
Berger & Montague, PC
Betz + Blevins
Blanchard & Walker PLLC
Burr & Smith, LLP
Maia Caplan
Chavez Law Firm
Cummins & Cummins, LLP
Dardarian Ho Kan & Lee (formerly Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho)
Donati Law, PLLC
Donelon, PC
Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA
Eisenberg & Schnell, LLP
FMCO Law
Bruce C. Fox
Frankel Syverson PLLC
Jamie S. Franklin
Suzanne Garrow
Getman, Sweeney & Dunn, PLLC
Law Offices of Janice Goodman
Law Offices of Geoffrey L. Gross, LLC
Haines Law Group
Hawks Quindel, SC
Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, LLC
Heisler, Feldman, & McCormick, PC
Hersh Law Firm, PC
Hua Gallai & Gonzales, LLP
Johnson Becker, PLLC
Kern Law Firm, PC
Tuvia Korobkin
Labor Law, PC
Leventhal Lewis Kuhn Taylor Swan PC
McGuinn, Hillsman & Palefsky
Law Offices of Colleen M. McLaughlin
Potter Bolaños LLC
Rowdy Meeks Legal Group LLC
Meizlish & Grayson
Miller O’Brien Jensen, PA
Nichols Kaster, PLLP
Law Office of Thomas Rutledge
Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, LLP
Schneider Wallace Cottrell
Konecky LLP
Law Offices of James M. Sitkin
Soderstrom Law PC
Sprenger & Lang, PLLC
Stephan Zouras, LLP
Teske Law PLLC
Thomas & Solomon LLP
Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
The Law Office of Rob Wiley, PC
Woodall Law Offices
NIWR and NELA acknowledge the visionaries of workers’ rights who have made financial contributions to further NIWR’s work. The giving levels below reflect our supporters’ combined contributions from May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025.
CY PRES AWARDS
Frankel Syverson PLLC
Hawks Quindel, SC
Hersh Law Firm, PC
Nichols Kaster, PLLP
Stephan Zouras, LLC
GRANTS
Peggy Browning Fund
The M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation
Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation
Raben
GENERAL SUPPORT
$2,500+
Frances J. Hollander
Schall & Barasch, LLC
$1,000–$2,499
Blanchard & Walker, PLLC
Katherine L. Butler
Carmen Comsti
Wade B. Cowan
Joseph D. Garrison & Brenda Garrison
King Employment Law
Donna R. Lenhoff & Michael F. Jacobson
Jonathan C. Puth
Winebrake & Santillo, LLC
$500–$999
Bertelson Law Offices, PA
M. Nieves Bolaños
Deborah H. Karpatkin
Maria Price
Roberta L. Steele
In Honor of Karen Maoki
Fern M. Steiner
Carl M. Varady
$250–$499
Debra P. Chaw
Elzer Law Firm, LLC
William H. Ewing
Hal K. Gillespie
Alicia K. Haynes
Phyllis C. Hofkin
Patricia Ito
In Honor of Terisa E. Chaw
David Lichtenstein
Jonathan J. Margolis
Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky PC
Turchik Law Firm PC
Christine E. Webber
Jeffrey Neil Young
In Honor of Carla D. Brown
$100–$249
Subhashini Bollini
In Memory of Danny Katz
Josef Buenker
David R. Cashdan
Maria G. Diaz
Thomas J. Duff
Parisis G. Filippatos
Lenore C. Garon
Leon Greenberg
Maureen T. Holland
William Hommel, Jr.
Bennett Lowenthal
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Samuel Brown Petsonk
Dianne Rosenberg
& J. David Rosenberg
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Brian P. Sanford
Randall D. Schmidt
Liane Scott & Eric Scott
In Honor of Terisa E. Chaw & James A. Hendriksen
Carol G. Silverman
Virginia Villegas
Up To $99
N. Sue Allen
Alenna K. Bolin
Kirby F. Cañon
Bill Day, Jr.
Arthur R. Ehrlich
Christine Forsythe
Janet E. Hill
Vicki Kuftic Horne
Brendan P. Lynch
Matthew Maddox
Anne Mitchell
Richard J. Murray
Murray Law LLC
Patricia A. Podolec
Susan M. Swan
THE PAUL H. TOBIAS ATTORNEY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
$1,000–$2,499
Terisa E. Chaw & James A. Hendriksen
In Celebration of the Life of
Phyllis Tobias
Deborah K. Lim & Michael J. Woo
Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
$500–$999
Bruce A. Fredrickson
& Kristin K. Fredrickson
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Alicia K. Haynes
In Memory of Tammy Edwards
Matt Koski
Ann Lugbill
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
$250–$499
Leah A. Hofkin
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Alan R. Kabat
King Employment Law
Kathryn S. Piscitelli
The Tobias Family: Betty, John, Peggy & Sue
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
$100–$249
Elzer Law Firm, LLC
Carolyn W. Levine In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Patricia Losacker
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Jason Solomon
In Honor of Leah A. Hofkin
Marie Wilson
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
Up to $99
Karin Susskind
In Memory of Phyllis Tobias
2024–2025
The Visionary Circle
Members of the Visionary Circle make an annual commitment of $1,000 or more to support NIWR’s ongoing work. We are honored to recognize the 2024–2025 Visionary Circle.
Pacesetters ($2,500–$4,999)
Frances J. Hollander
Schall & Barasch, LLC
Visionaries ($1,000–$2,499)
Blanchard & Walker, PLLC
M. Nieves Bolaños
Rex Burch
Katherine L. Butler
Terisa E. Chaw
& James A. Hendriksen
Carmen Comsti
Wade B. Cowan
Joseph D. Garrison & Brenda Garrison
WORKERS’ RIGHTS ADVOCACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Rex Burch
Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation
Virginia Villegas
Alicia K. Haynes
King Employment Law
Donna R. Lenhoff
& Michael F. Jacobson
Deborah K. Lim & Michael J. Woo
Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen
Jonathan C. Puth
Winebrake & Santillo, LLC
Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the individuals, law firms, and other organizations acknowledged here. We apologize for any errors or omissions.
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“We have influenced life in America—our organization. There is no question that the work our lawyers have done has made an impact on employees, workers all over the country.”
- Paul H. Tobias, NELA Founder
Take a moment and look through the following greetings and advertisements from your friends, colleagues, NELA members, NELA Affiliates, and the many businesses and organizations that support NELA. We are grateful for your continued support of our work.
Our gratitude & appreciation to NELA’s Affiliates Members
Practice Groups, Interest Groups, and Working Groups for their invaluable contributions. Your dedication and efforts make a lasting impact!
The fight for dignity in the workplace, fair wages, and safe spaces to gather is at our doorstep. We stand for workers’ rights with our fellow NELA members.
New York
Washington, DC
San Francisco
Palo Alto
San Diego
Nashville
Werman Salas P.C. stands with NELA’s unwavering commitment to empowering workers, reclaiming their rights, and restoring justice in the workplace. Together, we champion the cause of fairness and dignity for all working people. We are honored to join you in Baltimore for this gathering.
Congratulations NELA on 40 years of fighting for workers!
President
President-Elect
Alexandra Underkofler
Delegal Poindexter & Underkofler, P.A.
Immediate Past President
Amanda Biondolino
Amanda L. Biondolino, PLLC
Secretary I Treasurer
Gabe Roberts
Scott Law Team
Northern District Reps
Clayton Conners
Walwin Taylor
WLT Law Firm Legislative
Amicus Coordinator
Richard Johnson
Law Office of Richard E, Johnson
Middle District Reps
Charlotte Kelly
Law Offices of Cla.vton M. Connors, PLLC
Tiffany Cruz
Cruz Law Firm, P.A.
Fernee Kelly Law
Kyle Lee
Lee Law, PLLC
Brian Calciano
Calciano Pierro , PLLC
Jason Imler
Imler Law
Programming
Kelly O'Connell O'Connell Law, PLLC
Listserve Moderator
Ephraim Hess
Hess Law Finn
Southern District Reps
Dana Gallup
Gallup Auerbach
Hazel Solis Rojas
Law Office of Hazel Solis Rojas, P.A.
Alberto Naranjo
AN Law Firm P.A.
Congratulations on 40 years of impact and advocacy
T h a n k y o u , N E L A , f o r
s t r e n g t h e n i n g o u r a b i l i t y
t o f i g h t f o r w o r k e r s
Kelly Mulloy Myers
George M. Reul, Jr.
Jon B. Allison
Katherine Daughtrey Neff
Austin H. LiPuma
Laura Welles Wilson
Niroshan M. Wijesooriya
Paige E. Richardson
Baylee D. Kalmbach
Sarah N. Froehlich
fmr.law | Cincinnati, Ohio
Joe Gillespie
Hal Gillespie
Jim Sanford
Charlie Cai (Paralegal)
Charlie Cai (Paralegal)
Murphy Anderson PLLC
The lawyers of Murphy Anderson PLLC are honored to welcome NELA to Baltimore to recommit to the fight for civil rights, the rule of law and economic justice.
“Where you see a wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
Baltimore native Thurgood Marshall
MWELA
Fighting for Texas Employment Justice
williams law
Congratulations to NELA on 40 years and to CELA member Nina Pirrotti for her 9 years of dedication to the NELA Board!
Cornish & Dell'Olio, P.C.
is proud to support NELA and to celebrate NELA's 40 years of impact and advocacy for workers across the country!
Ian Kalmanowitz
To our valued friends in the NELA community, we are delighted to announce the formation of
Our practice continues to focus on hostile work environment cases, primarily sexual harassment, racial harassment and disability harassment, single and multi Plaintiff cases, all over the country. Best wishes,
Joshua Friedman | Giselle Schuetz | Shilpa Narayan - Attorneys Licensed in NY
2. Best way to eat crab indoors: the authentic Maryland Crab Cake
3. Best treat on a hot day: the Snowball
leah hofkin
4. Best treat to take back to the office: Berger Cookies
5. Best permanent art exhibit: the Cone Collection at the Baltimore Museum of Art
6. Best ancient artifact: the cat mummy at the Walters Art Museum
7. Best place to take a train ride: the B&O Railroad Museum
8. Best way to experience the Inner Harbor: Paddle boat
9. Best literary adventure: Drinking with Edgar Allan Poe’s ghost at The Horse You Came In On Saloon in Fells Point
10. Best way to celebrate NELA: Party Like It’s 1985! NELA’s 40th Anniversary Gala
Chris Houk, Attorney
Jenny Jansch, Attorney
Marina Kovacevic, Attorney
Isamar Ramirez, Legal Assistant
Nicole Houk, Accounting
Honored to celebrate 40 years of protecting workers’ rights, from coast to coast, and here’s to 40 more!
Matt Koski
McGuinn, Hillsman & Palefsky San Francisco, CA
Many thanks to the NELA and NIWR staff for all their hard work
Tacarra Andrade Membership Director
Alicia Battle Events Manager
Abby Frerick Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow
Leah A. Hofkin Director of Development
Erica Love Program Assistant
Karen Maoki Interim Executive Director
Asher Morse Attorney Fellow
Jason Solomon Institute Director
Pedro A. Valverde
Digital Communications & Technology Manager
Ashley Westby Program Director
David L. Lee and
Jennifer C. Weiss (retired)
www.nelaga.org
President: Julie Oinonen
Past President: Tamika Sykes
Secretary: Zack Panter
Treasurer: Jake Knanishu
Board Members at Large: Beverly Lucas, Jay Walker, Missy Torgerson, Tracey Barbaree, Camille Mashman
NELA Georgia honors the memory of our beloved Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient:
Mr. Edward D. Buckley 1956 2025
Congratulations to NELA on its 40th Anniversary!
Our entire firm is here to show our support in these most challenging times.
Nick Roumel
Charlie Widmaier
Wendy Marcotte
Elle Sawyer
Yasine Baccouche
We represent employees in cases of:
n Wrongful Termination
n Discrimination based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, sexual harassment, and gender identity
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake
Rabindranath Tagore 1913 Nobel Laureate in Literature
EISENBERG & SCHNELL LLP
233 Broadway, Suite 2704
New York, New York 10279
212 966.8900
eisenbergschnell.com
Herbert Eisenberg
Laura S. Schnell
Christopher Pacelle
Chiung-Hui
Austin
in Florida ◦ W ton, D.C. ◦ New York Find us online a .hslawyers.com or www.employeelegalprotection.com
Birmingham, aL
Gathering in Baltimore. FIGHTING FOR WORKERS EVERYWHERE.
TELA is proud to stand with NELA and all of our Brothers and Sisters fighting for our Country's Workers, the backbone and foundation of our Great Nation
EIGHTH CIRCUIT NELA
Celebrating 24 years of Surviving the Eighth Circuit. We Won’t Give In.
Eighth Circuit NELA is the melding of national affiliates from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Our 2025 Executive Board:
Mark Dugan President, Kansas City
David Schlesinger Treasurer, Minneapolis
Jill Zwagerman
Immediate Past President, Des Moines
Madison Fiedler-Carlson, DSM
Tom Freeman, Omaha
Whitney Judkins, Des Moines
Sarah Liesen, Kansas City
Frances Baillon Vice President, Minneapolis
Josh Miller Secretary, St. Louis
Phillip Murphy, Kansas City
Alf Sivertson, St. Paul
Anja Sivertson, St. Paul
Benjamin Westhoff, St. Louis
Join us in Kansas City, April 2026!
Pollins Law Creating Great Futures
Michal Shinnar
Counsel,
www.SchallandBarasch.com
Increasing recoveries on employment claims on bankrupt and financially- stressed defendants since 2016.
Celebrating Four Decades of Empowering Voices and Advancing Rights
