Learn@Lunch Austin: Employment Law Risks in Texas

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About the Program

What the Headlines Miss: Employment Law Risks for Executive Leadership in Texas
Employment law headlines are everywhere—but not all of them require action. This session cuts through the noise and focuses on five current developments that are already changing employer risk in Texas. Designed for executive leadership, the discussion covers non-competes after the collapse of the FTC’s proposed rule, the NLRB’s expanding reach into non-union workplaces, increased scrutiny of DEI initiatives, emerging liability tied to AI-driven employment decisions, and the practical impact of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The emphasis is on real-world examples, leadership-level decision-making, and clarity on what requires immediate attention versus what can safely wait.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate which current employment law developments in Texas require immediate executive action versus those that can be monitored.
• Assess leadership-level risk and decision-making implications related to non-competes, NLRB activity in non-union workplaces, and scrutiny of DEI initiatives.
• Identify emerging liability for employers arising from AI-driven employment decisions and compliance obligations under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
• Apply real-world examples to prioritize compliance strategies and reduce employment law risk at the executive level.

About the Speaker

Laura Ingram is a principal in the Firm’s Employment Law Practice Group. She draws upon over a decade of experience advising on employment law matters as well as several years focused on defense litigation. Laura started her legal career advising county government on employment law and other civil matters in Wichita County. After a few years, she made her way back down to Austin to work in private practice, advising and defending client interests in civil litigation matters. Laura then refocused her career on employment law and found her niche, serving in state government as Employment Counsel for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and then as Deputy General Counsel (Employment Law) and Ethics Officer for the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Laura enjoys helping her clients navigate the complexities of employment law, providing them with timely and comprehensive guidance on a full spectrum of personnel issues. When consulting on any particular matter, Laura makes sure to gather all information necessary to properly assess the situation and understand her client’s concerns, so she can explain any legal risks and potential solutions in line with their risk tolerance. She tries to focus on claim prevention to the extent possible but will help her clients articulate the best defense when claims do arise. Ultimately, Laura’s client-centered approach, personal integrity, and thoughtful communication style helps promote the trust that is indispensable for client relationships when dealing with tough workplace issues.

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