SESSION SUMMARIES

Data Privacy & Your PEO
Wednesday, May 20, 10:00am – 11:00am
Frank Anderson, Esq., Divisional VP and Lead Counsel – Product, Data & Technology, Trinet USA, Inc.
Usama Kahf, Esq., Partner, Fisher Phillips

Data privacy is no longer just an IT concern — it’s a critical legal and business priority for PEOs. PEOs handle a vast amount of sensitive employee and client data, facing increasing regulatory scrutiny and evolving compliance obligations.

This session will explore the key legal considerations surrounding data privacy within the PEO model, including applicable federal and state laws, risk management strategies and best practices for safeguarding personal and organizational data. Attendees will gain insight into emerging trends, common pitfalls and practical steps to strengthen their data privacy posture while maintaining operational efficiency.

Join us for a timely discussion designed to help you navigate the complex and rapidly changing data privacy landscape with confidence.

The PEO Client Service Agreement – What You Need to Know Now
Wednesday, May 20, 11:15am – 12:15pm
Melissa Cizmorris, Esq., Partner, Akerman LLP
Abigail Malone, Esq., General Counsel, Alcott HR
Brian M. Nugent, Esq., Partner, Akerman LLP

The PEO Client Service Agreement (CSA) continues to evolve as legal, regulatory and business dynamics shift. This session will provide a practical overview of the modern CSA, including its core structure and the key provisions every PEO should understand.

We’ll examine emerging and increasingly important clauses—such as the “independent fiduciary” provision, updated “fees” language addressing insurance and tax considerations and the ongoing debate around how (and whether) to define co-employment within the agreement. Attendees will gain insight into current trends, common drafting approaches and considerations for balancing clarity, compliance and risk.

Whether you’re revisiting your existing agreements or building new ones, this session will equip you with the knowledge you need to stay current and confident in your CSA strategy.

What should a legal department look like inside a PEO—and how does that change as your organization grows? Join this engaging panel discussion featuring PEO leaders from organizations of varying sizes, alongside an expert in in-house knowledge management, as they explore the structure, function and evolving role of the in-house legal team.

From early-stage questions — Do we need a legal department? When is it time to hire a General Counsel?— to more advanced considerations around roles, responsibilities and operational efficiency, this session will provide practical guidance and real-world perspectives. Panelists will share how legal departments are staffed and managed across different PEO sizes, what work belongs in-house versus with outside counsel and how to align legal strategy with business needs.

Designed for both PEO executives and in-house attorneys, this session will help clarify expectations, define roles and offer actionable insights to build or optimize a legal function that scales with your organization.

Join us for a session on the hottest topics happening in PEO right now. These will be quick TED-style talks on of-the-moment topics that all PEOs need to know about.

Come get your hour of ethics credit in while at the event!

Case Law Update
Thursday, May 21, 8:30am – 10:00am
Garrett Kamen, Esq., Partner, Fisher Phillips
William H. Weissman, Esq., Shareholder, Littler Mendelson, PC

Stay ahead of the curve with one of the program’s most highly rated sessions—your essential update on the latest legal precedents shaping employment law and PEO operations. This session will break down the most significant cases and developments from the past year, translating complex rulings into practical insights you can apply immediately.

From compliance implications to operational impact, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what’s changed, what’s coming and what it means for your organization. Whether you’re in-house counsel, an executive or a compliance professional, this is a can’t-miss opportunity to sharpen your legal toolkit and stay informed in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Benefits & Tax Update
Thursday, May 21, 10:15am – 11:15am
Sheldon J. Blumling, Esq., Partner, Fisher Phillips
Michael L. Hadley, Esq., Partner, Davis & Harman LLP
Seth T. Perretta, Esq., Principal, Groom Law Group
Malcolm C. Slee, Esq., Principal, Groom Law Group

The world of benefits and tax compliance is evolving at a rapid pace—are you keeping up? From ongoing questions around the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) to the complexities of managing a remote workforce across state lines, today’s landscape presents new challenges for PEOs every day.

Join our expert panel as they break down the most pressing issues, including out-of-state remote employees, paid sick leave requirements and key benefits considerations. You’ll gain practical guidance, helpful resources and real-world insights to navigate these complexities with confidence.

AI 2.0
Thursday, May 21, 11:15am – 12:15pm
Joseph Lazzarotti, Esq., Partner, Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
David Walton, Esq., Partner, Fisher Phillips

Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a novelty into an essential tool for business leaders and legal professionals alike. As its use becomes more widespread, understanding both its potential and its risks is critical—especially for PEOs and their clients.

This session will explore the real-world applications of AI in the PEO context, highlighting practical opportunities to drive efficiency and innovation, as well as the legal, ethical and compliance considerations that come with its use. Join us for a forward-looking discussion designed to help you leverage AI effectively while navigating its emerging challenges with confidence.