2025 Workplace Law Forum

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Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 • 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Legal Issues Affecting Business Leaders and Human Resource Professionals

LOCATION

Bayfront Convention Center - Grand Ballroom
*Please allow extra travel time due to construction and road closures. 
The image below shows road closures near the entrance.  

COST

$35 until August 29, 2025
$50 after August 29, 2025
Refunds issued until Tuesday September 16, 2025

AGENDA

11:00am - Registration Opens

11:30am - Buffet Lunch

11:55am - Welcome
Julia M. Herzing

12:00pm - KEYNOTE: Make the Connection: People-First Leadership in an AI-First World
Carsen Ruperto, Chief People Officer, Eat'n Park Hospitality Group
Followed by Q&A with Carsen Ruperto and Mark T. Wassell

Carsen Ruperto is the Chief People Officer at Eat'n Park Hospitality Group, where she leads with a people-first approach to foster values-based decisions aligned with our mission to create smiles. She partners with internal teams to enhance employee engagement and benefits programs while addressing labor challenges effectively. 

1:00pm - SESSION 1: Best Hiring Practices
Matthew W. Lasher
• Understand what should be included in the employment application.
• Learn appropriate questions to ask of interviewees/candidates (and what not to ask).
• Understand an employer’s duty to accommodate interviewees/candidates.
• Learn other tips and dos/don't during the hiring process, to stay compliant.

1:45pm - BREAK

2:00pm - SESSION 2: Immigration, I-9, and Other Legal Considerations for Employers
Rimaz A. Mustfa
• Understand how immigration and the recent changes have an impact on employers and the workplace. 
• Learn about I-9 form compliance.
• Understand how Equal Employment Opportunity  issues affect employees, and learn tips on how to manage issues.

2:45pm - SESSION 3: Preventative Care: Employer's Guide to Avoiding Legal Liability
Robert D. Zaruta
• Understand the importance of designing and implementing supervisor and employee training.
• Develop actionable strategies and processes for dealing with employee with potential claims.  
• Identify common types of potential employee-related claims (e.g. Americans with Disabilities, Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation, Wage Payment and Collection Law).
• Understand the importance of creating and supporting the Company’s “narrative”.

3:30pm - BREAK

3:45pm - SESSION 4: Triple A: Providing Roadside Assistance on ADA and FMLA Matters
Julia M. Herzing
• Understand employer obligations to employees under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and other laws, with a specific focus on the interplay between the ADA and FMLA.
• Learn about the complexities of managing employee leave, including intermittent leave, and the extent to which such leave is protected under the FMLA and/or ADA.
• Explore strategies for managing suspected leave abuse and gathering additional information when appropriate.

4:30pm - Cocktails & Appetizers
Sponsored by ECCA Payroll

CONTINUING EDUCATION

This program will is APPROVED for 3.25 general HR-related continuing education through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It has been submitted for 3.25 General HR credits through the HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®); and also for Pennsylvania CLE credits.

RSVPs are not open yet.

BAYFRONT HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION:

What People Are Saying

"Wonderful event. Thank you for an insightful opportunity to learn and network." - 2024 attendee

"This was a wonderful event with highly relevant topics. I look forward to next year's event." - 2024 attendee

"I would have to say that this was one of the BEST forums I have attended. Well thought out and planned. Excellent job!" - 2023 attendee

"The material is excellent and presented in terms I can understand." - 2023 attendee

"It was just perfect." - 2023 attendee

"This Workplace Law Forum is truly the best in Erie. I learn so much after attending the forum - every single time I attend. I appreciate the hard work and thoughtful information presented, as well as the excellent speakers that do the presentations." - 2023 attendee

"Thank you for everything! Appreciate all of the knowledge, hospitality and support that you provide for area HR leaders and companies." - 2023 attendee

"I truly enjoyed the day. We came away with a lot of great ideas to improve/protect our institution." - 2023 attendee

"I truly enjoy this Workplace Law Forum. Probably my favorite one of the year. All of the topics are relevant, the speakers are very well informed and present the information in an easy way to understand." - 2023 attendee

"Thank you for hosting this event. I found it extremely beneficial, and I enjoyed listening to and meeting local HR personnel." - 2023 attendee

"We were floored by how much information there was, and how much we didn't know. It opened our eyes to see the challenges management has." - 2023 attendee

"Very good topics and very well presented - speakers are excellent!" - 2021 attendee

"Topics that are practical and relevant to our business operations." - 2021 attendee

"For the time allowed, the forum was detail packed. Very informative and a nice review on other topics." - 2021 attendee

"[This] forum is always filled with current information critical to my ability to do my job as an HR professional and provides an opportunity to network with other HR professionals." - 2019 attendee

"Great investment of time to gain the necessary knowledge to lead a better organization." - 2019 attendee

"Very informative and well organized. Speakers were all relatable and interesting- real examples and cases help us further understand law." - 2019 attendee

"The speakers seemed very accessible for questions and guidance. Did not speak over our heads in 'legalese'. I would feel comfortable approaching them." - 2019 attendee

"The opportunity to get this caliber of training locally is so appreciated. Thank you!" - 2019 attendee

"Informative, enjoyable, and well worth the time to attend." - 2018 attendee

"Each year I attend these forums. I find them very informative, and I use the information in my daily job duties." - 2018 attendee

"The Knox Law Workplace Law Forum never disappoints; it is informative and provides the best and biggest networking opportunity for HR professionals in the area." - 2018 attendee