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| Convention Early-Bird Ends
Tomorrow, May 28 |
| Register TODAY to take advantage of Early-Bird pricing! Don’t miss this chance to connect with leading advocates and experts while saving on your registration rates!
Empower. Reclaim. Transform.40 Years of Impact and Advocacy
June 25–28, 2025
Marriott Baltimore Waterfront
Plenary Sessions Empower. Reclaim. Transform: Honoring Courageous Plaintiffs
Understanding Historical Racism: How to Frame Your Case and Combat Bias
Celebrating Progress & Gaining Momentum in Difficult Times
The Year in Review: Significant Developments in Employment Law
Focused Program Tracks Fundamentals of Employment Law
Protecting Workers’ Rights in Uncertain Times
Representing Federal Employees
Trial Advocacy
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| Early-Bird Extended Through Wednesday, May 28 |
| Member Rates$865 Member Early-Bird $725 Retired/Emeritus $725 Public Interest/Non-Profit Attorneys $725 Government Attorneys $725 Paraprofessionals $375 Law Students |
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| Non-Member Rates$1,365 Non-Member Early-Bird $1,025 Public Interest/Non-Profit Attorneys $1,025 Government Attorneys $1,025 Paraprofessionals $400 Law Students |
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| | Federal Employee Rights Practice Group Strategy Session This Thursday, 5/29 |
| Federal workers are facing unprecedented challenges, making it more important than ever for their advocates to stay informed. Join the NELA Federal Employee Rights Practice Group this Thursday at 3:00 p.m. Eastern for an in-depth discussion on the latest EEOC statements, NELA’s comments on the schedule/policy NPRM, and other pressing issues impacting federal workers. The group will strategize effective responses and explore how to best advise potential federal sector clients on these evolving issues. To maintain confidentiality, this session is open exclusively to members of national NELA. |
| NELA Federal Employee Rights Practice Group
Strategy SessionLimited to NELA National Members Thursday, May 29, 2025 12:00 p.m. Pacific/3:00 p.m. Eastern |
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| NIWR Initiatives Influence the Discussion on Equal Opportunity in the Workplace |
| The National Institute for Workers’ Rights (NIWR) continues to make an impact in the fight for workplace equal opportunity. On May 16, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights released an open letter to leaders across business, philanthropy, education, law, non-profits, and health care, emphasizing that civil rights obligations remain unchanged despite administration pressure. The letter cites NIWR’s 2024 memorandum, which highlights the heightened liability risk companies face when backing away from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. |
| | Additionally, NELA and NIWR's efforts were recently cited in an amicus brief filed by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP in the Fourth Circuit, challenging the administration’s anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion executive order. The brief urges the court to uphold a company’s right to continue lawful diversity initiatives, arguing that these practices advance equal opportunity while promoting innovation and growth. Notably, the brief cites and quotes (p. 13) the joint letters from NELA and NIWR, which reiterate the increased liability risk of abandoning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. |
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| Raising The Bar: Meet Michal Shinnar |
| Michal Shinnar
Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA
Greenbelt, MD
Member Since 2010
Law School: Fordham Law School
What inspired you to practice plaintiffs’ employment law?
In college, I thought I wanted to do psych research, and got a clinical research job after college, It was a fascinating field, but I ultimately realized that it wasn't what I wanted to do professionally over my whole career, and that being a lawyer and advocate suited me better. Between my work with people with disabilities, and my work in my college rape crisis center, employment law just drew me in, and it was just the right fit. |
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| Career-wise, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
The $43.8 million settlement in the Breen v. FAA case is my most proud public achievement. I am also so proud of the many clients who I was really able to get a great outcome for, even if it is confidential due to the settlement terms. But the clients know it was a great outcome, and are so grateful. I know it. And there is pride in knowing that the employer and their counsel know it too.
What advice do you have for law students or new lawyers interested in this area of law?
Be a voracious reader: Read court decisions, but also read court pleadings (remember, they are publicly available). Read other examples of legal writing in your field such as letters, memos, and discovery from your colleagues and from others. This will allow you to learn not only about the substance of law but about the different styles of advocacy, all of which are important to becoming the best lawyer you can be.
What does NELA membership mean to you? How has it impacted your career?
We are an organization of lawyers that exemplifies helping each other, as opposed to competing with each other, to achieve the best legal outcomes. None of us benefit if there is a bad court decision. Judge David Tatel of the D.C. Circuit said in his recent memoir that lawyers should all get involved an organization of lawyers whose mission you support. NELA exemplifies why that is so valuable.
What's your favorite way to spend a day off?
Hiking, painting, cooking, reading. And thanks to the wonder of audiobooks, I can read while doing any of these.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
We are in a time where our skills as employment lawyers are in high demand. And that makes me extra grateful to NELA and the resources and support it provides. |
| Raising The Bar introduces you to a member of the NELA community every week as part of our 40th anniversary celebration. Is there a member you want to be sure we include? Let us know. All current members are invited to submit an interview form for inclusion. |
| | | | | In the news? Has a recent victory of yours made the news? Have you been interviewed about important issues in employment law? Send a link to the online article to pvalverde@nelahq.org. |
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