AI & HI in Employment Law
In the ever-evolving landscape of employment practices, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into workplace operations presents both promising advancements and complex challenges. Join us for an insightful session with esteemed Employment Law Attorney, Eric De Wames, as we explore the intersection of AI technology, Human Intelligence, and employment practices liability within California's unique regulatory framework. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of AI implementation in Northern California workplaces, examining its potential benefits, such as increased efficiency and productivity, alongside legal and ethical pitfalls, like unfair hiring practices. We'll also discuss impending state and federal regulations governing AI usage. Through real-world examples and practical insights, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies necessary to leverage AI technology effectively while ensuring compliance.
Eric De Wames
As Managing Partner, Mr. De Wames leads the firm’s employment law practice in its nine offices throughout California. A renowned trial attorney, he represents businesses in the full range of employment and labor law litigation with creative strategies tailored to the individual needs of his clients.
Eric is a vetted Trial Attorney and an expert advocate in the full range of employment law matters including wage-and-hour, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims. He brings particular expertise to representing clients in class actions and claims under the Private Attorneys General Act. He’s a skilled counselor for all forms of businesses, public entities and school districts in all matters before federal/state agencies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the Department of Fair Employment, and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement and the Office of Administrative Hearings, to name a few. Twice he was named one of California’s Super Lawyer Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters.
An engaging speaker, Eric conducts seminars across the state to assist employers in navigating California’s rigorous, ever-evolving compliance regulations, always with an emphasis on preventing litigation. He’s a published contributing author for Forbes and he co-authored MS&A’s e-book, “Navigating COVID-19: A Legal Guide for California Employers.” It’s a free resource for businesses in our state, regularly updated to reflect the changing pandemic landscape.
Eric is also an employment law expert consultant for Insurance Education Association (IEA) an organization dedicated to providing HR, risk managers and insurance carriers education on disability management and other employment-related compliance mandates. He advises on and is an editor for IEAs course materials and is a frequent guest lecturer.
Eric graduated from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento with distinction. He was on the Dean’s Honor List, and was a member of the Traynor Honor Society for Academic Excellence.
He’s a founding member of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Advisory Council, and supports a wide range of charities for human rights, animal welfare and access to health care.
Eric is proficient in written and spoken Spanish.
Tara Fornay
Tara is a Human Resources leader who is passionate about the intersection of people, organizations, and culture and the impact of nurturing and developing high-performing teams in business. As a two-time Chief People Officer and HR leader, Tara’s 20+ year career leading people and culture functions through organizational change spans an array of public and private entities, including technology, entertainment, gaming, media, education and non-profit organizations such as Zillow, VIZIO, and Enthusiast Gaming. Her current position is Interim Chief People & Culture Officer for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. She also serves as the current President of the Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) and as a member of the Board of Directors of the California Society for Human Resource Management (CalSHRM).
