Season 1, Episode 4: What to Expect at this Year’s Legal Update for the Public Sector

[00:00:26] Welcome to today's episode of From Lawyer to Employer: A Shipman Podcast. I'm your host, once again, Gabe Jiran. And today, I'm happy to bring to you what we call a bonus episode. As some of our listeners know, we as a firm, will host our annual virtual seminar for the public sector on May 5th of this year.

[00:00:44] In the past, we've done them in person, but of course, we're not quite out of the pandemic yet. So, we're still going to maintain a virtual platform. You know, our podcast is generally 20 minutes on these topics, but we can't cover everything within 20 minutes. So, this is an opportunity again on a virtual platform to learn a lot more about what are the most recent developments out there in labor and employment.

[00:01:05] So, I'm happy today to have my partner Jessica Ritter joining me. Good morning, Jessica.

[00:01:10] Jessica Ritter: Good morning, Gabe. I'm delighted to be here. This is actually my first podcast ever with Shipman & Goodwin.

[00:01:15] Gabe Jiran: Wonderful. Well, you're doing a great job so far.

[00:01:17] Jessica Ritter: Thanks for having me.

[00:01:19] Gabe Jiran: So, I understand that you're going to be the emcee for our seminar this year. So, tell me what's going on. What's going to be covered?

[00:01:27] Jessica Ritter: Yeah, so, I'm thrilled to be the emcee for this year's event. Of course, as all of our clients know, every year we host a public sector seminar to provide an update and review of legal trends for all of our public sector clients and friends. The intended audience includes our public K through 12 schools, our institutions of higher education, municipalities, and state and quasi-public agencies and organizations.

[00:01:51] As you know, our topics focus mostly on those pertaining to labor and employment law. In years past, we hosted a large group of clients and friends in person, but obviously with COVID, we thought it made sense to make the transition to a virtual event. Nonetheless, though, we're excited to welcome our public sector clients and friends to what we expect will be a truly engaging albeit virtual format this year.

[00:02:14] Gabe Jiran: Yeah, you know, it's  great that we're doing it virtually. And as I understand it, there's still going to be some opportunity to see each other within the virtual platform. You know, I was talking to one of our marketing representatives earlier before we started today and I was actually going to be some face to face, albeit through a computer screen.

[00:02:32] So, it's nice, because I know in years past, one of the parts I enjoyed most about the seminars, other than the content was milling about at the coffee hour and saying hi to old friends and clients and such. So, let's talk a little bit more about what we're going to cover. I understand we have a host of different topics.

[00:02:49] Jessica Ritter: Yes, so, this year's theme is The 2022 Legal Trends. And we're going to explore topics across all practice areas. One great thing about Shipman is we have so many different practice areas, and we're excited to include some of our colleagues who don't traditionally work in the public sector model.

[00:03:06] But the topics will range from recent developments and data privacy and security issues that face our public sector clients. It'll include ransomware attacks and data breaches. We're going to look at vendor contracting and federal and state privacy regulations to RFP and bidding best practices. We'll also look at some common issues for lease purchases, and then of course, we'd have to touch upon the latest trends in post-COVID contract provisions.

[00:03:33] We're also very fortunate to have an environmental lawyer provide an overview of indoor air quality considerations in a hybrid post-COVID world. And a look at the Biden administration's Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, which aims to improve ventilation and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in buildings. And then of course, Gabe, we're particularly delighted that you have agreed to join us on the panel to talk about remote work accommodations and the latest developments related to paid and unpaid leave laws.

[00:04:02] Gabe Jiran: You know me, stick me in front of a microphone or a monitor, and I'm happy to talk about whatever you want me to.

[00:04:07] Jessica Ritter: [laughs]

[00:04:07] Gabe Jiran: It's funny, as you were going through the list of topics, you know, in years past we've, I'll say struggled to find things to talk about in some of these seminars. Because you're always trying to figure out what can you fit into the right time. I mean, this agenda almost wrote itself.

[00:04:20] Like, all the things you went through, I've heard our colleagues and our clients talking about. So, it's really going to be great. For my part, the Department of Labor recently released some proposed regulations related to paid leave and so we're going to talk a bit about that. Now, they're only proposed, but we're at least going to go through so we can see what they're thinking and  how they might be applied. And so, it's obviously going to be something of interest to the audience, I think.

[00:04:43] So, as you mentioned, that'll be part of a general session. And then, I'm particularly interested in hearing about the breakout sessions. Or the round tables.

[00:04:52] Jessica Ritter: Yes, so, for the general session, there won't be the same opportunity for our participants to engage. But certainly, what we've done is for the four round tables, will provide an opportunity for our audience members to engage in a much more intimate setting. So, the four round tables will feature a session for school leadership and the challenges facing school leadership in the coming school year.

[00:05:16] We'll have another session for labor relations professionals on key issues public sector employers are facing at the collective bargaining table. We will have a third session for HR professionals on recent trends in employment litigation and investigations. And then, we will also have a final session prepared just for lawyers, which reviews lawyer ethical dilemmas and how to avoid them.

[00:05:38] And as an added bonus, we will have CLE credit for those lawyers who will participate, as I know, just like myself, we're always seeking CLE credit opportunities.

[00:05:48] Gabe Jiran: Yeah, that is music to my ears. I know we're only in April, but I'm still  looking at the number of hours I have and how many I need for the rest of the year. So, that's great that we qualify for CLE for that. [00:05:59] Jessica Ritter: And the best part, Gabe, is the whole program's free.

[00:06:01] Gabe Jiran: Free? [laughing] Well, that's fantastic. Even better, and you don't even have to leave the comfort of your couch, if you're working from home. You can do it right from home.

[00:06:10] So, now that we've told them what a great program this is going to be, how does our audience participate? How do they get in touch with, uh, you know, the contact and all that?

[00:06:18] Jessica Ritter: Sure. So, here is the logistical rundown, Gabe. So, those in the public sector can visit our website at www.shipmangoodwin.com/events. And the event link is provided on the Shipman & Goodwin web page. So, simply click the event link, and then follow the registration prompts on the event page.

[00:06:37] Our listeners can also visit our legal blogs, CTschoollaw.com, which we are very proud of, and also Employmentlawletter.com for more information about the event. You can also follow Shipman & Goodwin on LinkedIn, as we will posting the event and registration links often between now and May 5th.

[00:06:55] We hope to have a really big crowd this year. However, space is limited, so please register as soon as possible to save your virtual seat.

[00:07:03] Gabe Jiran: Fantastic. Well, sounds like a great program. I'm looking forward to both presenting and attending. And did we mention it's free? So, we're hoping that you all will join us. We also hope that you'll continue to tune into our podcast. We have new episodes coming soon, and so, we look forward to you joining us again. Thank you. And thank you, Jessica.

[00:07:22] Jessica Ritter: Well, thanks so much for having me, Gabe. We look forward to seeing everyone on May 5th.

[00:07:27] Gabe Jiran: Thank you for joining us on this episode of From Lawyer to Employer: A Shipman Podcast. This podcast is produced and copyrighted by Shipman & Goodwin LLP. All rights reserved.

[00:07:38] The contents of this communication are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended or should not be construed as legal advice. This may be deemed advertising under certain state laws. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, or wherever you listen. We hope you will join us again.