Award-Winning Author, Musical Program Highlight Labor and Employment Law Section Midwinter Conference

12/19/08

The State Bar of Michigan Labor and Employment Law Section will hold its midwinter meeting Jan. 30-31 at the Detroit Athletic Club. A substantive program is planned, including a unique musical highlight featuring mostly section members for the "afterglow" entertainment.

Award-winning journalist Philip Dine of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch will deliver the conference's keynote address. A two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and for his reporting on labor issues, Dine is the author of "The State of the Unions," an acclaimed book on how labor can strengthen the middle class, improve our economy, and regain political influence.

Two panel discussions are scheduled. One will review recent changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act and regulations affecting the Family and Medical Leave Act. The other panel, which features U.S. District Court Janet Neff, will explore the future of summary judgments in employment cases in light of recent precedent. Attendees will also have opportunities to get up to date on labor and employment cases and proposed legislation, and Shel Stark of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, a former employment law practitioner and section member, will receive the section’s Distinguished Service Award.

A special highlight is Friday's musical entertainment provided by jazz, blues, and pop band Cat’s Pajamas. The group's lineup includes attorneys Dan Bretz, Ron Bretz, Barry Goldman, David Hardesty, and Hon. Steve Whelan. Section members are invited to bring their instruments for a jam session.

"This may be the beginning of a new section tradition," said Dan Bretz, who is also section chair.

Registration information can be found online at http://www.michbar.org/labor/news.cfm or by contacting Rob Boonin, program chair, at boonin@butzel.com or (734) 213-3601.

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