Admitting and Accommodating Students with Disabilities
2024-12-04 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar, Webinar
In this engaging webinar, our Education Law Practice Group will cover how independent schools should handle both the admissions process and day-to-day enrollment of students with disabilities. The session will dissect the legal framework for disabilities at independent schools, including what constitutes a disability or a reasonable accommodation. We will also explore various case studies that highlight recommended actions in responding to accommodation requests and how best to support disabled students on campus. Attendees will be provided with practical tips on the types of admissions questions that may be asked, and what policies related to disabilities schools should consider implementing.

Let’s Talk About It: New Hampshire’s Transgender School Athletics Law & Impact on Independent Schools
2024-12-10 12:30 - 13:30 | Webinar, Webinar
As winter sports season arrives, new questions are coming into focus about the effect of New Hampshire’s recently passed law concerning transgender students’ participation in school athletics. Join members of McLane Middleton’s Education Law Practice Group for an interactive discussion about the specific requirements of the law, the law’s impact on independent schools, and how schools can address community concerns surrounding the law.

The Massachusetts Employers' 2025 To-Do List
2025-01-08 12:00 - 13:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
The start of a new year is a great time to review and update employment practices. Join members of McLane Middleton’s Employment Law Practice Group for a discussion of what employers can expect from the new administration and some key items that Massachusetts employers should consider putting on their “To-Do” list in 2025, including wage and hour best practices, the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act requirements, and updates to employee handbooks.

Commercial Leasing 101
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
Join us for a discussion of the fundamentals of commercial leases, focusing on the essential components and considerations for tenants, landlords, and real estate professionals. Members of the McLane Middleton Real Estate Practice Group will explain the responsibilities and rights of both landlords and tenants, including property maintenance, insurance, and potential lease clauses governing rent escalation, renewal options, and fit-up. Negotiating a commercial lease requires understanding these terms and more to create mutually beneficial agreements that align with the business needs of all parties (including lenders). This session provides a foundational overview.

Understanding ICE & I-9 Compliance
2025-03-04 13:30 - 14:30 | Webinar, Webinar
The executive orders enacted by President Trump in the early days of his second administration have raised significant concerns among businesses and organizations across the country. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces strict employment verification requirements through the I-9 form, which must be completed for all new hires. Ensuring proper I-9 compliance is crucial for avoiding costly penalties and legal issues.
In this webinar, McLane Middleton attorneys Shiva Karimi and Andrea Hellrigel will explore the fundamentals of I-9 compliance, provide an overview of recent updates, and discuss best practices for businesses to stay in line with federal regulations. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights that will help you maintain compliance and safeguard your organization.

Handling the Purchase or Sale of a Business
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
Buying or selling a business is a complex process that requires careful planning, negotiation, and execution. This seminar will guide business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs through the critical steps involved in a successful transaction. Topics include due diligence, legal considerations, the business transaction lifecycle from the buyer’s and seller’s perspectives, and strategies for a smooth transition. Whether you are looking to acquire a business or prepare yours for sale, this seminar will provide valuable insights and practical advice.

Employee Handbook Refresher Course for Independent Schools
2025-04-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar, Webinar
In this session, McLane Middleton’s education attorneys will walk through essential updates for employee handbooks, including a review of behavioral standards to help ensure that interactions among colleagues and between colleagues and students are healthy and respectful.

What's Her Story with Carolyn Jones
2025-04-29 17:00 - 19:00 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
This networking series features successful women sharing their stories with other business owners and executives. Carolyn Jones, Market President and Publisher of the Boston Business Journal (BBJ), will join McLane Middleton attorney Kim Kramer for an in-depth conversation about her deep passion for the publishing industry and the dynamic changes it has undergone. Carolyn will reflect on her journey and the invaluable experiences that have shaped her career as she ascended from her humble beginnings at a small publication to become the BBJ’s publisher.

House v. NCAA - Potential Future of Name, Image and Likeness
2025-05-08 17:30 - 19:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
On September 5, 2024, Judge Claudia Wilken declined to grant preliminary approval of the House v. NCAA settlement. Fast forward to April 7, 2025, Judge Wilken recently held a hearing on the proposed final House settlement. During the hearing, Judge Wilken challenged the settlement in certain aspects and challenged the attorneys to prove the settlement is sufficiently fair, reasonable and adequate in order for her to grant final approval. Will the plaintiffs and the NCAA revise their settlement agreement after Judge Wilken’s recent comments from the April 7th hearing? Will they wait for Judge Wilken to rule on the current version of the proposed settlement? When will Judge Wilken rule on such settlement? These are the questions everyone is looking for answers to.
Please join us for a panel discussion on the status of House v. NCAA settlement, Judge Wilken’s recent comments from the April 7th hearing, and what the future of NIL will look like in 2025 and beyond. Panelists include:

John DeWispelaere – Corporate attorney and Vice Chair of McLane Middleton’s Sports Law Practice Group
Michael McCann – Founding Director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law
Scott Mutryn – Founding member of Friends of the Heights, the Boston College NIL collective
Frances Reimers – Founder and CEO of Firestarter, an athlete brand and NIL consultancy

The Importance of a Board of Directors
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
A company’s board of directors plays a critical role in its governance, strategy, and overall success. Join us for an informative seminar to discuss the important role a board of directors plays within a company. Whether you’re a founder, executive, board member, investor, or advisor, this session will provide a clear understanding of how a board of directors can be a powerful asset for any organization and how to ensure it’s legally sound and strategically aligned.
Topics include:

Legal roles and responsibilities of board members.
Structuring an effective board: bylaws, liability, and compliance.
Re-imagining the composition of your board of directors and identifying and recruiting new board members.
Challenges in board governance and how to address them.

Our expert panel will discuss effective strategies for board redesign, board member recruitment, and on-boarding that align with the current and future needs and strategies of your organization.

Impactful Action: Local Non-Profit Visionaries
2025-06-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Nashua Country Club, 25 Fairway Street, Nashua, NH, 03060, United States
Join us along with the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce for a panel discussion featuring the bold minds and compassionate hearts behind some of Southern New Hampshire’s most impactful non-profit organizations. These local visionaries are creating meaningful change—right here in our community.
What to Expect:

Discussions focused on the business side of non-profit operations and the symbiotic relationship between for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Engaging conversation on the challenges and triumphs of community-focused work
Personal stories from leaders driving social impact
Networking with like-minded changemakers
Light refreshments and a welcoming atmosphere

Featured Panelists:
Gena Lavallee (moderator) – Corporate Attorney at McLane Middleton
Sue Durkin – Co-CEO at Lamprey Health Care
Jane Goodman – Executive Director at Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter
Dawn Reams – Executive Director of Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support Services
Hannah Stohler – Executive Director of Marguerite’s Place, Inc.
Whether you’re a member of the business community, community advocate, donor, volunteer, or simply passionate about making a difference, this event is for you.

Why DEI Still Matters - A Conversation with Pratt Wiley
2025-06-17 16:30 - 18:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility efforts have been the subject of major interest, concern and debate in our nation. Recent executive orders have attempted to reshape discrimination laws and eliminate practices that the current administration deems unlawful discrimination. Businesses and nonprofit organizations committed to increasing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility may be thinking about how the changing political landscape and public perception hinders or motivates these efforts.
Join us on June 17, 2025 for a networking reception and conversation on the current state of DEI in a shifting social and political climate with business executive Pratt Norton Wiley, President and CEO of The Partnership, Inc.
The Partnership, Inc. is a Boston-based organization that for nearly 30 years has partnered with successful enterprises to make them more competitive in a global economy by helping them attract, develop, and retain talented multicultural professionals at all levels of leadership and assist in creating a corporate climate that encourages diversity and helps multicultural professionals thrive.
This event, hosted by McLane Middleton’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, will feature a Q&A discussion led by Attorney Christina Krakoff, of counsel and Chair of the firm’s DEI Committee.

Artificial Intelligence: Compliance for Independent Schools
2025-10-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar, Webinar
McLane Middleton’s Education Practice Group and Cybersecurity and Privacy Group will guide school leaders on understanding how to implement AI for faculty and students. This presentation will cover the legal, operational, and technology principles and strategies for schools to integrate AI into curriculum, teach student about this powerful new technology, and enable faculty and staff to capitalize on AI.

2025 Seacoast Employment Law Update
2025-10-30 08:00 - 12:30 | The Venue at Portwalk Place, 22 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
McLane Middleton’s annual Seacoast Employment Law Update will take place on October 30, 2025. This year, we are doing a deep dive into one of the most challenging aspects of managing a workforce – managing difficult employees. Our group of experienced employment attorneys will guide you through essential strategies for effectively managing performance issues, accommodation requests during a performance matter, and other challenging behavior in the workplace. This live, interactive seminar will provide you with the skills needed to quickly identify and effectively resolve workplace issues while minimizing personal and organizational legal liability.
8:00 a.m. – Registration
8:20 a.m. – Welcome
8:30 a.m. – News You can Use
Presenters: Jennifer Parent and John Rich
An overview of all of the latest developments in employment law and workplace regulations. This session will highlight recent legal updates, trends, and practical takeaways that employers can apply immediately to manage risk, stay compliant, and improve workplace practices.
9:15 a.m. – Navigating internal investigations by developing a fair and consistent approach to determine if discipline is appropriate
Presenter: Peg O’Brien
Internal investigations are among the most challenging responsibilities for HR and management teams. This session will explore best practices for conducting investigations that are thorough, impartial, and legally sound. We will discuss how to assess credibility, evaluate findings, and determine whether discipline is appropriate—all while ensuring consistency, fairness, and risk mitigation.
10:00 a.m. – Break
10:15 a.m. – Discussing best practices in responding to complaints involving off duty conduct
Presenter: Amanda Brahm
When employee behavior outside the workplace raises concerns, employers face complex questions about when and how to respond. This session will address best practices for evaluating off-duty conduct complaints, balancing employee privacy with organizational values and legal obligations, and determining when discipline or intervention is appropriate.
10:45 a.m. – Reviewing best practices for addressing ADA accommodation and leave requests during a performance or disciplinary issue
Presenter: Brian Garrett
Requests for accommodation or leave often arise just as an employee is facing performance concerns or disciplinary action, creating legal and practical challenges for employers. This session will review best practices for handling these situations in compliance with the ADA and related laws.
11:30 a.m. – Exploring benefits of separation agreements and releases
Presenter: Madeline Lewis
Separation agreements and releases can provide valuable protections for employers while offering clarity and closure for departing employees. This session will explore the key benefits of using these agreements, common provisions to include, and strategies to minimize legal risk.
12:00 p.m. – Litigation lessons learned – The problem employee – what can be learned from the case law.
Presenters: Sean LaPorta and Amanda Archambault
Managing challenging employees can carry significant legal risk. This session examines real-world case law to highlight common pitfalls and key lessons employers can learn when addressing performance, conduct, and disciplinary issues.
12:30 p.m. – Conclusion
COST: $150.00
Fee includes continental breakfast, electronic copies of materials, and credits.
Payment can be made via credit card and are fully refundable until Friday, October 24, 2025.

2025 Massachusetts Employment Law Update
2025-11-05 08:00 - 12:30 | Crowne Plaza Boston-Woburn, 15 Middlesex Canal Park Dr., Woburn, MA, 01801, United States
McLane Middleton’s annual Massachusetts Employment Law Update will be held on November 5, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Boston-Woburn. Join our employment attorneys as we discuss the latest trends in employment law that you don’t want to miss.
This year’s program will explore scenarios where diverse cultures intersect in the workplace and will highlight how these intersections can impact communication, management, and integration.
Agenda
8:00 a.m. – Registration/Welcome
8:30 a.m. – News You Can Use
Presenter: Peg O’Brien and Sean LaPorta
An update on federal and state laws, recent case law and agency guidance impacting Massachusetts private employers.
9:15 a.m. – Navigating the Collision Between Religious Rights and Pronouns in the Workplace
Presenters: Adam Hamel
As workplaces strive to foster inclusive environments, a growing legal and cultural tension has emerged between employees’ religious beliefs and the expectation to use colleagues’ pronouns. This session will discuss the current legal landscape governing religious accommodations and gender identity protections, practical strategies for employers and HR professionals to balance competing rights and obligations, and approaches to conflict resolution and respectful dialogue in diverse workplaces.
9:45 a.m. – Immigration Concerns at Work
Presenters: Shiva Karimi & Andrea Hellrigel
Work authorization remains a critical compliance issue for employers, with evolving rules on documents expirations, automatic EAD extensions, and reverification requirements. This session will examine the legal and practical implications of these developments, as well as the employment authorization options available to support workforce stability and compliance.
10:15 a.m. – Break
10:30 a.m. – Employment Decisions Based on Employee Use of Social Media, In and Out of the Workplace
Presenter: Amanda Brahm
From political opinions to personal videos, employee social media activity—whether on or off the clock—can raise challenging questions for employers. This session examines how social media use intersects with employment decisions, employee rights, and workplace policies. Gain a clearer framework for evaluating social media issues fairly and lawfully, balancing brand reputation, employee rights, and workplace harmony.
11:00 a.m. – AI for HR: What Is Coming and How Can You Use It?
Presenter: Cameron Shilling
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how organizations attract, manage, and support their workforce. But with so much change, how can HR professionals stay ahead of the curve—and use AI tools responsibly and effectively? This session will discuss emerging AI trends in HR, from talent acquisition to performance management, legal and ethical considerations, including bias, transparency, and data privacy, how to evaluate and implement AI tools that align with your HR goals, and what’s next.
11:45 a.m. – Addressing Reasonable Accommodation Requests in the Workplace
Presenters: Brian Garrett and Sean LaPorta
Navigating employee accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related laws can be complex for employers and HR professionals. This session will provide practical guidance on how to respond to and manage reasonable accommodation requests while balancing legal compliance, business operations, and employee needs. Topics will include understanding the interactive process, evaluating different types of requests, handling documentation and confidentiality, and avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to liability.
12:30 p.m. – END
Cost – $175.00 (After September 4, 2025)
Registration includes continental breakfast, electronic copies of materials, and credits.

Family Law Roundtable
2025-11-06 16:30 - 19:00 | Manchester Office, 900 Elm Street, Manchester, NH, 03101, United States
Family law can be complex and ever changing. In this roundtable discussion, McLane Middleton’s Family Law Group will be joined by a panel of highly respected legal professionals to discuss sophisticated family issues, latest case and statutory law, and timely, practical information for all levels of practice.
New speakers added:
Honorable Judge Michael Mace
Judge Mace is a New Hampshire Circuit Court Judge currently assigned to the Lebanon Circuit Court. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Mace was in private practice specializing in civil litigation locally and nationally. Judge Mace is admitted to practice law in New Hampshire, Vermont, California, the District of Columbia and Commonwealth of Virginia and has been admitted pro hac vice in various state and federal courts nationwide. Judge Mace attended the University of Wyoming College of Law and Kalamazoo College and clerked for the Alaska Trial Courts and District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Honorable Judge Kevin Rauseo
Judge Rauseo is a New Hampshire Circuit Court Judge in the 9th Circuit Court in Nashua. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Chris Sununu in 2021. Prior to his appointment, he spent twenty-two years as an attorney at Hamblett & Kerrigan in Nashua. Rauseo earned a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University and then completed a J.D. at Suffolk University Law School in 1996
Sponsored in conjunction with the NH Association of Justice.

Crafting the Right Enrollment Agreement for Your School
2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar, Webinar
In this session, McLane Middleton’s education counsel will guide independent school leaders on the most essential terms and more recent trends in updating your enrollment contract for the next academic year.

2025 NHSCPA/McLane Middleton Tax Forum
2025-11-21 08:00 - 16:00 | Grappone Center, 70 Constitution Ave, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
The 43rd annual Tax Forum presented by New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants & McLane Middleton will take place on November 21, 2025 at the Grappone Center in Concord, NH.
This forum brings together experienced practitioners and industry professionals to discuss recent developments in federal, state, and local tax law. Attendees will gain valuable updates, learn best practices, and explore emerging trends that impact individuals, businesses, and advisors alike.
Agenda just announced!*
8:00 a.m. – Welcome
8:05 a.m. – Federal Tax Update/One Big Beautiful Bill
Presenters: John Rich, McLane Middleton; Amy Drake, McLane Middleton; Josh Sandler, McLane Middleton; Kory Reynolds, Baker Newman Noyes; Rick Bellitti, LGA
9:45 a.m. – Break
10:00 a.m. – Local/State Tax Update
Presenters: Steven Burke, McLane Middleton; Josh Sandler, McLane Middleton; Kim O’Connor, Nathan Wechsler; Lawrence Gagnon, NH Dept. of Revenue
11:45 a.m. – Lunch
12:45 a.m. – Estate Tax Update
Presenters: Patrick Collins & Brandon Vallie, McLane Middleton
2:15 p.m. – Break
2:30 p.m. – M&A Issues for Accounting Firms
Presenters: Patrick Closson, McLane Middleton; Harper Marshall, Peloton
4:00 p.m. – Conclusion
CPE Credits: 8
*Agenda and speakers subject to change

Employment Agreements: Considerations for Independent Schools During the Hiring Season
2026-01-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar, Webinar
As the new calendar year begins, independent schools naturally turn their attention to key hiring and contract‑renewal decisions. This includes determining when and how to invite current faculty to commit to another year, evaluating which educators may not be returning, and outlining the process for extending offers to prospective members of the school community.
During this interactive session, we’ll explore how these annual practices intersect with the principles of at‑will employment. Does your school treat faculty and staff as at‑will employees, or do you rely on fixed‑term contracts? And beyond the basic terms of employment, do your agreements reflect the unique expectations of independent schools—such as professional conduct standards for working with students, requirements tied to background checks, or provisions related to enrollment levels?
Brian Garrett and Amanda Brahm from McLane Middleton’s Education Law Group will lead a conversation with business officers and school leaders on the distinctive employment structures used in independent schools, offering guidance on how to clearly articulate and formalize the essential elements of these arrangements.

Avoiding the Hidden Traps in Wage and Hour Compliance
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
Wage and hour compliance is one of the most active areas of employment litigation, and even well-intentioned employers can find themselves unwittingly exposed to significant risk.
Join McLane Middleton attorneys Adam Hamel and Sean LaPorta as they highlight some of the often overlooked ways organizations can become entangled in wage and hour problems. Topics will include the often-tricky timing of paychecks, proper calculation of overtime rates, and common pitfalls related to meal breaks, travel time, and deductions.
The program will also address withholding and wage garnishment obligations, deductions from exempt employees’ pay, and final paycheck requirements. Attendees will leave with a checklist of issues they can review within their own organizations to help identify and reduce potential wage and hour exposure.

Navigating the Nonprofit Landscape: Tax, Legal, and Compliance Outlook for 2026
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:30 | Baker Newman Noyes Portsmouth Office @ 75 Portsmouth Boulevard – Suite 130 – Portsmouth, NH 03801, 75 Portsmouth Boulevard - Suite 130, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, United States
Join McLane Middleton and Baker Newman Noyes for a panel event discussing the nonprofit space. As the nonprofit landscape evolves, organizations face increasingly complex financial and legal responsibilities. Kicking off the year with the right strategy and mindset is key to maximizing opportunities and safeguarding your organization.
This seminar brings together specialists in nonprofit law, accounting, and governance to explore:
• Tax implications unique to nonprofits, including compliance with IRS regulations and emerging reporting requirements, as well as gifting considerations for both donors and organizations.
• Operational issues such as registration requirements, conflicts of interest, donor restrictions, and board governance challenges.
• Legal developments and the biggest challenges nonprofit organizations face.
This session will be interactive with plenty of time for audience Q&A with the panelists.
Who should attend?
Designed for nonprofit leaders, board members, and advisors specializing in the industry, this session will provide practical insights, case studies, and strategies to help organizations remain compliant, resilient, and mission-focused in the year ahead.

Effectively Navigating an Evolving Federal Education Policy Landscape: One Year Check-In
2026-02-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar, Webinar
McLane Middleton’s Education Law Practice Group will conduct a comprehensive one-year check-in on the current administration’s approach and modifications to education policy. This webinar will cover the significant changes that have taken place over the past year in the federal government’s position on various issues impacting educational institutions, including those made through executive orders, agency guidance, and announced future policies. This presentation will provide independent school administrators and decision-makers with practical guidance on these developments in the federal landscape to help ensure compliance.
Key Topics:

Overview of executive orders impacting education policy
Analysis of agency guidance from the IRS, DOJ, and other agencies
The implication of that guidance for independent schools
Future policy considerations and potential changes
Relevant and ongoing litigation that could impact schools

Beyond Succession: Strategic Planning for Multi Generational Business Continuity
2026-02-26 12:30 - 13:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
Ensuring the long-term success of a family business requires more than preparing the next generation to lead. It demands a thoughtful, coordinated approach to succession, trust and estate planning, and corporate structuring. This panel discussion will explore how families can effectively align these key planning areas to preserve their business, protect their wealth, and support a smooth transition of leadership and ownership.
Our session will cover critical topics including managerial and succession planning, corporate and family governance best practices, trust structures, estate planning strategies, wealth integration and preservation, and corporate considerations that support continuity and reduce risk. Attendees will gain practical guidance and actionable insights to help navigate the complex personal, financial, and corporate dynamics inherent in family enterprise planning.
Whether you are a business owner, next generation successor, or advisor to family owned companies, this seminar will provide valuable tools to support a stable and sustainable future for your family business.
Panel members include:

John Colucci, Managing Director of McLane Middleton (moderator)
Kimberly Kramer, Director and Vice Chair of McLane Middleton’s Corporate Department
Ryan Swartz, Director and Chair of McLane Middleton’s Trust & Estates Department
Doug Baumoel, Founder of Continuity Family Business Consulting

Planning and Managing Divorce
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
Divorce is not just an emotional transition it’s a major financial and legal turning point. This informative seminar is designed to help individuals or advisors help their clients plan proactively, protect their assets, and make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
McLane Middleton attorneys Dave Tencza and Phil Tizzano will focus on what to expect, what decisions matter most, and how planning ahead can help protect what you’ve worked hard to build. Topics include:

The financial impact of divorce
Common client blind spots and planning gaps
Property settlement considerations
How divorce affects wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and fiduciary appointments
Estate and financial planning considerations when minor children are involved and addressing blended family and step-family challenges
The use of planning documents to preserve client assets and the risks of outdated documents and unintended asset distribution
Proactive planning strategies to protect assets and reduce conflict

Student Handbooks - Essential Updates for the New School Year
2026-03-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar, Webinar
With spring break around the corner for most schools, it is a signal to administrators that it is time to focus on summer projects, including updating the student handbook for the 2026-2027 school year. Join attorneys from McLane Middleton’s Education Practice Group as they provide guidance on how to tackle this project. They will focus on hot topics and other trending issues that we have seen in our practice over the past year as a guide for schools about which policies warrant attention. This program will examine policies and suggested language addressing student discipline, sexual conduct and consent, gender identity (documentation, dress code, and living arrangements for boarding schools), student records, the impact of artificial intelligence on academics, and harassment and cyber-misconduct, among others.

Immigration Compliance Workshop
2026-04-14 08:00 - 12:30 | Grappone Center, 70 Constitution Ave, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Understanding Policies on Forms I-9 and ICE Visits in an Aggressive Enforcement Environment
As federal agencies continue to prioritize immigration compliance, employers are facing greater exposure to audits, investigations, and penalties stemming from I‑9 errors—many of which are unintentional and avoidable.
Join members from McLane Middleton’s Immigration Practice Group as they present an in‑depth Immigration Compliance Workshop focused on the most current and critical Form I‑9 challenges facing employers, particularly in light of increased worksite enforcement and heightened government scrutiny.
This session is designed to help employers understand today’s enforcement landscape and equip HR and hiring teams with the practical tools needed to reduce risk and maintain compliance.
Our panel will break down the fundamentals of I‑9 compliance and share practical tips and best practices. Topics include:

General I-9 News
Issues with TPS and EAD Extensions
Remote Completion Options for Eligible Employers
Overview of Form I-9 and Acceptable Document List with In-Depth
Information and Hands-On Completion Training
Retention Rules
I-9 Audit Readiness
Issue Spotting
ICE Visits at the Worksite and Beyond

This workshop is recommended for HR professionals, hiring managers, and anyone involved in worksite compliance.
Credits
McLane Middleton will be offering HRCI and SHRM credits for this event.
Cost
$175 – Registration includes continental breakfast, an I-9 workbook, and HRCI and SHRM credits.

Employee Handbook Refresher Course for Independent Schools 2026
2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar, Webinar
As independent schools head towards the close of the academic year and prepare for summer, now is the right time to dust off your employee handbook for a fresh review. Schools have fortunately settled into a new normal following several years of pandemic-related turbulence, allowing for the opportunity to review various policy areas, or your handbook as a whole.
Join McLane Middleton Education Group attorneys as they review essential updates for employee handbooks. This webinar will cover the foundational policies for an employee handbook, such as policies relating to non-discrimination, accommodations, investigations, professional boundaries, progressive discipline policies, and clear polices and procedures for reporting and responding to harassment or workplace misconduct. We will provide attendees with a sample table of contents to help schools ensure that they are covering all the policies that generally apply to independent schools.

2026 New Hampshire Employment Law Update
2026-05-05 08:00 - 16:30 | Castleton Banquet & Conference Center, 58 Enterprise Drive, Windham, NH, 03087
McLane Middleton’s annual New Hampshire Employment Law Update will be on May 5, 2026 at the Castleton Banquet & Conference Center in Windham, NH.
Join our employment attorneys as we discuss the latest trends in employment law. As always, we will share “news you can use,” along with presentations on topics affecting employers today.
Agenda:
8:00 a.m. – Registration
8:30 a.m. – News You Can Use: Court Decisions, Legislative Changes, and Federal Agency Updates
Presenters: Adam Hamel & Jennifer Parent
9:30 a.m. – Employee Benefits Update
Presenter: John Rich
Overview: This session will provide an update on new laws, administrative guidance and court decisions that impact retirement and other workplace benefit plans offered by New Hampshire employers.
10:00 a.m. – Break
10:15 a.m. – Managing Litigation Risks During Performance Management and Termination Decisions
Presenters: Jennifer Parent & Amanda Brahm
Overview: This session is designed for HR professionals and supervisors who are directly involved in managing performance, documenting concerns, and making termination decisions. We will discuss the most common litigation risks that arise from performance management—such as inconsistent documentation, poorly timed discipline, comparator issues, and retaliation claims—and how those risks are evaluated by courts and federal and state agencies. Participants will learn practical strategies for creating defensible performance records and coordinating HR and legal review at key decision points.
11:00 a.m. – Review of ADA Accommodations Best Practices
Presenters: Margaret (“Peg”) O’Brien & Brian Garrett
Overview: Latest developments from the EEOC and federal courts on reasonable accommodation issues and the importance of training supervisors on possible triggers to the interactive process, what supervisors and HR personnel should be trained to say and document in response to employee requests, practical developments on the meaning of the term “reasonable,” particular accommodation questions, such as remote work, whether/how much “leave” (including a repeated leave extension) is required, how this interplays with the FMLA, whether reduced workloads, a “fragrance or chemical free” environment, shift changes, or supervisor changes, are required, and whether discipline must be rescinded as an accommodation.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
12:45 p.m. – Immigration Law Update – Preparing for an I9 Audit or ICE Raid
Presenter: Andrea Hellrigel
Overview: Would your business be ready to respond to ICE or other government actions? Workplace immigration compliance and enforcement are under scrutiny now more than ever. This session provides HR professionals and business leaders with practical guidance on Form I-9 compliance, audits, inspections, and broader business immigration considerations. Participants will gain actionable strategies to avoid compliance pitfalls, respond effectively to ICE visits or government inquiries, and maintain secure lawful hiring practices while protecting employees and the organization.
1:15 p.m. – Federal and State Wage and Hour Compliance
Presenter: Margaret (“Peg”) O’Brien
Overview: The latest federal law guidance with respect to the white collar and other exemptions; new exemption and misclassification decisions including under the highly compensated and salary basis rules; remote work, off-the-clock, expense reimbursement and compensable time challenges; actual or constructive knowledge of time worked; and the explosion of new state laws on salary transparency; and the status of state and federal independent contractor tests and new developments involving independent contractors workers.
2:15 p.m. – Break
2:30 p.m. – FMLA Compliance and Best Practices for Multistate Employers
Presenters: Adam Hamel & Amanda Brahm
Overview: Keeping up with rapidly changing state leave laws can be a challenge. This session will examine FMLA compliance issues for multistate employers, with an emphasis on coordinating federal FMLA obligations with related state leave laws. We will address coverage and eligibility analyses, concurrent vs. non‑concurrent leave designation, notice and certification timing, intermittent leave tracking, reinstatement rights across jurisdictions, and challenging employee communications.
3:00 p.m. – Retaliation and Whistleblower Claims: Working through Fact Patterns
Presenters: Adam Hamel, Amanda Brahm, & Brian Garrett
Overview: Employers are seeing an uptick in retaliation and whistleblower claims. Identifying and responding correctly to protected activity can be a challenge and this session is designed to test your knowledge through real-life scenarios. Come ready to discuss!
4:00 p.m. – Q&A & Wrap-Up

Credits
McLane Middleton will be offering HRCI and SHRM credits for this event.

Cost:
$199.00
Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and electronic copies of materials.

Navigating the Current Market: Economic Outlook and Insights
2026-05-07 12:00 - 13:30 | McLane Middleton’s Woburn Office, 300 TradeCenter, Suite 7600, Woburn, MA, 01801
As markets continue to navigate economic uncertainty and shifting policy dynamics, staying informed is critical.
Join guest speaker, Ellen Hazen from F.L. Putnam, who will offer a timely overview of current market conditions highlighting recent economic developments, market performance, and factors influencing investor sentiment.
Gain practical insights into how today’s economic environment may impact future market opportunities and risks. Ellen will provide perspective on the current state of the global and U.S. markets, key economic indicators influencing investment decisions, and emerging trends shaping the remainder of the year.
This session will help attendees better understand today’s market environment and consider what it may mean for portfolios moving forward.

What's Her Story with Susan Martore-Baker
2026-05-28 17:30 - 19:30 | One Hundred Club, 100 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801
What’s Her Story is a networking series designed to connect business owners and executives through the power of shared experience. Join Susan Martore Baker, President of Cambridge Trust New Hampshire, as she sits down with McLane Middleton attorney Jennifer Parent for a candid conversation about her career path, leadership lessons, and professional growth. Susan will share insights and inspiration shaped by her work helping individuals, corporations, nonprofits, and municipalities clarify their goals and build lasting financial success.
