Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Under Scrutiny: Navigating EEOC Guidance, Executive Orders, and Emerging Legal Risks

Haley Morrison | Epstein Becker & Green, P.C

Companies call on attorney Haley Morrison to solve their toughest employment disputes with efficient, pragmatic, and strategic guidance.

Haley provides counsel to employers on a broad range of matters, with a particular focus on single-plaintiff and class action employment litigation, as well as trade secret protection and employee mobility issues.

A seasoned litigator, Haley is adept at defending employers against claims of employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, breach of contract, and more. She is also a sought-after advisor on legal and compliance issues regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and frequently speaks on DEI-related topics.

Haley’s clients range from well-funded start-ups to companies in the Fortune 100, such as Morgan Stanley; Daimler Truck North America; Laurel Inc.; Becton, Dickinson and Company; The House Fund; Gee Automotive; Mill Industries; and Vesta Innovations.

Among her many achievements, Haley has consistently been listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Super Lawyers for California and Oregon.

Haley started her career at a multinational law firm in California before returning to her hometown of Portland. While she was a student at the University of San Diego School of Law, Haley served as an intern in the Attorney General’s Office and an extern for the Honorable Nita L. Stormes in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

In her spare time, Haley volunteers with programs focused on building self-esteem and discipline through sports. She is a past Board Chair for Playworks, a nonprofit that increases opportunities for safe and meaningful play for elementary school children, and on the Advisory Board of Bridge City Soccer Academy, a nonprofit teaching girls to make empowered decisions both on and off the field. Haley also participates in several leadership groups focused on making the Greater Portland area a healthier and safer place to live.

Haley was a Division I soccer player at Colorado College and played several seasons semi- professionally following graduation. These days, she enjoys ultramarathons, fitness events, adventure travel, and spending time with her sons.

Iris Chiu | Epstein Becker & Green, P.C

Employers in numerous industries turn to attorney Iris Chiu for advice and representation in contentious employment disputes and to devise best practices to reduce the risk of litigation.

Iris regularly litigates wage and hour class cases, single plaintiff actions, and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters. She represents employers in disputes involving allegations of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and unfair competition.

Clients seek her practical counseling on human resources issues, including hiring, discipline and termination, leaves of absence, wage and hour issues, employment agreements, confidentiality agreements, restrictive covenants, and employee handbooks. She also develops and delivers training to managers and employees on employment issues, policies, and practices.

Additionally, Iris is a Certified Information Privacy Professional by the International Association of Privacy Professionals who has counseled clients on issues relating to state and federal data protection laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act. Clients also value her advice on such matters as surveillance of employees’ electronic communications, workplace investigations and searches, and the protection of trade secrets and confidential information.

Laura Holtan | Epstein Becker & Green, P.C

Attorney Laura Holtan assists employers across industries in navigating complex labor and employment issues, adopting effective practices, and reducing potential risks.

Clients rely on Laura to prepare and negotiate employment policies and agreements and to provide training on effective and compliant practices. She also counsels clients on employee relations issues, such as discipline and termination; accommodation requests; and leaves of absence, as well as on compliance with federal, state, and local laws affecting the workplace. For clients with unionized workforces, Laura negotiates collective bargaining agreements and advises employers on contract compliance. Laura provides strategic advice to help clients improve labor relations and prevent employment issues from escalating into major business problems.

Before joining Epstein Becker Green, Laura was a labor relations attorney providing traditional labor services to public-sector unions across California. She negotiated collective bargaining agreements and policies affecting the terms and conditions of employment; represented union members in workplace investigations, grievance hearings, and medical accommodations meetings; and managed labor relations through regular meetings with union officials and human resources staff.

Previously, Laura worked as a policy and legislative staffer and municipal law fellow.

Tryphena Liu | Epstein Becker & Green, P.C

Tryphena Liu represents employers in various industries in labor and employment matters, including employment litigation involving PAGA claims and allegations of discrimination, wrongful termination, and sexual harassment.

Tryphena began her legal career at a small, all-women firm in Manhattan Beach, California specializing in personal injury and mass torts. Prior to joining her current firm, EBG, Tryphena worked at a small, three attorney employment defense firm in San Marino, California, the Law Offices of Doo & Chong, where she found her passion for labor and employment law. At Doo & Chong, Tryphena advocated for small business owners and provided counsel, often in Mandarin, to family-owned businesses in the San Gabriel Valley (an immigrant enclave in Southern California). Tryphena presented seminars, in both English and Mandarin, including on wage and hour issues and compliance with COVID-19 regulations.

Tryphena currently serves on the Executive Committee of the California Lawyers Association Labor and Employment Section. She is a Co-Chair of the NAPABA Young Lawyers Network (YLN) and has served as a YLN Representative to the ABA Young Lawyers Division (YLD). Tryphena is also a Board Member of the non profit, the Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Student Association (ITASA), which oversees the activities of the association run by college student leadership. She provides support and pro bono legal advice to the ITASA Board and the student association.

I. What is DEI and examples of DEI | 1:00pm – 1:15pm

II. Enforcement priorities | 1:15pm – 1:30pm

III. False claims act | 1:30pm – 1:45pm

IV. Status of EOs | 1:45pm – 2:00pm

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

V. Supreme Court developments and other recent cases | 2:10pm – 2:25pm

VI. Managing risk for federal contractors, publicly-traded companies, and private employers (including law firms) | 2:25pm – 2:40pm