Miller Nash LLP will host its annual employment law seminar on October 1, 2026, at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland, Oregon. The event, titled “Follow the Clues: Solving Today’s Toughest Workplace Mysteries,” focuses on providing practical guidance for public and private employers managing shifting legal requirements. The half-day program begins at 12:30 PM and concludes at 4:30 PM.
The Legal Landscape for Employers
The seminar addresses several critical areas currently affecting organizational compliance. Attorneys will discuss new laws and agency guidance that impact employers across the Pacific Northwest. The agenda also covers specific updates relevant to California employment regulations, which remain a complex area for companies with multi-state operations. Wage and hour compliance forms a central theme, as federal and state agencies increase enforcement activity regarding pay practices and classification.
Technological change also sits at the forefront of the discussions. The firm plans to review the legal implications of artificial intelligence within the office. This section aims to help leadership teams manage the risks associated with automated tools while maintaining fair hiring and management standards. Additionally, the presenters will examine mental health in the workplace, focusing on how companies can navigate legal obligations for accommodations and employee support without overstepping privacy boundaries.
Practical Training and Networking Opportunities
A new addition to the 2026 format is a specialized workshop focused on workplace investigations. Held earlier in the day, this session provides a deep dive into the steps necessary for conducting internal inquiries correctly. This training aims to offer legal professionals and HR leaders clear, repeatable procedures for managing sensitive personnel disputes. The firm intends to distribute all presentation slides and written materials electronically to attendees to ensure the information remains accessible long after the seminar concludes.
Following the final session, the firm will host a networking social at its Portland office, located directly across the street from the venue. This gathering allows attendees to discuss the day's insights with peers and the presenting attorneys. Continuing legal education credits, including HRCI and SHRM certifications, will be available to qualified participants. Registration is currently open to the public for both in-person and virtual attendance.
Events like this underscore the constant shift in labor relations. As employment litigation rises, legal departments must stay informed on how to document their decisions and policies. The focus on investigative techniques suggests that firms are prioritizing risk mitigation before disputes reach the courtroom. Whether dealing with union activity or remote work policies, the broader takeaway for employers is that manual processes are no longer enough to handle modern workforce regulations. Professional development remains a vital tool for staying ahead of these changes.