Current Issues in Title VII Discrimination: From Caregiver Discrimination to Body Piercings

The EEOC has recently noted an upsurge in cases alleging discrimination against employees who tried to meet their family caregiving obligations. In addition, in the past fifteen years, the EEOC has seen a forty-five percent increase in complaints alleging pregnancy discrimination. More states are enacting legislation protecting military status. Employees claim a religious right to have body piercings and tattoos. Claims of discrimination against individuals of Middle Eastern origin continue to climb. Congress is debating whether to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. And the aging of the boomer generation virtually guarantees an explosion in age discrimination claims.

Please join us on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, when we will lead you through the evolving concept of equal employment opportunity. This program promises to be a fascinating discussion as we consider how the subject of discrimination has expanded since Title VII was passed in 1964 to eliminate racial and gender bias, and outline the necessary steps for identifying seemingly innocuous employment decisions that could quickly escalate into claims of discrimination.

Speakers include:

• Christina L. Feege, Esq. is a shareholder in Littler Mendelson’s New York office. She has represented management in a variety of state and federal lawsuits, including those involving statutory claims based on Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state and local anti-discrimination statutes. Ms. Feege also has extensive experience litigating on management's behalf in cases involving breaches of noncompetition agreements, thefts of trade secrets, and violations of the duty of loyalty. Ms. Feege is an active member of Littler's Wage and Hour and Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets practice groups.
• Gregory B. Reilly, III, Esq. is a shareholder in the New York office of Littler Mendelson. He has extensive experience defending management in all aspects of employment and labor law, including litigation involving employment discrimination and workplace harassment, class action defense, wage and hour laws, wrongful termination, breach of contract, and enforcement and defense of restrictive covenants. Mr. Reilly also regularly advises employers on preventative strategies, and counsels management on efficient navigation of every aspect of the employment relationship, from concerns emerging from employment-related laws and employee separations, to litigation avoidance and compliance with EEO requirements.
• Special guest speaker Jonathan R. Alger, Vice President and General Counsel of Rutgers University, will present his unique perspective during this briefing. Mr. Alger is responsible for coordinating the legal efforts on two landmark United States Supreme Court affirmative action lawsuits during his tenure at the University of Michigan.

Registration/Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Register online today. You may also register by contacting Lisa Bachner* at 212.583.2665 or lbachner@littler.com. Please respond by May 9, 2008.

*Please also direct all requests for special accommodations to Lisa Bachner.

This program has been approved for 2.0 hours of General CLE credit. Non-transitional credit, not acceptable for newly admitted attorneys.

There is no charge for this program.