Join us for the first HR Legal Insights tailored specifically for community banks, where industry leaders, legal experts, and HR professionals converge to tackle the most urgent human resources challenges of 2025. This year’s summit will focus on the evolving legal landscape, workforce transformation, and strategic compliance practices that are reshaping the banking sector.

During this session, we will discuss in detail announcements by the Trump Administration which impact employment compliance expectations in the banking industry.  As 2025 has progressed, we have obtained more specific guidance from the various federal agencies detailing community bank obligations.  In this session, we will discuss diversity compliance, the actions which remain permissible as well as the activities which are now viewed as reverse discrimination.  Discrimination as enforced by the EEOC and the OFCCP, will be examined given the significant changes to the enforcement priorities.  And then finally, we will discuss recurring challenges in the industry as we confront employee requests which have both ADA, FMLA, and PWFA implications.  We will provide take and use resources for program attendees which will include the most recent industry guidance both published and unpublished, from the federal regulators.

Gain actionable insights, network with peers, and leave with a toolkit of strategies to protect your institution, empower your people, and lead with confidence in a rapidly changing environment.

Agenda & Session Descriptions

8:30-9:00am	Registration
9:00-9:10am	Welcome & Announcements
9:10-9:55am	Employment Compliance Priorities for Community Banks in 2025 Steve Greene, Esq | Employment Law Compliance, Inc.
During this session, we will discuss in detail announcements by the Trump Administration which impact employment compliance expectations in the banking industry. As 2025 has progressed, we have obtained more specific guidance from the various federal agencies detailing community bank obligations. In this session, we will discuss diversity compliance, the actions which remain permissible as well as the activities which are now viewed as reverse discrimination. Discrimination as enforced by the EEOC and the OFCCP, will be examined given the significant changes to the enforcement priorities. And then finally, we will discuss recurring challenges in the industry as we confront employee requests which have both ADA, FMLA, and PWFA implications. We will provide take and use resources for program attendees which will include the most recent industry guidance both published and unpublished, from the federal regulators.
9:55-10:45am	Artificial Intelligence & Employment Law:  Risks, Opportunities, and Best Practices for HR Professionals Nicole Y. Drew, Esq | Drew Legal Consulting, LLC
Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) can help with many HR tasks but it comes with legal and ethical risks.  By the end of the session, you will be able to: Identify legal and ethical risks of AI in employment decisions Understand privacy, bias, and intellectual property concerns Apply AI tools to streamline HR tasks in compliance-conscious ways Evaluate scenarios where AI may create liability Implement best practices to balance efficiency and compliance
10:45-11:00am	Networking Break
11:00-11:45am	Bank Employee Classification – What Every HR Banker Needs to Know  Steve Greene, Esq | Employment Law Compliance, Inc.
Properly classifying positions for overtime payment purposes, continues to be a material liability risk in the banking industry. We continue to confront roles which fail to neatly fit the regulatory standards which have become a bit antiquated. In this session we will focus on the four primary overtime exemptions applying to financial institutions, but then really address these borderline roles. We will discuss mortgage lenders, credit analysts, branch managers and assistant managers, staff accountants, IT administrators, and similar roles. In this session we will also provide self-audit checklists for attendees to address exemption, regular rate, and hours worked compliance.
11:45am-1:00pm	Lunch & Legal Roundtable Discussion
1:00-2:00pm	Conducting Workplace Investigations Karen Michael, PLC | Karen Michael Consulting
Human Resources serves a critical role in conducting objective and legally compliant workplace investigations, but few have the training to confidently conduct them. This training gives the investigator the tools to conduct the investigation correctly, which will enable the organization to uncover if there are issues to be addressed which will create a positive work culture and avoid legal liability.  Key topics discussed include:  Avoiding bias in investigations Six steps to a successful investigation Conducting an investigation into bullying
2:00-2:10pm	Networking Break
2:10-3:30pm	HR Legal Panel  Steve Brown | Isler Dare Nicole Y. Drew | Drew Consulting LLC Todd A. Leeson | Gentry Locke
3:30pm	Adjourn

Speaker Information

Steve Greene, President of Employment Law Compliance, Inc., specializes in employment litigation, employee benefit issues and compensation matters for community banks.  He regularly speaks to employment lawyers, compensation professionals and human resources executives concerning application of these legal standards on behalf of SHRM, World at Work, the American Bankers Association, and state banker associations.

During the past 40 years, Steve has assisted employers evaluate overtime exemption compliance and design compliant compensation methodologies. He has also assisted banks in managing Department of Labor and state regulatory investigations across the country.  Steve represents employers defending compensation claims brought in individual, collective, and class actions.   His work has also included educating and influencing the DOL and members of Congress to reform the federal employment standards.

Steve also oversees employment litigation nationally, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, ERISA, and breach of contract actions brought against banks.  Litigation handled by Steve and the firm also include actions where the Bank enforces restrictive covenants, or otherwise pursues trade secrets, duty of loyalty, and business interference claims against departing employees and their new employers.

He received his J.D. from Southern Methodist University, and his B.A. from the University of Maine.

Nicole Y. Drew, Esq is the Managing Partner of Drew Legal Consulting LLC and an accomplished Employment Law attorney with nearly 15 years of experience representing clients in civil rights litigation, workplace discrimination, and a broad range of employment matters.

Before founding her firm, she built a distinguished career in federal service—working as a federal government attorney, prosecuting domestic violence cases, and representing a federal agency in employment discrimination litigation.  She later joined a Washington, D.C.–based law firm, where she advised individuals and nonprofit organizations on complex employment issues.

In addition to her legal practice, Nicole has a strong passion for technology and integrates her technology background with her employment law work to deliver innovative, forward-thinking solutions for her clients.

She earned Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Intellectual Property Law from The George Washington University Law School, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree from Baruch College in New York.  Above all, she is the proud mother of one daughter.

Karen Michael is the President of Karen Michael, PLC, a Richmond-based work law & human resources consulting firm founded in 2008 specializing in management and leadership training, workplace investigations, HR Consulting & Special Projects, and employment law advice. Karen has been an employment lawyer for over 30 years and began her career working in Big Law at McGuire Woods. She served as an executive in human resources for SunTrust Bank and taught at the University of Richmond’s School of Continuing Studies before forming her firm. Karen writes a labor law column for the Richmond Times Dispatch and hosts a weekly podcast, @TheJobJudge, discussing current news on challenges in the workplace. Karen is a nationally recognized workplace expert and sought-after speaker and has presented nationwide, including at the national SHRM conference and the national EEOC conference – EXCEL. She is also the author of “Stay Hired,” an essential guide for those entering the workforce on how to successfully go to work.

Registration Information

IN-PERSON
Members: $295
Non-Members: $595

VIRTUAL
Members: $275
Non-Members: $575

Register Now!

In-Person registrations fees include a continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

All cancellations will be charged a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations received after October 3, 2025 will be charged a $75 administrative fee. Substitutions are allowed prior to the beginning of the seminar.

Location 

In-Person
Virginia Society of CPAs
4309 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Virtual/Zoom
Zoom details will be provided at a later date.

Hotel Information

The VBA has negotiated a rate of $131/night, plus applicable taxes and fees. To take advantage of the negotiated rate, reservations must be made by September 5, 2025. Click here to make your reservation. Reservations may also be made by calling 800-325-0720 and referring to the group number 10154111.

Hotel amenities include complimentary hot breakfast from 6:00am to 9:30am and complimentary evening drinks and snacks from 5:30pm to 7:00 p.m.

Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond
11049 W Broad St
Glen Allen, VA 23060