The Employment Law Summit – Atlanta
Join CenterForce for The Employment Law Summit in Atlanta, where legal professionals convene to address the intricacies of employment law in 2024. Explore pertinent topics such as the state and federal legislative updates shaping the employment landscape for 2025. Delve into strategies for navigating Georgia-specific challenges in pay equity, workplace surveillance, and the integration of AI while ensuring legal compliance.
Connect with esteemed industry leaders, including Chief Legal Officers, HR Executives, and General Counsel, to dissect critical themes such as de-risking diversity initiatives, managing trade secrets within the Georgian legal framework, and interpreting recent Supreme Court rulings. Gain invaluable insights on mitigating legal liabilities, fostering employee retention, and optimizing workforce performance tailored to the nuances of Georgia employment law.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to network, learn, and influence the future trajectory of employment law compliance and strategy in Georgia.
+ CLE Pending Approval
- State + Federal Legislative Update: The Impact, Trends and What to Expect in 2025
- The New Era of Pay Equity: Strategies to Minimize Liability, Increase Employee Retention and Performance
- Navigating the Wage and Hour Landscape: Compliance and Best Practices
- Navigating the New Era of Trade Secrets in Georgia
- De-Risking and Future-Proofing Workplace Diversity Initiatives in a Changing Legal Landscape
- AI in the Workplace: Balancing Innovation, productivity with Legal Compliance
- From Office to Remote: The Evolving Landscape of Workplace Surveillance, Data Security, and Privacy Compliance
- Chief Legal Officer
- CHRO
- C-Suite Executives
- SVP Human Resources + Legal
- General Counsel
- Associate + Assistant General Counsel
- VP, Human Resources + Legal
- HR Director
- Senior Employment Counsel
- Corporate Counsel
- Counsel
Agenda
Recent laws and amendments have significantly altered both the national and state employment landscapes, demanding a shift in employer policies. What are the new legislations and policies, and how will they impact employers to ensure compliance and safeguard both the rights of their employees and their own business interests? What proactive and informed steps should be taken to integrate these significant changes into operational strategies?
This panel will discuss:
- The current Federal landscape and the impact on State Employment law policies and legislation
- Overview of Current + Upcoming State + Federal legislation
- How to Prepare for Potential New legislation
Terri Stewart is a regional managing partner in the firm’s Atlanta office. She represents management in all areas of labor and employment law in state and federal courts as well as before state and federal agencies.
Her practice focuses on the defense of employment related lawsuits in trial and appellate courts, encompassing a variety of issues, including claims arising under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and related state claims such as trade secret infringement, restrictive covenants, breach of contract and tort actions.
Terri also frequently advises employers on reductions in force, drafts employment agreements, personnel policies, separation agreements and releases, and conducts on-site training on topics such as employment law compliance and avoidance of harassment claims.
Terri has been listed in Georgia Super Lawyers – Rising Stars since 2011. She also received the top “40 under 40” Award by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The award honors the top 40 business people in Atlanta under the age of 40. Recently, she was chosen by the Daily Report, Atlanta’s leading legal newspaper, as a member of the 2015 class of “On the Rise” – the top 40 Georgia lawyers under the age of 40.Terri is also a recent graduate of the L.E.A.D. Atlanta Class (a division of Leadership Atlanta).
Sadiqa Banks has 14.5 years of experience in employment law, which involves employment litigation, federal agency, corporate employment consulting, HR development, corporate employment investigations, and employment training and development. Currently, Sadiqa is the Associate General Counsel, Employment & Immigration for a fintech, OppFi. Prior to OppFi, Sadiqa served as Assistant General Counsel & HR Consultant at Engage PEO.
Sadiqa has been described as having a 360-degree view of the employment relationship. She ultimately promotes, “Your career. Your responsibility.” She teaches this approach to help employees be proactive about their career path and how they can better participate and show up in the workplace.
Sadiqa is born and raised in New York City, holding a J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law – Texas Southern University, and a B.A. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.
In a climate where pay equity is gaining media and legal attention, this panel provides essential insights for employers facing increasing civil and class action litigation. With the EEOC making pay equity a key focus in 2024 and states enforcing stricter laws, understanding the complexities of both federal and state regulations is more critical than ever.
This panel will discuss:
- Navigating the complexities of federal and state pay equity laws.
- Adapting pay equity practices to minimize litigation and liability risks while increasing the quality of recruitment, the retention and improved performance of employees.
- Establishing fair compensation and review processes: pay equity audits and comprehensive staff compliance training
- Restructuring promotion and performance-based pay systems
Destiny is a seasoned labor and employment attorney with over 18 years of legal experience spanning public service, private practice, corporate in-house roles, and pro bono work. A United States Army veteran, she began her legal journey with the SEIU in Washington, D.C. She continued on to Georgia, progressing to significant roles as Assistant Attorney General, Senior Counsel at a labor and employment law boutique, an HR professional, and currently in-house Senior Global Labor and Employment Counsel at Southwire Company. Throughout her legal career, Destiny has defended and advised on various legal matters across various practice areas in state and federal jurisdictions. A respected speaker and legal writer, Destiny regularly contributes her expertise to DEI&B and employment law panels and has written for publications such as the HR Daily Advisor and the Georgia Employment Law Letter. Destiny continues her path of service by providing pro bono legal services to the Georgia Justice Project. Dedicated to advancing inclusion and belonging, Destiny mentors new lawyers.
Tifanie R. Owens is a highly experienced attorney with 18 years of diverse legal experience. She began her career as an Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Cincinnati, where she handled criminal prosecution matters. Shortly thereafter, she was promoted to Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Cincinnati, handling a variety of civil cases including Title VII litigation, labor union matters, collections, and general civil litigation on behalf of the city. Owens then transitioned to a practice focusing on high-asset family law cases as an Associate Attorney at Phyllis G. Bossin, Co. LPA. Soon thereafter, she was recruited by Cordell & Cordell to establish and manage multiple new offices for the firm. Owens’ expertise includes advising on divorce and child custody matters, personal injury litigation, negotiating commercial contracts, and handling various other civil and litigation issues. Currently, she serves as In-House Counsel at NextEdge Networks Holdings LLC, providing legal advice to management on commercial agreements and other civil and employment law-related matters.
Jana Korhonen is an experienced employment litigator and practical, trusted advisor. Jana partners with clients to understand their businesses and regularly counsels clients on employment-related matters, including terminations, reductions in force, employee handbooks, discipline, internal investigations, systemic discrimination, leaves of absence, workplace accommodations, wage and hour compliance, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Jana regularly advises clients on pay transparency, pay equity, and compensation audits. She has worked most closely with clients in the hospitality, manufacturing, entertainment, energy, and healthcare industries.
Jana has experience representing clients in federal and state courts, in mediations and arbitrations, and before administrative agencies. She has handled actions alleging wage and hour violations, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, failure to accommodate, tortious interference, whistleblower and wrongful termination claims.
Employers face a complex array of wage and hour regulations, shaping how they compensate their employees. This panel will delve into both federal regulations and the nuances of Georgia’s wage and hour laws, offering insights into compliance challenges and best practices tailored to the state’s unique requirements. Our panelists will explore critical issues such as minimum wage mandates, overtime regulations, employee classification, recordkeeping obligations, and the intricacies of enforcement mechanisms. By addressing these key topics, employers can gain a comprehensive understanding of their duties under Georgia law and proactively mitigate legal risks.
This panel will explore:
- Best practices for maintaining thorough and organized recordkeeping systems to demonstrate compliance with wage and hour regulations.
- Strategies for navigating enforcement mechanisms and responding effectively to wage and hour claims and investigations.
- Georgia-specific highlights include: Minimum wage update, pay and expense reimbursement, wage and hour class actions
Mariángela Corales is the General Counsel, Vice President of Legal and Compliance, and Corporate Secretary for Goodwill of North Georgia. As head of Goodwill’s legal and compliance teams, she leads legal and business professionals agency-wide dedicated to legal and employment matters, risk management, safety, compliance, workers’ compensation, real estate development, DE&I initiatives, and she provides advice and counsel to the CEO and Board of Directors. Mariángela is as a lecturer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and a board member for the Latino Community Fund.
Mariángela is a first generation Cuban-American, born and raised in South Florida. She attended Florida State University, earned her Bachelor of Arts from Florida International University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami. She resides in the metro-Atlanta area with her family.
Patrick Ouzts is the Vice-President, Assistant General Counsel for Atrium Hospitality, a leading hotel management company with 8,000 Associates and operations in 29 states.
Patrick received his law degree from Georgia State University (magna cum laude) in 2008 and his B.A. in English Education (cum laude) from Berry College in 2003.
As a lawyer, Patrick has represented school districts, airlines, and hotels, always in labor and employment matters. Outside of law, Patrick is a father of four, volunteer coach with various youth sports, and recreational golf/tennis player.
Nathan represents and counsels employers in a broad range of employment matters arising under state and federal laws, including:
• Title VII
• The Americans with Disabilities Act
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
• The Family and Medical Leave Act
• The Fair Labor Standards Act
• The Occupational Safety and Health Act
• Contingent workers and independent contractors
• Restrictive Covenant and Trade Secret Litigation
For over ten years, Nathan has successfully defended lawsuits alleging single plaintiff and class claims, including alleged class-wide wage hour violations and systemic discrimination. He has obtained defense verdicts in jury and bench trials. He has represented clients in state and federal courts and before various federal and state agencies, including the EEOC, the NLRB, and the Department of Labor.
With the introduction of new legislation and technology, employers now face amplified challenges in managing and protecting trade secrets and confidential information. With increased employee mobility, employers must explore alternative legal instruments and policies, navigating a fine line between compliance and protecting critical business information. How can robust non-disclosure agreements and innovative intellectual property management strategies emerge as key tools in this new landscape?
This panel will explore:
- State and Federal updates on trade secrets: How these changes impact the rest of the U.S. and interstate compliance issues.
- Strategies for employers to stay compliant while protecting business interests, including:
- Alternatives to non-competes.
- Revising existing employee agreements.
- Tools to protect trade secrets and confidential information
Since joining IDEX in 2022 as part of its Commercial team, Mr. Rego has acted as the lead attorney for several of the IDEX business units including the global IDEX Fire and Safety businesses; counseling on all aspects of their commercial operations. Most recently has been involved in revamping distribution agreements and channels partner agreement across several IDEX business units. Prior to joining IDEX Mr. Rego spent 20 years at Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (now UL Solutions). Initially joining UL in 2002 as a litigation attorney, Mr. Rego has served in several roles and functions within UL’s in-house legal team. While at UL he primarily managed employment and products liability litigation. He spent 2010 in Washington, D.C. supporting UL’s government affairs department and lobbying efforts. From 2011 through 2014 he supported UL’s internal M & A team performing internal due diligence on and negotiating purchase agreements completing four acquisitions during that time. He also served as the Corporate Secretary from 2014-2019 for both of UL’s Canadian affiliates, Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Inc. and ULC Standards.
He has represented UL globally in Europe and India and has recently managed the establishment of branch offices and partnerships in the Middle East (Dubai and Saudi Arabia).
In 2008 & 2103 he received the UL Mark of Excellence Award (UL’s highest award given on a yearly basis that rewards excellence in quality improvement) for his work on development of E85 Standards and hydrogen fueling stations.
Prior to joining UL, from 1999 through 2002 UL Mr. Rego worked for an intellectual property boutique law firm focusing his practice on copyright and trademark protection and prosecution. From 1997 through 1999 Mr. Rego was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois working in its General Litigation Division.
Mr. Rego holds a JD from DePaul University in Chicago, a MBA from The University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN and a BS in Finance from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA.
Currently serving as Senior Director and Associate General Counsel for Employment & Litigation at Snowflake Inc., Anthony uses his extensive knowledge of employment law and litigation to manage risk and support business needs around the world. During a period of rapid growth from 3,000 to 8,000 employees across 35 countries, he has built and leads a global legal team responsible for implementing scalable policies and addressing complex employment and litigation challenges. Prior to joining Snowflake, Anthony held senior legal positions at Global Payments Inc., represented clients in litigation and employment matters at a law firm, clerked for a federal judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and served as a judge advocate and infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. He continues to serve his country as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve supporting military talent acquisition and recruiting efforts. Outside of his professional life, he is passionate about his family, section hiking the Appalachian Trail, trail running, old Ford Broncos, and supporting the Atlanta Braves.
This panel offers a comprehensive examination of de-risking strategies for businesses in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling. Justices Gorsuch and Thomas have hinted that they would like to go further on affirmative action. As a result, there has been increased litigation from advocacy groups and reverse discrimination cases from employees. Companies need to audit and safeguard their operations while effectively running their DEI initiatives that align with their values and culture. What is the balance between robust DEI practices and the management of potential liabilities? How can we future-proof for what is coming? This panel is crucial for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of a changing legal and social environment.
This panel will explore:
- Strategies for de-risking companies in light of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling and related litigation
- Auditing values and the importance of DEI to the organization
- Methods for future-proofing businesses while maintaining active DEI initiatives
- ESG, hiring, and firing, to align with evolving DEI expectations
- Balancing DEI practices with potential legal liabilities
- Training leadership, managers, and stakeholders
Amy Cisrow-Peterson serves as Assistant General Counsel, Litigation Management to Rack Room Shoes Inc. and its subsidiary, Off Broadway Shoes Inc., members of the Diechmann Group, with over 525 retail shoe stores operating in 38 states. The Deichmann Group, is a German-based privately held shoe retailer that operates in over 17 countries with stores throughout Europe and Eastern Europe and sells well over 100 million pairs of shoes annually.
In her role as Assistant General Counsel Amy handles a variety of corporate matters (within the retail, technology, human resources, sales, landlord/tenant and supply chain areas), oversees and manages all litigation (which consist of a broad range of high dollar transactional and litigation matters, including but not limited to contract disputes, general liability claims, intellectual property disputes, employment claims and class action lawsuits). Amy also counsels middle and senior management across multiple geographies in regards to legal issues that arise from actual or anticipated lawsuits and occasionally represent the organization in small claims proceedings (where jurisdictionally allowed). Finally, Amy also manages retained outside legal counsel and legal vendors. As a result of the distinctive blend of Amy’s practice, she encounters the challenges involved with dealing with opposing counsel not only through retained counsel, but directly as well. Amy finds that her prior courtroom and private practice experience allows her to provide unique resolutions to her corporate client/employer.
Prior to joining Rack Room Shoes Inc., Amy served as a Staff Attorney with The South Carolina Centers for Equal Justice (SCEJ), a non–Profit Corporation that provides free legal services in a wide variety of civil legal matters to low-income residents of South Carolina. While serving in this role, ninety percent (90%) of her practice was concentrated in litigation. Her time working with SCEJ was a rewarding experience and has proven to be an invaluable tool in formulating successful commercial litigation strategies and in representing her client in Federal and State Employment Commission proceedings.
Outside of her duties at Rack Room and Off Broadway Shoes, Amy is involved with the Charlotte Chapter of the Association Corporate Counsel, Women of Color of Corporate Counsel, The Minority Corporate Counsel Association, and the Diversity Counsel of the Carolinas. In 2015 Amy was one of seventy participants (out of 600 applicants) selected by the National Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics to participate in the FBI and US Department of Justice Corporate Compliance Outreach Event in Washington, DC and Quantico, VA. This event, a partnership between the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was developed to help train management level corporate employees on the dangers of internal economic espionage and money laundering, as well as the development of a comprehensive plan to address emerging cyber threats.
Amy’s distinctive background of private and corporate practice combined with her strong management skills and sound business acumen provide a creative and resourceful problem-solving approach. Amy is a firm believer that in order to keep justice blind you must encourage the free exchange of diverse ideas within the legal community.
As AI increasingly intersects with employment law, employers face heightened legal risks and regulatory complexities that they may not be aware of. States are passing law that, with the EEOC, place the responsibility for compliance on employers: including for the actions of agents such as software vendors. Conversely there is a lack of clear guidance for employers. As the legal, regulatory and compliance landscape becomes more complex in the US and the EU, Employers must evaluate and test their AI and its impact on current and potential employees to prevent discrimination while developing comprehensive policies and trainings to manage these challenges
This panel will discuss:
- The intersection of AI and Employment law
- The current State and Federal legal and regulatory landscape
- The EU regulations and their impact on the US employers
- The current and developing AI guidelines and how to reduce liability and stay in compliance
As the Senior Corporate Counsel for Microsoft Corporation’s Global Financial Services Industry, Steve Rosenboro provides legal guidance to Microsoft’s corporate and regional leaders on how to plan, execute, and negotiate complex strategic transactions, and works with financial services customers, partners, and regulators on policy and regulatory compliance matters. Steve has nearly 30 years of operational and legal experience in various fields, such as cloud, SaaS, IoT, AI, Blockchain, innovation development, media and communications, government industry, on-line automotive, and financial services.
Jason M. Loring, FIP, CIPM, CIPP/US, is a partner in Jones Walker’s Corporate Practice Group and co-leader of the firm’s privacy, data strategy, and artificial intelligence team. He advises clients on data privacy and protection, cybersecurity, data governance, breach response, data strategy, and artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as strategic technology transactions and related commercial matters. He is a member of the executive committee of the Georgia State Bar’s Privacy & Technology Law Section. Jason received a juris doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law and a bachelor of arts from College of Charleston.
In an era where the workforce is increasingly mobile and virtual, employers face growing challenges in ensuring legal compliance across workplace surveillance, cybersecurity, and data privacy. Navigating the complex web of state and federal laws requires a strategic and informed approach while maintaining the delicate balance between effective employee monitoring and stringent data protection, heightened by the risks of cyber threats and data breaches.
This panel will explore:
- The current landscape, liability and legal interaction of Employee Surveillance, data-privacy and cybersecurity
- Policies and procedures to implement that comply with regulations and also mitigate legal risks and liabilities.
- Best practices for safeguarding diverse personal data and implementing advanced cybersecurity measures
- Understanding the boundaries set by and adhering to laws such as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), etc.
Katherine Williams has been growing her career with Diaz Foods for the past 18 years, and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer and EVP of Human Resources. Diaz Foods is an ethnic food importer distributing to restaurants and supermarkets in twenty-eight states. In her capacity, Katherine oversees the day-to-day human resources needs of 400 employees throughout 15 states as well as advising the other companies that fall under the Diaz Group. Additionally, she is responsible for the management of all legal issues that are presented to the companies. With her experience, education and institutional knowledge of the company, Katherine brings a unique perspective to the company as well as community that they serve.
While working at Diaz Foods, Katherine received her JD from Georgia State University through their part-time evening program. She also received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Business from GSU. Katherine serves on the board of Open Hand Atlanta, the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and is an Alumni of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2024. Although not an Atlanta native, Katherine has lived in Atlanta most her life. In her free time, Katherine enjoys volunteering, exploring the city she calls home, as well spending quality time with her dog at home.
Roundtable 1: “Wellness and Mental Health Strategies for the Future of Work”
Presentation by Terri Stewart, Regional Managing Partner, Fisher Phillips
Roundtable 2: Title coming soon!
Presented by Berry Appleman & Leiden, LLP
Roundtable 3: “Managing Workplace Conflict in the Era of Polarizing Political Silos”
Presented by Gregory Hare, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
Terri Stewart is a regional managing partner in the firm’s Atlanta office. She represents management in all areas of labor and employment law in state and federal courts as well as before state and federal agencies.
Her practice focuses on the defense of employment related lawsuits in trial and appellate courts, encompassing a variety of issues, including claims arising under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and related state claims such as trade secret infringement, restrictive covenants, breach of contract and tort actions.
Terri also frequently advises employers on reductions in force, drafts employment agreements, personnel policies, separation agreements and releases, and conducts on-site training on topics such as employment law compliance and avoidance of harassment claims.
Terri has been listed in Georgia Super Lawyers – Rising Stars since 2011. She also received the top “40 under 40” Award by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The award honors the top 40 business people in Atlanta under the age of 40. Recently, she was chosen by the Daily Report, Atlanta’s leading legal newspaper, as a member of the 2015 class of “On the Rise” – the top 40 Georgia lawyers under the age of 40.Terri is also a recent graduate of the L.E.A.D. Atlanta Class (a division of Leadership Atlanta).
Greg Hare has been an employment lawyer at Ogletree Deakins his entire career, since 1991. He assists companies with human resources and employment-related litigation matters, including wrongful termination claims, sexual harassment, employment discrimination, employment contracts, trade secrets, and noncompete agreements.
Greg also counsels clients on traditional labor relations matters involving union avoidance, decertification, strike contingency planning, grievance administration and arbitration, collective bargaining, unfair labor practice litigation, and other matters involving the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Greg advises clients on a wide range of human resources topics and encourages companies to develop proactive human resources strategies that will minimize exposure to costly litigation and disputes. This includes conducting compliance audits, employment policy design and review, management training, and counseling.
Speakers
Destiny is a seasoned labor and employment attorney with over 18 years of legal experience spanning public service, private practice, corporate in-house roles, and pro bono work. A United States Army veteran, she began her legal journey with the SEIU in Washington, D.C. She continued on to Georgia, progressing to significant roles as Assistant Attorney General, Senior Counsel at a labor and employment law boutique, an HR professional, and currently in-house Senior Global Labor and Employment Counsel at Southwire Company. Throughout her legal career, Destiny has defended and advised on various legal matters across various practice areas in state and federal jurisdictions. A respected speaker and legal writer, Destiny regularly contributes her expertise to DEI&B and employment law panels and has written for publications such as the HR Daily Advisor and the Georgia Employment Law Letter. Destiny continues her path of service by providing pro bono legal services to the Georgia Justice Project. Dedicated to advancing inclusion and belonging, Destiny mentors new lawyers.
Tifanie R. Owens is a highly experienced attorney with 18 years of diverse legal experience. She began her career as an Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Cincinnati, where she handled criminal prosecution matters. Shortly thereafter, she was promoted to Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Cincinnati, handling a variety of civil cases including Title VII litigation, labor union matters, collections, and general civil litigation on behalf of the city. Owens then transitioned to a practice focusing on high-asset family law cases as an Associate Attorney at Phyllis G. Bossin, Co. LPA. Soon thereafter, she was recruited by Cordell & Cordell to establish and manage multiple new offices for the firm. Owens’ expertise includes advising on divorce and child custody matters, personal injury litigation, negotiating commercial contracts, and handling various other civil and litigation issues. Currently, she serves as In-House Counsel at NextEdge Networks Holdings LLC, providing legal advice to management on commercial agreements and other civil and employment law-related matters.
Patrick Ouzts is the Vice-President, Assistant General Counsel for Atrium Hospitality, a leading hotel management company with 8,000 Associates and operations in 29 states.
Patrick received his law degree from Georgia State University (magna cum laude) in 2008 and his B.A. in English Education (cum laude) from Berry College in 2003.
As a lawyer, Patrick has represented school districts, airlines, and hotels, always in labor and employment matters. Outside of law, Patrick is a father of four, volunteer coach with various youth sports, and recreational golf/tennis player.
Mariángela Corales is the General Counsel, Vice President of Legal and Compliance, and Corporate Secretary for Goodwill of North Georgia. As head of Goodwill’s legal and compliance teams, she leads legal and business professionals agency-wide dedicated to legal and employment matters, risk management, safety, compliance, workers’ compensation, real estate development, DE&I initiatives, and she provides advice and counsel to the CEO and Board of Directors. Mariángela is as a lecturer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and a board member for the Latino Community Fund.
Mariángela is a first generation Cuban-American, born and raised in South Florida. She attended Florida State University, earned her Bachelor of Arts from Florida International University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami. She resides in the metro-Atlanta area with her family.
As the Senior Corporate Counsel for Microsoft Corporation’s Global Financial Services Industry, Steve Rosenboro provides legal guidance to Microsoft’s corporate and regional leaders on how to plan, execute, and negotiate complex strategic transactions, and works with financial services customers, partners, and regulators on policy and regulatory compliance matters. Steve has nearly 30 years of operational and legal experience in various fields, such as cloud, SaaS, IoT, AI, Blockchain, innovation development, media and communications, government industry, on-line automotive, and financial services.
Since joining IDEX in 2022 as part of its Commercial team, Mr. Rego has acted as the lead attorney for several of the IDEX business units including the global IDEX Fire and Safety businesses; counseling on all aspects of their commercial operations. Most recently has been involved in revamping distribution agreements and channels partner agreement across several IDEX business units. Prior to joining IDEX Mr. Rego spent 20 years at Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (now UL Solutions). Initially joining UL in 2002 as a litigation attorney, Mr. Rego has served in several roles and functions within UL’s in-house legal team. While at UL he primarily managed employment and products liability litigation. He spent 2010 in Washington, D.C. supporting UL’s government affairs department and lobbying efforts. From 2011 through 2014 he supported UL’s internal M & A team performing internal due diligence on and negotiating purchase agreements completing four acquisitions during that time. He also served as the Corporate Secretary from 2014-2019 for both of UL’s Canadian affiliates, Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Inc. and ULC Standards.
He has represented UL globally in Europe and India and has recently managed the establishment of branch offices and partnerships in the Middle East (Dubai and Saudi Arabia).
In 2008 & 2103 he received the UL Mark of Excellence Award (UL’s highest award given on a yearly basis that rewards excellence in quality improvement) for his work on development of E85 Standards and hydrogen fueling stations.
Prior to joining UL, from 1999 through 2002 UL Mr. Rego worked for an intellectual property boutique law firm focusing his practice on copyright and trademark protection and prosecution. From 1997 through 1999 Mr. Rego was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois working in its General Litigation Division.
Mr. Rego holds a JD from DePaul University in Chicago, a MBA from The University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN and a BS in Finance from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA.
Katherine Williams has been growing her career with Diaz Foods for the past 18 years, and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer and EVP of Human Resources. Diaz Foods is an ethnic food importer distributing to restaurants and supermarkets in twenty-eight states. In her capacity, Katherine oversees the day-to-day human resources needs of 400 employees throughout 15 states as well as advising the other companies that fall under the Diaz Group. Additionally, she is responsible for the management of all legal issues that are presented to the companies. With her experience, education and institutional knowledge of the company, Katherine brings a unique perspective to the company as well as community that they serve.
While working at Diaz Foods, Katherine received her JD from Georgia State University through their part-time evening program. She also received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Business from GSU. Katherine serves on the board of Open Hand Atlanta, the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and is an Alumni of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2024. Although not an Atlanta native, Katherine has lived in Atlanta most her life. In her free time, Katherine enjoys volunteering, exploring the city she calls home, as well spending quality time with her dog at home.
Terri Stewart is a regional managing partner in the firm’s Atlanta office. She represents management in all areas of labor and employment law in state and federal courts as well as before state and federal agencies.
Her practice focuses on the defense of employment related lawsuits in trial and appellate courts, encompassing a variety of issues, including claims arising under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and related state claims such as trade secret infringement, restrictive covenants, breach of contract and tort actions.
Terri also frequently advises employers on reductions in force, drafts employment agreements, personnel policies, separation agreements and releases, and conducts on-site training on topics such as employment law compliance and avoidance of harassment claims.
Terri has been listed in Georgia Super Lawyers – Rising Stars since 2011. She also received the top “40 under 40” Award by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The award honors the top 40 business people in Atlanta under the age of 40. Recently, she was chosen by the Daily Report, Atlanta’s leading legal newspaper, as a member of the 2015 class of “On the Rise” – the top 40 Georgia lawyers under the age of 40.Terri is also a recent graduate of the L.E.A.D. Atlanta Class (a division of Leadership Atlanta).
Jana Korhonen is an experienced employment litigator and practical, trusted advisor. Jana partners with clients to understand their businesses and regularly counsels clients on employment-related matters, including terminations, reductions in force, employee handbooks, discipline, internal investigations, systemic discrimination, leaves of absence, workplace accommodations, wage and hour compliance, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Jana regularly advises clients on pay transparency, pay equity, and compensation audits. She has worked most closely with clients in the hospitality, manufacturing, entertainment, energy, and healthcare industries.
Jana has experience representing clients in federal and state courts, in mediations and arbitrations, and before administrative agencies. She has handled actions alleging wage and hour violations, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, failure to accommodate, tortious interference, whistleblower and wrongful termination claims.
Nathan represents and counsels employers in a broad range of employment matters arising under state and federal laws, including:
• Title VII
• The Americans with Disabilities Act
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
• The Family and Medical Leave Act
• The Fair Labor Standards Act
• The Occupational Safety and Health Act
• Contingent workers and independent contractors
• Restrictive Covenant and Trade Secret Litigation
For over ten years, Nathan has successfully defended lawsuits alleging single plaintiff and class claims, including alleged class-wide wage hour violations and systemic discrimination. He has obtained defense verdicts in jury and bench trials. He has represented clients in state and federal courts and before various federal and state agencies, including the EEOC, the NLRB, and the Department of Labor.
Greg Hare has been an employment lawyer at Ogletree Deakins his entire career, since 1991. He assists companies with human resources and employment-related litigation matters, including wrongful termination claims, sexual harassment, employment discrimination, employment contracts, trade secrets, and noncompete agreements.
Greg also counsels clients on traditional labor relations matters involving union avoidance, decertification, strike contingency planning, grievance administration and arbitration, collective bargaining, unfair labor practice litigation, and other matters involving the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Greg advises clients on a wide range of human resources topics and encourages companies to develop proactive human resources strategies that will minimize exposure to costly litigation and disputes. This includes conducting compliance audits, employment policy design and review, management training, and counseling.
Currently serving as Senior Director and Associate General Counsel for Employment & Litigation at Snowflake Inc., Anthony uses his extensive knowledge of employment law and litigation to manage risk and support business needs around the world. During a period of rapid growth from 3,000 to 8,000 employees across 35 countries, he has built and leads a global legal team responsible for implementing scalable policies and addressing complex employment and litigation challenges. Prior to joining Snowflake, Anthony held senior legal positions at Global Payments Inc., represented clients in litigation and employment matters at a law firm, clerked for a federal judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and served as a judge advocate and infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. He continues to serve his country as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve supporting military talent acquisition and recruiting efforts. Outside of his professional life, he is passionate about his family, section hiking the Appalachian Trail, trail running, old Ford Broncos, and supporting the Atlanta Braves.
Sadiqa Banks has 14.5 years of experience in employment law, which involves employment litigation, federal agency, corporate employment consulting, HR development, corporate employment investigations, and employment training and development. Currently, Sadiqa is the Associate General Counsel, Employment & Immigration for a fintech, OppFi. Prior to OppFi, Sadiqa served as Assistant General Counsel & HR Consultant at Engage PEO.
Sadiqa has been described as having a 360-degree view of the employment relationship. She ultimately promotes, “Your career. Your responsibility.” She teaches this approach to help employees be proactive about their career path and how they can better participate and show up in the workplace.
Sadiqa is born and raised in New York City, holding a J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law – Texas Southern University, and a B.A. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.
Amy Cisrow-Peterson serves as Assistant General Counsel, Litigation Management to Rack Room Shoes Inc. and its subsidiary, Off Broadway Shoes Inc., members of the Diechmann Group, with over 525 retail shoe stores operating in 38 states. The Deichmann Group, is a German-based privately held shoe retailer that operates in over 17 countries with stores throughout Europe and Eastern Europe and sells well over 100 million pairs of shoes annually.
In her role as Assistant General Counsel Amy handles a variety of corporate matters (within the retail, technology, human resources, sales, landlord/tenant and supply chain areas), oversees and manages all litigation (which consist of a broad range of high dollar transactional and litigation matters, including but not limited to contract disputes, general liability claims, intellectual property disputes, employment claims and class action lawsuits). Amy also counsels middle and senior management across multiple geographies in regards to legal issues that arise from actual or anticipated lawsuits and occasionally represent the organization in small claims proceedings (where jurisdictionally allowed). Finally, Amy also manages retained outside legal counsel and legal vendors. As a result of the distinctive blend of Amy’s practice, she encounters the challenges involved with dealing with opposing counsel not only through retained counsel, but directly as well. Amy finds that her prior courtroom and private practice experience allows her to provide unique resolutions to her corporate client/employer.
Prior to joining Rack Room Shoes Inc., Amy served as a Staff Attorney with The South Carolina Centers for Equal Justice (SCEJ), a non–Profit Corporation that provides free legal services in a wide variety of civil legal matters to low-income residents of South Carolina. While serving in this role, ninety percent (90%) of her practice was concentrated in litigation. Her time working with SCEJ was a rewarding experience and has proven to be an invaluable tool in formulating successful commercial litigation strategies and in representing her client in Federal and State Employment Commission proceedings.
Outside of her duties at Rack Room and Off Broadway Shoes, Amy is involved with the Charlotte Chapter of the Association Corporate Counsel, Women of Color of Corporate Counsel, The Minority Corporate Counsel Association, and the Diversity Counsel of the Carolinas. In 2015 Amy was one of seventy participants (out of 600 applicants) selected by the National Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics to participate in the FBI and US Department of Justice Corporate Compliance Outreach Event in Washington, DC and Quantico, VA. This event, a partnership between the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was developed to help train management level corporate employees on the dangers of internal economic espionage and money laundering, as well as the development of a comprehensive plan to address emerging cyber threats.
Amy’s distinctive background of private and corporate practice combined with her strong management skills and sound business acumen provide a creative and resourceful problem-solving approach. Amy is a firm believer that in order to keep justice blind you must encourage the free exchange of diverse ideas within the legal community.
Jason M. Loring, FIP, CIPM, CIPP/US, is a partner in Jones Walker’s Corporate Practice Group and co-leader of the firm’s privacy, data strategy, and artificial intelligence team. He advises clients on data privacy and protection, cybersecurity, data governance, breach response, data strategy, and artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as strategic technology transactions and related commercial matters. He is a member of the executive committee of the Georgia State Bar’s Privacy & Technology Law Section. Jason received a juris doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law and a bachelor of arts from College of Charleston.
Sponsors
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
Since Smith Gambrell Russell began practicing law in 1893, we have pursued a vision of building one of the country’s premier full-service business firms. Today we serve corporate counsel and corporations across the globe from offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Jacksonville, Florida; London, UK*; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Munich, Germany; New York, New York; Southampton, UK*; Springfield, Illinois; Tampa, Florida; and Washington, D.C.
(*Denotes offices of Smith, Gambrell & Russell International, LLP)
Our attorneys are focused in primary disciplines featuring more than 50 specialized practice areas. Our clients welcome guidance in specific areas of law and value attorneys who can deliver specialized levels of legal service within those areas.
Our goal is to provide swift, expert and cost-effective legal support to our clients. With 130 years of experience practicing law across the globe, we have developed a practice designed to get your business done quickly and efficiently while assigning the right talent to give you the help you need.
We look forward to serving you with expert legal counsel, responsiveness, skill and professionalism.
Fisher Phillips
Fisher Phillips, an international labor and employment law firm representing employers, once again earned top rankings in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA. The firm’s Occupational Safety and Health practice maintained its national standing. The firm also maintained its Band 2 national Labor and Employment ranking and was ranked “Band 1 – Highly Regarded” in California, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee among their state’s respective Labor & Employment law firms. In addition, Fisher Phillips saw an increase of approximately 5% in the number of individual attorney rankings, and the firm had individuals listed within the top bands of 24 states.
Chambers USA, the nationally recognized client guide of America’s top law firms and lawyers, determines rankings through thousands of in-depth interviews with attorneys, clients, and businesses. The guide reflects a law firm’s performance in key areas including value, professional conduct, commercial astuteness, client service, diligence, industry knowledge, commitment, technical ability, efficiency, and other qualities stated as most valued by the client.
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
BAL is a global law firm singularly focused on meeting the immigration challenges of corporate clients and their employees around the world with innovative insights that create strategic advantage and help clients succeed. Our uniquely holistic approach combines our deep knowledge of immigration law with a bespoke understanding of our clients’ challenges and needs. We deliver solutions through our people-centered approach, award-winning technology, and unwavering commitment to exceptional service.
Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is among the nation’s largest labor and employment law firms representing companies in their employment-related legal matters. The Ogletree-Atlanta office has lawyers specializing in employment litigation, HR-related advice and counsel, labor relations, workplace safety, employee benefits and executive compensation, and business immigration. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 13 consecutive years. In the 2024 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Employment Law – Management category. Ogletree Deakins has a broad geographic reach, with over 1,000 attorneys located in 56 offices across the United States, plus Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many Fortune 50 companies. www.ogletree.com
Venue
Twelve Midtown, Autograph Collection,
361 17th Street NW,
Atlanta, GA, 30363
Pricing
| Register By | In House Counsel | Law Firms & Vendors |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 1, 2024 | $0.00 | $895 |
| Oct. 15, 2024 | $0.00 | $1195 |
| Oct. 29, 2024 | $0.00 | $1395 |
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