Your Morning Briefing Webinar Series

“Your Morning Briefing,” is a recurring webinar series presented by Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment practice. Kickstart your day with HSE attorneys Amy L. Hemenway and Anna S.M. McCarthy as they share and discuss the latest employment law updates in focused, 30-minute sessions. Designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve, each session provides essential insights that will help you navigate the complexities of a workplace with confidence.

Grab your morning coffee and log on for a dose of timely employment law updates, ensuring you stay prepared and proactive in your professional endeavors.

Schedule

Your Morning Briefing: Responding to a Government Investigation Under the Trump Administration - September 3, 2026

Your Morning Briefing has taken a summer hiatus, but we are back with some important updates! Our last Your Morning Briefing covered some recent federal agency enforcement actions over the last several months, with a look into the federal government’s apparent priorities based on the targets of recent investigations and lawsuits.

For this next session of Your Morning Briefing, join HSE’s labor and employment attorney Anna S.M. McCarthy and guest co-host HSE attorney Laura A. Higgins, a seasoned litigator specializing in government and internal investigations, on September 3, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. as they discuss some of the recent enforcement developments and actions from the Department of Justice and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and how those activities may change employer obligations for data collection, employment decisions, and defense of employment-related claims. Anna and Laura will also discuss relevant topics regarding federal investigations, including:

The legal and practical framework for when and how government investigations and inquiries may arise.
The legal risks and compliance considerations related to investigations, including a discussion of proactive steps that help to address those risks and considerations.
Best practices for responding to government inquiries.

Don’t miss this critical update on navigating federal actions in today’s climate, how they may impact the workforce, and what you can do to prepare.

Your Morning Briefing: Recent Federal Directives Reshaping the Workplace - May 13, 2026

After a flurry of activity from federal agencies over the last few months, it’s time to review some of these developments and learn how they may impact you and your workplace. Join HSE’s labor and employment attorneys Amy L. Hemenway and Anna S.M. McCarthy for the next session of Your Morning Briefing, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. as they discuss several recent federal directives and guidance, including:

A memorandum from the Department of Labor laying out a shift in compliance enforcement, with an apparent focus on non-unionized workplaces and the protection of the free exercise of religion in the workplace.
Guidance from the National Labor Relations Board regarding its updated approach to reviewing employer work rules.
New enforcement actions from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Justice related to workplace diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
A recent Executive Order related to new requirements for recipients of federal contracts.

Don’t miss this timely briefing on the federal developments shaping today’s workplace—and what employers should be doing next.

Your Morning Briefing: Labor and Employment Updates to Keep on Your Radar for 2026 and Beyond - March 10, 2026

Stay ahead of the curve with a practical overview of important legal updates for New York employers in 2026. Join HSE attorneys Amy Hemenway and Lindsey Bober for a timely discussion of recent changes to New York employment laws, including wage and hour developments, updates to the New York State Human Rights Law and Fair Credit Reporting Act, amendments to the Trapped at Work Act, and more. Amy and Lindsey will also discuss pending legislation employers will want to keep an eye on and the latest on enforcement priorities at federal and state agencies.

Don’t miss the opportunity to gain insight into the latest legal developments and prepare for the year ahead with timely, actionable guidance.

Your Morning Briefing: How the “Trapped at Work Act” Impacts Employers - January 22, 2026

With a new year comes new laws, and New York State is no exception. On December 19, 2025, a new law was signed into effect which prohibits employers from requiring their employees to repay certain expenses if an employee leaves employment before working for a minimum period of time. On January 6, 2026, the New York State Legislature introduced proposed amendments to this law, which would significantly change the law’s scope and impact, including broadening the exceptions for certain types of repayment arrangements.

Join HSE’s labor and employment partners Anna McCarthy and Benjamin Mudrick for a discussion of whether and how this new law will impact workplace policies and agreements, including with respect to tuition reimbursement programs and agreements related to moving expenses, training costs, and other employment benefits.

In addition to discussing this new law, Ben and Anna will provide an overview of several new guidance letters issued by the U.S. Department of Labor and review federal changes regarding overtime and tip payments, which were introduced last year.

Navigating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Resources and Employee Relations, Part II - December 4, 2025

Artificial Intelligence can offer exciting new opportunities for both employers and employees to utilize in the workplace. However, this uncharted territory raises new considerations for employers as they adopt new practices, especially with respect to employee use of AI tools. Is the use of these AI tools reflected in your organizational policies? Is there proper oversight into how employees utilize AI assistants? Are these AI tools working for the needs of your organization?

Join HSE’s labor and employment attorneys Benjamin E. Mudrick and Anna S.M. McCarthy for part II of our discussion regarding navigating the impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Learn practical insights on policy development, performance evaluation and management, and methods for mitigating risk.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about the ethical and legal considerations of AI in the workplace.

Navigating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Resources and Employee Relations - September 16, 2025

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how we live and work, and the workplace is no exception. From recruiting and policy development to performance evaluations, AI tools offer employers exciting possibilities. But with opportunity comes risk. As AI adoption grows, employers must carefully consider its legal and ethical implications. Are your current practices compliant? Do you have the right guardrails in place to realize the benefits of AI while minimizing potential risks to your organization?

Join HSE’s labor and employment attorneys Amy Hemenway and Anna McCarthy for a timely discussion on how AI is reshaping human resources and employee relations compliance, and what employers need to know to stay ahead. You’ll gain practical insights on:

How AI is being used in hiring, policy-making, and employee evaluations
Legal risks and compliance considerations
Best practices for implementing AI responsibly

Don’t miss this essential conversation for HR professionals and employers alike.

What Employers Should Know When ICE is at the Door and Other Immigration Updates - July 22, 2025

President Trump’s expansion of U.S. immigration enforcement authority and the increase in ICE enforcement actions over the last six months have had a significant impact on workplaces across the country. Employers are faced with questions about how to address these rapid changes to immigration enforcement, including the potential for increased scrutiny on work authorization records and I-9 compliance, and questions from employees about how their employer is addressing compliance with immigration laws. Join Anna McCarthy and guest co-host Liz Lindhome as they discuss how employers can be prepared to respond to immigration enforcement authorities and what action steps employers should take in order to address compliance with immigration law.

As a bonus section of this Morning Briefing, Anna will also provide a brief update on the recently effective New York State Retail Worker Safety Act, including why the coverage of this law may be more expansive than you think.

Staying Ahead of EEOC Changes and EEO-1 Compliance - June 11, 2025

Join HSE attorney Amy Hemenway and our guest Troy Snelgrove of Employer Services Corporation (ESC) as they discuss best practices for navigating the updated EEO-1 Component reporting requirements in advance of the June 24 filing deadline.

In this session, Amy and Troy will share tips for preparing and submitting data and avoiding common pitfalls. They will also discuss the EEOC’s evolving agenda, particularly as it relates to deprioritizing disparate impact claims and rolling back guidance related to gender identity, so you understand the potential impact for your organization and can proactively adapt.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, compliant, and forward-thinking.

The 5 Leave & Accommodation Mistakes Employers Can’t Afford to Make - May 21, 2025

Are you struggling to navigate the complexities of employee leaves and accommodations? Join us for our next installment of Your Morning Briefing with Amy Hemenway and guest co-host Luke Wright to discuss the top 5 mistakes that trip up employers when handling leaves and accommodations—and the tips and strategies you can implement to ensure compliance with best practices.

From missteps in documentation to challenges in managing ongoing leave requests, this session will help you build a more confident, compliant approach. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your leave and accommodation processes and avoid these common mistakes.

Employee Handbooks Are Living Documents: Keeping Your Finger on the Pulse of Required and Recommended Handbook Updates - April 29, 2025

Once an Employee Handbook is published, it tends to sit on the metaphorical shelf, overlooked and forgotten. Almost every year, however, updates to federal and New York State employment law inevitably create obligations for employers to update their employee handbooks. These updates are essential for ensuring compliance with current law, communicating accurate and necessary information to employees, and setting the right tone for the workplace.

Join Harter Secrest & Emery LLP’s Benjamin E. Mudrick and Anna S.M. McCarthy on Tuesday, April 29 at 8:30 am as they break down the essentials of an employee handbook, review additional recommended policies and topics to include in a handbook, and discuss what you need to know in order to undertake a review.

100 Days In: Navigating the Sea Changes in Employment Law Enforcement - March 25, 2025

With the incoming administration, most employers expected changes in the federal government’s enforcement priorities within the realm of employment law. As we approach 100 days with this administration, many of the changes that have occurred have been more impactful than expected.

Join Harter Secrest & Emery’s Benjamin E. Mudrick and Anna S.M. McCarthy as they discuss the recent changes to federal agencies, including changes in staffing, guidance, and enforcement priorities for the NLRB, the EEOC, the OFCCP, and the DOL, and how those changes will impact employers. They will also discuss employer compliance with some of the federal mandates issued over the last two months, including when those mandates may conflict with state law.

Workplace Impact of New Executive Orders Concerning DEI and Other Non-Discrimination Efforts - February 12, 2025

During his first weeks in office, President Trump issued a series of Executive Orders, including Orders targeting federal programs, which have supported and encouraged DEI-related practices in the workplace. The Executive Orders purport to be far-reaching, specifically discouraging the use of DEI policies and practices in the private sector through the use of federal civil investigations and lawsuits. Many employers have been left wondering how the Orders impact their workplaces and what changes, if any, they need to make to ensure they remain compliant with current laws and government policies.

Join attorneys from our Labor and Employment group to learn what the Orders say —and do not say—and for a discussion on the steps employers should be taking to ensure their practices are in line with up-to-date legal requirements. We’ll also touch on anticipated changes in agendas and policy positions at the various the Federal agencies that oversee workplaces.

HR Resolutions for the New Year - January 22, 2025

Has your business made its HR-related New Year’s resolutions? Get a resolution road map for this year by joining us for the next session of HSE’s Your Morning Briefing on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

In this session, Amy L. Hemenway and Anna S.M. McCarthy will discuss what should be top-of-mind for employers in 2025, including how employers can address some newer employment laws, such as the recently effective Clean Slate Act, the new Paid Prenatal Leave, and the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. They will also address other issues that should be on employers’ radar in the new year, including anti-harassment measures, overtime exemption compliance, supervisor oversight, and proper coordination of employee leave.

Preparing for Workforce Changes with the New Administration - December 12, 2024

In this session of Your Morning Briefing, Amy and Anna will discuss the anticipated workforce-related changes that may be coming in 2025 and beyond. With the recent presidential election and a new administration on the way, the goals and priorities of federal agencies may shift, which could impact the rules and regulations that apply to employers, including with respect to workplace discrimination and employee accommodations, minimum wage and salary thresholds, and employment agreements (including restrictive covenants), among other issues. Employers could also see more state-specific activity in response to changes at the federal level.

Join us to discover what employers need to know about the potential shifts in labor policies and how to navigate these changes effectively.

Understanding New York State’s Clean Slate Act - October 22, 2024

On November 16, 2024, New York State’s Clean Slate Act will take effect, allowing for the automatic sealing of certain criminal records and providing for additional protections for individuals seeking employment.

Join Harter Secrest & Emery’s Anna S.M. McCarthy and Chloe J. Macdonald as they discuss which convictions are eligible for sealing, how these new protections will affect the hiring process, and what employers need to know in order to navigate compliance with the Clean Slate Act – even if a business does not use criminal background checks.

Navigating New York State's Freelance Isn't Free Act - September 24, 2024

On August 28, 2024, New York State’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act went into effect, requiring businesses that use freelance workers who provide services valued at $800 or more over a 120-day period to enter into written agreements with the freelance worker.

Join Amy and guest co-host, Edward J. Steve, to learn about when your business needs a written agreement, what the agreement must include, and what other protections the Act affords to freelance workers that you should know about.

Employee Speech in the Workplace - August 22, 2024

In this session of Your Morning Briefing, Amy and Anna discuss how to address employee speech in the workplace. With the country gearing up for election season, and the strong feelings that are often elicited by differences in political opinions or reactions to any number of global current affairs, employers may face the challenge of how to handle conflicts that occur when employees discuss non-work-related topics with each other, wear or display polarizing images or text, or post opinions on social media.

Watch now to discover what employers need to know about speech in the workplace, how to address workplace conflicts, and what types of restrictions on speech are permissible without infringing on protected rights.

The FTC Non-Compete Ban - July 8, 2024

In April of 2024, the FTC issued a final rule concerning non-compete agreements. Once effective, the rule will impose a comprehensive ban on new non-compete agreements with all workers and a ban on existing non-competes against most workers, with a limited exception for senior executives. The rule is set to go into effect on September 4, 2024, although at least four lawsuits have been filed to halt the FTC’s enforcement of this rule.

Watch Amy and Anna as they discuss the status of these lawsuits, the scope of this ban, and what employers should be considering—whether or not the FTC rule goes into effect this September. This session provides valuable insights into the potential impact on your business and practical steps to stay compliant and prepared.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - June 27, 2024

In our inaugural session of Your Morning Briefing, Amy and Anna dive into the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”), which became effective June 27, 2023, and requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. They discuss the PWFA and its requirements as compared to the ADA, the necessity of interactive dialogue between employers and employees, and the upcoming EEOC regulations set to take effect on June 18, 2024.

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