NIHRC Fall Legal Forum 2026

Join IL SHRM for a full day of professional development, practical legal insights, and meaningful connections with fellow HR professionals, employment law experts, and industry partners.

This year’s program will explore employment case law, workplace investigations, Department of Labor and EEOC developments, Illinois wage and hour issues, and other timely topics impacting employers and HR professionals.

FEATURED OPENING SESSION

Let’s Get This Fest Started!

Kick off the NIHRC Fall Legal Forum with an update from SHRM Illinois. Hear the latest on statewide priorities, chapter support, legislative advocacy, and ways HR professionals can get involved and stay connected.

Featured Speakers:

Brendan Nicholls
State Director-Elect, SHRM Illinois

Robert O. López, MBA, SPHR
Director of Legislative and Government Affairs, IL SHRM State Council

LEGAL INSIGHT SESSIONS

What’s in Season?
A Notable 7th Circuit Employment Caselaw Update and the Cases’ Practical Impact on Employers

Presenters: Rob Bernstein, Partner, Laner Muchin, Ltd. and Christina Hynes Mesco, Of Counsel, The Prinz Law Firm

Explore notable Seventh Circuit employment law decisions and, most importantly, what they mean for employers and HR professionals in practice.

Weeding Out the Risk
Workplace Investigation to Transformation: Unique Issues Associated with Investigating and Coaching a High-Performing TOXIC Leader

Presenter: Kathryn Hartrick, Hartrick Employment Law & Investigations

Examine the unique challenges HR professionals face when investigating workplace concerns involving a high-performing but toxic leader and how organizations can move from investigation to meaningful change.

Employment Law Insights

Presenter: Frank Del Barto, Attorney at Law, Masuda Funai

Additional session details will be announced soon.

Department of Labor and EEOC Updates

Presenters: Antonio Caldarone and Amber Cox, Partners, Laner Muchin, Ltd.

Experienced management-side employment attorneys will provide an update on current Department of Labor and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission priorities, enforcement practices, and what these developments mean for employers.

The session will also address important Illinois wage and hour developments, including compensable time, independent contractor classifications, potential penalties, DEI considerations, and what employers can expect when responding to an EEOC charge.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Full Day of Professional Development
• Breakfast and Lunch Included
• Networking with HR Professionals and Industry Leaders
• Sponsor and Vendor Exhibits
• Raffles, Prizes, and Giveaways
• Sponsor Spotlights
• SHRM and HRCI Recertification Credits

EVENT DETAILS

Click here to register

Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Schaumburg Towers
1450 American Lane
Schaumburg, IL 60193

NIHRC Members: $75
Non-Members: $150

Registration closes September 30, 2026.