On January 26, 2017, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Inc. (“BWL”) presented an informative and engaging MCLE entitled, “Social Media & The Workplace: Strategies to Avoid Disaster.” The general body meeting and presentation took place at Reed Smith, LLP’s downtown Los Angeles office, where BWL president Amber Finch is a partner in the firm’s Insurance Recovery Group. Over fifty (50) attendees enjoyed a half hour reception and a lively two-hour panel discussion with questions posed from the audience.

The dynamic presenters were moderator Angela Reddock-Wright, Managing Attorney, Reddock Law Group; Nadine Chang, Vice-President & Assistant General Counsel – Employment Law, CBRE, Inc.; Mika Hilaire, Attorney, Hilaire McGriff PC; Tiffany Thomas, Partner, Reed Smith LLP; and Cecilia Valentine, Senior Field Attorney, National Labor Relations Board, Region 21.

The presenters shared current updates and strategies in the area of Social Media & the Workplace by discussing the NLRB’s recent Chipotle decision and California Labor Code section 980, which outlines California employers’ limitations with respect to social media. The panelists also provided practical tips on how employers may develop and implement compliant workplace policies, and how both plaintiffs and defendants may use social media to advance their cases in litigation.

In addition to the informative panel, the event provided networking opportunities for BWL members and guests.