UT Law Continuing Legal Education

30^th Annual

Labor and Employment Law Conference

Austin Jun 1-2, 2023 AT&T Conference Center
$645 Individual | $695 after May 24

$580 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) | $630 after May 24

$515 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) | $565 after May 24

Live Webcast Jun 1-2, 2023
$645 Individual | $695 after May 24

$580 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) | $630 after May 24

$515 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) | $565 after May 24

Register

Related products: Materials

RECEPTION SPONSORS
Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.
Bracewell LLP
H-E-B
Kemp Smith LLP
Littler Mendelson P.C.

Overview

UT Law CLE's 30th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference is the premier program on employment law practice in Texas. By bringing together leading members of the bar, personnel experts, and in-house counsel, the conference offers timely updates, emerging trends, and the variety of perspectives practitioners need.

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Day 1 June 1, 2023
Day 2 June 2, 2023

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Jun. 1, 2023
Presiding Officer:
Malinda A. Gaul, Gaul and Dumont - San Antonio, TX
7:30 am
Austin Only

Registration Open

Includes continental breakfast.
8:20 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:30 am

0.75 hr

State Employment Law Update: Texas and Beyond

Examine employment-related developments under Texas state law, including a discussion of significant new Texas cases. Also explore important trends developing in other states, and what they might mean for Texas.

Christopher Benoit, Coyle & Benoit, PLLC - El Paso, TX
Clara "C. B." Burns, Kemp Smith LLP - El Paso, TX
9:15 am

0.75 hr

Federal Employment Law Update

Analyze recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, federal legislative developments, and administrative action.

Danielle K. Herring, Littler Mendelson P.C. - Houston, TX
Elizabeth "BB" Sanford, The Sanford Firm - Dallas, TX
10:00 am

0.50 hr

Wage and Hour Update

An overview of annual developments in the field of wage-and-hour law, including case law updates, regulatory changes, and more.

Abel Martinez, H-E-B - San Antonio, TX
10:30 am

15-Minute Break
10:45 am

0.75 hr

NLRB Update

A detailed discussion of the dramatic changes that affect unionized and non-unionized workers and employers that have occurred in the last 12 months under the National Labor Relations Act.

Robert E. Sheeder, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP - Dallas, TX
Rod Tanner, Tanner and Associates, PC - Fort Worth, TX
11:30 am

0.50 hr

Post-COVID Jury Verdicts

The presentation will be a survey and discussion of trends in post-COVID verdicts in employment cases.

Brian Sanford, The Sanford Firm - Dallas, TX
12:00 pm
Austin Only

Pick Up Lunch (in Austin)

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, Jun. 1, 2023
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:20 pm

0.50 hr

How to Cultivate a Better Workplace

Quiet quitting. Hey Boomer. Gen X. Gen Z. Millennial. Anti-work. Current workplace structures aren’t always working. Hear from a worker-side trial attorney about how to build a better workplace and why we all have more in common than we might think.

Amy Gibson, Gibson Wiley PLLC - Dallas, TX
12:50 pm
Austin Only

15-Minute Break (in Austin)
Track A: Workforce Solutions
SPECIAL NOTICE: Live Webcast Includes BOTH Tracks

NEW THIS YEAR! The live webcast includes both the Workforce Solutions track and the Litigation Strategies track. The materials for both tracks are available in the course materials, and approximately 6-8 weeks after the conference the video recordings from both tracks will be available in "Your Briefcase."
1:05 pm

0.50 hr

Trade Secret Update

A focus on trade secret cases involving what is required to prove a trade secret, the use of expert testimony, and what evidence is required to prove misappropriation. Additionally, the discussion includes damage theories and injunctive relief.

Kenneth D. Hughes, Hughes PLLC - Houston, TX
1:35 pm

0.75 hr

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Hot Topics

This presentation covers the latest hot topics in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Shafeeqa W. Giarratani, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. - Austin, TX
Victoria Martin Phipps, Texas A&M University - College Station, TX
2:20 pm

10-Minute Break
2:30 pm

1.00 hr

Remote Workers: Not as Simple as You Think

Employers have good reasons to allow or expand the use of remote workers but many fail to recon and plan for unfamiliar legal requirements in their new territories. States, counties, and municipalities are regulating employer conduct and a single employee in a city or state can trigger an avalanche of obligations and penalties for the unwary. This checklist approach will help identify the traps awaiting employers who expand without a plan.

Christopher H. Hahn, Dell Technologies - Round Rock, TX
Audrey E. Mross, Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP - Dallas, TX
3:30 pm

Adjourn
Track B: Litigation Strategies
Presiding Officer:
Sean M. Becker, Vinson & Elkins LLP - Houston, TX
Austin Only

SPECIAL NOTICE: Live Webcast Includes BOTH Tracks

NEW THIS YEAR! The live webcast includes both the Workforce Solutions track and the Litigation Strategies track. The materials for both tracks are available in the course materials, and approximately 6-8 weeks after the conference the video recordings from both tracks will be available in "Your Briefcase."
1:05 pm
Austin Only

0.50 hr

Settlement Agreements: Yes, No, Maybe So

Now that you have orally agreed to resolve that legal dispute, here are some specific provisions you should say “yes”, “no” or “maybe so” to in the written settlement agreement.

Katrina S. Patrick, Law Offices of Katrina Patrick - Houston, TX
1:35 pm
Austin Only

0.75 hr

War Stories, Trial Tips, and Trial Skills Comparison: New vs. Established

Two trial lawyers discuss tried and true methods for winning jury trials.

John W. Griffin Jr., Marek, Griffin & Knaupp - Victoria, TX
Deontae Wherry, Rob Wiley, P.C. - Dallas, TX
2:20 pm
Austin Only

10-Minute Break
2:30 pm
Austin Only

0.50 hr

Arbitration is NOT Litigation

Arbitration is intended to be more prompt and less costly. All it takes is using it intelligently, collegially and differently from litigation. It is widely used in labor union contracts and is particularly suited for non-union employment conflicts.

David T. Lopez, David T. Lopez & Assoc. - Houston, TX
3:00 pm
Austin Only

0.50 hr

Anatomy of a TRO and Temporary Injunction Hearing

A discussion of best practices and “do’s and don’ts” for Texas District Court practitioners in temporary restraining order (“TRO”), temporary injunction and expedited discovery hearings, with a special emphasis on non-competition, non-solicitation and trade secrets issues.

Hon. Lauren Reeder, 234th Civil District Court - Houston, TX
E. Phileda Tennant, Vinson & Elkins LLP - Houston, TX
3:30 pm
Austin Only

Adjourn
Austin Only

Networking Reception (3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Join us for drinks and hors d'oeuvres with program faculty and attendees.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Jun. 2, 2023
7:30 am
Austin Only

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:30 am

1.00 hr

Public Sector Update

Hear the latest on matters affecting government employees, including developments in the First Amendment, due process, privacy, political patronage, and state law protections in the public workplace.

Natalie G. DeLuca, Harris County Attorney's Office - Houston, TX
Robert W. Schmidt, Crews Law Firm, P.C. - Austin, TX
9:30 am

0.75 hr

Developments in Disability Discrimination Law

A comprehensive review of significant regulatory and court developments under the Americans with Disabilities Act and insights into emerging disability issues.

Amber K. Dodds, Bracewell LLP - San Antonio, TX
Laura M. Merritt, Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P. - Austin, TX
10:15 am

15-Minute Break
10:30 am

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Whistleblowers

A plaintiff-side and defense-side lawyer discuss protections and pitfalls for individuals and employers under state and federal whistleblower statutes.

Drew L. Harris, Office of the Attorney General - Austin, TX
Austin Kaplan, Kaplan Law Firm - Austin, TX
11:15 am

0.75 hr

Mediation Strategies, Solutions and Lessons Learned

The success of mediation is influenced by the information exchanged in advance, the type of mediation (remote or in-person), the inclusion or exclusion of a joint opening session, and many other factors. This panel discusses best practices for opening lines of communication, getting past the impasse, and finding a resolution.

Moderator:
Vianei Lopez Braun, Decker Jones, P.C. - Fort Worth, TX
Panelists:
Hon. Elizabeth S. Chestney, U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas - San Antonio, TX
Connor Throckmorton, Throckmorton Law Firm PLLC - Houston, TX
12:00 pm
Austin Only

Pick Up Lunch (in Austin)

Included in registration.
Friday Afternoon, Jun. 2, 2023
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:20 pm

0.50 hr

Hot Topics

Catch up on the latest legal issues for employers, including a discussion of pending state and federal legislation, proposed rules, and other topics that keep employers up at night including the post-Dobbs workplace.

Jennifer M. Trulock, Baker Botts - Dallas, TX
12:50 pm

15-Minute Break
1:05 pm

0.50 hr

Off Duty Conduct

Out of sight but not out of mind. Limits on employers' ability to police off-duty conduct.

Paul Harris, Shellist | Lazarz | Slobin LLP - Houston, TX
1:35 pm

0.75 hr

Retaliation Limits of Protected Activity

Testing the bounds of protection in this cultural moment.

Amanda Hernandez, AH LAW, PLLC - Houston, TX
Harrison M. Smith, Schmoyer Reinhard LLP - Fort Worth, TX
2:20 pm

1.00 hr ethics

Ethics: Can We Talk?

This session explores the limits on attorney communication with employees, former employees, and other potential witnesses in the context of employment litigation. Special attention will be given to the ethical considerations associated with joint representation of a party and a potential witness, including concerns surrounding the use of such representation to limit the ability of the other side to communicate with a potential witness.

Jason Boulette, Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P. - Austin, TX
3:20 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 June 1, 2023
Day 2 June 2, 2023

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Christopher Benoit

Coyle & Benoit, PLLC
El Paso, TX

Jason Boulette

Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Vianei Lopez Braun

Decker Jones, P.C.
Fort Worth, TX

Clara "C. B." Burns

Kemp Smith LLP
El Paso, TX

Hon. Elizabeth S. Chestney

U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
San Antonio, TX

Natalie G. DeLuca

Harris County Attorney's Office
Houston, TX

Amber K. Dodds

Bracewell LLP
San Antonio, TX

Shafeeqa W. Giarratani

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Austin, TX

Amy Gibson

Gibson Wiley PLLC
Dallas, TX

John W. Griffin Jr.

Marek, Griffin & Knaupp
Victoria, TX

Christopher H. Hahn

Dell Technologies
Round Rock, TX

Drew L. Harris

Office of the Attorney General
Austin, TX

Paul Harris

Shellist | Lazarz | Slobin LLP
Houston, TX

Amanda Hernandez

AH LAW, PLLC
Houston, TX

Danielle K. Herring

Littler Mendelson P.C.
Houston, TX

Kenneth D. Hughes

Hughes PLLC
Houston, TX

Austin Kaplan

Kaplan Law Firm
Austin, TX

David T. Lopez

David T. Lopez & Assoc.
Houston, TX

Abel Martinez

H-E-B
San Antonio, TX

Laura M. Merritt

Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Audrey E. Mross

Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP
Dallas, TX

Katrina S. Patrick

Law Offices of Katrina Patrick
Houston, TX

Victoria Martin Phipps

Texas A&M University
College Station, TX

Hon. Lauren Reeder

234th Civil District Court
Houston, TX

Brian Sanford

The Sanford Firm
Dallas, TX

Elizabeth "BB" Sanford

The Sanford Firm
Dallas, TX

Robert W. Schmidt

Crews Law Firm, P.C.
Austin, TX

Robert E. Sheeder

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Dallas, TX

Harrison M. Smith

Schmoyer Reinhard LLP
Fort Worth, TX

Rod Tanner

Tanner and Associates, PC
Fort Worth, TX

E. Phileda Tennant

Vinson & Elkins LLP
Houston, TX

Connor Throckmorton

Throckmorton Law Firm PLLC
Houston, TX

Jennifer M. Trulock

Baker Botts
Dallas, TX

Deontae Wherry

Rob Wiley, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Planning Committee

Malinda A. Gaul—Chair

Gaul and Dumont
San Antonio, TX

Sean M. Becker

Vinson & Elkins LLP
Houston, TX

Jason Boulette

Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Clara "C. B." Burns

Kemp Smith LLP
El Paso, TX

Natalie G. DeLuca

Harris County Attorney's Office
Houston, TX

Michael W. Fox

Austin, TX

Shafeeqa W. Giarratani

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Austin, TX

Amy Gibson

Gibson Wiley PLLC
Dallas, TX

Christopher H. Hahn

Dell Technologies
Round Rock, TX

Danielle K. Herring

Littler Mendelson P.C.
Houston, TX

Charles C. High Jr.

Kemp Smith LLP
El Paso, TX

Kenneth D. Hughes

Hughes PLLC
Houston, TX

John V. Jansonius

Jackson Walker LLP
Dallas, TX

Austin Kaplan

Kaplan Law Firm
Austin, TX

James H. Kizziar Jr.

Bracewell LLP
San Antonio, TX

David T. Lopez

David T. Lopez & Assoc.
Houston, TX

Abel Martinez

H-E-B
San Antonio, TX

Laura M. Merritt

Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Audrey E. Mross

Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP
Dallas, TX

Victoria Martin Phipps

Texas A&M University
College Station, TX

Lakshmi Ramakrishnan

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Houston, TX

Robert E. Sheeder

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Dallas, TX

Rod Tanner

Tanner and Associates, PC
Fort Worth, TX

Jennifer M. Trulock

Baker Botts
Dallas, TX

Key Dates

Austin – Jun 1-2, 2023 – AT&T Conference Center

Live Webcast – Jun 1-2, 2023