CLE Seminars
Current Events
FREE CLE: Navigating the CHOICE Act05/28/2025, 12:00 pm to 05/28/20251:00 pm
Location:
Zoom
Description:Join our FREE informative webinar on Florida’s new CHOICE Act, which dramatically reshapes Florida’s non-compete laws and addresses the enforceability of garden leave agreements in Florida. Hear insights from Delegal & Poindexter Shareholder James Poindexter. Discover the details of this legislation to understand what both employers and employees need to know about implementation, enforcement, and rights under these agreements. REGISTER
Past Events
(8963) Advanced Labor Topics 202504/24/2025, 5:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Location:
Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key, FL 33050
Labor and Employment Law Section Members: Make plans to join us at the beautiful Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key for 2025 Advanced Labor Topics, a two-day, in-person, educational and networking event you don’t want to miss. The Executive Council meets from 5–6 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, and the CLE program is scheduled for Friday, April 25, and the morning of Saturday, April 26. REGISTER
In-person attendance* at Advanced Labor Topics is an incredible opportunity to learn from nationally renowned speakers. Experienced litigators, arbitrators, mediators, and members of the judiciary will discuss the latest developments in labor and employment law. Hear the latest updates first-hand from key government agencies and well-known leaders in their respective specialty practice areas. Gain labor and employment law insights directly from the sources and share in the experience with your fellow practitioners in this dynamic area of law.
Course number 8963 is approved for 9 CLE, 1 Technology, 1 Professionalism, and 9 Labor and Employment Law board certification credits. Labor and Employment Law Section members register for $550; non-section members only $595. *Audio and video recordings of the course will be available to purchase online after the program is presented.
Dates: Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26 (a.m.) CLE Program
Venue: Hawks Cay Resort, 61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key, FL 33050
Hotel Room Block: Attendees can call the reservations line at 1-305-743-7000 and mention “Labor and Employment Section Event” or reserve using the convenient booking link: Labor and Employment Section Event at Hawks Cay Resort & Villas (Group code: LABOR)
AGENDA (Speakers TBA)
Day 1: April 25, 2025
- Judicial Panel on Professionalism
- The Future of Non-Competes
- Break
- Strategies for Preparing Cases for Mediation and State Court Non-Binding Arbitration
- Whistleblower and Retaliation claims
Day 2: April 26, 2025
- AI/Technology Updates in Discovery
- Post-Chevron and Rise of Textualism
- Break
- ABCs of the Agencies Under the Trump Administration
- Lunch
- Use of Experts in Employment Cases: The How’s and Why’s
- Executive Orders and Employment Law
(8808) Litigation Skills and Technology
03/05/2025, 9:00 am to 4:50 pm
Location:
Zoom
Description:FREE CLE: (8911) Expanding Intercultural Skills to Resolve Today’s Increasingly Multi-Cultured Disputes
02/19/2025, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Location:
Zoom
Description:Originally presented on February 19, 2025, by attorney Lynn Cole, Florida Circuit-Civil Certified Mediator and Arbitrator, Tampa, course number 8911 is approved by The Florida Bar until approximately August 19, 2026, for 1 CLE and 1 Labor and Employment Law certification credit. Florida Bar members may self-report CLE credit through their member portals. Watch the video recording on YouTube.
In this program, mediator Lynn Cole uses her recent experiences traveling to and working in Ukraine to highlight the importance of cultural considerations in dispute resolution.
FREE CLE: (8901) Changes to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure—What Labor and Employment Lawyers Need to Know
01/29/2025, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Location:
Zoom
Description:Originally presented on January 29, 2025, by Peter Sartes, Law Offices of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos, Clearwater, course number 8901 is approved by The Florida Bar until approximately July 29, 2026, for 1 CLE and 1 Labor and Employment Law certification credit. Florida Bar members may self-report CLE credit through their member portals. Watch the recording on YouTube.
This webinar highlights recent changes to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, which include several significant amendments aimed at improving the efficiency and management of civil cases, and how they likely will impact the practice of labor and employment law in Florida.
(8818) 25th Labor and Employment Law Annual Update and Certification Review
01/16/2025, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Location: Description:
The 25th Labor and Employment Law Annual Update and Certification Review originally was presented on January 16 and 17 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. Course number 8818 is approved by The Florida Bar until July 31, 2026, for 17.5 General CLE Credits, 1 Ethics credit, and 17.5 Labor and Employment Law certification credits. The course is available to purchase online in the following formats:
The program is a comprehensive deep dive into Labor and Employment Law topics. This two-day course updates labor and employment law practitioners and prepares lawyers taking the Labor and Employment Law certification exam. The speakers, many board-certified in Labor and Employment Law, speak from vast experience. The presentations and written materials provide an excellent review and preparation for the certification exam.
Topics include PERA, Employment Related Business Interests, EEO Procedural, ERISA, FLSA, NLRA, WARN, Accommodation Claims, Common Law Torts and Workplace Privacy Claims, Constitutional Employment Claims, EEO Substantive Discrimination Claims, OSHA, Retaliation and Whistleblower Claims, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, Family and Medical Leave Act, and USERRA.
AGENDA & PRESENTERS
*Florida Bar Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law
Day 1: January 16
8:00–8:10 a.m. Introductions
*Robyn S. Hankins, Robyn S. Hankins, PL, Palm Beach Gardens
*Marlene Quintana, GrayRobinson, Miami
Program Chairs
8:10–9:10 a.m. Public Employment Relations Act (PERA) / Public Employees Relations Commission
*Denise Heekin, Bryant Miller Olive, Miami
9:10–10:00 a.m. Employment Related Business Interests, including the Federal Arbitration Act and the Florida Arbitration Code
*Sherril Colombo, Littler Mendelson, P.C., Miami
10:00–10:15 a.m. Break
10:15–11:05 a.m. EEO Substantive Discrimination Claims
*Janet Wise, Sass Law Firm, Tampa
11:05–11:55 a.m. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN)
*Deborah La Fleur, GrayRobinson, P.A., Orlando
11:55 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00–2:00 p.m. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
*Adam Chotiner, Shapiro, Blasi, Wasserman & Hermann, PA, Boca Raton
2:00–3:00 p.m. National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
Marc Sugerman, FordHarrison LLP, Orlando
3:00–3:15 p.m. Break
3:15–4:05 p.m. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)
*Cathleen Bell Bremmer, Carlton Fields, Tampa
4:05–4:40 p.m. Accommodation Claims
Patrick Martin, Ogletree Deakins, Miami
Day 2: January 17
8:00–8:10 a.m. Introductions
*Robyn S. Hankins, Robyn S. Hankins, PL, Palm Beach Gardens
*Marlene Quintana, GrayRobinson, Miami
Program Chairs
8:10–9:10 a.m. Common Law Torts and Workplace Privacy Claims
*Holly Goodman, Gunster, West Palm Beach
9:10–10:00 a.m. Constitutional Employment Claims
*Tad Delegal, Delegal and Poindexter, P.A., Jacksonville
(also Florida Bar board certified in State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice)
10:00–10:15 a.m. Break
10:15–11:15 a.m. EEO Procedural
*Kevin Johnson, Johnson Jackson PLLC, Tampa
11:15–11:55 a.m. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA)
*Eric Holshouser, Rogers Towers, P.A., Jacksonville
11:55 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00–1:50 p.m. Retaliation and Whistleblower Claims
*Ellen Leibovitch, Assouline & Berlowe, P.A., Boca Raton
1:50–2:35 p.m. Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA and HIPAA
Timothy Zehnder, Hill Ward Henderson, Tampa
2:35–2:45 p.m. Break
2:45–3:45 p.m. Family and Medical Leave Act
*Richard Tuschman, Richard D. Tuschman, P.A., Davie
3:45–4:30 p.m. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and State Military Leave Laws
*Kathryn Piscitelli, Sass Law Firm, Tampa
(8811) Muldrow: “Some Harm” Standard
12/04/2024, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Location:
Zoom
Description:Originally presented on December 4, 2024, at noon by Kathryn Piscitelli from the Sass Law Firm, course number 8811 is approved by The Florida Bar until approximately June 4, 2026, for 1 CLE and 1 Labor and Employment Law certification credit. Florida Bar members may self-report CLE credit through their member portals.
In this program, Kathryn Piscitelli reviews the U.S. Supreme Court’s April 2024 decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, Mo., which resolved a circuit split over the level of impairment to terms or conditions of employment that must be shown in establishing a Title VII claim. Such a component of a Title VII claim is familiarly known as the “adverse employment action” element. Muldrow adopted a “some harm” standard. During this free webinar, you’ll learn more about how Muldrow changed the legal landscape, as well as cases interpreting the Muldrow standard.
Kathryn Piscitelli is an attorney at the Sass Law Firm in Tampa. She has over 40 years of experience in labor and employment law. Ms. Piscitelli is board certified by the Florida Bar in labor and employment law. She is a past Chair of the Florida Bar’s Labor and Employment Law Certification Committee. She is an active member of the national and Florida chapters of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) and has served on the executive board of Florida NELA. Ms. Piscitelli was selected to the Florida Super Lawyers list 2012-2024.
FREE CLE: The Power of PR in Employment Litigation
12/03/2024, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Location:
Jacksonville Bar Association, One Independent Drive, Suite 120, Jacksonville
Description:Originally presented on December 3, 2024. The Jacksonville Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Committee hosted this FREE luncheon CLE on December 3 at noon, and The Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law Section is proud to have been a sponsor. Watch the video recording here. The course number is 2412357N.
Evan Nierman from Red Banyan will delve into the importance of an effective public relations strategy for employment law practitioners. If you’re representing a high-profile client or involved in litigation involving claims with media attention, understanding how best to approach the case from not only a legal perspective, but also with a strong public relations strategy, is invaluable. This course will provide practical insights and best practices for lawyers to maximize the effectiveness of representation through the empowering use of public relations.
For more information about The Power of PR in Employment Litigation, please contact Craig Shoup, CShoup@jaxbar.org or (904) 399-4486.
(8760) FREE CLE: Pregnancy Workplace Fairness Act
11/20/2024, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Location:
Zoom
Description:Originally presented on November 20, 2024, by Carmen Manrara Cartaya. Free CLE is a benefit of your membership in The Labor & Employment Law Section.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into law in 2023, and the regulations were finalized in June of this year. The PWFA is a federal law that requires covered employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to a qualified worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer an “undue hardship.” An undue hardship is defined as causing significant difficulty or expense. During this free webinar, you’ll learn more about this new law and how it will impact employers and employees.
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Wednesday, November 20, 12–1 PM
- Course number 8760 is approved for 1 General CLE and 1 Labor & Employment Law Certification Credit
Carmen Manrara Cartaya is Of Counsel to Continental Attorneys at Law in Coral Gables. She is an experienced trial attorney who focuses her practice on employment matters and complex commercial litigation. She also leads the firm’s Labor & Employment practice group. Prior to joining the firm, Carmen was a trial attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Miami District Office. Read her full bio here.
The Fair Labor Standards Act: 86 Years Young
10/25/2024, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Location:
Zoom
Description:Originally presented on October 25, 2024, by Linda Bond Edwards and Kayla Platt Rady, RumbergerKirk; Ryan Barack, Kwall Barack Nadeau; and Ross Vickers, Jackson Lewis. Course number 8687 is approved for 1 CLE; 1 Labor and Employment Law certification credit.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is one of the oldest employment laws in existence. When enacted the “bill provided for a 40-cent-an-hour minimum wage, a 40-hour maximum workweek, and a minimum working age of 16 except in certain industries outside of mining and manufacturing.” While the minimum wage has increased, the bill continues to require covered employers to pay minimum wage and overtime for all hours worked over forty in a workweek. Sounds simple enough but as recently as 2023, cases reached the United States Supreme Court for a ruling. A plaintiff and defense counsel panel will discuss why the law continues to be relevant even in the midst of technological changes that affect how and where people work. This noon time webinar will: 1) Demonstrate how Plaintiff’s claims are taking a deeper dive into the law to find violations of the basic requirements to pay minimum wage and overtime to covered employees. 2) Address how defense attorneys gear up to defend the nuanced claims. 3) Highlight how employers can comply with the new salary minimums for exempt employees.
(8618) 50th Annual Public Employment Labor Relations Forum
10/17/2024, 8:30 am to 4:45 pm
Location:
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
1001 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-5277
Originally presented on October 17–18, 2024, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista—a timely, engaging two-day CLE. The program was in person only—no live webcast—and is a unique opportunity to learn from and network with some of the nation’s top labor and employment law professionals.
The agenda included an optional, free, half-day workshop on the Special Magistrate process and careers in ADR benefiting Special Magistrates and practitioners alike. The main conference included a 50-year retrospective on PERA plus commentary on what the next 50 years will bring. Our speakers shared insights about public sector discipline and discharge, elected officials and their roles and risks, the law of unilateral change, the new face of protected concerted activity, the unanswered questions on SB256 and SB 1746, an 11th Circuit update, and more. This “can’t miss” program was designed for all management and union practitioners alike.
Course number 8618 is approved for 12 CLE credits, all of which may be applied toward Ethics; and 12 certification credits each in City, County, and Local Government Law; Labor and Employment Law; and State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice.
AGENDA & PRESENTERS
Day One—October 17: Optional Half-Day Workshop (no extra cost to attendees)
The workshop focuses on the Special Magistrate process and careers in ADR.
- 8:30–8:35 AM: Welcome
- Program Chairs Glenn Thomas, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.; and Deborah C. Brown, Brown Law & Consulting
- 8:35–9:25 AM: Structure and Process: Running an Effective Impasse Resolution Dispute Procedure
- Kenneth Starr, Starr ADR; and Michael G. Whelan
- 9:25–10:15 AM: After the Hearing: Post–Hearing Observations and Insights
- Tom Young, Mediator, Arbitrator & Special Magistrate
- 10:15–10:25 AM: BREAK (coffee/snack service)
- 10:25–11:15 AM: Pitfalls and Practice Pointers
- Stephen A. Meck and Jeffrey E. Mandel, Fisher Phillips
- 11:15 AM–12:05 PM: Creating and Marketing Your Neutral Practice
- Kelly Overstreet Johnson, Overstreet Johnson Mediation & Arbitration
- 12:10–1 PM: LUNCH on your own
Day One—October 17: Main Conference
- 1:00–1:15 PM: Welcome
- Program Chairs Glenn Thomas, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.; and Deborah C. Brown, Brown Law & Consulting
- 1:15–2:05 PM: PERA Turns 50: Enduring Cases and Observations After 5 Decades
- Stephen A. Meck; Thomas Brooks; and Michael Mattimore, Allen Norton & Blue
- 2:05–2:55 PM: Desperately Seeking Stability: Union Registration, Dues, and Strategies for Calming the Storm
- Martin Powell, Meyer, Blohm and Powell, P.A.; and Sacha Dyson, Bush Graziano Rice & Hearing, P.A.
- 2:55–3:10 PM: BREAK/SNACKS/SOFT DRINKS
- 3:10–4 PM: Elected Officials: The Ethics and Risks in Shifting Roles
- Stephanie M. Marchman, GrayRobinson, P.A.
- 4–4:50 PM: Change is Hard: Waivers, Exigency, and Other Defenses to Unilateral Change
- David C. Miller, Bryant Miller Olive
- 5–6 PM
- 6–8 PM: RECEPTION (Beverages, Appetizers & Camaraderie)
Day Two—October 18: Main Conference
- 7:45–8:30 AM: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
- 8:30–8:40 AM: Welcome
- Program Chairs Glenn Thomas, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.; and Deborah C. Brown, Brown Law & Consulting
- 8:40–9:30 AM: Let’s Get Organized: Secrets to Staying Compliant in Union Organizing Campaigns, Elections, and Beyond
- Mark W. Floyd, Mierzwa & Floyd, P.A.; and Jeffrey E. Mandel, Fisher Phillips
- 9:30–10:20 AM: The New Face of Protected Concerted Activity: Rights and Responses
- D. Marcus Braswell Jr., Sugarman, Susskind, Braswell & Herrera; Erin Jackson, Johnson Jackson PLLC; and Thomas Brooks, Moderator
- 10:20–10:30 AM: BREAK
- 10:30–11:20 AM: The Death of Public Sector Unions: Myth or Reality
- Mark Richard, Phillips, Richard & Rind, P.A.
- 11:20 AM–12:10 PM: Eleventh Circuit Update
- Damon Kitchen, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete
- 12:10–1:15 PM: LUNCH honoring past Commissioners and General Counsel
- Kerey Carpenter, Chair, Public Employees Relations Commission
- 1:15–2:05 PM: You’re Fired (or Not): Discipline and Discharge in a Unionized Environment
- Richard Siwica, Egan, Lev, Lindstrom & Siwica, P.A.; and Brian Koji, Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A.
- 2:05–2:55 PM: Implementation of SB256 & SB 1746 and PERC Case Update
- Gregg Morton and Janeia Ingram, Public Employees Relations Commission
- 2:55–3:05 PM: BREAK
- 3:05–3:55 PM: Bargaining over Retirement Benefits: Tips and Traps
- Glenn Thomas, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
- 4:55–4:45 PM: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Unraveling Unit Configuration and Modification
- Deborah C. Brown, Brown Law & Consulting
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