May 16, 2025
7:45am - 4:15pm
Northern Kentucky University - Student Union
*please park in the Kenton Garage - parking with be validated
CLE Credit in Kentucky and Ohio is pending
Only Labor Law and Employment Law is currently eligible.
Stephen A. Simon, Esq.
Steve Simon is the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, overseeing the Civil Division and a team of attorneys handling diverse legal matters for the county. He holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif. Licensed in Ohio and Kentucky, he has argued cases before the Ohio First District Court of Appeals and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Recognized as an Ohio “Super Lawyer” since 2009, Mr. Simon has extensive legal expertise.
Before joining the prosecutor’s office, he specialized in labor and employment law for over 20 years, representing individuals in disputes involving workplace rights, discrimination, and wrongful termination. He also represented labor unions in cases before the NLRB, in arbitrations, and in federal and state courts.
A seasoned speaker, Mr. Simon has presented at numerous conferences and meetings on employment law. He contributed as Chapter Chair for the Employment Discrimination Law treatise (4th Ed. 2007) and held leadership roles in the Cincinnati Bar Association’s labor and employment group and the Cincinnati Employment Lawyers Association.
Additionally, Mr. Simon served on the Board of NKU’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Center from 2009 to 2014, reflecting his commitment to legal education and dispute resolution.
Brian G. Dershaw is a management-side employment and labor attorney and serves as the Cincinnati Practice Group Chair of Taft’s Employment & Labor Relations practice. He leads a team of 20 attorneys specializing in employment, labor, immigration, OSHA, and workers’ compensation.
Brian’s practice includes advising employers on daily legal matters, handling employment litigation and arbitration, labor-management relations, workforce transitions in mergers and acquisitions, and drafting employment agreements and policies. He works across industries with businesses of all sizes.
Recognized for his legal expertise, Brian has been named an Ohio Super Lawyer for Employment & Labor Law (2015–2025) and a Rising Star (2010–2014). He is listed in Best Lawyers in America (2016–2025) for Litigation – Labor & Employment and Labor Law – Management and was named Cincinnati’s 2024 Labor Lawyer of the Year. Additionally, Cincy Magazine has recognized him as a Cincy Leading Lawyer (2021–2025).
Brian is a trustee of the Mariemont School Foundation and resides in Mariemont with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Nathan and Norah. Since 2015, he has been a planning committee member for the NKU Labor Management Conference and has presented the annual employment law update with Steve Simon from 2015 to 2024.
Morning Keynote Presentation
Honorable Jamie Link - Secretary of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet
Afternoon Keynote Presentation
Pastor Edward Palmer
Bridging Gaps: How Recognizing Implicit Bias Can Strengthen Labor-Management Relationships
Pastor Edward Palmer
Pastor Edward Palmer will explore the powerful role that recognizing and addressing implicit bias can play in strengthening labor-management relationships. By understanding how unconscious biases shape decision-making, communication, and interactions, both labor and management can work toward fostering a more inclusive, fair, and collaborative environment. Strategies will be discussed for identifying implicit biases, the impact they can have on workplace dynamics, and how addressing them can lead to more effective conflict resolution, better negotiations, and stronger partnerships. This session will equip participants with the tools to create a more equitable workplace and build trust between labor and management.
Speakers / Presenters:
Description:
In just a short time under the new administration, the National Labor Relations Board has issued critical decisions and provided new guidance as the agency rolled back numerous rules and precedent. Developments in this area are always at the forefront of cooperative efforts between labor and management and are important considerations in the workplace. Join this panel as they discuss current guidance on traditional labor issues and trends at the NLRB and detail some of the most significant changes.
Speakers / Presenters:
Description:
This session will introduce participants to the concept of transformative mediation and explain how it can be used not only to resolve workplace conflicts but also to build a more resilient and collaborative workplace culture. Unlike traditional mediation, which relies on a third-party mediator guiding participants toward a specific resolution, transformative mediation delves deeper—inviting participants to address the underlying causes of conflict and empowering individuals to determine the best path forward, fostering the possibility of long-term positive change. Attendees will learn how transformative mediation shifts conflict resolution from a reactive, dispute-focused process to a culture of understanding and empowerment. Through examples and practical insights, this session will explore how integrating transformative mediation principles into the workplace can strengthen labor-management relations, reduce workplace tension, and create a more engaged, productive workforce.
Speakers / Presenters
Description
This seminar will delve into the evolving landscape of drug testing and substance use policies in the workplace, specifically under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Participants will gain insight into how the ADA impacts drug testing protocols, the accommodations process for employees with substance use disorders, and the legal considerations employers must navigate. We will examine recent updates to drug testing laws, the balance between maintaining a safe work environment and protecting employee rights, and strategies for developing compliant substance use policies. This session is ideal for HR professionals, legal advisors, and managers seeking to stay informed on the latest developments in workplace drug testing and substance use issues.
Speakers / Presenters
Description:
This annual workshop examines the most recent developments under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other statutes.
Speakers / Presenters:
Description:
This workshop will explore the critical concepts of "just cause" in labor arbitrations, offering a deep dive into how this principle shapes the decision-making process. Participants will learn how to better understand the standard for just cause discipline can influence arbitration outcomes. The seminar will also provide practical guidance on how to present and challenge arguments, as well as strategies for navigating complex cases where this is in play. Ideal for union representatives, management professionals, and legal advisors, this session aims to sharpen skills in interpreting and applying this foundational arbitration concept.
| 7:45am - 8:30am | Registration |
| 8:30am - 8:45am | Welcome Remarks |
| 8:45am - 10:00am | AM Keynote Presentation |
| 10:00am - 10:15am | Break |
| 10:15am - 11:45am | AM Concurrent Sessions |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm | Lunch |
| 12:45pm - 1:45pm | PM Keynote Presentation |
| 1:45pm - 1:55pm | Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 1:55pm - 2:10pm | Special Recognition Award |
| 2:10pm - 2:30pm | Break |
| 2:30pm - 4:00pm | PM Concurrent Sessions |
| 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Closing Remarks |
Kathleen Carnes
Director and Mediator, ADR Center
Haile College of Business
carnesk2@nku.edu
(859) 572-7571
For general questions about programming
Amberly Nutini
Assistant Director, Outreach and Engagement
Haile College of Business
nutinia2@nku.edu
(859) 572-5947
For questions about registration and payment
Jeannine Lambert
Executive Director of Centers and Programming
Chase College of Law
abukhaterj1@nku.edu
(859) 572-6403
For questions regarding CLE credits
