From the NLRB to Free Speech & the Workplace: Learn more at the Pacific Coast Labor & Employment Law Conference

The KCBA Labor & Employment Law Section is proud to present the 59th Annual Pacific Coast Labor & Employment Law Conference at the Seattle Convention Center on April 23 & 24, 2026. The longest-running labor and employment law conference in the Pacific Northwest, this event gathers 250 attendees each year—among them attorneys representing employees, unions, and management—as well as neutrals and government attorneys. The event is an excellent opportunity to network with your colleagues from across the region. National experts will present on a broad array of current and compelling issues, including:

• 2026 EEO Update, with Eric Dreiband (Jones Day) and Dara Smith (US EEOC)
• Certain to be Uncertain: Navigating the NLRB in 2026, with Maneesh Sharma (AFL-CIO) and Erik Hult (Littler Mendelson P.C.)
• Hot Takes, Cold Reality: Employee “Free” Speech & the Workplace, with Shawndra Jones, (FordHarrison)
• Trying Hostile Work Environment Claims in Today’s Political Climate: The Trial Lawyers’ Perspective, with Lisa Peck (Peck Law) and Barbara J. D’Aquila (Fisher Phillips)
• Anchors Away: Negotiating to Get Results, with Gina Roccanova (Roccanova ADR)

And many more expert speakers and timely labor and employment law topics!

The conference is the annual capstone event for the KCBA Labor & Employment Law Section. Proceeds from the conference benefit the Mary Ellen Krug Scholarship, which is awarded to law students who show exceptional promise in labor and employment law. This year’s scholarship award will be presented at the conference luncheon.

Along with outstanding content, the Pacific Coast Labor & Employment Law Conference also offers one of the best CLE values in the practice area. True to its roots, the conference continues a nearly six-decade tradition of providing a forum for union, plaintiff, and management attorneys to come together and explore current issues in the labor and employment realm. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet and network with experienced lawyers who are passionate about labor and employment law. Register and find more information at www.pacificlaborlaw.com. 

Carson Phillips-Spotts is a shareholder at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender in Seattle where he represents plaintiffs in employment and personal injury matters. He is also the current chair of the KCBA’s Labor & Employment Law Section.