Northeastern Law’s annual Labor and Employment Program provides a unique opportunity to hear from fellow grads, all of whom are recognized experts in the field of labor and employment law.
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5:30 - 6:30 PM
Panel 1
Federal Labor and Employment Agencies Update
Every change of administration brings change to the priorities and directions of all federal agencies, but to call the changes brought about by the second Trump administration unprecedented seems inadequate. Shutdown aside, what is going on at the EEOC, the DOL, the NLRB and other agencies? Our panelists will discuss the impact of the sweeping changes on the practice of labor and employment law and on employers and workers in general, including:
- Policy changes implemented by the new administration
- How staffing and budget cuts are impacting enforcement mechanisms
- How the firing of top officials is impacting practitioners
Join our panel of practitioners and scholars as we discuss just what is going on in Washington, DC.
Panelists:
Paige McKissock ’13
Segal Roitman
Michael Maccaro ’04
Murphy Hesse Toomey & Lehane
Moderator:
Professor Ryan Quinn ’19
Northeastern Law
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Panel 2
DEI Under Scrutiny
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs are under heightened scrutiny under the current administration. For employment lawyers advising organizations or defending employers, understanding the current legal landscape is critical. This panel will discuss:
- Current legal landscape under both state and federal law
- Enforcement trends, litigation risks and regulatory developments
- Guidance on structuring DEI programs that may be legally defensible, aligned with organizational goals and responsive to the external environment
- Strategies for mitigating risk exposure, including discrimination claims or regulatory challenges
The panelists will lead an interactive discussion and share legal, strategic and practical dimensions of DEI initiatives, and how to navigate both opportunity and risk.
Panelists:
Deepa Desai ’16
Fisher Phillips
Anne Kinnane ’92
Senior Director, Executive Legal Counsel/Employment, Boston Consulting Group
The Honorable Kalpana Kotagal (virtual)
Commissioner, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Moderator:
Professor Kiana Baskin
Associate Dean for Belonging, Northeastern University School of Law
7:30 - 8:30 PM
Reception
With Thanks to Our 2025 Planning Committee:
Michelle De Oliveira ’12
Bryan Decker ’92
Jeff Dretler ’91
Jaclyn Kugell ’92
Stephen Linsky ’86
Thanks to Our sponsors:
Dec 3, 2025
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm