AGENDA*

1:30pm - 2:20pm
Playing by the Rules: Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Issues in Employment, Education & Athletics (1 Diversity Credit)
Professor Helen "Nellie" Drew, Esq.

We will explore the continuing epidemic of educational institutional failure in sexual harassment and discrimination with respect to students and employees, as well as similar crises in the sports and entertainment world such as the Dallas Mavericks situation and, of course, Harvey Weinstein. We will examine the application of Title IX, due process and New York State law in these circumstances. In addition, we will consider how the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the EEOC and NYS Department of Labor rules impact social media and background checks in the quest for diversity and inclusion.

Helen A. “Nellie” Drew teaches a variety of courses that incorporate topics such as drug testing in professional sports and professional player contract negotiation and arbitration. Drew is especially interested in the evolving research and litigation concerning concussions in both amateur and professional sports. A native Western New Yorker, Drew is a lifelong Bills, Sabres and Bulls fan. While attending the School of Law, she developed an independent study research project on alternative dispute resolution in the NHL with Gerry Meehan ‘82 who was also in-house counsel with the Sabres. Drew was instrumental in negotiating and drafting contracts for Pat LaFontaine, Dominik Hasek and Alexander Mogilny, among others. She also was part of the legal team that handled numerous NHL transactions, including the Anaheim MIghty Ducks, the Ottawa Senators, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the San Jose Sharks.

2:20pm - 2:40pm
Sponsors Presentations

2:40pm - 3:00pm
Business Meeting - Members Only

3:00pm - 3:50pm
Speaking to Your Legislator - Do’s, Don’ts and Ethical Considerations (1 Areas of Ethics Credit)
Jennifer Richardson, Esq. and Bill Crossett, Esq.

Speaking to our legislative officials and their staff is paramount to effecting change in public policy. This program will outline best practices from scheduling a meeting to a follow up thank you card. We will discuss the ethical considerations involved in proposing, drafting and supporting legislation as well as the same in opposing legislation offered by other interest groups. Additionally we will discuss the challenges of dealing the New York Workers’ Compensation Board and their role as an administrative agency.

Jennifer Richardson is a Senior Vice President at Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates. She has fourteen years of experience working in New York City and New York State government analyzing and advising on state and city legislative and regulatory proposals and budgetary items. Her most recent experiences include successful legislative advocacy on behalf of Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises, Criminal Justice Reform, the professions, and the financial sector. Jennifer previously served as the Deputy Director for Mayor Bill de Blasio’s State Legislative Affairs Office. Her portfolio included education, health, social services, immigrant affairs, law department, and technology. She was also the Director of State Legislative Affairs for the New York City Department of Education where she drafted legislation and facilitated the passage of mandatory Pre-K in New York City and Electronic Access to Individualized Education Programs. She is currently the President of the Capital District Black & Hispanic Bar Association.

William W. Crossett IV concentrates his practice in the representation of Injured Workers. Since 1982, he has appeared before the Workers’ Compensation Board and the Courts of New York. As an advocate for the Injured Worker, he has testified before the New York State Senate and has presented Continuing Legal Education programs. Mr. Crossett is a past President of the Injured Workers Bar Association of New York and Workers Compensation Law Division of the New York State Bar Association. He is Co-Chari of the Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy Group a Political Action Committee. In 2012, he was inducted as a fellow in the College of Workers Compensation Lawyers. Mr. Crossett practices throughout Central NY with offices in Syracuse, Watertown and Chittenango.

3:50pm - 4:00pm
Break

4:00pm - 4:45pm
WCA Presentation

4:45pm - 5:00pm
Conclusion 

The content of this program is appropriate for experienced attorneys, as well as newly admitted attorneys.
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