William Michael Xavier Wolfe is a Chicago native, first-generation college graduate and law graduate. He is an experienced attorney with a diverse practice that includes municipal law, cannabis law, creditors’ rights and complex commercial litigation. William advises municipalities on various legal matters, from regulatory compliance to litigation.
This session dives into the intricate dynamics of marijuana use and drug testing in today’s workplace. As marijuana legalization evolves, employers face the challenge of balancing employee rights with maintaining workplace safety, especially in safety-sensitive roles.
Attendees will explore the implications of medical marijuana and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), learn how to navigate state and federal legalization laws, and gain actionable strategies for creating effective drug policies. The session equips employers with the tools to manage discipline, enforce compliance, and prepare for potential federal legalization, ensuring a legally sound and safe work environment.
This course is co-sponsored with myLawCLE.
Key topics to be discussed:
Closed-captioning available
William M. X. Wolfe| Harris Beach Murtha
William Michael Xavier Wolfe is a Chicago native, first-generation college graduate and law graduate. He is an experienced attorney with a diverse practice that includes municipal law, cannabis law, creditors’ rights and complex commercial litigation.
William advises municipalities on various legal matters, from regulatory compliance to litigation. He also counsels cannabis applicants on the New York State licensing process and guides businesses and ancillary companies through the complexities of state regulations. He simplifies complex legal challenges with clear, actionable guidance—so clients are always prepared, never surprised.
William represents creditors in financial restructuring and bankruptcy litigation matters and contract disputes involving substantial financial stakes. His background includes extensive work with long-term care facilities, commercial entities and clients navigating insolvency challenges.
William has also worked in-house at a major private university, handling labor and employment matters, litigation and tax-related issues. His experience in higher education law gives him a unique perspective on the complex regulatory environment educational institutions face.
William is a frequent speaker on cannabis law and remains actively involved in legal and community organizations. He earned his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, where he received the Outstanding Graduate Award for the Class of 2020. He also serves as an Advocacy Fellow, coaching one of the law school’s highly competitive intercollegiate advocacy teams.
William is committed to providing practical, business-oriented solutions to meet clients’ needs across industries. He provides straightforward legal guidance to navigate complexity and stay ahead of the unexpected, so clients can move forward with confidence.
I. The Current State of Marijuana and Drug Use in the U.S. Workforce | 1:00pm – 1:20pm
II. Navigating the Complexities of Marijuana Legalization Laws | 1:20pm – 1:40pm
III. Crafting Legally Sound Drug Testing Policies | 1:40pm – 2:00pm
Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm
IV. Accommodating Medical Marijuana in the Workplace | 2:10pm – 2:30pm
V. Workplace Safety and High-Risk Positions | 2:30pm – 2:45pm
VI. Effective Discipline and Policy Enforcement | 2:45pm – 3:00pm
VII. Proactive Employer Strategies for a Changing Landscape | 3:00pm – 3:10pm