Description
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Credit Information: This topic was presented live at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport and as a live webcast on May 8, 2025. If you attended this live program or registered for the live webcast you cannot earn self-study credits for this topic.
TOPICS AND FACULTY
What’s New in the Federal Court: A Discussion with the U.S. Magistrate Judges (8:30-9:30)
On May 1, 2024, the Court implemented a two-year Pilot Plan for the Direct Assignment of Civil Cases to U.S. Magistrate Judges. Under the Pilot Plan, a percentage of civil cases filed are directly assigned to a magistrate judge as the presiding judicial officer, subject to the parties notifying the Court that they consent pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and F.R.Civ.P. 73. Judge Nivison and Judge Wolf will report on the Court’s experience during the first year of the Plan. Additionally, Judge Nivison and Judge Wolf regularly conduct judicial settlement conferences in the District, including in many labor and employment cases. They will provide pointers and insights for effective judicial settlement conferences, including tips on what is most helpful to the court in the in camera settlement statements, preparation for judicial settlement conferences, timing of conferences, and finalization of settlements.
Hon. John C. Nivison and Hon. Karen F. Wolf, U.S. District Court of Maine
The Maine Human Rights Act Today: What’s New, What’s Not, and What’s Next (9:45-10:45)
This session will include an overview of recent updates to the Maine Human Rights Act and the Maine Human Rights Commission’s rules. It will highlight cases of note and provide practice tips for handling cases at the Commission from intake to conciliation. Presenters will also discuss things to come, including proposals in the Maine Legislature and the potential impact of state and federal changes on the Commission’s work.
Barbara A. Hirsch, Esq. and Colin R. Hurd, Esq., Maine Human Rights Commission
The First 100 Days of the New Administration (10:50-11:50)
In this session we will track all of the executive orders that are impacting labor and employment. We will discuss the potential implications on laws and regulations.
Pawel Z. Binczyk, Esq. and Tara A. Walker, Esq., Fisher & Phillips, LLP
Neurodiversity in the workplace (H&D credit) (12:50-1:50)
This session will educate attorneys on all aspects of neurodiversity so they may effectively advise clients on how best to comply with legal requirements and create neuro-affirming workplaces that not only benefit their employees but also benefit their bottom lines. The presenters will discuss critical topics about neurodiversity, such as the difference between neurodivergence and mental illness, how to create neuro-affirming work environments, common misunderstandings and misconceptions about neurodivergence; neuro-affirming language and microaggressions regarding neurodivergence and mental illness, accommodation best practices, the business case for neurodiversity, and more.
Peter A. Hale, Esq., Pierce Atwood LLP and Pasha Marlowe, MFT, Neurobelonging
Navigating and Implementing Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program (2:00-3:00)
This session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Act, including an up-to-date summary of the law, the Final Rule, and additional guidance and resources published by the Maine Department of Labor. Presenters will discuss the requirements and implementation of the program, as well as considerations for advising employers on how to comply with the PFML law, state and federal unpaid family and medical leave laws, and other leave requirements, such as those under the ADA or specific employer policies. Attendees will gain knowledge needed to effectively advise employers and employees about the PFML program and to help prepare for overlapping leave eligibility requirements as PFML benefits begin to be paid in 2026.
John Bjorn, Esq., Pierce Atwood LLP
Legal Year in Review (3:00-4:00)
Annual survey of statutory and regulatory changes, court decisions, and new administrative guidance that impact our employment law practices.
John P. Gause, Esq., Eastern Maine Law, LLC, PA and Timothy H. Powell, Esq, Littler Mendelson, PC
Program Chairs: Steven J. Silver, Esq., Littler Mendelson PC and Martin Tartre, Esq., Employee Rights Group LLC
