Future-Proofing Compliance: California Legal Insights for 2026
December 11, 2025 | 9:30 AM–3:30 PM PT
Get ready for 2026 with insights into the latest California workplace regulations. As California continues to lead the nation in progressive legislation and regulatory enforcement, staying ahead of the state’s evolving compliance landscape is critical for every organization.
Attendees will gain actionable insights into emerging risks, upcoming legal changes, and best practices for maintaining compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Whether you manage operations, legal affairs, or compliance strategy, this session will equip you with the tools and foresight to confidently navigate California’s ever-changing legal terrain. Top-tier employment law attorneys, including Allison West and Jeanine DeBacker will guide you through new laws and bills taking effect from January 1, 2026, and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the latest California legislative and regulatory updates for 2026
- Identify high-impact compliance risks and enforcement trends
- Learn strategies for operationalizing compliance across departments
- Engage with peers and experts on practical solutions for today’s legal challenges
Join us for an in-depth session and ensure a compliant and effective 2026.
Sponsored by:
Hosted by:
Location – In Person
Roundhouse - Trinity Hall
2600 Camino Ramon, Suite 100
San Ramon, CA 94583
Program Cost
SHRM Member: Early Bird $169
SHRM Member: Standard $229
Program Agenda
9:30-10:00
Registration, Network with sponsors + Coffee Break
10:00-11:00
Jessica Walker - 2026 CA Employment Laws Update
As we look ahead and prepare for the new year, please join Jessica Walker, Senior Associate with the Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo law firm, to review and discuss new laws, recent regulations, and legal issues that will impact California employers in 2026 and beyond.
11:15-12:30
Thomas Brazier – Unraveling the Compliance Puzzle: Strategic HR Approach
Compliance feels like a full time job? Let’s fix that.
Regulations change constantly. Policies fall out of date. Training rules vary by state and role. I-9s leave no room for error. Add audit deadlines and scattered systems, and even great HR teams can feel buried.
This session covers key areas of compliance that will leave you with a clear lan to save time, reduce risk, and refocus on your people.
12:30-1:00
Lunch and networking
1:00-2:15
Just the Facts: Perfecting Your Investigation Interview
The interview is the most important part of an investigation. Yet, all-too-often, investigators fail to get critical information because they didn't ask the right questions and didn't know how to handle different types of witnesses. Frustrated by hostile or uncooperative witnesses? Stumped on how to get the level of detail to understand issues? Gain practical tips from an experienced attorney investigator to help you obtain the information you need to make sound findings.
2:15-3:30
Jeanine DeBacker, Esq. - Hiring and Terminations
The entire employment cycle requires HR diligence, but your processes for hiring and termination are critical to an effective and productive workforce. In this session, Jeanine will discuss the steps to take when you plan to hire for a position, offering the position, and the worker’s first few days on the job. Then, she’ll talk about what to do when you’ve determined that letting the employee go is necessary. Planning ahead to ensure your hiring and terminations are fair is one of the many ways HR professionals bring extraordinary value to their organizations.