Labor and Employment Law Academy Fall 2026
September 17, October 15, November 10
By: John M. Bagyi, Paul J. Buehler III, Erin M. Callahan, Elizabeth A. Heifetz, Rebecca J. LaPoint, Natalie C. Vogel
In today’s workplace, it is imperative to understand the far-reaching effects of employment laws and regulations that impact each and every business. Failure to do so may result in significant administrative fines or costly legal judgments.
The Labor and Employment Law Academy is your one-stop solution.
Presented by recognized leaders in employment law and human resources, the Academy will focus on practical workplace applications that will prepare you to deal with the real-life issues you face every day.
Invaluable Information for:
- Human resource professionals
- Business owners
- Those performing the human resource function, including executive directors, business, office and operations managers
Early Registration is Recommended, as this Program Consistently Sells Out
3.0 General HRCI Credits and 3.0 SHRM PDCs
Dates
Session One • September 17, 2026
Session Two • October 15, 2026
Session Three • November 10, 2026
Location
The Desmond Hotel • 660 Albany Shaker Road • Albany, NY 12211
Program Agenda
8 - 8:30 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Program
Registration Fees Per Person
Bond clients: $75/session; $125 in advance for two sessions; $170 in advance for three sessions
Non-clients: $100/session; $165 in advance for two sessions; $225 in advance for three sessions
Refunds will only be made for cancellations received no fewer than 5 business days before event. This seminar series is intended for the invited guests of Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. Bond reserves the right to deny admission to any registrant.
Session One • September 17, 2026
From Posting to Offer: Best Practices for Hiring in 2026
Presented by: Natalie C. Vogel, Esq.
Designed to help employers stay compliant and avoid common hiring pitfalls, this session offers practical guidance for navigating the evolving hiring landscape. We will walk through best practices of the hiring process from job postings and applications to interviews, offers and everything in between. Specific topics of discussion include non‑discriminatory practices in hiring, legal requirements for job postings and applications, pre-employment inquiries, and employer responsibilities under the Clean Slate Act.
From Compliance to Culture: Immigration Law, I-9s, and Best Practices for Hiring International Talent
Presented by: Elizabeth A. Heifetz, Esq.
This session provides a practical overview of immigration law considerations when hiring international talent. It will cover common visa pathways available to employers, including temporary work visas and permanent residency options, along with key requirements for sponsorship. Attendees will also learn best practices for maintaining compliance throughout the hiring and onboarding process including an overview of I-9 compliance obligations and strategies to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to delays, audits, or penalties.
Session Two • October 15, 2026
Building Harassment Free Workplaces: Insights, Mistakes, and Best Practices for Employers
Presented by: John M. Bagyi, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP
It has been eight years since New York’s sexual harassment prevention law went into effect, providing a meaningful window to reflect on its impact. In this presentation, we will examine the most significant lessons learned during that period - what has worked well, what has not, and what changes employers should consider making. We will discuss the most common pitfalls organizations have encountered and highlight the strategies that have proven most effective in creating and maintaining a workplace free of all forms of harassment.
Navigating Wage and Hour Compliance: Recent Updates, Emerging Risks, and Litigation Trends
Presented by: Rebecca J. LaPoint, Esq.
Wage and hour compliance remains one of the most active and costly areas of employment litigation. This presentation will offer an overview of key requirements under New York and federal wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and pay practices that are frequently subject to scrutiny. The program will also address developments in case law and enforcement priorities shaping employer risk. Attendees will gain an understanding of common pitfalls and actionable steps to assess and limit exposure to wage and hour claims.
Session 3 • November 10, 2026
Whose Leave (Law) Is It Anyway?
Presented by: Paul J. Buehler, III, Esq.
Navigating employee leaves can be complex, with each situation presenting unique challenges. This interactive session will consist of a practical, case driven exploration of leave issues under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), New York Human Rights Law (HRL), New York Paid Family Leave (PFL) and New York’s Paid Sick Leave. Through a discussion of real world scenarios, participants will gain actionable insights into compliance requirements, key risk areas, and proven best practices. Designed to be interactive and discussion focused, this session encourages participants to ask questions and share perspectives.
When Work Leaves the Office: Compliance Considerations for Remote Employees
Presented by: Erin M. Callahan, Esq.
The rapid expansion of remote work – especially across state lines - has introduced new legal and compliance challenges for employers. This presentation examines the key labor and employment law considerations that arise when managing remote employees both within and outside of New York State. We will address critical topics such as wage and hour rules (including overtime, daily premium payments, and pay frequency), expense reimbursement rules, administration of paid and unpaid time off, workplace safety obligations, termination pay rules and state-specific policy requirements.
