NELA 2026 Annual Convention Program Guide

CONVENTION PROGRAM GUIDE

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION | JUNE 24–27, 2026 | SHERATON NEW ORLEANS HOTEL

NEW ORLEANS, LA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Convention Welcome ........................................................................................................................................................................................5 Plaintiffs’ Employment Lawyers Association (PELA)–South Louisiana Welcomes You to New Orleans ........................................... 7 NELA Board Members .....................................................................................................................................................................................8 National Institute for Workers’ Rights Board Members ...............................................................................................................................9 NELA Affiliate Representatives ....................................................................................................................................................................10 NELA History ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Convention Sponsors & Exhibitors ............................................................................................................................................................... 14 2026 Annual Convention Committee ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 NELA & NIWR Staff & Volunteers ..............................................................................................................................................................17 2026 Annual Convention Keynote Speaker................................................................................................................................................22 2026 Courageous Plaintiffs .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Vision. Justice. Community. NELA 2026 Gala Fundraiser....................................................................................................................... 31 NELA Gala Sponsors ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Code of Conduct ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 39 Health & Safety Policy ................................................................................................................................................................................... 39 Convention Wi-Fi Information .....................................................................................................................................................................40 Convention Hub, Materials, and Audio Recordings ..................................................................................................................................40 Hotel Meeting Room Maps ........................................................................................................................................................................... 43 2026 Annual Convention Program .............................................................................................................................................................48 NELA Calendar of Events ............................................................................................................................................................................. 62 2027 Call for Proposals ................................................................................................................................................................................. 62 NELA Enhanced Members ........................................................................................................................................................................... 65 NELA Fund Donors ........................................................................................................................................................................................67 National Institute for Workers’ Rights: Dismantling Barriers to Justice ................................................................................................. 70 The Power of Cy Pres to Advance Workers’ Rights .....................................................................................................................................74 National Institute for Workers’ Rights Donors ............................................................................................................................................75 NELA Convention & Gala Sponsor Advertisements ................................................................................................................................ 82

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Powered by Community It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as NELA President for the past two years. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary community of advocates who fearlessly stand up for workers and generously show up for each other every single day.

On behalf of the entire NELA Board, I extend my appreciation to the NELA/NIWR team for their dedication and hard work on behalf of NELA and our members.

I also want to recognize our colleague Carla D. Brown, for her 11 years of outstanding service on the NELA Board, including as NELA’s first Black woman president. Your commitment to the organization and to each of us as workers’ rights advocates is an example of leadership that will have a lasting impact.

M. Nieves Bolaños Hawks Quindel, SC Chicago hq-law.com

Dear Friends:

Welcome to the 2026 National Employment Lawyers Association Annual Convention in New Orleans, where we will spend the next three days LEADING WITH VISION, ROOTED IN JUSTICE. We are delighted you could be here to learn, connect, and celebrate with us!

We extend our thanks to our Louisiana members for their warm hospitality, and we invite you to visit the Registration Desk for information about attractions, restaurants, and activities in the surrounding area.

On Friday, June 26, please join us for VISION. JUSTICE. COMMUNITY., our 2026 Gala Fundraiser, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. We will enjoy live music, dancing, and coming together in fun to celebrate our collective accomplishments in these challenging and unsettling times. We offer our deepest gratitude to the sponsors of the 2026 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 Carla D. Brown, Christine T. Elzer, and Amanda A. Farahany. We salute their leadership and passion in advancing the cause for all workers.

The 2026 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 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 President

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VISION. JUSTICE. COMMUNITY. TELA ad PREMIUM

The Texas Employment Lawyers Association is proud to stand with NELA in the Crescent City.

"In a city renowned for its resilience and creativity, we will come together to explore what it means to lead with vision while staying rooted in justice."

From the heart of the Lone Star State to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, TELA remains dedicated to championing the rights of workers. We celebrate the unwavering resilience of our peers and the shared mission that brings us together this year.

Texas Employment Lawyers Association LEADING WITH VISION · ROOTED IN JUSTICE www.mytela.org

Proud Supporters of the NELA Annual Gala | Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, LA

PLAINTIFFS’ EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (PELA) —SOUTH LOUISIANA

Dear Colleagues: On behalf of the Plaintiffs’ Employment Lawyers Association (PELA)–South Louisiana, welcome to New Orleans for NELA’s 2026 Annual Convention. We are honored to host you in a city whose history reminds us of why our work matters, what it costs, and how much remains unfinished.

NELA lawyers know the stakes. Our clients often come to us after being pushed to the margins because of their race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, pregnancy, wage theft, or because they simply dared to speak out against such intolerances.

We meet people at their most vulnerable, when their income, dignity, and security have been threatened or taken from them. In those moments, NELA lawyers do more than file lawsuits. We insist that the promises written into our laws mean something in the lives of working people. Our work is our commitment to those bedrock principles that people ought to be judged only by the quality of their character, and that a fair day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.

New Orleans is a mirror of the New Orleans is a fitting place to renew that commitment. This city has long stood at the crossroads of culture, commerce, resistance, and change. In 1866, work that has been done and the the effort to secure voting rights for Black Louisianians was met with terrible work that remains, reminding and deadly violence, which galvanized a national reckoning and helped usher in us that civil rights and workers’ the era of Reconstruction. In 1892, New Orleans workers mounted one of the most significant general strikes in American history, with Black and white workers rights are often bound together standing together across racial lines to demand, and win, the 10-hour workday and and are rarely given freely. overtime pay, nearly 40 years before the passage of the FLSA. On a November morning in 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges climbed the steps of William Frantz Elementary in the Ninth Ward, escorted by federal marshals through jeering crowds, as one of the first children in Louisiana to desegregate our schools. The civil-rights lawyers who fought in this city, including A.P. Tureaud, helped put her on those steps.

Their work is our inheritance, and we carry it forward into a present that demands no less of us. Louisiana sits at the center of the Supreme Court’s recent hollowing of the Voting Rights Act. New Orleans dollar store workers have catalyzed a worker and customer-led coalition to address the safety and wage issues employees face at these retail giants that blanket the South. When New Orleans became a target of ICE raids, chilling the city’s service and hospitality economy, lawyers and advocates were on the ground, training volunteers on how to legally document enforcement activity and alert at-risk workers in real time.

New Orleans is a mirror of the work that has been done and the work that remains, reminding us that civil rights and workers’ rights are often bound together and are rarely given freely. Instead, they are claimed, defended, tested, and preserved by people willing to do difficult work in difficult times.

While you are here, we hope you take time to enjoy the city around you: the music, food, architecture, neighborhoods, river, and people that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else in our nation. But we also hope you leave this Convention strengthened for the work ahead—with sharper tools, renewed friendships, and a deeper sense of shared purpose.

Welcome to New Orleans. Let’s get to work.

Your friends and colleagues, Plaintiffs’ Employment Lawyers Association (PELA) – South Louisiana

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2026 NELA BOARD M. Nieves Bolaños President Hawks Quindel, SC Chicago, IL

Amanda M. DeMatteis Garrison Law New Haven, CT

Heather Newsom Leonard Heather Leonard, PC Birmingham, AL

Ben Lebsack First Vice President Lowrey Parady Lebsack DeFazio, LLC Denver, CO

Christine T. Elzer Elzer Law Firm, LLC Pittsburgh, PA

Mahir S. Nisar Nisar Law Group, PC New York, NY

Shelby Leighton Vice President of Public Policy Public Justice Washington, DC

Amanda A. Farahany Barrett & Farahany Atlanta, GA

Donna Williams Rucker Tully Rinckey, PLLC Washington, DC

Adria Lynn Silva Vice President of Affiliate Relations Sass, Everhart & Silva, PA Tampa, FL

Kira Fonteneau The Workers’ Firm Birmingham, AL

Robert W. Schmidt Robert W. Schmidt Law Firm Austin, TX

Ty D. Frankel Frankel Syverson PLLC Phoenix, AZ

Rachhana T. Srey Nichols Kaster, PLLP Minneapolis, MN

Jamie S. Franklin Chicago-Kent College of Law Chicago, IL

Melissa E. PierreLouis Washington The Washington Law Firm PLLC Washington, DC

Maureen Truax Holland Holland & Associates, PC Memphis, TN

Jeffrey N. Young Solidarity Law Cumberland Foreside, ME

Toni J. Jaramilla Toni Jaramilla, A Professional Law Corporation Los Angeles, CA

Paul H. Tobias Founder, In Memoriam

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 Lawyers Phoenix, AZ Carla D. Brown Immediate Past President Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, PC Reston, VA 8

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

2026 NIWR BOARD Diane S. King President King Employment Law Denver, CO

M. Nieves Bolaños Attorney at Law Hawks Quindel, SC Chicago, IL

Maria Price Cisco Systems Inc. Washington, DC

Denise M. Clark Vice President IAM National Pension Fund Washington, DC

Kristin M. García General Counsel, California Health and Human Services Agency Sacramento, CA

Phillis h. Rambsy Rambsy Law PC Nashville, TN

Alicia K. Haynes Secretary Haynes & Haynes, PC Birmingham, AL Wade B. Cowan Treasurer Attorney at Law Nashville, TN

Deborah H. Karpatkin Law Office of Deborah H. Karpatkin New York, NY Donna R. Lenhoff Donna Lenhoff Associates Washington, DC

RETIRING NELA BOARD MEMBERS

RETIRING NIWR BOARD MEMBERS

CARLA D. BROWN CHRISTINE T. ELZER AMANDA FARAHANY

PATRICIA A. BARASCH BRUCE A. FREDRICKSON

The National Employment Lawyers Association thanks and applauds our retiring Board Members for their tireless service. Your commitment to leading with vision and staying rooted in justice has inspired us all to forge a better future for workers’ rights.

The National Institute for Workers’ Rights thanks and applauds our retiring Board Members for their tireless service. Your unwavering dedication to dismantling barriers to justice for workers has left a lasting impact we will carry forward.

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NELA AFFILIATE REPRESENTATIVES Eighth Circuit NELA Jill Zwagerman Alabama NELA-Alabama Sonya Edwards Arizona AzELA Jeffrey A. Silence California California Employment Lawyers Association Leonard H. Sansanowicz Bay Area Cabal Traci M. Hinden LEFTJAW Thomas W. Falvey Sacramento Employment Lawyers Association Christopher H. Whelan

Nevada Nevada NELA Joshua D. Buck

Tennessee TENNELA Melody Fowler-Green

Iowa Iowa NELA Laura Schultes

New Hampshire New Hampshire NELA Benjamin T. King

Kentucky Kentucky Employment Lawyers Association Barbara D. Bonar

New Jersey NELA-NJ Beth Rogers

Texas Texas Employment Lawyers Association Kyla Cole

Louisiana Louisiana Employment Lawyers Association J. Arthur Smith, III Baton Rouge NELA J. Arthur Smith, III Maine Maine NELA David G. Webbert

Colorado Colorado PELA Michelle Gibson

Maryland Maryland Employment Lawyers Association Neil R. Lebowitz

Connecticut Connecticut Employment Lawyers Association Meaghan C. Kirby

Massachusetts Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association Michaela C. May

District of Columbia Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association Avi Kumin

Michigan Michigan Employment Lawyers Association Sarah S. Prescott

Florida Florida NELA Jason William Imler Georgia NELA Georgia Julie Oinonen Hawaii NELA-Hawaii Elbridge W. Smith Illinois NELA-Illinois Gail Schnitzer Eisenberg

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Indiana NELA-Indiana Tae Sture

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

New Mexico NM-NELA Heather Burke 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

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 Brittany Haddox

Minnesota Minnesota NELA Sam Kramer

Oregon Oregon Employment Lawyers Association Beth Creighton

Employee Lawyers Association of the Upper Midwest Leslie L. Lienemann

Pennsylvania NELA-Eastern Pennsylvania Andrew Lacy

Washington Washington Employment Lawyers Association Beth Terrell

Missouri Kansas City NELA Sarah Liesen

Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association Rachel McElroy

West Virginia West Virginia Employment Lawyers Association Christine Glover

Rhode Island Rhode Island NELA Danilo A. Borgas

Wisconsin Wisconsin Employment Lawyers Association Martin C. Kuhn

St. Louis NELA Edwin C. Ernst Nebraska Nebraska NELA Joy Shiffermiller

NELA HISTORY

A Movement Rooted in Justice:

In

NELA’s History of Fighting for Workers’ Rights

In March 1985, a dozen plaintiff employment lawyers forefront of crucial legislative battles—spearheading efforts to ban forced arbitration in the workplace, from nine states attending the ABA’s Labor and fighting against reforms that undermine workers’ ability Employment Law Section meeting in Wesley Chapel, to stand up for their rights, and advocating to end Florida decided to form the Plaintiff Employment statutory damage caps that obstruct workers seeking Lawyers Association (PELA). Led by Paul H. Tobias, the justice. NELA has also played a key role in promoting founding members envisioned that this new organization a fair and diverse judiciary, recognizing that equitable would provide the assistance and information sought by judicial representation is essential to upholding workers’ attorneys representing individual employees. It would rights in every courtroom in the country. develop the professional network necessary for effective sharing and support of ideas, successes, problems, and Empowering Workers’ Rights Advocates frustrations. PELA also would serve as an instrument Nationwide for advancing public policy and legislation affecting the rights of workers. In 1990, PELA changed its name In addition to its national membership, NELA’s to the National Employment Lawyers Association influence extends further through its network of (NELA) to represent the growing national scope of Affiliates. At the circuit, state, and local levels, NELA its membership and held its first Annual Convention.

Affiliates strengthen workers’ rights advocacy within More than four decades later, NELA their communities, ensuring continues to be a vital resource for Leading with vision. employment law protections are plaintiffs’ employment lawyers and a and advanced in states and Rooted in justice. upheld champion for workers’ rights. localities. Through its advocacy initiatives, NELA amplifies voices The fight Leading with Vision. Rooted in fighting against workplace injustices, continues—and Justice. building a movement that uplifts and we will not stop. protects workers at every level.

NELA’s founders were leading with vision before anyone called it that.

Community as a Cornerstone They saw that workers’ rights attorneys, isolated and out-resourced, could accomplish far more together NELA’s commitment to protecting and expanding the than apart. To enact their vision they built something rights of workers has made it an indispensable ally in the rooted in justice—not as an abstract ideal, but as a daily fight for justice, ensuring that workers across the nation practice, case by case, attorney by attorney, worker are treated with dignity and respect. by worker.

The cornerstone of NELA is, and always has been, community. Among the original goals set at the Impact Through Education, Advocacy, and inaugural meeting of PELA is the “PELA Pledge”: Solidarity Members agree to receive calls from fellow members NELA’s impact has always been the sum of its and render assistance. The devices used to share members—attorneys who show up, speak up, and information have changed, but the guiding principle stand together. Since its founding, NELA has set a high remains the same: NELA’s greatest strengths are the standard for educating and mobilizing workers’ rights generosity and collective power of our community of advocates. Through top-tier educational programs, workers’ rights advocates. substantive law committees, and practice and interest groups, NELA has fostered a community of lawyers Onward deeply committed to elevating the knowledge and skills Driven by more than forty years of victories, advocacy, of advocates who represent workers. perseverance, and unwavering dedication—and With the dedication of countless volunteer members, inspired by the generations of workers who depend NELA has played a pivotal role as amicus curiae in on us—NELA moves boldly forward, empowering landmark employment cases before the U.S. Supreme workers’ rights attorneys, promoting a fair judiciary, and advocating for laws and policies that level the playing Court and Circuit Courts of Appeals, lending the field for workers. Leading with vision. Rooted in justice. collective voice of the workers’ rights community to The fight continues—and we 2026 will not stop. the cases that shape the law. NELA has been at the NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

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SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

CONVENTION SPONSORS AARP LOGO Dundon Advisers LOGO Morgan & Morgan LOGO

Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation National Institute for Workers’ Rights National Plaintiffs’ Law Association (NPLA) Tobias & Torchia/Freking Myers & Reul, LLC

CONVENTION EXHIBITORS American Humanist Association

J.S. Held

Analytics

Knool

Apex Class Action

Miles Mediation & Arbitration

Employstats

Readback

Eve

Recourse

ILYM Group, Inc.

RizeUp Media Rust Consulting

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

CONVENTION COMMITTEE

NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS ASSOCIATION 2026 ANNUAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE —————–––––––––————–––––––––––––——————————Members —————————–––––––––––––———————––––––––——— M. Nieves Bolaños Hawks Quindel, SC Chicago, IL Lisa L. Clay Lisa L. Clay, Attorney At Law Wheaton, IL Clara Coleman Nichols Kaster, PLLP Minneapolis, MN Barbara “Brandi” Cowan Workplace Advocates Rancho Cucamonga, CA Amanda M. DeMatteis Garrison Law New Haven, CT Casey Rose Denson Casey Denson Law, LLC New Orleans, LA Verónica M. González Lowrey Parady Lebsack DeFazio, LLC Denver, CO Sacred B. Huff Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, PC Washington, DC

Lauren A. Khouri National Women’s Law Center Senior Director for Workplace Equality Washington, DC Phillip M. Kitzer Kitzer Rochel, PLLP Minneapolis, MN Nicole Matlock Kennedy Hunt, PC St. Louis, MO Kerry Murphy Kerry Murphy Law LLC Wauwatosa, WI Mahir S. Nisar Nisar Law Group, PC New York, NY Vishal H. Shah Shah Litigation, PLLC Boston, MA Jamaal W. Stafford Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC Columbia, MD Kevin S. Vogeltanz Law Office of Kevin S. Vogeltanz, LLC Covington, LA

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THANK YOU

to the NELA/NIWR team for keeping the spirit of our movement strong!

Tacarra Andrade Alicia Battle Abby Frerick Leah A. Hofkin Erica Love Alberto Sandoval Jr. Jason Solomon Pedro A. Valverde Ashley Westby Happy Pride!

- Karen Maoki

NELA STAFF & VOLUNTEER

NELA STAFF

NELA STAFF

Tacarra L. Andrade Membership Director

Alicia Battle Events Manager

Leah A. Hofkin Director of Development

Erica Love Program Assistant

Karen Maoki Interim Executive Director

Alberto Sandoval, Jr. Membership & Development Coordinator

Pedro A. Valverde Digital Communications & Technology Manager

Ashley O. Westby Program Director

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS STAFF NELA STAFF

Jason Solomon Director

Abby Frerick Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow

NELA VOLUNTEER Patricia Losacker Tobias & Torchia/Freking, Myers & Reul, LLC 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.

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AARP Foundation & NELA

AARP PREMIUM Together in Defending Workers' Rights

Speakers at this year’s NELA Convention include: Louis Lopez Victoria Williamson Rachel Lokken

Lauren Naylor Rebecca Rodgers Sam Wehrle

Partnership Opportunities AARP Foundation collaborates on high impact litigation and amicus briefs: ADEA • ADA • ERISA • FLSA • State Employment Laws •

Ready to work together? www.AARPFoundation.org/litigation

KEYNOTE SPEAKER 2026 NELA Annual Convention Keynote Speaker Purvi Shah Movement Law Lab Thursday, June 25, 12:30 p.m. Napoleon C-D (3rd Floor)

NELA is thrilled to welcome Purvi Shah as our 2026 Annual Convention keynote speaker.

A movement lawyer, civil-rights litigator, policy advocate, and law professor, Ms. Shah has spent more than two decades at the intersection of law and social movements—building organizations, training lawyers, and bringing the collective power of the legal community to bear on the fight for justice.

Ms. Shah is the Executive Director and Founder of Movement Law Lab, which equips lawyers, law students, and legal organizations with the skills and vision to go beyond winning cases and into building collective power. Through training, coaching, and leadership development, Movement Law Lab is transforming how the legal community uses law as a tool for lasting social change. Prior to founding Movement Law Lab, Ms. Shah co-founded Law For Black Lives and the Bertha Justice Institute at the Center for Constitutional Rights, the nation’s first movement lawyering institute, where she trained thousands of lawyers to work alongside grassroots organizers to shift culture, systems, and power.

Ms. Shah’s work has been recognized with an Ashoka Fellowship, Soros Equality Fellowship, Harvard Law School Wasserstein Fellowship, and numerous other awards. She holds a BA from Northwestern University and a JD from University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

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 allows all individuals to engage fully.

The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel 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 fragrances, including perfume or cologne, as some attendees may be sensitive to chemicals.

Gender-neutral bathrooms are available—please ask a staff member for information. A lactation room is located on the 4th floor; keys are available at the Convention Registration Desk.

For any accessibility questions, please visit the Registration Desk or email Program Director Ashley Westby at awestby@nelahq.org.

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

COURAGEOUS PLAINTIFFS 2026 NELA Annual Convention Courageous Plaintiffs Zezy Farfan & Joshua Husok

Rehab “Ruby” Mohamed

Represented by: James P. Kemp and Victoria L. Neal, Kemp & Kemp, Attorneys at Law and Ruthann Devereaux-Gonzalez, Leon Greenberg PC (NV)

Represented by: Hunter A. Swain, Swain Law, LLC and Ariel DeFazio, Lowrey Parady Lebsack DeFazio, LLC (CO)

Farfan v. Station Casinos, LLC; Husok v. Station Casinos, LLC et al.

Zezy Farfan, an intellectually disabled woman, completed a six-month vocational training program through Opportunity Village’s “Pathway to Work” initiative and applied for a seasonal pool porter position at Red Rock Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Hiring manager Joshua Husok interviewed her, found her qualified, and offered her the job. When Ms. Farfan arrived at HR for routine background and drug testing, the HR Director, furious that an obviously disabled applicant had been offered a position at the company’s flagship property, declared, “We don’t hire those people,” and demanded she undergo a medical evaluation required of no non-disabled applicant. Mr. Husok pushed back, recognizing the process as a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He was suspended immediately and fired three days later. Ms. Farfan’s job offer was rescinded, and she was subjected to a sham reinterview designed to provide cover for the discrimination.

Ms. Farfan and Mr. Husok filed charges with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission and the EEOC before pursuing civil actions in federal court in the District of Nevada.

Their attorney represented both clients through the full administrative and litigation process—a case that spanned more than seven years from initial charge to verdict. Mr. Husok testified in both his own case and Ms. Farfan’s. In June 2025, a jury returned a verdict of $793,000 in his favor on the retaliation claim; the court subsequently denied a new trial motion and awarded an additional $173,000 in attorney’s fees. Four months later, a jury returned a verdict of $3.7 million in Ms. Farfan’s favor on her discrimination, failure to accommodate, and retaliation claims—believed to be one of the largest employment discrimination verdicts in Nevada history.

Ms. Farfan and Mr. Husok each demonstrated remarkable courage. She fought more than seven years from EEOC charge to verdict, navigating protracted litigation with determination and grace. He refused to look the other way when HR moved to discriminate—paying the price, then pursuing the employer all the way to a jury. Together, their cases send a clear message: intellectually disabled workers have enforceable rights in hiring, those who stand up against discrimination are protected, and employers are on notice that discriminatory practices will not go unchallenged.

Mohamed v. Society for Human Resource Management

Rehab Mohamed, born and raised in Egypt, began her independent life through a cultural exchange program that profoundly shaped her intercultural identity and global perspective. This formative experience instilled a deep appreciation for cultural understanding and mutual respect, inspiring her to study international relations and diplomacy.

Guided by the conviction that future conflicts can be prevented by fostering intercultural and global competence, Ms. Mohamed developed a lasting commitment to making learning inclusive and accessible—a passion that led her to adult learning and ultimately to her work at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Over several years at SHRM, she built a strong professional reputation, earning consistently positive performance evaluations and a promotion to Senior Instructional Designer.

After a change in supervision, she began experiencing disparate treatment marked by heightened scrutiny, micromanagement, and exclusion not applied to her white colleagues.

Ms. Mohamed raised her concerns about race discrimination directly and ultimately escalated her concerns through her supervisory chain, Human Resources, and senior leadership.

Rather than leading to corrective action, her complaints were systematically disregarded. As the court later described, she was “isolated from assistance and told, in effect, that she was the problem.”

Shortly after engaging in protected activity, Ms. Mohamed was terminated. SHRM cited performance deficiencies, a justification that conflicted with both her documented history and the timing of events.

Undeterred, she chose accountability over silence, filing a federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and 42 U.S.C. § 1981.

During discovery, evidence emerged raising serious concerns about the neutrality and procedural integrity of SHRM’s internal investigation, and the training of those who conducted it. Following a five-day trial, a federal jury found SHRM liable for racial discrimination and retaliation, awarding Ms. Mohamed $1.5 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages—a signal that the conduct was not only unlawful, but also egregious.

Today, Ms. Mohamed speaks about the personal and professional costs of retaliation faced by women of color when challenging discrimination inside powerful institutions, and the critical difference between performative equity and genuine accountability.

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COURAGEOUS PLAINTIFFS Ramonia Young

Ramonia Young v. Alameda Health System, et al.

Represented by: Barbara “Brandi” Cowan, Workplace Advocates and Robert J.A Fordiani, Belli Law Firm (CA) Ramonia Young, an African American hospital janitor and rape survivor employed by Alameda Health System, endured repeated sexual harassment and explicit threats from a male nurse coworker—including a direct threat to rape her. When she reported the misconduct, her supervisor laughed at her complaint, warning her that the harasser was “well liked” and that reporting him would result in retaliation. During the investigation, Ms. Young was placed on unpaid leave while her harasser remained on paid administrative leave. Even more egregiously, her supervisor signed and circulated a petition demanding the harasser’s reinstatement, openly siding with him. Ms. Young was subsequently ostracized, physically attacked by a patient with no coworkers coming to her aid, denied workplace accommodations, and ultimately terminated. When she filed suit, her harasser escalated the retaliation by suing her personally for defamation—based solely on her internal complaints and her lawsuit.

Ms. Young and her legal team fought back at every turn.

After deposing all supervisors, investigators, and the harasser himself, her attorneys moved for summary judgment on the retaliatory defamation cross-complaint—and won. The judgment is believed to be the first successful application of California Civil Code section 47.1—a survivor-protection statute enacted in the wake of the #MeToo movement—to defeat a retaliatory defamation claim brought by an alleged harasser against a reporting employee. Her harasser is no longer employed by Alameda Health System.

Ms. Young’s courage throughout was remarkable. As a rape survivor facing institutional retaliation at every turn, she sat for four days of depositions, relived her trauma under oath, and refused to be silenced even when her harasser weaponized the courts against her personally. She trusted the legal system to protect her right to tell the truth—and it did.

Ms. Young’s victory demonstrates that being sued for defamation—one of the most effective tactics used to silence survivors—can be defeated. Her case makes clear that California Civil Code section 47.1’s protections apply with equal force to low-wage workers, transforming an untested statute into an enforceable precedent to which advocates across the country can now point.

NELA SALUTES OUR 2026 COURAGEOUS PLAINTIFFS NOMINEES FOR LEADING WITH VISION! ALLY COOPER

Represented by Krystal Weigl Weigl Jackson

Represented by Zachary Panter Radford Scott LLP

RAY BOUCHEFRA/ADAM NIXON/ BUSHRA JABER

DANIEL TINTLE

Represented by Mark Hanna Murphy Anderson PLLC

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TEMEKA STROZIER

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

Represented by Jordan Richards USA Employment Lawyers

Standing together for fairness in the workplace.

ABOUT OUR FIRM

ILYM Group, Inc. is a leading class action administration, legal notification, and direct media outreach firm with more than 16 years of experience serving leading defense and plaintiff law firms nationwide. Guided by a commitment to exceptional client service, secure data management, innovative technology, and seamless case execution, we have become one of the industry’s fastest-growing and most trusted partners.

We are proud to support the mission of the National Employment Lawyers Association in advancing fairness, equity, and justice in the workplace. As a woman-owned, SOC 2certified organization, we bring trusted expertise to employment law class action matters while maintaining the highest standards of security, privacy, and integrity.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE: WAGE AND HOUR

CONSUMER

FLSA

DATA BREACH

INSURANCE & HEALTHCARE

ERISA

ASK ABOUT OUR SERVICES: Pre-Settlement Consultation

Legal Notification & Media Center

Class Data Management

Class Settlement Adminstration

Scaleable Call Center

Fund Distribution & Tax Reporting

Contact Us for Expert Class Action Administration 28

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

www.ILYMGroup.com 888.250.6810

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Elevate Your Practice with Effortless Case Management, Rapid Investigation, and Actionable Insights NELA members use Syllo’s unified suite of powerful AI-enhanced applications across the full lifecycle of litigation to: • Identify key evidence across the entire record • Summarize documents • Create chronologies

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NELA’s 2026 Gala Friday, June 26, 2026 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Napoleon Ballroom C-D Separate ticket required Please join us on Friday evening for NELA’s 2026 Gala Fundraiser—a celebration of community, resilience, and more than 40 years of standing together in the fight for justice for workers.

We will gather after dinner for an evening of live music, dancing, and friendship. The Gala kicks off with a taste of local jazz. We then turn up the music, shift the vibe into high gear, and dance until the music ends at 11:00 p.m.

Come in your New Orleans finest—or come as you are. Light bites and two complimentary drink tickets courtesy of Dundon Advisers LLC are included.

Proceeds from the Gala keep NELA strong—funding the essential legal education, trusted analysis, and community that workers’ rights advocates rely on. Through our advocacy efforts—including our Amicus and Judicial Nominations Programs and before administrative agencies, NELA levels the playing field for workers nationwide. We extend our gratitude to our Gala sponsors for their vision and investment in justice for workers and the NELA community.

Gala tickets are still available and may be purchased in advance at the Registration Desk or at the door on Friday.

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

31

Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.

Maya Angelou

33 Bloomfield Hills Parkway, Suite 145 Bloomfield Hills Michigan 48304 (248) 258-5050 | www.seelawpc.com

VISION. JUSTICE. COMMUNITY.

Gilbert Employment Law, P.C. Celebrating more than 20 years of fighting for the rights of federal and private sector employees www.gelawyer.com

2026 NELA GALA SPONSORS It is with gratitude that we acknowledge our generous sponsors of this year’s Gala Fundraiser.

Drink tickets graciously provided by BENEFACTORS

Correia & Puth, PLLC

ADVOCATES

Katherine L. Butler

Donati Law, PLLC

Armstrong & Associates

Sue Ellen Eisenberg & Associates, PC

Donelon, PC

Hawks Quindel, SC

Filippatos PLLC

Barrett Johnston Martin & Garrison, PLLC

Kaplan Law Firm, PLLC

Florida NELA

Butler Curwood PLC

Lichten & Liss-Riordan, PC

Freking Myers & Reul LLC

Kathleen Cahill Law

Lowrey Parady Lebsack DeFazio, LLC

Gillespie Sanford LLP

Cashdan & Kane, PLLC

Nichols Kaster, PLLP

Goldshaw Greenblatt Pierce LLC

Carmen Comsti

Houk Employment Attorneys

Connecticut Employment Lawyers Association

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE M. Nieves Bolaños Garrison Law Gilbert Employment Law, PC HKM Employment Attorneys LLP King Employment Law Marcuse Law LLC Nisar Law Group PC Outten & Golden LLP

Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. Toni Jaramilla, A Professional Law Corporation Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman, & Fitch, PC Katz Banks Kumin Matt Koski Heather Leonard, PC

The Sanford Firm

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, LLP

NELA-Illinois

Sedey Harper Westhoff, PC

NELA-NJ

Werman Salas PC

NELA/New York Ritz Clark & Ben-Asher LLP

PRESIDENT’S CABINET

Schall & Barasch LLC

Alexander Fehr LLP

Robert W. Schmidt Law Firm

Rex Burch

Texas Employment Lawyers Association

California Employment Lawyers Association

34

Cornish & Dell’Olio, PC Creighton & Rose, PC Amanda M. DeMatteis The Employment Law Group, PC Fiedler Law Firm PLC Fitzgerald Law, PLLC The Gittes Law Group Goddard Law PLLC Golden Law LLC Goldman Davis Krumholz & Dillon, PC Goldstein Browne, PC Halunen Law Hammons, Hurst & Associates Haynes & Haynes, PC Leah A. Hofkin Hommel Law Firm PC

Upton & Hatfield, LLP

Hynes & Kreuser, SC

Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC

Wienand & Bagin

Impact Fund

Colorado PELA

Williams Law Firm, PC

Law Offices of David L. Lee

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

2026 NELA GALA SPONSORS Chet Levitt Fund for Employment Law

Betz + Blevins

Jones Law, LLC

Lipinsky Mediation

Blanchard & Walker PLLC

Dolores Y. Leal

Livelihood Law, LLC

Bracker & Marcus LLC

Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen

Bullock Law PLLC

Lieber Hammer Huber Paul and Hoffman, PC

Cheri L. McCracken, Of Counsel, Houk Employment Attorneys

Patrick Cowlin

Ogborn Mihm LLP

V. James DeSimone Law

Sommers Schwartz, PC

Minnesota NELA Murphy Anderson PLLC NELA-Alabama NELA-Eastern Pennsylvania NELA Georgia New Hampshire NELA Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association Olivier & Schrieber PC Patricia A. Podolec, Attorney at Law Pollins Law Firm Robin Potter & Associates, PC Roumel Law Donna Williams Rucker Solidarity Law Swain Law, LLC Tennessee Employment Lawyers Association (TENNELA) The Washington Law Firm PLLC Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association

Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, PC Elzer Law Firm, LLC Frank Freed Subit & Thomas LLP Frankel Syverson PLLC Jamie Franklin, C-K Law Group Henrichsen Law Group PLLC Hunter Law Firm

FRIENDS Allen Law Firm Center For Employment Law Joyce L. Collier Brian East

Law Office of Deborah H. Karpatkin

Law Office of Jonathan Feigenbaum

Kitzer Rochel, PLLP

Law Office of Mark P. Gagliardi

Shelby Leighton

The Law Office of Lenore C. Garon, PLLC

Livingston, Adler, Pulda, Meiklejohn & Kelly, PC Law Office of Robert S. Notzon O’Malley & Madden, PC Pontikes Law, LLC Sass, Everhart & Silva, PA

Andrew J. Horowitz Daniel B. Kohrman Law Office of Mickey Long Patricia A. Losacker

Geraldine Sumter

McElroy Law Firm

Pedro A. Valverde

Jennifer Morton Law, PLLC

Webster, Fredrickson & Walker, PLLC

The Law Offices of Carol G. Silverman

Ashley O. Westby & Sean P. McKee

Zakhari PLLC

Winebrake & Santillo, LLC

Wisconsin Employment Lawyers Association

PARTNERS

The Workers’ Firm

Arizona Employment Lawyers Association (AzELA)

SUPPORTERS

The Law Offices of Jacob Aronauer

Falls Legal, LLC

Bennett & Belfort, PC

Law Office of Douglas B. Janney III

__________________________________ Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the individuals, firms, and organizations acknowledged here. We apologize for any errors or omissions.

Sponsors as of May 26, 2026.

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

35

LLR applauds NELA for its critical support and advocacy for workers and their counsel 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.

Shannon Liss-Riordan | Harold Lichten 729 Boylston Street, Suite 2000 | Boston, MA 02116 P: (617) 994-5800 | F: (617) 994-5801 | info@llrlaw.com | llrlaw.com

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NELA 2026 · NEW ORLEANS SETTLEMENT AD MINISTRATION S INCE 1 9 7 0

Notices delivered.

Consent forms filed.

Workers paid.

The art and science of increasing collective action participation.

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YEA RS EX P ERI EN C E SIN C E 1970

Designing and implementing collective and class action notice and settlements.

When a wage-and-hour case is certified, the case is only half won. Every unfiled consent form is a smaller settlement; every uncashed check is a worker who didn't recover.

Analytics has spent 56 years building the expertise and systems that improve participation rates. We engage with employees where they are, from traditional mailed notice to WhatsApp and social media — friction-free processes result in increased participation. All delivered under the deadlines that matter.

Bespoke services and expert advice that simplify administration and deliver reporting that's submission-ready for the Court.

C A PA B I L I T I E S FLSA § 216(b) & Rule 23

Collective and class actions

Multi-channel notice

Mail · Email · Text · Social media

Consent form intake

Online · Hard copy · Email · Text

Live U.S.-based call center IVR · Agents · Online chat

Court-ready reporting PDFs of consent forms

Bespoke administration. Built for the plaintiff bar.

CO N TA C T

www.analyticsllc.com · info@analyticsllc.com · 1-800-354-0727

SCAN to request a proposal

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.

• Inappropriate, unwanted, and/or unsolicited physical contact.

• Sexual propositions or posted/texted sexual images.

• Unwelcome 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 & SAFETY The health and safety of our members, guests, NELA & NIWR staff, and the hotel team are our top priority.

Safety at the Convention NELA encourages all attendees to use good safety practices during the Convention, including: • Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Do not leave personal items unattended in the meeting space.

Health Guidelines All attendees and guests are encouraged to follow current CDC health guidelines and take personal responsibility for their own wellness at the Convention. If you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of illness, please refrain from attending sessions or food functions out of consideration for fellow attendees.

For questions at any time, please see a staff member at the Registration Desk.

• Remove your Convention name badge before leaving the meeting space.

• Be mindful of confidential or personal information shared in public spaces, such as credit card numbers or personal details.

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

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CONVENTION INFORMATION

NELA Convention meeting rooms Wi-Fi Network: MarriottBonvoy_Conference Password: NELA26

Wi-Fi 2026 Annual Convention Hub The written materials for the Convention are available on the 2026 Annual Convention Hub (Hub) at nela.org/nela26.

Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms and Convention meeting rooms at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, though we strongly encourage downloading materials in advance.

Visit the Hub to make the most of your time with us.

•

Fill out your Attendee 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 Attendee Discussion List.

•

Check out the biographies of our expert faculty.

•

Use the online Attendance Tracker to ensure your CLE hours are reported correctly.

•

Submit a Program Evaluation to help us shape future CLE programming.

•

Use the provided QR code and Slido links to join plenary and concurrent session Q&As.

•

Browse the full list of Convention Exhibitors to find resources to strengthen your practice.

Please note that a valid email address must be provided to access the Convention Hub.

Session Recordings Hungry Mind Recordings (HMR) will record all plenary and concurrent sessions. Individual audio MP3 files will be available for purchase at the HMR table in the Napoleon Foyer (3rd Floor). Audio recordings and accompanying written materials will also be available for online purchase at nela.org/online-learning after the Convention.

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

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CONVENTION MEETING ROOMS

3rd Floor C-D CORRIDOR

D2 D1

C3

B3

C2

B2

C1

B1

A3 A-B CORRIDOR

CANAL STREET CORRIDOR

D3

A2 A1

NAPOLEON BALLROOM

EXIT

BORGNE

REGISTRATION DESK

MAUREPAS

ELEVATORS

NAPOLEON FOYER EXIT

POYDRAS ESCALATORS

CAMP STREET

4th Floor

EXIT

A

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

E

OYER

CANAL STREET

EXIT

COMMON STREET CORRIDOR

3RD FLOOR

43

BORGNE

ESCALATORS

MAUREPAS

CONVENTION MEETING ROOMS

CAMP STREET

4TH FLOOR

4th Floor

EXIT

BAYSIDE

ESTHERWOOD EVERGREEN

C B

A

B

EDGEWOOD

EXIT

ELLENDALE

SERVICE CORRIDOR

OAK ALLEY

NOTTOWAY

ESCALATORS

CAMP STREET

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

A

GALLIER

OAKLEY

EXIT

SOUTHDOWN

CRESCENT

B

ELEVATORS

CANAL STREET

BAYSIDE FOYER

A

CONVENTION MEETING ROOMS 5TH FLOOR

5th Floor D

C

A

E

B

CANAL STREET

GRAND BALLROOM

EXIT

REGISTRATION DESK GRAND COUTEAU

GRAND CHENIER

TERRACE

ELEVATORS

GRAND BALLROOM FOYER

ESCALATORS

EXIT

RAMPART PSAV

CAMP STREET

8th Floor

EXIT

POOL

GRAND COUTEAU

GRAND CHENIER

ESCALATORS

PSAV

CONVENTION MEETING ROOMS

TERRACE

CAMP STREET

8TH FLOOR

8th Floor

EXIT

POOL

FITNESS CENTER

CANAL STREET

ARMSTRONG BALLROOM

REX

MUSES

IRIS

BACCHUS

ARMSTRONG FOYER

ORPHEUS

ZULU

PROTEUS

MID-CITY ENDYMION

CAMP STREET

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

ELEVATORS

EXIT

EXIT

All sessions will use Slido for Q&A Scan the QR code with your device or go to slido.com and enter code NELA26.

Pick your session from the list and type in your question.

Moderators and Speakers will see your question and provide answers as time permits.

Recourse.

FOR PLAINTIFF EMPLOY MENT ATTORNEY S

Know your number before you negotiate. ✓

Back pay, lost benefits, and prejudgment interest — every figure cited to source and date

✓

Walk into mediation with a damages exhibit your client and the other side can read

✓

Built for plaintiff employment firms, not adapted from defense-side templates

S AMPL E DAMAGES CAL CUL AT ION WRONGFUL TERMINATION · 28-MONTH SEPARATION

Back pay (28 mo. @ $91,400/yr)

$213,267

Lost benefits — medical

$33,180

Lost benefits — retirement (4%)

$8,531

Prejudgment interest (IRS underpayment)

$18,944

Total economic damages

$273,922

IRS underpayment rate · Bureau of Labor Statistics · employer benefits data

Defensible numbers. Every time.

Employment damages software for plaintiff firms

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

47

WEDNESDAY PROGRAM *Program and speakers subject to change. Please see the Convention Hub for the most up-to-date program information.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026 10:00–10:30 a.m.

2026 Affiliate Leadership Workshop Registration & Networking Breakfast Borgne (3rd Floor)

10:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.

2026 Affiliate Leadership Workshop & Forum Borgne (3rd Floor)

2:00–8:00 p.m.

2026 Annual Convention Registration Napoleon Foyer Registration Desk (3rd Floor)

4:30–6:00 p.m.

Building Your Practice as a New(er) Plaintiffs’ Employment Lawyer—A Panel Discussion for Law Students & New Practitioners Maurepas (3rd Floor) Moderator: David Yellin Speakers: Clara Coleman & Joseph W. Gibson 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.

6:00–6:30 p.m.

Law Students & New Practitioners Reception Armstrong Ballroom (8th 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 Armstrong Ballroom (8th Floor) Convention participants are invited to join NELA President M. Nieves Bolaños, the NELA Board, and the 2026 Annual Convention Committee for an informal gathering to reconnect, build new relationships, and set the tone for the days ahead. First‑time participants are especially encouraged to attend and become part of this inspiring community.

The President’s Welcome Reception is generously sponsored by NELA-Alabama and the Texas Employment Lawyers Association.

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

THURSDAY PROGRAM

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026 7:00–9:00 a.m.

2026 Annual Convention Registration Napoleon Foyer Registration Desk (3rd Floor)

7:00–8:30 a.m.

Hot Breakfast Buffet Napoleon C-D (3rd Floor) Breakfast is available to Convention registrants only.

Today’s breakfast is sponsored by Apex Class Action Administration.

8:30–9:15 a.m.

Paul H. Tobias Roll Call of the States & Opening Remarks Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Join NELA Leadership as we commence the 2026 Annual Convention with the timehonored Paul H. Tobias Roll Call of the States.

9:15–10:30 a.m.

Leading with Vision. Rooted in Justice.: Honoring Courageous Plaintiffs Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Courageous Plaintiffs: Zezy Farfan & Joshua Husok, Rehab “Ruby” Mohamed & Ramonia Young Advocates: J.P. Kemp, Victoria L. Neal & Ruthann Devereaux-Gonzalez, Ariel DeFazio & Hunter A. Swain, Barbara “Brandi” Cowan & Robert J.A Fordiani The Convention’s opening plenary session will bring to life the inspiring stories of four 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’ inspiring victories.

10:30–11:15 a.m.

Exhibitor Open House Napoleon Foyer (3rd 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 2027 CLE of your choice!

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Deposition Skills/ Fundamentals of Employment Law

Preparing for Your First Deposition Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Philip M. Kitzer Speakers: Carla D. Brown & Reena I. Desai Learning how to take an effective and efficient deposition is one of the cornerstones of plaintiffs’ employment law practice. Taking your first deposition can be a daunting experience, but thorough preparation can be the key difference between a successful deposition and a less than effective one. Our experts will break down their process for deposition preparation and what they wish they had known before their first deposition.

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

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THURSDAY PROGRAM

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)

Beyond Employment Law: Issue Spotting and Creative Advocacy

Immigration Basics for Employment Lawyers Borgne (3rd Floor) Moderator: Verónica M. González Speakers: Cristobal Gutierrez & Mary C. Yanik In an era when immigrants across the country are facing unprecedented threats, it is more important than ever that employment attorneys know how immigration law intersects with employment law. What exposure do our clients face? Are they safe in EEOC and state civil rights investigations? How can we ensure our representation of immigrant clients does not put their immigration status at further risk? Join immigration law experts to learn how to issue spot important immigration considerations and protect your clients.

Valuing Non-Wage Compensation Maurepas (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Rebecca G. Pontikes Speakers: Megan S. Goddard, Brian P. Sanford & Ada Smoke When examining damages in employment cases, the analysis goes far beyond lost wages.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, non-wage benefits represent 30% of total compensation. This panel will discuss what types of benefits can be included at the damages stage, how to incorporate questions about benefits in discovery, and how to correctly value these types of compensation to ensure your clients get the award they deserve.

Appeals Strategies in Unfavorable Jurisdictions Bayside A-B (4th Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Lori Bullock Speakers: Jennifer Bennett & Casey R. Denson When a decision comes down against you, the natural inclination may be to file an appeal or refer your client to an appellate lawyer. But, in some jurisdictions this may not be the best option. Jurisdiction can play a major role in your appellate strategy and even the decision on whether to appeal at all. Our panelists will address how you should examine the risk/benefit analysis of appealing in unfavorable jurisdictions and how to tailor your appeal for the best appellate outcome possible.

Employment Class Actions After Trump v. CASA Bayside C (4th Floor) Moderator: Lauren A. Khouri Speakers: Jamie S. Franklin, Rebecca Peterson-Fisher & Joseph M. Sellers The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Trump v. CASA will likely reshape the landscape of class action law. After CASA, advocates who would have turned to injunctions will shift their strategies to class actions. Our panelists will examine how the courts are grappling with Rule 23 requirements in the wake of CASA and the implications of CASA in wage and hour litigation, Title VII pattern-and-practice claims, and other class or collective employment actions. The session will also address how the ruling is being interpreted in the lower courts, what it means for current and future class strategies, and how plaintiffs’ counsel can adapt creatively to preserve access to justice for groups of workers facing common harms.

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

THURSDAY PROGRAM

12:30–2:00 p.m.

Annual Luncheon & Keynote Address Napoleon C-D (3rd Floor) NELA is thrilled to welcome Purvi Shah, Executive Director and Founder of Movement Law Lab, as our 2026 Keynote Speaker. Purvi brings more than two decades of experience serving as legal counsel to a range of organized groups and movements, including the Movement for Black Lives, national tenant alliance, taxi driver associations, day laborers, tenants’ unions, and immigrant rights groups. Purvi’s work at Movement Law Lab focuses on bringing the power of lawyers to social justice movements, transforming the legal sector to go beyond winning cases and into building collective power. Movement Law Lab stewards the Legal Alliance Against Authoritarianism, a formation comprised of over 80 organizations, firms, and solo practitioners working to make strategic interventions and block the consolidation of the authoritarian agenda and regime. Through her work as a teacher and movement lawyering coach, Purvi has trained thousands of lawyers to work collaboratively with grassroots organizers to shift culture, systems, and power.

2:15–3:15 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Fundamentals of Employment Law

Demystifying Focus Groups Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Barbara “Brandi” Cowan Speakers: Christen Casale & Elizabeth “BB” Sanford Focus groups have long been the secret weapon of management-side firms with deep pockets—until now. This session traces the evolution of focus group research from expensive, consultant-driven projects to accessible, attorney-led methods that any practitioner can implement. We will cover the fundamentals: what focus groups are, why they are critical for case evaluation and trial preparation, and the surprising variety of applications (from early case assessment to witness credibility testing to mediation prep). Then we’ll dive into the practical how-to: recruiting participants, crafting neutral presentations, conducting virtual sessions, and analyzing results without hiring expensive consultants.

Beyond Employment Law: Issue Spotting and Creative Advocacy

What Employment Lawyers Need to Know About Tax Law Borgne (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Bruce A. Fredrickson Speaker: Robert W. Wood Employment matter settlements must be reported on taxes—but do you know enough to competently advise your clients on the basics? Join tax law experts for a primer on the most important rules you should know when it comes to the issue of tax in your settlements. From the right filing forms to indemnification clauses, our panel will give you the basic knowledge you need and explain when a financial expert might be necessary.

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

51

THURSDAY PROGRAM

2:15–3:15 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)

Deposition Skills

Trauma-Informed Deposition Practice and Client Preparation Maurepas (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Kelsey S. Speyer Speakers: Amanda M. DeMatteis & Rachel N. Lokken Even in the best circumstances, depositions can be a stressful, overwhelming, and sometimes hostile environment for clients. When your client has experienced significant trauma because of workplace harassment, abuse, or discrimination, that pressure only builds. This panel will provide a guide for preparing traumatized clients for a deposition where they will have to relive their trauma under challenging circumstances and what steps you can take during the deposition to make sure you are protecting your client.

Wage & Hour

Immigration Issues & Wage & Hour Cases Bayside A-B (4th Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Erika A. Zucker Speakers: Andrea M. Agee & Hugh Baran Immigrant workers are always at increased risk for exploitation in employment, and especially in the correct calculation and payment of wages. The stakes of being an immigrant in the U.S., even one with lawful status, are higher than ever. So naturally, practitioners need to know the risks posed to immigrant workers, either with status or who are undocumented, in wage and hour cases. Our experts will examine the various ways in which immigration status can affect your wage and hour clients, including their ability to bring a case, whether they will be forced to disclose their tax returns or other documents during litigation, and when to address trafficking claims.

The Ethical Use of AI in Your Law Practice Bayside C (4th Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Deborah H. Karpatkin Speakers: Heather Newsom Leonard & Adria Lynn Silva With the rapid adoption of AI, there has been a proliferation of attorneys facing serious sanctions and disciplinary actions for filing inaccurate AI-generated material. This panel will ensure you understand the ethical implications of adopting AI into your law practice.

Attendees will learn about the limitations of AI, what your duty is when developing materials with the use of AI, and whether there are ethical implications if you choose not to integrate AI into your law practice.

This session may qualify for 1 hour of Ethics credit.

3:15–4:00 p.m.

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

BREAK Napoleon Foyer (3rd Floor)

THURSDAY/FRIDAY PROGRAM

4:00–5:15 p.m.

Dispatches from the Trenches—Strategies, Successes, and Lessons from 5th & 11th Circuit Practitioners Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Charles E. Guerrier Speakers: Hal K. Gillespie & Kira Fonteneau Historically, the Deep South has weaker protections for workers in contrast to the more liberal coasts, and the 5th and 11th circuits have long been considered much more unfavorable jurisdictions for workers and their advocates. But for decades, NELA members in these jurisdictions have developed creative strategies and zealous advocacy that has moved the ball forward for workers. Join our panelists to discuss the lessons they have learned during their time in the trenches and how all NELA members can find success in cases where it seems like the path forward is blocked by gaps in the law designed to fail workers.

5:15–6:00 p.m.

NELA DEIA Committee Book Club Live!

Borgne (3rd Floor) Close out the first day of sessions with an in-person gathering of the NELA DEIA Committee Book Club. This month’s selection is Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan.

Come ready to share what moved you, what challenged you, and what stayed with you.

Whether you read every page or just got started, your voice is welcome. NELA’s DEIA Committee Book Club explores a variety of topics, from workers’ rights to social justice and beyond.

6:00–7:30 p.m.

Annual Reception Napoleon C-D (3rd Floor) Please join us for our annual networking reception. 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 sponsored by Syllo.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 7:00 a.m.

Tobias 5K Run Meet in Lobby

7:30–9:00 a.m.

2026 Annual Convention Registration Napoleon Foyer Registration Desk (3rd Floor)

7:30–8:30 a.m.

Hot Breakfast Buffet Napoleon C-D (3rd Floor) Breakfast is available to Convention registrants only.

Today’s breakfast is sponsored by Apex Class Action Administration.

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FRIDAY PROGRAM

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8:30–9:30 a.m.

The EEOC in 2026—Priorities, Changes, and What NELA Members Need to Know (non-CLE) Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Moderator: M. Nieves Bolaños Speaker: EEOC Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal NELA is thrilled to welcome EEOC Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal to NELA’s 2026 Annual Convention. Since 2025, the EEOC has undergone major shifts in policy and implementation goals. Commissioner Kotagal will join NELA members to discuss current EEOC priorities, procedural updates, and everything NELA members need to know when bringing a case to the EEOC in 2026.

9:45–10:30 a.m.

When AI Decides: Implications for Policy and Litigation from the National Institute for Workers’ Rights (non-CLE) Borgne (3rd Floor) Speakers: Abby Frerick & Jason M. Solomon With employers increasing the use of AI to make employment-related decisions, the National Institute for Workers’ Rights will explore both what this ought to mean for regulation of the use of AI, and how this will affect workers’ ability to challenge employment decisions as discriminatory. We will also discuss how this is part of NIWR’s overall work to protect equal opportunity and, more broadly, dismantle barriers to justice.

10:40–10:45 a.m.

Ethics & Sanctions Presentation Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor)

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Creative Winning Strategies at Summary Judgment Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Kevin S. Vogeltanz Speakers: David L. Lee & Vishal H. Shah Summary judgment remains one of the greatest barriers for workers seeking to vindicate their rights in court. This panel will address the current challenges facing plaintiffs at summary judgment and how you can structure your fact patterns, discovery strategies, and opposition motions in creative ways that will put the defense on their heels.

12:00–12:30 p.m.

BREAK Napoleon Foyer (3rd Floor)

12:30–1:30 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Fundamentals of Employment Law

Taking Your First Federal Sector Case Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Obinna I. Abara Speakers: Holly Franson & Alisa Tiwari With thousands of federal employees facing reductions in force, changes to performance evaluations, and retaliation, federal sector practitioners are more in-demand than ever.

Our panelists will explore the current state of federal employment law, the basics of representing clients in front of the MSPB, OSC, and EEOC, and how you prepare to take your first federal sector case.

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

FRIDAY PROGRAM

12:30–1:30 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued) Representing Clients Negotiating Severance Agreements Borgne (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Kerry Murphy Speakers: Evan L. Goldman & Melissa Pierre-Louis Washington While severance agreements can provide employees with a small financial cushion after employment, these agreements are also rife with complexities that can limit your client’s ability to engage in further litigation of claims or even impact their future employment. This panel will discuss the myriad considerations involved in negotiating severance agreements, including compensation, benefits, NDAs, and releases of liability to ensure that your clients leave their employment with a severance agreement that leaves nothing on the table.

Turbocharging Your Small Firm with AI & Legal Technology Maurepas (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Nivine K. Zakhari Speakers: Constance Cooper & Joseph W. Gibson Solo and small-firm employment lawyers juggle high-stakes advocacy with thin margins and tighter time. The good news: today’s cloud-based, pay-as-you-go tools let even one-lawyer outfits automate dull work, surface insights, and deliver a “big-firm” client experience often for less than a single billable hour per month. This session walks through a practical, affordable, product-agnostic “technology stack” that starts at new-client intake and ends with trust-compliant billing.

Wage & Hour

Trends in State Wage & Hour Litigation & Legislation Bayside A-B (4th Floor) Moderator: David Rodwin Speakers: Jason C. Marsili & Christine E. Webber With a U.S. Department of Labor that is increasingly hostile to workers and federal employment laws that leave something to be desired, many states are stepping up to pass more worker-friendly legislation. From minimum wage changes to pay transparency, join our wage and hour experts for a run-down of the latest (and sometimes greatest) in state wage and hour litigation and legislation.

Winning Trial Strategies from Recent NELA Member Victories Bayside C (4th Floor) Speakers: Clara Coleman & Victoria Williamson NELA members have been victorious to the tune of millions of dollars of damages for their clients over the course of the past year. From wage and hour to employee benefits cases, NELA members have won jury trials in jurisdictions across the country. Our panelists will share their top strategies and tips for successfully trying bench and jury trials and how you can take those lessons with you to the courtroom.

1:30–1:45 p.m.

Boxed Lunch Pickup Napoleon C-D (3rd Floor)

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FRIDAY PROGRAM

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1:45–2:45 p.m.

Members Forum Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Join NELA President M. Nieves Bolaños, the NELA Board, and NELA staff for a conversation about strengthening the NELA community. This is your time to share recommendations, suggestions, and concerns directly with leadership. NELA is built on the belief that every voice matters and every perspective strengthens our work. Come ready to engage, contribute, and help shape the community we are building together.

1:45–2:45 p.m.

NELA Committee & Practice Group Meetings • Age Discrimination Practice Group – Proteus (8th Floor) • AI & Legal Technology Practice Group– Borgne (3rd Floor) • Class & Collective Actions Practice Group – Maurepas (3rd Floor) • Disability Rights Practice Group – Gallier A (4th Floor) • EEOC Working Group – Estherwood (4th Floor) • Ethics & Sanctions Committee – Edgewood A-B (4th Floor) • Family Responsibilities Discrimination Practice Group – Evergreen (4th Floor) • Federal Workers Practice Group – Bayside A-B (4th Floor) • Immigrant/Low-Wage Workers Practice Group – Bayside C (4th Floor) • LGBTQ+ Workers Practice Group – Bacchus (8th Floor) • Trial Advocacy Practice Group – Iris (8th Floor) • Wage & Hour Practice Group & DOL Working Group – Southdown (4th Floor) • Whistleblower Practice Group – Muses (8th Floor)

3:00–4:00 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Fundamentals of Employment Law

Using AI Effectively in Your Practice Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Speakers: Thomas A. Newkirk & Myles D. Young This session is designed for employment lawyers at any stage of AI adoption, from those who have never used a chatbot to those already integrating AI tools into their daily practice. Panelists will cover the foundational concepts every lawyer needs to use AI competently and ethically: how the major models differ, what effective prompting looks like, how to manage confidentiality consistent with your duty of competence, and how context shapes the quality of every output. Attendees will also walk through concrete use cases drawn from plaintiff-side employment work, and leave with specific examples of what these tools can do in real matters. As this technology continues to reshape legal practice and the cost of delay grows, the session will provide both a solid foundation for beginning and the momentum to move forward with confidence.

Beyond Employment Law: Issue Spotting and Creative Advocacy

First Amendment Claims in Employment Law Borgne (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Christine T. Elzer Speakers: Ian Kalmanowitz, Kasturi Sen & Carolyn L. Wheeler Millions of workers across the country work for government entities, meaning there are millions of workers who do not entirely forfeit their First Amendment rights in the workplace. In an era of social media, workers are often voicing their opinions on their personal lives, their jobs, and the world around them in an increasingly public manner. Our panelists will discuss what free speech protections public employees have, how those protections apply to modern workplaces, and the current case law surrounding First Amendment claims in the employment context.

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

FRIDAY PROGRAM

3:00–4:00 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued)

Deposition Skills

Organizing Your Case Ahead of Deposition Maurepas (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Lauren Naylor Speakers: Schwanda Rountree & Michael Vogelsang For practitioners preparing for their first deposition or their hundredth, organization is key. Taking the time to create a theme for your case and knowing what story you want to ultimately tell allows you to take efficient and effective depositions. This panel will share their methods for analyzing their case, creating timelines, identifying key players, and organizing their discovery and exhibits before ever setting foot in the deposition room.

Developing & Protecting a Healthy Work-Life Balance Bayside A-B (4th Floor) Moderator: Ben Lebsack Speakers: Layi Oduyingbo & Samantha Wehrle Whether you are a solo practitioner balancing administrative work, deadlines, and client relationships or at a big firm working with large class litigation and multiple stakeholders, a healthy work-life balance may seem unattainable. For too long, the mental health of lawyers has been ignored and value placed on the number of hours one could bill in a day.

That attitude is slowly changing, encouraging attorneys to develop boundaries and prioritize their mental wellbeing. Our panelists will share how they have designed their practice to allow for a healthy work-life balance and why a well-rounded, emotionally fulfilled lawyer can be a more effective lawyer.

This session may qualify for 1 hour of wellness credit.

Considerations in Representing Workers During Their Employment Bayside C (4th Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Ryan Estes Speakers: Lisa L. Clay & Scott M. Pollins From the initial intake through the representation, working with employees while they are still employed raises unique ethical and practical challenges for both clients and attorneys.

Difficult choices abound, such as how to advise the client when further unlawful treatment occurs, how and to whom they should report, handling the employer’s investigation, how to deal with active retaliation, and what to do if the employer does not take the corrective action that the employee wants. This panel will discuss the most common legal and strategic concerns that face an employee who remains in the workplace after raising legal claims.

This session may qualify for 1 hour of Ethics credit.

4:00–4:30 p.m.

BREAK Napoleon Foyer (3rd Floor)

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FRIDAY PROGRAM

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4:30–5:30 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

This session may qualify for one hour of diversity, inclusion and/or elimination of bias credit.

Breaking Through with Implicit Bias Evidence Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Samantha Sloane Speakers: Anna P. Prakash & Qiaojing “Ella” Zheng Years of research have shown that implicit bias exists and impacts the way individuals behave, including in the employment context. However, using that evidence to prove intentional discrimination or influence on systemic practices has been challenging in employment cases. This session will delve into the science behind implicit bias and how to successfully introduce this evidence into your discrimination and harassment cases.

This session may qualify for one hour of diversity, inclusion and/or elimination of bias credit.

Representing Neurodiverse Clients in Disability Cases Borgne (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Ting Cheung Speakers: Brian East, Deborah K. Marcuse & Rebecca Rodgers As society begins to better understand neurodivergence, the law is also adapting to ensure that neurodiverse workers are provided the same reasonable accommodations under the ADA as workers with physical disabilities. Our experts will discuss how to develop a neurodiversity-affirming legal practice, create an accessible and welcoming environment for your neurodivergent clients, and champion their rights under the ADA.

This session may qualify for one hour of diversity, inclusion and/or elimination of bias credit.

Ensuring Access to Justice Through Racially and Culturally Literate Representation Maurepas (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Sherry D. Soanes The recent trial of Cardi B placed a spotlight on what any plaintiff with a marginalized racial identity already knows—your actions are not only on trial, but also your very identity. Every client needs an attorney who is racially and culturally literate and prepared to brief and object when microaggressions arise. This session will break down how microaggressions (if not macroaggressions) show up in the courtroom and how you can support your client’s ability to seek justice in an inherently unjust forum.

This session may qualify for one hour of diversity, inclusion and/or elimination of bias credit.

Holding Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Racism Accountable in the Workplace Bayside A-B (4th Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Mahir Nisar Speakers: Samy Harmoush & Reem Subei Islamophobia includes fear, hatred, or prejudice towards Islam, Muslims, or people perceived to be Muslim. When Islamophobia appears in the workplace, it may lead to employees being harassed, marginalized, or discriminated against. This session will explore common forms of anti-Muslim racism and Islamophobia, the most recent case law in this area, and how to recognize this bias, understand it, and combat it.

This session may qualify for one hour of diversity, inclusion and/or elimination of bias credit.

Litigation Strategies to Protect Transgender Workers in 2026 Bayside C (4th Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Andrew M. Adelman Speakers: Allegra L. Fishel, Karla Gilbride & Aniko R. Schwarcz Over the past year, transgender workers have come under attack from the highest levels of government. With the EEOC abandoning its cases on behalf of transgender workers and OPM instituting new bathroom policies, trans workers face challenging legal circumstances. All is not lost, however. Our experts will discuss the current status of discrimination on the basis of gender identity under Bostock and what strategies they are using to ensure trans workers are protected under the law.

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

FRIDAY/SATURDAY PROGRAM

8:00–11:00 p.m.

Vision. Justice. Community. NELA 2026 Gala Napoleon C-D (3rd Floor) Please join us as we celebrate the power of community as only NELA can. We will gather for an evening of live music, dancing, fun, and friendship. The Gala kicks off with a taste of local jazz. We then turn up the music, shift the vibe, and dance until the music ends. Come in your New Orleans finest—or come as you are. Light bites and two complementary drink tickets per attendee, courtesy of Dundon Advisers LLC, are included.

Additional beverages will be available for purchase.

The Gala requires a separate ticket to attend. Tickets may be purchased at the Registration Desk or at the door.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026 7:30–9:00 a.m.

2026 Annual Convention Registration

8:00–9:15 a.m.

Hot Breakfast Buffet Napoleon C-D (3rd Floor) Breakfast is available to Convention registrants only.

Today’s breakfast is sponsored by Apex Class Action Administration.

9:15–10:15 a.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Fundamentals of Employment Law

Practical Negotiation Skills for Plaintiffs’ Employment Lawyers Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Parisis G. “Gerry” Filippatos Speakers: Bernard Alexander, Tanya Tate & Harjeen Zibari Negotiation skills are vital to the toolbox of every plaintiff’s employment lawyer. However, how to successfully negotiate can be highly dependent on the jurisdiction, identities of the parties involved, and stage of the case. This panel will explore the practical negotiation skills that can work for every attorney and how our panelists have evolved in their negotiation skills over time to adapt to the complexities of interpersonal communication.

Beyond Employment Law: Issue Spotting and Creative Advocacy

Identifying Potential Whistleblower Issues in Employment Cases Borgne (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Michael A. Filoromo, III Speakers: Renée Brooker, Mark Hanna, Avi Kumin & Clayton Wire One of the biggest challenges for employment lawyers is identifying a potential whistleblower tip or False Claims Act qui tam claim amid facts that may also give rise to an employment claim. Properly vetting these cases from the start is key to preserving the paths to substantial awards for our clients. This panel will provide practical guidance on identifying fact patterns that may give rise to a qui tam claim or form the basis for successful tips under one of the growing number of whistleblower award programs, including those administered by the SEC, the CFTC, the IRS, the Treasury Department, and the Department of Transportation, as well as the DOJ’s bank fraud program.

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SATURDAY PROGRAM

9:15–10:15 a.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (continued) A Brave New World—Recent Developments and Inspiring Wins in Federal Sector Representation Maurepas (3rd Floor) Moderator: M. Nieves Bolaños Speakers: Jasmine M. Santos & Phoebe Wolfe The federal workforce and the state of federal employment law have been in constant flux over the past 1.5 years, from the closure of entire organizations to expansive changes in MSPB and OPM jurisdiction over appeals and claims. Our panelists will discuss the many changes in this area, what is coming down the road, and how the wins that inspire hope in every federal sector practitioner can be expanded moving forward.

Wage & Hour

FMLA/FLSA Alphabet Soup with Judge Corey Maze Bayside A-B (4th Floor) Moderator/Speaker: The Honorable Corey Maze Speakers: Toni J. Jaramilla & Rachhana T. Srey Join your host Judge Corey L. Maze and 2 NELA Board members for 60 minutes of fun and facts. In this game show format, Judge Maze will test the knowledge not only of our contestants, but also the audience on the ins and outs of the FMLA and FLSA. Whether you are an expert in these areas or new to the practice of law, this innovative and interactive session will leave you entertained and educated.

Effective Advocacy Before Modern Juries Bayside C (4th Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Amber L. Hurst Speaker: Summer H. Murshid Jury selection has always been a delicate balance, aiming to find jurors who can understand the experience of your client. We need not look any further than the news or social media to see that we are living in challenging times, where all potential jurors are inundated with divisive rhetoric and often misinformation. This session will discuss whether jury selection has gotten more difficult, how you can develop your voir dire to address these complexities, and how to succeed in front of a jury no matter the make-up.

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10:15–10:45 a.m.

BREAK Napoleon Foyer (3rd Floor)

10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

The Year in Review: Significant Developments in Employment Law Napoleon A-B (3rd Floor) Moderator/Speaker: Heather Newsom Leonard Speakers: Professor Eric Schnapper & Professor Suja Thomas The 2026 Annual Convention will close with a robust discussion of the employment cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court during its 2025–2026 term, significant appellate court, legislative, and state law developments, as well as emerging issues in plaintiffs’ employment law.

12:45 p.m.

Convention Adjourns

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

NELA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2026 Trial Boot Camp October 22–24, 2026 Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill at Gallaudet University Washington, DC 2027 Wage and Hour Update March 19–20, 2027 Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown Los Angeles, CA

2027 Annual Convention June 23–26, 2027 Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch St. Louis, MO 2028 Annual Convention June 21–24, 2028 Hilton Minneapolis Minneapolis, MN

Help shape NELA’s signature event of the year by submitting your session proposals.

NELA hopes to enhance the quality and diversity of its Annual Convention by including a wide range of ideas and voices from our community.

2027 ANNUAL CONVENTION June 23–26, 2027 Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch St. Louis, MO The deadline for submission of proposals is Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

Every Bar Has Standards.

NELA's Ethics and Sanctions Committee is here to help you stay in key.

Confidential peer consultation through the NELA Ethics Hotline SAFER (Sanctions Assistance Fund for Emergency Relief): Grants to help when sanctions threaten your livelihood Programs and updates on the rules that actually govern our practice A community of colleagues who've seen it before, and can help you handle it

Stop by the committee table in the Napoleon Foyer.

TRIAL BOOT CAMP October 22–24, 2026 Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill at Gallaudet University Washington, DC

“To be in a room with such experienced attorneys with so much expertise and knowledge to share is amazing.”

Employment Mediators & Arbitrators AMY ADELMAN

DAVID NUTTER

MEDIATOR ATLANTA

MEDIATOR ATLANTA

STEVE DUNN

WARD RICHARDS

MEDIATOR CHARLOTTE

MEDIATOR & ARBITRATOR ATLANTA

TREVOR HOWELL

MICHAEL RUSSELL MEDIATOR & ARBITRATOR NASHVILLE

MEDIATOR NASHVILLE

KIM L. KIRN MEDIATOR & ARBITRATOR ST. LOUIS

DONNA V. SMITH MEDIATOR & ARBITRATOR TAMPA

MEDIATOR COLUMBIA

TANYA TATE MEDIATOR & ARBITRATOR ATLANTA

TAMIKA NEWSON

WINTER WHEELER

MEDIATOR & ARBITRATOR ATLANTA

MEDIATOR & ARBITRATOR ATLANTA

ANGUS MACAULAY

milesADR.com ATLANTA | BIRMINGHAM | BATON ROUGE | BOSTON | CHARLOTTE | COLUMBIA | DENVER | HOUSTON LAKE CHARLES | JACKSONVILLE | MANDEVILLE | NASHVILLE | NEW ORLEANS | SAVANNAH | ST. LOUIS | TAMPA

NELA ENHANCED MEMBERS Thank you to those members who generously support NELA through their enhanced annual membership dues.

Defenders Parisis G. Filippatos

Barbara “Brandi” Cowan

Alicia K. Haynes

Advocates Clif Alexander Patricia Ann Barasch Stephen R. Bruce Roxanne B. Conlin

David M. DeRubertis David W. Garrison J. Gary Gwilliam Vicki Kuftic Horne

Michael L. Pitt Scott M. Pollins

Sustaining Bernard Alexander Lisa J. Banks David Blanchard Renée Brooker Kirby F. Cañon Stephen Z. Chertkof Linda M. Correia Blaney A. Coskrey, III Beth Creighton Dennis E. Egan Sue Ellen Eisenberg Nicholas Jason Enoch

Joshua Erlich Jillian M. Fairchild Christine Forsythe Raymond L. Hogge, Jr. Debra S. Katz Ronald J. Kim Jeffrey Kulwin Avi Kumin Stephen B. Lebau Cheryl B. Legare Matthew Maddox Jordan Matyas

Richard P. Neuworth Joshua Parkhurst Gregory George Paul Jonathan C. Puth Alexis H. Ronickher Donna Williams Rucker Mary Anne Sedey Michal Shinnar Merle Joy Turchik Angela Walker Benjamin H. Yormak

Contributing Paul Stewart Abney Walt Auvil Scott C.G. Blankenship Philip Bohrer M. Nieves Bolaños Anastasia Bronski Matthew Clark Lisa L. Clay Matthew J.P. Coffman Richard Condit Ronaldo Arthur Coulter Bill Day, Jr. Robert E. DeRose Vincent James DeSimone Donald A. Donati Brendan John Donelon Ellen L. Eardley Sonya Edwards Arthur R. Ehrlich Christine T. Elzer Michael C. Fallings Jonathan Marc Feigenbaum Kira Fonteneau Ty D. Frankel Jamie S. Franklin Elizabeth Jubin Fujiwara Zanah Ghalawanji Evan L. Goldman

Jon W. Green Aaron Halegua Mark Hammons, Sr. Kenneth D. Haynes Neil L. Henrichsen Athena M. Herman April L. Hollingsworth William Hommel, Jr. Amber L. Hurst John C. Ireland Thomas Gregory Jarrard Susan E. Jewell Charles Joseph Kristi Kingston Kenneth D. Kinney Daniel B. Kohrman David C. Kresin David L. Lee Heather Newsom Leonard Cheri L. McCracken Stephanie Mensing Marjorie Mesidor Chip Muller Meredith Munro Kevin Patrick Murphy Steven L. Murray Joshua Newville Wayne N. Outten

J. Heydt Philbeck Patricia A. Podolec Nancy Pridgen Barbara Allyn Queen John F. Rossi Nicholas Roumel Brian P. Sanford Glen D. Savits John D. Saxon Jessica Scales Cathleen Scott Kevin J. Shehan Douglas N. Silverstein Richard A. Sinapi Michael Stevens Kevin J. Stoops Michael C. Subit Rod Tanner Megan Katherine Thomas Archibald J. Thomas, III James Vagnini Christine E. Webber David G. Webbert Krystal K. Weigl Peter Winebrake Clayton Wire Jeffrey Neil Young 2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

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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.

Sanctions Assistance Fund

Patricia A. Podolec

Janet E. Hill

for Emergency Relief

Johanna J. Raimond

April L. Hollingsworth

Carla Aikens

Richard R. Renner

Vicki Kuftic Horne

Nancy Richards-Stower

Jelani Dale James

Brian P. Sanford

John C. Ireland

Richard D. Schramm

Ronald J. Kim

N. Sue Allen John P. Batson Leila Da Silva Beraldo Natasha Bunten Donald F. Burke, Jr. David R. Cashdan Lisa L. Clay Bill Day, Jr. Michael D. Diederich, Jr. Don Foty Nancy Grim

Joseph L. Sulman Susan M. Swan Kevin S. Vogeltanz Jonathan Wall David G. Webbert Holly B. Williams Marni Willenson Wesley Woolf

Athena M. Herman April L. Hollingsworth

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Jeffrey Kulwin Brendan P. Lynch Matthew Maddox Richard J. Murray Steven L. Murray Wayne N. Outten Patricia A. Podolec Johanna J. Raimond Nancy Richards-Stower Lisa R. Sahli Brian P. Sanford

William Hommel, Jr.

Workers’ Rights Advocacy Fund

Vicki Kuftic Horne

Nikolaus Baiko

Christopher Houk

John P. Batson

Anne Hunter

Leila Da Silva Beraldo

John C. Ireland

Alenna K. Bolin

Jeffrey Kulwin

Natasha Bunten

Ann Lugbill

Donald F. Burke, Jr.

Matthew Maddox

Allison Conte

Deborah Kristine Marcuse

Bill Day, Jr.

other organizations acknowledged

Cheri L. McCracken

Vincent James DeSimone

here. We apologize for any errors or

Joey S. Niskar

William H. Ewing

omissions. Donors from May 1, 2025 to

Joshua Parkhurst

Don Foty

April 30, 2026.

Jason C.N. Smith Michael Stevens John P. Stolarz Scott Tift Kevin S. Vogeltanz Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of individuals, law firms, and

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

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HERE TO HELP

NELA MEMBERS! Interest-Free Grants for EMPLOYMENT Litigation Expenses

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.

Helping to ensure fairness in the workplace by supporting important cases to protect employee rights.

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.

For more information or to apply, visit:

www.chetlevittfund.org

Chet Levitt Fund for Employment Law

2502CONNECTICUT CLIFFBOURNEAVENUE PLACE NW NW 4133 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20009 SUITE 114 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20008 PHONE: 202-862-4330 PHONE: 202-862-4330

Your Vision, Our Future: Leave a Legacy Rooted in Justice 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. 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 NIWR in your estate plans, you can build a meaningful legacy of vision and justice for generations to come. Join our community members who have already committed to NELA and NIWR’s future.

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

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

To learn more, please visit the NELA and NIWR tables in the Napoleon 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 the 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

Protecting Equal Opportunity & Our Civil Rights Laws Holding Employers Accountable for Retreating from the Promise of Equal Opportunity NIWR has been warning corporations that retreating from initiatives to promote equal opportunity in the workplace may increase their litigation exposure under Title VII. We are beginning to see this risk materialize and invite you to join us in influencing the national conversation on equal opportunity and protecting workers.

Do you have clients who have suffered discrimination from employers who have backed away from efforts to promote equal opportunity? We would love to hear from you as part of our efforts to persuade employers that the risks of retreat are significant.

Civil Rights Heroes

Workers Who Stood Up to Discrimination We know from decades of advocacy that workers’ stories are a powerful tool to shine a light on the impact of unjust workplace policies and employer misconduct. Research confirms that workers who have fought back against discrimination are the most credible and impactful advocates for strong civil rights laws. That is why we have launched Civil Rights Heroes.

NIWR is seeking workers who experienced workplace discrimination in 2020 or later and are willing to publicly share their stories of fighting back.

For more information on these and other projects, visit the NIWR table in the Napoleon Foyer and speak with Director Jason Solomon, Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow Abby Frerick, or another member of the NIWR team.

Closing the Enforcement Gap The NIWR and the NYU Wagner Labor Initiative recently released a white paper, Public Enforcement of Workers’ Rights With Contingency-Fee Outside Counsel, on how and why some state and local government enforcers are using this approach to enforce workplace law.

This is a compelling moment for states and localities to consider expanding enforcement capacity through strategic collaboration with public interest litigators and private firms. If you are interested in promoting this model where you practice, we would love to talk. Find us at the NIWR table or reach out to Jason Solomon by email, jsolomon@niwr.org.

Hiring a firm with skilled attorneys brings not only expanded legal expertise but also complementary resources, such as dedicated data scientists, investigators, or paralegals, who can help build a stronger case.

Our gratitude to Terri Gerstein of the NYU Wagner Labor Initiative for her collaboration on this vital workers’ rights issue.

Panel Discussion

When AI Decides: Implications for Policy and Litigation Friday, June 26, 2026 | 9:45-10:30 a.m.

Borgne (3rd Floor) (Not eligible for CLE) Join the NIWR Team on Friday morning for our annual update. This year, with employers increasing the use of AI to make employmentrelated decisions, we will explore both what this ought to mean for regulation of the use of AI, and how this will affect workers’ ability to challenge employment decisions as discriminatory. Jason and Abby will be joined by NELA Board Member Kira Fonteneau and NELA Class and Collective Action Practice Group Co-Chair Christine E. Webber. We will also discuss how this is part of NIWR’s overall aim to protect equal opportunity and, more broadly, dismantle barriers to justice.

THE POWER OF CY PRES TO ADVANCE WORKERS’ RIGHTS

NIWR is NELA’s partner in advancing workers’ rights. Informed by our partnership with NELA lawyers, NIWR dismantles the barriers to justice that workers and their advocates face.

NIWR is fueled by generous members of the NELA community. NIWR has an excellent track record as a cy pres beneficiary in employment discrimination, wage and hour, and other litigation involving workplace violations. Since 2008, NIWR has been the recipient of more than $2 million in cy pres awards in 76 class and/or collective actions brought on behalf of workers.

Should the opportunity arise in one of your cases, please consider designating NIWR as a cy pres recipient. Please visit the NIWR table in the Napoleon Foyer for more information.

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Cy Pres Leadership Circle The Cy Pres Leadership Circle educates the NELA community on the power of cy pres to protect

and advance workers’ rights and provides complementary technical assistance on securing and structuring cy pres awards.

Ty Frankel (AZ) Summer H. Murshid (WI), Chair Rachhana T. Srey (MN) James B. Zouras (IL)

We extend our gratitude to the following attorneys and law firms who have designated NIWR as a cy pres recipient since 2008.

Abbey Spanier, LLP Altshuler Berzon, LLP Beaumont Costales Berger & Montague, PC Betz + Blevins Blanchard & Walker PLLC Bruckner Burch, 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

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

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, 2025 through April 30, 2026.

CY PRES AWARDS Bruckner Burch, PLLC Frankel Syverson PLLC Stephan Zouras, LLC GRANTS Peggy Browning Fund Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation People-First AI Fund, OpenAI Foundation The Raben Group/NextLevel Communications Stanford Law School GENERAL SUPPORT $10,000+ Stephen R. Bruce & Jeanette Bruce $5,000-$9,000 Marcuse Law LLC In Memory of Thomas J. Henderson $2,500–$4,999 Doris J. Dabrowski King Employment Law Outten & Golden LLP $1,000–$2,499 Blanchard & Walker, PLLC Katherine L. Butler Carmen Comsti William H. Ewing Deborah H. Karpatkin & Ian J. Benjamin Donna R. Lenhoff & Michael F. Jacobson Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky PC Richard P. Neuworth In Memory of Danny Katz Jonathan C. Puth & Mira F. Courpas Joseph M. Sellers & Laurie B. Davis Susan Ullman & Arik Levinson In Honor of Leah A. Hofkin Winebrake & Santillo, LLC

$500–$999 Bertelson Law Offices, PA Wade B. Cowan Bruce A. Fredrickson & Kristin K. Fredrickson Kristin Garcia Roberta L. Steele In Honor of Karen Maoki Fern M. Steiner Estate of Marjorie B. Tarkow $250–$499 John P. Batson Debra P. Chaw Bruce A. Fredrickson & Kristin K. Fredrickson In Memory of Diane Correia & In Memory of Michael Warecki Hal K. Gillespie Phyllis C. Hofkin Patricia Ito In Honor of Terisa E. Chaw & In Memory of Elinor Chaw & William Chaw Kathryn S. Piscitelli Randall D. Schmidt Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC Meryl Joy Turchik Carl M. Varady Christine E. Webber Holly B. Williams $100–$249 Alan Banov In Honor of Bob Fitzpatrick Sarah A. Brown David R. Cashdan Goldman & Ehrlich Leon Greenberg Leah A. Hofkin April L. Hollingsworth William Hommel, Jr.

Vicki Kuftic Horne Anne Hunter Ronald J. Kim Daniel B. Kohrman Jeffrey Kulwin Jonathan J. Margolis Steven L. Murray Angeli Murthy Samuel Brown Petsonk Johanna J. Raimond Liane Scott & Eric Scott In Memory of Elinor Chaw Susan M. Swan Steve G. Wilson Jeffrey Neil Young Up To $99 N. Sue Allen Leila Beraldo Taylor Blue Alenna K. Bolin Natasha Bunten Kirby F. Cañon Douglas Carpiaux Bill Day, Jr. Matthew Delio Christine Forsythe Don Foty Nancy Grim Janet E. Hill Jelani Dale James Michael D. Lieder Matthew Maddox Linda Overholt Patricia A. Podolec Brian P. Sanford James D. Sanford Harjot Singh Kevin S. Vogeltanz Tommy A. Warren 2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

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THE PAUL H. TOBIAS ATTORNEY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM M. Nieves Bolaños Terisa E. Chaw & James A. Hendriksen In Honor of Karen Maoki’s 25 years of exemplary service to NELA & the Institute & In Honor of Pedro A. Valverde’s 25 years of exemplary service to NELA & the Institute

2025–2026

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 2025–2026 Visionary Circle.

Bruce A. Fredrickson & Kristin K. Fredrickson Alan R. Kabat Deborah K. Lim & Michael J. Woo Patricia Losacker In Memory of Paul H. Tobias & Phyllis Tobias Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen Ann Lugbill

WORKERS’ RIGHTS ADVOCACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Terisa E. Chaw & James A. Hendriksen Peter Hiller Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation Maleah Mader

Champion ($10,000+) Stephen R. Bruce & Jeanette Bruce

Carmen Comsti William H. Ewing Bruce A. Fredrickson & Kristin K. Fredrickson Deborah H. Karpatkin & Ian J. Benjamin Donna R. Lenhoff & Michael F. Jacobson Deborah K. Lim & Michael J. Woo Karen Maoki & Cassandra Chen Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky PC Richard P. Neuworth Jonathan C. Puth & Mira F. Courpas Joseph M. Sellers & Laurie B. Davis Susan Ullman & Arik Levinson Winebrake & Santillo, LLC

Leaders ($5,000-$9,999) Terisa E. Chaw & James A. Henriksen Marcuse Law LLC Pacesetters ($2,500–$4,999) Doris J. Dabrowski King Employment Law Outten & Golden LLP Visionaries ($1,000–$2,499) Blanchard & Walker, PLLC M. Nieves Bolaños Katherine L. Butler

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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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

WAGE AND HOUR

Matt Rigling, M.A.

Managing Economist

ECONOMIC DAMAGES

Cary Elliott, Ph.D.

EXPERT WITNESS

Sama Agrawal, Ph.D.

Economist

Economist

BIG DATA ANALYTICS

Roberto Cavazos, Ph.D. Dwight Steward, Ph.D. Economist

Managing Economist

SCAN TO CONNECT WITH OUR EXPERTS www.employstats.com

EmployStats

1-866-629-0011

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J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that provides technical, scientific, and financial advisory services to organizations facing high-stakes events demanding urgent attention. With decades of industry experience, our economists and valuation specialists provide comprehensive solutions to some of the most complex economic matters worldwide.

BREACH OF CONTRACT DAMAGE CALCULATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACTIONS

STOCK OPTION VALUATION TAX NEUTRALIZATIONS CALCULATIONS

EMPLOYMENT CLASS ACTION SUITS

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WRONGFUL TERMINATION

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT JSHELD.COM For more information, contact Nora Ostrofe via nostrofe@jsheld.com or 510-388-4415.

cbcblaw.com

RAISING THE BAR Building on 40 Years of Workers’ Rights Advocacy

To mark our 40th anniversary in 2025, NELA launched Raising the Bar, an initiative spotlighting our dedicated members fighting every day for workers’ rights. The response was overwhelming, and we are proud to continue it in 2026.

YOUR STORY IS PART OF OURS. Scan the QR code to read the inspiring stories we have collected so far and find out how to be featured next.

NELA 2027 Annual Convention June 23–26, 2027 Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch St. Louis, MO.

“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute

a chance to change the world.”

- Dolores Huerta

Labor and Civil Rights Leader Co‑Founder, United Farm Workers Founder, Dolores Huerta Foundation

Please take a moment to enjoy these greetings and advertisements from your friends, colleagues, other NELA members, NELA Affiliates, and the businesses and organizations whose support sustains our work. The workers’ rights community is stronger because of you. Thank you for being part of it.

We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to NELA’s Affiliates Board Members Practice Groups, Interest Groups, and Working Groups for their invaluable contributions.

Your dedication and efforts make a lasting impact!

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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.

hkm.com

Best of lawyers, best of humans.

NELA would be lost without you.

Thank you for your labor, Ashley Westby.

Outten & Golden is proud to be a longtime supporter of NELA, and its advocacy for working people everywhere.

NEW YORK (212) 245-1000 OAKLAND (415) 322-1391 WASHINGTON, DC (202) 914-5097

85 outtengolden.com

New York Washington, DC San Francisco Palo Alto San Diego Nashville 86

2026 NELA ANNUAL CONVENTION

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 New Orleans for this gathering.

ChiCago • Washington D.C. flsalaW.Com

IN HONOR OF NELA · 2026

The credit belongs to those actually in the arena — to you!

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…”

T H E O D O R E R O O S E V E LT

·

PA R I S , A P R I L 2 3, 1 9 1 0

THE SANFORD FIRM Trial Lawyers · Dallas, Texas

972.372.9200

·

SANFORDFIRM.COM

Thank you, nELa!

WE arE proud To sTand WiTh you in ThE fighT for jusTicE for WorkErs.

sedeyharper.com

2711 Clifton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139

314-819-0963

We applaud NELA for its steadfast commitment to advancing the interests of workers.

ALEXANDER FEHR LLP Employee Justice + Civil Rights

1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900 Los Angeles, CA 90067 310.394.0888

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We are proud to fight alongside NELA and its members to bring fairness, equity, and dignity to the workplace.

Uncommon advocacy for the common good.

Antitrust, Civil Rights & Employment, Complex Torts, Consumer Protection, Employee Benefits, Human Rights, Mass Torts, Public Client, Securities & Investor Protection, Whistleblower cohenmilstein.com 8 Offices Nationally | 1100 New York Avenue NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20005 | 202.408.4600

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CO PELA

Colorado PELA is proud to support NELA! Learn more about Colorado PELA at https:// coloradopela.wildapricot.org/

!

Especially in these challenging times, we are proud to belong to this great family of lawyers dedicated to vindicating employee rights.

Ritz Clark & Ben-Asher LLP S t ra t e g i c E m p l o y m e n t L a w y e rs

Jonathan Ben-Asher Miriam F. Clark Susan Ritz (Senior Counsel) One Liberty Plaza 165 Broadway, 23rd Floor New York, NY 10006-1404 Phone: 212-321-7075 www.rcbalaw.com

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“Together We Can” Wage & Hour Collective/Class Claims - nationwide • Over 30 years’ Experience • Over $120 Million in Client recovery • Lead Trial Counsel – three FLSA/Rule 23 jury trials • Routinely co-counsel with NELA members

•

Brendan J. Donelon 816-221-7100 brendan@donelonpc.com

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Gillespie Sanford LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW • DALLAS, TEXAS

WITH OUR FRIENDS IN NELA...

Vision. Justice. Community.

Hal Gillespie

Joe Gillespie

Jim Sanford

Clear eyes on the work ahead.

Feet planted alongside our NELA friends.

Stronger together.

4803 Gaston Ave., Dallas, TX 75246 TEL: (214) 800-5111 • FAX: (214) 838-0001

www.gillespiesanford.com

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Chris Houk, Attorney

Changing the world one case at a time.

Cheri McCracken, Of Counsel,

Marina Kovacevic, Attorney

Houk Employment Attorneys is pleased to support NELA and the 2026 Annual Convention Leading With Vision/Rooted in Justice New Orleans, LA

Isa Ramirez, Legal Assistant

Nicole Houk, Accounting

Doug Todd, Paralegal

www.houklawfirm.com 7321 N. 16th Street Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85020 480-569-2377 Se Habla Español

Congratulations on 41 successful years, ,ighting for workers’ rights.

You inspire us all.

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here’s to celebrating the first of another 40 years of nela and the best advocates in the world leveling the playing field for workers! matt koski mcguinn, hillsman & palefsky san francisco, ca

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The Washington, D.C. area’s Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association (MWELA) is proud to work alongside NELA and our sister chapters nationwide to promote fairness in the workplace. Together, we defend the fundamental right of every employee to work in an environment free from discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wage theft.

MWELA remains steadfast in its commitment to providing essential assistance, training, and a collaborative community for the advocates fighting for employee rights – both in the DC metropolitan area and across the country.

A Legacy of Leadership MWELA extends its deepest gratitude to our member and NELA’s Immediate Past President Carla D. Brown Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft MWELA celebrates your eleven years of extraordinary dedication and leadership on the NELA Board of Directors.

Thank you, Carla, for your tireless commitment to our mission and your profound impact on the legal community.

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association Empowering Advocates. Protecting Employees. www.mwela.org

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The 2026 National Gala theme reflects our shared commitment to building a future where all workers are valued, respected, and protected. United, we champion fair, inclusive, and accessible workplaces that place the well-being of people at the heart of every business practice.

NELA/NY would like to recognize two long-time Board Members who will be completing their terms of service this year. Thank you, Laurie and Harvey, for your commitment and dedication to NELA/NY!

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Proudly Supporting NELA's Vision, Justice, and Community— and the Collective Fight for Workers’ Rights —with gratitude— Patricia Barasch

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Fighting THANK YOU NELA forLEADING Texas FOR WITH VISION Employment Justice 110

PROUD SUPPORTER OF NEL A

Employment Law Group We represent employees in cases of: n n

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Wrongful Termination Discrimination based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, sexual harassment, and gender identity

HEATHER BURNS

Violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act

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Hostile Environment

n

Violations of the Equal Pay Act LAUREN IRWIN

law@uptonhatfield.com uptonhatfield.com 603-244-6381 MICHAEL MCGRATH

MADELINE MATULIS

BROOKE SHILO

CONCORD

n

LACONIA

n

LANCASTER

n

PETERBOROUGH

n

111 PORTSMOUTH

Destroy All Who Abuse Power.

Proudly Supporting NELA: Celebrating Justice, Honoring Advocacy

Christian Bagin Wienand and Bagin Pittsburgh, PA 112

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Goldshaw LLC Goldshaw Greenblatt Greenblatt Pierce Pierce LLC is is a a proud proud sponsor sponsor of of the the NELA NELA 2026 2026 Gala Gala Fundraiser.

Fundraiser.

Thank Thank you you for for all all of of your your important important work! work!

GGP’s dynamic employment practice is led by managing partner Scott Goldshaw and Patricia V. Pierce. Along with Ronald Greenblatt, Kasturi Sen, Noah Cohen, Christen Casale, and Jack Hensler, they pride themselves on tenacious advocacy backed by decades of trial experience.

All GGP lawyers and staff are dedicated to one goal – achieving the best results possible for our clients.

Contact Us: Contact Us:

PHILADELPHIA 2 Penn Center 1500 JFK Boulevard, Suite 1230 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 978-9090

NEW JERSEY 35 Kings Highway East, Suite 200 Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (856) 873-9090

Scott Goldshaw sgoldshaw@ggplawfirm.com Patricia V. Pierce ppierce@ggplawfirm.com WEBSITE ggplawfirm.com

Correia & Puth welcomes our new Partner Cathy Harris 1400 16th Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20036 202.602.6500 www.correiaputh.com

We support and celebrate your extraordinary dedication to promoting workers’ rights.

VISION. JUSTICE. COMMUNITY. P: 804.648.4848 F: 804.237.0413 www.butlercurwood.com 140 Virginia Street, Suite 302 Richmond, Virginia 23219

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Harris D. Butler Craig J. Curwood Zev Antell Paul M. Falabella Samantha Galina

THANK YOU, NELA, FOR LEADING WITH VISION AND REMAINING ROOTED IN JUSTICE Kathleen M. Cahill

David R. Cashdan

We celebrate 41 years of

NELA’s bringing JUSTICE and ADVOCACY to the workplace!

Michael G. Kane

www.cashdankane.com WASHINGTON, DC | WESTFIELD, NJ

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We Fight for Connecticut's Employees.

Proud affiliate of the National Employment Lawyers Association!

Cornish & Dell'Olio, P.C. is proud to sponsor NELA’s work for justice for employees everywhere.

-Ian Kalmanowitz

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2026 NELA ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROUD SPONSOR

PAIGE FIEDLER KELLY BRANDON MADISON FIEDLERCARLSON JESSICA KÄLLSTRÖMSCHRECKENGOST

Defending the Rights and Dignity of Every Person.

THOMAS FREEMAN ALEXIS MULLANEY

"Safeguarding the rights of others is the most

RACHEL MEDARA

noble and beautiful end of a human being."

— KAHLIL GIBRAN

Des Moines, Iowa Omaha, Nebraska employmentlawiowa.com employmentlawnebraska.com

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25 Years of Supporting Workers and Their Rights

GODDARD LAW Fighting Discrimination.

Empowering Employees.

39 Broadway, Suite 1540 New York, New York 1006 (646) 964-1178 www.GoddardLawNYC.com

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GOLDEN LAW Fairness at Work

LLC

Golden Law LLC is delighted to announce that

August E. Golden has joined the firm as an Associate.

Andrew S. Golden asg@agoldenlaw.com (860) 678-4430

August E. Golden august@agoldenlaw.com (860) 612-8214

321 Main Street Farmington, CT 06032 www.agoldenlaw.com

Goldman Davis Krumholz & Dillon, P.C.

is proud to be associated with NELA, who for over 40 years has been at the forefront of advocating for workers' rights.

Hackensack, NJ and Jersey City, NJ www.goldmandavis.com 124

goldsteinbrowne.com

Ensuring Employees Are Heard Halunen Law applauds NELA and its members for investing boldly in vision, justice, and community. May this energy carry us all forward as a powerful force for workers.

Results that make a difference.

HalunenLaw.com

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VISION. JUSTICE. COMMUNITY. Thank you, NELA! Your commitment to justice, to one another, to your clients, and to workers’ rights provides hope that our vision for the world is still achievable.

Please join your community for the Gala on Friday night to celebrate our collective power.

Leah A. Hofkin

Proud to support the National Employment Lawyers Association

Representing employees in discrimination and wage claims since 1986

WILLIAM S. HOMMEL, JR.

Tyler, Texas | 903-596-7100 | hommelfirm.com

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Hynes & Kreuser, S.C.

Wisconsin’s Home Grown Labor & Employment Attorneys From the Fresh Coast to the Gulf Coast, Thank you, NELA, for igniting the future of workers’ rights with New Orleans-style enthusiasm, fire and resilience!

Greater Milwaukee Area Free Consultation: (262) 505-5678 www.hyneslawfirm.com

Jeff Hynes

John Kresuer

Thank you NELA for leading the efforts to advance workers’ rights and protections.

www.impactfund.org /

@impactfund 127

OELA

Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association

Leaders in Protecting Employee Rights Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association is an organization of lawyers on your side for employment matters.

Please visit our website at www.oela.org OELA is a non-profit organization that has the purpose of furthering the education of and sharing resources with the attorneys who practice employment law, specifically Plaintiff’s cases.

Many thanks to the NELA and NIWR staff for all their hard work and dedication Tacarra Andrade Membership Director

Karen Maoki Interim Executive Director

Alicia Battle Events Manager

Alberto Sandoval, Jr. Membership & Development Coordinator

Abby Frerick Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow

Jason Solomon NIWR Director

Leah A. Hofkin Director of Development

Pedro A. Valverde Digital Communications & Technology Manager

Erica Love Program Assistant

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Ashley Westby Program Director

David L. Lee and Jennifer C. Weiss (retired)

Fighting for and protecting the rights of employees in Minnesota since 1985 www.mn-nela.org 129

Employment Law Demands Tough Attorneys With more than forty years experience, Hammons, Hurst & Associates is one of the nation’s leading firms specializing in employment law.

“We take pride in the reputation we’ve acquired for high-quality client services, which has earned us the respect of judges, former clients, and the lawyers we face off against in court.

— Mark E. Hammons, Sr.

”

Founding Partner

Mark E. Hammons, Sr.* and Amber L. Hurst

Areas of Practice Employment Law Gender Discrimination Sexual Harassment Pregnancy Discrimination Disability Discrimination Overtime Pay Age Discrimination Wrongful Termination Race Discrimination Family Medical Leave Act To arrange for a consultation or find out how Hammons, Hurst & Associates can assist your firm or clients, contact us at: o 405.235.6100 f 405.235.6111 325 Dean A McGee Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102 www.HammonsLaw.com Member, National Employment Lawyers Association

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| *Mark E. Hammons is the founder of the Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association

NH NELA celebrates NELA as we envision a future with workplace justice

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Patricia A. Podolec Attorney at Law

10601 S. Western, Suite 119 Oklahoma City, OK 73170 Office: (405)703-4431 Cell: (405)760-3358 Fax: (405)400-8784 ppodolec@podoleclaw.com https://www.podoleclaw.com

Pollins Law Creating Great Futures

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Looking forward to seeing you all in NOLA!

Nick Roumel, Principal Charlie Widmaier, Associate Zainab Bhindarwala, Associate Wendy Marcotte, Of Counsel

www.roumel-law.com

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Leading with Vision. Rooted in Justice.

Here’s to the NELA community—41 years and going strong!

Donna Williams Rucker www.tullylegal.com

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We are incredibly proud to stand together with workers and all advocates for workers’ rights.

Keep fighting for fairness and dignity in the workplace!

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ALL HANDS ON DECK! thank you, colleagues.

GLAD TO BE ABOARD WITH NELA. GODSPEED.

DENVER, COLORADO - LIVELIHOODLAW.COM 136

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Thakur-Pringle Mathematical Consulting • Economic Damages • Employment Loss • Earning Capacity

▪ Forensic Accounting ▪ Big Data Analysis & Statistics ▪ Litigation Support

❖ True Cost Accounting (TCA) ❖ Environmental full-cost accounting (EFCA) ❖ Workplace burden of disease | Forecasting | Cost Analysis Jack Pringle, PhD

Mugdha Thakur, PhD

Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences

Call or email to learn more about our services

+1 (602) 363 – 5904 JAMPchip@gmail.com 1208 E Mercer Ln, Phoenix AZ 85020-1112

Making the Law work Making the Law work for Arizona Employees

for Arizona Employees Proud To Support NELA Proud Towww.azela.org Support NELA

Dedicated to Justice for Workers Wage and Hour Litigation Retaliation and Discrimination Claims Spanish-Speaking Client Representation

The Law Offices of Jacob Aronauer NY - NJ - CO - PA - CT (Federal Court)

www.azela.org 138

www.aronauerlaw.com www.salariosperdidos.com 212-323-6980 / jaronauer@aronauerlaw.com

Thank you NELA staff, leadership, and colleagues for another year of supporting and advancing workers’ rights. I am so grateful for the NELA community!

Get in touch if you need Chicago area counsel or want to collaborate! We represent employees, whistleblowers, and union members in all employment and retaliation matters – in individual cases, class/collective actions, and qui tam cases.

Patrick Cowlin, Shareholder

www.hq-law.com Direct: (312) 205-1702 pcowlin@hq-law.com

When You Stand for What’s Right, We Stand With You.

V. James DeSimone Law Supports the work of NELA in advocating and protecting workers’ rights across the country

BRACKER & MARCUS LLC Based in Atlanta, serving courageous whistleblowers across the country. www.FCACounsel.com

www.vjamesdesimonelaw.com 310-693-5561

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(602) 598-4000 2375 E Camelback Rd Suite 600 Phoenix, AZ 85016

We are proud supporters of NELA!

The voice of Arizona workers impacted by unfair wage practices.

Handling Class/Collective Actions frankelsyverson.com

21 Main Street Suite 352 Court Plaza South Hackensack, NJ 07601 (201) 498-0900 www.njemployeerights.com

Patti Syverson

Ty Frankel

EVERY

Striving for Justice in the Evolving Workplace Employment Discrimination Harassment Wage Claims Wrongful Termination Family & Medical Leave Disability Accommodation Contract, Non-Compete & Severance Agreements

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705 2nd Avenue, Suite 1200 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 682-6711 frankfreed.com

WORKER deserves a

FIGHTER. NELA trains them.

I proudly stand with NELA.

Jamie Franklin The Civil Litigation Clinic jfranklin5@illinoistech.edu

Chicago-Kent College of Law ILLINOIS TECH

Law Office of Robert S. Notzon Austin, TX Neil L. Henrichsen Chiung-Hui Huang Dawn C. Stewart Meredith L. Hough Pamela E. Marsh Civil Rights, Litigation, Employee, & Whistleblower Offices in Florida ◦ Washington, D.C. ◦ New York

I pray you don't need me, but I'm here if you do.

Find us online at www.hslawyers.com or www.employeelegalprotection.com

www.notzonlaw.com

& • A Civil Rights Employment Law Firm •

CELEBRATING NELA POWER: VISION. JUSTICE. COMMUNITY.

LAW OFFICE OF DEBORAH H. KARPATKIN karpatkinlaw.com deborah.karpatkin@karpatkinlaw.com

Proud to support NELA 2026 and stand alongside advocates leading with a vision rooted in justice for workers!

542 So. Dearborn St., Ste. 660 Chicago, Illinois 60605 Ph: 312.697.1382 141

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Beating the drum for workers’ rights since 1985!

Thank you NELA members for always answering the call.

Pedro Valverde

Hercules Supports NELA’s Fight for Justice

Thank You NELA Members for Your Incredible Work!

Ashley Westby, Sean McKee & Hercules

Wisconsin Employment Lawyers Association

Moving Wisconsin Forward Honoring the exceptional programs that continue to make NELA the nation’s premier champion for employee rights and workplace equity.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Let the good times roll in nola!

President: Martin C. Kuhn P: (414) 377-5352 E: mkuhn@kuhnlawllc.com

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EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES TO TELL THEIR STORIES

"Fighting For Equal Justice Under Law Since 1982"

Proud to support NELA's 2026 Convention!

1101 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 659-8510 www.websterfredricksonwalker.com

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Anne Bennett Hunter Employment Law and Mediation in Nashville & Brentwood, Tennessee Proud Member of TENNELA anne@hunteremploymentlaw.com

Murphy Anderson

PLLC

The lawyers of Murphy Anderson are honored to join NELA in New Orleans in the fight for civil rights and economic justice for all workers.

Alongside NELA, we strive for justice and equality in workplaces across the nation.

“As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”

- Nelson Mandela

Washington - Boston - Cincinnati - Texas www.murphypllc.com 202-223-2620

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

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Trusted Advocates for Workers and Whistleblowers Leaders in Complex Wage and Hour Class and Collective Action Litigation

We are proud to sponsor NELA’s Gala Fundraiser where visionary advocates from across the country gather to advance justice for working people.

www.barrettjohnston.com Nashville, Tennessee

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Borealislaw.com

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Who is this YOUNG attorney? * Haynes & Haynes, P.C. celebrates NELA Attorney

Charles Guerrier and his 54-year legal career advancing employee rights.

Charles, w Charles, we are forever grateful and honored that you shared a small part of your legal career with our firm and NELA-Alabama!

Alicia Haynes and Kenny Haynes *Photo taken on the steps of the United States Supreme Court, October 15, 1973

Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, 414 U.S. 632, 94 S.Ct. 791, 39 L.Ed.2d 52 (1974) 149

Standing up for Workers’ Rights and Civil Rights in Maine and Across the Nation 150

work.law

LAW OFFICES

KATOR, PARKS, WEISER & WRIGHT P.L.L.C.

SUITE 750 1150 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036

(202) 898-4800 WWW.KATORPARKS.COM

The attorneys of Kator, Parks, Weiser & Wright are proud to celebrate the work of NELA, and the work of all NELA members on behalf of America’s workers.

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NICHOLS KASTER IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

NELA’s 2026 Annual Convention Leading with Vision Rooted in Justice June 24–27, 2026 New Orleans, LA

WORKER RIGHTS • CONSUMER RIGHTS • ERISA • CIVIL RIGHTS • WHISTLEBLOWER CLASS AND COLLECTIVE ACTIONS

Minneapolis • 612.256.3200 San Francisco • 415.277.7235 nka.com No company is too big to play fair