Carmody Law

Business Law Section Meeting: War Stories
2024-06-18 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | The Elm City Club, 155 Elm Street, New Haven, CT, 06511
Carmody Data Privacy Partner Sherwin Yoder will lead “War Stories” for the Connecticut Bar Association’s Business Law Section Meeting. Sherwin will address data privacy/breach issues that affect law firms, including the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity issues that have proliferated in the practice of law.
Register here

The Business of Cannabis: A Legal and Tax Update
2024-06-26 16:30 | Two Roads Brewing Company, 1700 Stratford Ave, Stratford, CT, 06615
As the cannabis industry enters a new era of regulation, how will cannabis companies in Connecticut be affected and what are the opportunities for businesses operating in, or looking to enter, the cannabis market?
Join leading advisors to the cannabis industry from Carmody and Marcum for an engaging discussion, moderated by Adam Wood, President & Founder of the Connecticut Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, followed by an opportunity to network.
Key Topics Include:

How the reclassification of cannabis will affect the industry in Connecticut
The latest changes in Connecticut law affecting the cannabis industry
Tax and valuation considerations for companies operating in the cannabis industry

Who Should Attend?
Cannabis Retailers and Dispensaries, Cultivators, Manufacturers, Delivery and Distribution Operators, Commercial Landlords and Investors.
Register here.
This information is for educational purposes only to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. It does not constitute legal advice and does not establish any attorney-client relationship.

Connecticut & Federal Workplace Laws: Recent Developments and Implications
2024-09-25 12:00 - 13:00 | CT
The legal landscape affecting employers is ever evolving and this year is no different. Join us for a discussion on the Connecticut legislative updates as well as decisions issued by the United States Supreme Court and National Labor Relations Board impacting the workplace. Topics will include the expansion of Connecticut Paid Sick Leave, the Pregnant Worker’s Fairness Act, the status of the FTC ban on non-compete agreements, and other regulatory developments and significant cases from the federal and state courts. Facilitator: Jennifer Falzone, Senior V.P. of Human Resources, Marrakech, Inc. Presenter: Sarah S. Healey, Partner, Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP

ABA 2024 Advanced Mediation and Advocacy Skills Institute
2024-10-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Cybersecurity in Mediation: Tools to Keep Barbarians Outside the Gates

Ethics Options When Representing High Conflict Clients in Family Court
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Hybrid
Carmody lawyers, Stephen J. Conover and Lindsay T. Reed, will be leading an ethics seminar titled ‘Ethics Options When Representing High Conflict Clients in Family Court’ on October 24. The seminar will discuss the options available under the rules and the best practices to respond to high conflict clients and their threats (of grievance, suits, etc.). Learn when the rules require a lawyer to terminate representation and the most effective motions to withdraw.
Register here.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credits: A Discussion on Key Matters
2024-11-19 14:00 - 14:50 | Online
This session will offer guidance on navigating Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) deals to maximize the benefits for affordable housing projects. Real Estate & Land Use partner Gregg Burton will be a speaker for the panel, along with Whittlesey partners Niko Yanouzas, Edward Engberg and Melissa Braun.
Key Topics Include:

Why choose the LIHTC for your affordable housing development?
LIHTC deal structures: Finding the best fit for your project
Assembling your team: Who to involve and when
Strategies to maximize LIHTC equity and leverage key incentives
Understanding eligible basis
Navigating partnership operating agreements and compliance

Who Should Attend?
Developers, owners, property managers, and financial professionals involved in affordable housing projects.

HR Hotline Live: Paid Sick Leave Update
2024-12-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Connecticut’s new paid sick leave law has brought confusion and frustration to many employers. Whether you’ve already attended training on the new law, or are just beginning, this HR Hotline Live webinar will clear up the confusion, simplify the issues, and outline exactly what you need to know for compliance.
What’s Changing? Effective January 1, 2025, almost all businesses with 25 or more employees must comply with Connecticut’s expanded paid leave mandate. This significant change now includes non-service and manufacturing workers.
Join CBIA HR counsel Diane Mokriski and Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey attorneys Vincent Farisello and Nick Zaino for invaluable insights and practical guidance for complying with the new law.
Why attend?

Gain clarity on the more confusing aspects of the law
Understand the specifics of the new changes and how they impact your current PTO and sick time policies
Learn how to avoid penalties, back wage orders, and wrongful termination issues

This program is approved for 1.0 HRCI credits and 1.0 SHRM PDCs.
Register here.

Tools to Ethically Manage Client Trust Accounts
2024-12-18 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
Carmody partner Stephen J. Conover and CPA Deborah J. Schaefer will be leading an ethics program titled ‘Tools to Ethically Manage Client Trust Accounts’ on December 11. The webinar will cover best practices for lawyers keeping records of funds deposited into their trust (escrow and IOLTA) bank accounts. Learn the requirements to manage funds in lawyer trust accounts, their record-keeping procedures, cost-efficient controls, and new software options as well as how to approach three-way reconciliation.
Register here.

Major Changes to Connecticut's Paid Sick Leave Law
2025-01-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Carmody Labor & Employment partners Vincent Farisello and Nick Zaino discuss the major changes to Connecticut’s Paid Sick Leave Law that became effective January 1, 2025, in this informal Zoom session through the Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Human Resources Council.

Register here.

The State of Non-Compete Agreements: Where They Stand in CT, NY and Nationally
2025-01-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Learn the latest updates on non-compete, non-solicit and similar restrictive covenants in employment law. Carmody Corporate & Business partner Kevin G. Palumberi and Klimpl Benefits Law PLLC Founder Timothy S. Klimpl will discuss the Federal Trade Commission’s final rule generally banning non-competes, where the ban stands in the courts and its prognosis going forward, a refresh of existing standards and proposed legislation in Connecticut and New York, and common considerations in M&A transactions.
Register here.

HR Hotline Live: Managing Employee Absences
2025-02-25 13:00 - 13:45 | Aqua Turf, 556 Mulberry St, Plantsville, CT, 06479, United States
Get answers to your toughest questions about FMLA, paid sick leave, no-shows, and more in this interactive Q&A session with Carmody partners Vincent Farisello and Nick Zaino.
Register here.

2025 Executive Orders and Their Impact on HR
2025-03-20 17:00 - 19:30 | Pops Family Restaurant, 134 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Labor & Employment partners Vincent Farisello and Nick Zaino discuss key developments that have occurred at the federal level that significantly impact employers and human resource leaders:
Key learning points:

Various Executive Orders targeting DEI initiatives, affirmative action and discrimination laws
Major development at the NLRB and new leadership at the EEO
Increased enforcement of illegal immigration and what employers should do to prepare

This session is presented by the Human Resource Association of Central CT (HRACC South) and has been submitted to HRCI and to SHRM for recertification credits.
Register here.

2025 CT Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, Commissions
2025-03-22 09:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
Carmody Real Estate & Land Use partner Jason Klein will be presenting for a panel discussion covering “Options for Expanding Housing Opportunities” during the Connecticut Bar Association’s “2025 CT Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, Commissions” virtual seminar. Jason will be sharing policies communities can adopt to build more homes of all types across Connecticut.
The “2025 CT Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, Commissions” is an introductory level course that will focus on topics of immediate concern to all municipal land use agencies, boards, commissions, and their staffs. The topics reflect both timely and practical situations, confronting participants at every level of the municipal land use process. This course will provide a broad review of the municipal land use process, including zoning, planning, zoning board of appeals, and wetlands issues.
Members of municipal land use agencies, boards, and commissions, as well as municipal planners, enforcement officers, and engineers will benefit from this full day course.
Register here.

HR Hotline Live: I-9 Compliance in an Era of Increased Enforcement
2025-03-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Form I-9 is one of the first—and most essential—documents an employer must complete when hiring a new employee. It verifies the worker’s identity and employment authorization and must be completed for all employees, regardless of citizenship status.
With increased immigration enforcement, employers may face audits or workplace visits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Business owners and HR professionals must understand how to maintain I-9 compliance and respond appropriately to enforcement actions.
Carmody Immigration partner Lauren Hopwood and associate Johanna Bachmair join CBIA’s HR counsel Diane Mokriski for this timely virtual event.
We’ll address key questions, including:

How should we conduct an internal I-9 audit, and how do we correct errors we find?
What are the most common mistakes on I-9 forms?
What is my responsibility as an employer in verifying the authenticity of employee documents?
How should we respond if ICE officers request employee records or information?
What steps can our company take to reduce liability and ensure compliance?

Register here.

How to Avoid Disciplinary Problems
2025-03-28 12:00 - 15:15 | CBA Law Center, 538 Preston Ave., 3rd Floor, Meriden, CT, 06450, United States
Carmody Professional Ethics & Grievance partner Stephen Conover will present on “How to Avoid Disciplinary Problems” for the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA).
The program will cover various areas of ethics including the disciplinary process, the cases most likely to lead to bar discipline, beginning and ending the attorney-client relationship, conflicts of interest, and managing one’s Interest on Lawyers’ Trust (IOLTA) account.
Stephen will present alongside Suzanne B. Sutton of Cohen & Wolf PC, Jennifer Gagosz of the Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee, Judicial Branch, and James F. Sullivan of Logan Vance Sullivan & Kores.
Register here.

Effective and Ethical Management of Client Funds
2025-04-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
At this webinar, Carmody litigator Tom Sansone will offer practical suggestions and strategies for avoiding common ethical pitfalls arising out of the management of clients’ funds. Learning effective habits for being good fiduciaries when it comes to taking care of clients’ money is critical in the legal profession, particularly when it comes to the “five commandments” for appropriate management of client funds in your possession. These strategies and tips are designed to lower the risk of falling into ethical traps and professional liability sinkholes.
Register here.

CLE Webinar: Retirement! Pros & Cons: Legal Issues
2025-04-30 16:00 - 17:30 | Virtual
Carmody Professional Ethics & Grievance partner Stephen Conover will present on the advantages and disadvantages of retirement for legal processionals for the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. The webinar will cover the decision to fully retire or practice in law beyond “normal” retirement age on a full-time or modified basis, (e.g. as a Mediator or Arbitrator) as well as the legal procedures to accomplish retirement.
This Continuing Legal Education program is appropriate for experienced attorneys, and has been approved for the following credits in accordance with the rule requirements of these states:
CT: 1.5 Skills Credit Hours
NY: 1.5 Skills Credit Hours
Register here.

The Nigerian Prince: Understanding Ethical Obligations and Managing Cyber Security Risk
2025-05-08 12:30 - 14:00 | Hybrid
Carmody Technology & Data Privacy partner Sherwin Yoder and Ethics partners Stephen Conover and Lindsay Reed will present on ethical obligations and managing cyber security risk for the Fairfield County Bar Association.
Key Topics:

Overview of Cyber Security Threats
Ethical and Legal Duties of Attorneys
Recent Case Law Developments
Managing Cyber Security Risk
Responding to a Cyber Security Breach

CLE credits are available for Connecticut and New York lawyers.
Register here.

Cybersecurity in Mediation: Secure the Data, Secure the Deal
2025-06-03 11:15 - 12:15 | The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina, 49 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI, 02840, United States
Carmody Technology & Data Privacy partner Sherwin Yoder and Alternative Dispute Resolution partner Hon. Douglas C. Mintz (Ret.) will speak on “Cybersecurity in Mediation: Secure the Data, Secure the Deal” for the American College of Civil Trial Mediators on June 3 at their 2025 Annual Conference.
For more information, click here.

HR Hotline Live: Avoiding Hiring Hazards
2025-06-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Hiring a new employee isn’t just about finding the right skills and experience—it’s also a legal minefield. From interview questions to background checks, missteps can lead to costly compliance issues.
Carmody Labor & Employment partners Vincent Farisello and Nick Zaino join CBIA’s HR counsel Diane Mokriski for this productive virtual event.
We’ll address key questions, including:

Do we need to provide written offer letters?
What types of arrests or convictions justify rescinding an offer?
What should we do if an applicant tests positive for marijuana?
Can we contact a candidate’s former employer without permission?
What interview questions could put us at legal risk?
Do wage ranges have to be included in job postings?

Register here.

Ethics: The Year in Review
2025-06-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT, United States
Presented by the Connecticut Bar Association, presenters including Carmody Professional Ethics partner Stephen Conover will discuss recent ethics-related rule changes, opinions and cases.
Click here for more information and to register.

Environmental Justice in Connecticut
2025-06-13 15:45 - 17:15 | Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT, United States
Presented by the Connecticut Bar Association, presenters including Carmody Professional Environmental partner Deborah Brancato, will discuss the history and current developments in Connecticut’s Environmental Justice law, including overview of Environmental Justice law implementation in CT, Environmental Justice and permitting processes, newest amendments to Environmental Justice law, including 2020 and 2023 expansions, current regulation development and CEEJAC (Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council) activities, considerations for the environmental practitioner.
We’ll address key issues such as:
• Connecticut’s Environmental Justice Law
• Implementation, permitting, and amendments
• Considerations for the environmental law practitioner
Click here for more information and to register.

Case Law Update
2025-06-18 18:00 - 20:30 | Cafe Amici, 1640 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT, 06517, United States
Come to learn about significant land use cases from the past year. Carmody Land Use associate Daniel Chapple will present a “Case Law Update” for the Connecticut Bar Association‘s upcoming Planning and Zoning Section Meeting.
Register now.

HR Legal Update and Networking Event
2025-06-25 15:00 - 18:00 | Hilton Garden Inn Wallingford/Meriden, 1181 Barnes Rd, Wallingford, CT, 06492, United States
With so many changes already underway at the federal level and proposed legislative changes pending at the Connecticut General Assembly, staying informed is more important than ever for Connecticut employers.
Join Carmody’s Labor & Employment team for an essential seminar tailored for HR professionals, business leaders, and in-house legal counsel. We’ll break down employment-related developments from the first six months of the Trump Administration and review updates from this year’s Connecticut legislative session, which is scheduled to end on June 4, 2025. We will discuss how these federal and state changes impact your workplace and review best practices for legal compliance.
After the presentation, we invite you to connect with us and your peers over cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and lively conversation.
Discussion topics will be based on the latest developments and are likely to include:

Navigating the legal landscape around EEO and DEI initiatives
Immigration law enforcement and compliance
Use of AI in the workplace
Changes to NRLB positions on employer contracts and severance agreements
Additional protections for workers
Other key state legislative updates

Seats are limited. Please secure your spot today and stay ahead of what’s coming in labor and employment law. We look forward to seeing you there.
SHRM and HRCI credits will be available.
Register now: click here.
If you have any questions, please contact Becky Lipnick (rlipnick@carmodylaw.com).

Expanded Connecticut Paid Sick Leave Requirements
2025-09-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Carmody Labor & Employment partners Vincent Farisello and Nick Zaino will be speaking on the Connecticut Paid Sick Leave law to the Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Human Resources Council.
As many employers know, the Connecticut Paid Sick Leave law was significantly expanded effective January 1,2025 to cover more employers and employees, provide a faster paid sick leave accrual rate, and allow employees to take paid sick leave for more reasons (among other changes). The law currently applies to employers with 25 or more employees and effective January 1, 2026, the law will cover employers with 11 or more employees. This seminar will serve as a helpful guide for employers who must become compliant as of January 1, 2026, and a refresher for employers who are already covered.
Register here.

HR Hotline Live: Employee Terminations
2025-09-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Terminating workers can be one of the hardest parts of managing a business and its people. You hope to never have to do it, but it’s often impossible to avoid.
Carmody Labor & Employment partners Vincent Farisello and Nick Zaino will be speaking on the nuances of employee terminations with “HR Hotline Live” through the CBIA, hosted by HR Counsel Diane Mokriski.
Many employers are reluctant to fire poor performing employees because they fear an inevitable lawsuit. Others make spontaneous, emotional firing decisions, believing that Connecticut’s status as an “at-will state” will protect them from litigation. The truth lies somewhere in between.
In this webinar, HR professionals will hear how to make smart, well-informed decisions about the legal, strategic, and employee-relations considerations involved in every termination decision.
Attendees will learn:

What types of terminations are always illegal
Strategies for protecting a company against a claim of wrongful termination
Best practices for conducting the termination meeting or sending that final letter
What it really means to be an “at-will” employee

Register here.

What to Do If a Grievance Complaint Arrives
2025-10-15 11:45 - 14:00 | Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, 92 Eugene O’Neill Dr., New London, CT, 06320, United States
Carmody Professional Ethics partners Stephen Conover and Lindsay Reed will be presenting on Connecticut’s lawyer disciplinary process and considerations if a grievance complaint arrives for the New London County Bar Association.
Common questions to be addressed:

For complaints from clients, do I still represent the client and what about pending client matters?
For complaints from non-clients, what can I disclose about my client?
How should I respond to the accusations in the Grievance Complaint?

This program qualifies for two Ethics & Professionalism credits.
Lunch will be provided.
Register here.

The Lifecycle of a Practice: Ethical Responsibilities for Attorneys Regarding Moving Between Firms and Winding Down a Practice
2025-10-30 09:05 - 10:05 | Saint Clements Castle & Marina, 1931 Portland-Cobalt Rd, Portland, CT, 06480, United States
The rules of professional conduct impose obligations on attorneys regarding moving between firms during their careers and in winding down their practices at the end of their careers. Presented by the Connecticut Bar Association, Carmody Professional Ethics partner Stephen Conover will be part of a panel discussing an attorney’s ethical obligations during these points in an attorney’s career.
Register here.

Connecticut State Of The Market
2025-11-12 08:00 - 12:15 | DoubleTree by Hilton Stamford, 1 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT, 06902, United States
Land Use partner Lisa Feinberg will moderate a discussion by real estate and business leaders on the state of the market for the Connecticut real estate community. Topics will include the real estate trends and local updates, including city economic development agendas, how to work with municipalities, and financing for developments.
Click here for more information and to register.

Lawyers in Transition: Exiting the Practice
2025-12-03 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Carmody partner Stephen J. Conover will present to the Connecticut Bar Association on the ethical obligations and options for lawyers exiting the practice of law.
Lawyers will learn about:

The ethics obligations and responsibilities of lawyers considering retirement
The ethics obligations and responsibilities of lawyers considering selling their practice
Retirement options
Insurance considerations for retirement

Register now.
