Unwinding A Whirlwind:
A Review of Legal Developments and
Trends Affecting Your Workplace
presented by Thomas Lenz
The year 2025 has already brought significant challenges for employers. New laws have taken effect, a change in administration in Washington, D.C. has led to sweeping national policy changes, and the courts are pushing back on executive actions. Immigration tensions are impacting businesses and schools, while fires in Southern California have disrupted communities and commerce. Additionally, tariffs and trade wars may affect rebuilding efforts. With so much happening so quickly, staying informed is a challenge. This session will explore key issues employers need to consider to navigate these changes effectively.
Learning Objectives include:
- Understand how federal changes impact California workplaces.
- Clarify the legal boundaries around terminating employees.
- Evaluate the legality of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
- Determine whether workplace policies need to be updated.
Assess your organization’s readiness for disruptions, including natural disasters, immigration enforcement, violence, and labor unrest.
Speaker
Thomas Lenz,
Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Thomas Lenz is a partner in the Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo law firm, working from Pasadena, California. For over 30 years his practice has involved advice, training, and representation of employer clients across California and western states. He leads the Firm's labor relations team. He began his career as an attorney with National Labor Relations Board Region 21, Los Angeles, in a practice using Spanish regularly as well as English. He teaches at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. He also serves as an Advisor to the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Lawyers Association, having led the Section as Chair during 2017-2018. He is the immediate past Chair of CLA’s Civics Education and Outreach Committee. He is licensed in several jurisdictions including all Pacific Coast states and Arizona. He frequently appears in print and broadcast media in English and Spanish to discuss workplace issues of the day. He graduated from Marquette University (B.A.) and the Louisiana State University Law Center (J.D.).
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