Liebert Cassidy Whitmore has once again partnered with Cal-ISBOA to bring you the annual Legal Symposium! This virtual event is filled with legal updates important to independent school business officers and those with human resources responsibilities. Four curated topics will be presented by LCW attorneys along with a Q&A session to answer all of your questions. With two for one pricing, this is an excellent opportunity for teams, so consider bringing multiple staff members to ensure both your business and HR functions are well-supported. Don’t miss this standout event of the year!
Consortium members receive discounted pricing – look for an email with the discount code.
https://isboa.org/event-6342021.
Program details are listed below.
9:00 am – 9:15am – Opening Remarks
9:15am – 10:30am – Avoiding Legal Landmines: How Schools Can Step Safely
Monica M. Espejo, Senior Counsel and Brian Walter, Partner
The legal landscape for California independent schools is constantly shifting, creating new challenges and potential pitfalls for school leaders. This session will address today’s most pressing areas of legal risk — employment practices and leave laws, contracts, off-campus activities, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence. Drawing on recent litigation trends and real-world case studies, we will highlight proactive strategies to anticipate risks, strengthen policies, avoid reputational harm and promote a culture of compliance. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with practical tools to navigate legal challenges with confidence and safeguard their schools for the future, consistent with the school’s mission and values.
10:30am – 10:45am – Break
10:45am – 11:45am – The Future of Hiring is Here: Harnessing AI Responsibly in California Schools
Grace Chan, Partner and Julie Strom, Senior Counsel
As artificial intelligence tools reshape the hiring landscape, California independent schools must balance innovation with compliance. This session explores how independent schools can harness AI to streamline the hiring process—while staying aligned with California and federal employment, privacy, and nondiscrimination laws. Learn best practices for implementing AI responsibly, mitigating risk, and ensuring your hiring process remains fair, transparent, and legally sound.
11:45am – 12:45pm – Lunch Break
12:45pm – 2:00pm – Think You’re Covered? Common Wage & Hour Pitfalls for California Private Schools
Elizabeth Arce, Partner and Stacy Velloff, Senior Counsel
California Independent schools must navigate an increasingly complex wage and hour landscape, balancing compliance with the realities of school operations. This session will cover key risk areas — including misclassification of employees, meal and rest breaks, expense reimbursements, overnight trips, and other issues related to the payment of wages. Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen compliance practices, reduce exposure to claims, and better protect their schools against wage and hour liability.
2:00pm – 2:15pm – Break
2:15pm – 3:15pm – The Legal Horizon: Emerging Issues for California’s Independent Schools
Michael Blacher, Partner and Hannah Dodge, Associate
Staying current with legal developments is a constant challenge for California independent schools. Drawing on recent cases, new legislation, and evolving best practices, this interactive session will highlight key trends shaping the legal landscape both in California and nationally. School leaders will gain practical insights to anticipate risks, strengthen compliance, and make informed decisions that support effective school operations. They will leave with clear, actionable takeaways to enhance risk management strategies and position their schools for long-term success.
3:15pm – 4:00pm – Closing Remarks and Questions
Each of the sessions have been submitted for HRCI and SHRM Approval.
Questions?
Please contact Melanie Veach at 310-981-2087 or mveach@lcwlegal.com.