Understanding the Potential Impacts of the New Administration on EPL Claims Webinar Recap

On April 10th industry experts gathered to take a deep dive into the significant changes brought about by recent executive orders and how these shifts are affecting businesses of all sizes. With a particular focus on the new administration’s priorities, the session explored how these changes are reshaping workplace policies, with legal and claims implications for employers across various industries. If you weren’t able to attend this live webinar discussion, below are some key takeaways.

Understanding the New Priorities of the EEOC

One of the primary focuses of the webinar was the evolving role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under the new administration. Experts discussed how the EEOC’s enforcement priorities have shifted, especially concerning workplace discrimination and harassment policies. Changes to how claims are handled and how businesses must respond to complaints are crucial for employers to understand. For professional liability practitioners, staying on top of these regulatory shifts is vital, as businesses must adjust their internal policies and legal approaches to avoid costly legal battles.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: Legal Implications and Risks

The webinar also examined the growing emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which are becoming a major focus for both public and private employers. The recent executive orders push for stronger DEI efforts within organizations, but they also raise significant legal and claims implications, especially in regard to potential claims of reverse discrimination or workplace favoritism. Legal advisors and professional liability practitioners need to ensure that DEI programs are compliant with current laws, carefully balancing company initiatives with legal requirements to minimize risk.

Enhanced Documentation and Evaluation Practices

A recurring theme was the importance of meticulous documentation. This includes documenting hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions with clear, objective metrics to preemptively defend against potential claims of discrimination. Practitioners should advise their clients to keep detailed records explaining their decisions, particularly in light of evolving legal standards regarding what constitutes adverse employment actions and discrimination.

Anticipating the Future: Legal and Claims Implications

Finally, the webinar provided valuable insights into the future landscape of workplace policies and potential claims trends. The discussion emphasized the importance of preparing for future regulatory shifts and how proactive measures can help businesses mitigate risk. Understanding emerging legal issues, from wage equity to harassment claims, and staying ahead of new executive orders will be crucial for professionals in the liability field to provide accurate and timely guidance to their clients.

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Meet the Speakers

Victoria Fuller is a Partner and Co-Chair of the Labor and Employment Practice Group. She practices out of White and Williams’ Boston office. Victoria has over 18 years of experience as a civil litigator. Victoria is well-known for her creativity, commitment, efficiency and strategic focus with clients.

Victoria regularly represents businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, as well as in state and Federal Court. She has litigated a variety of employment disputes include discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour, failure to accommodate, and alleged violations of state and federal leave laws, among others. In addition, she counsels employers with respect to a variety of employment matters including hiring, termination (including RIFs), requests for accommodation, policies and procedures, and restrictive covenants.

Victoria was listed as a 2024 Go-To Higher Education Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyer Weekly and was named as one of The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2025.

Victoria formerly served as an editor of the Boston Bar Journal, co-chaired the Boston Bar Association’s Massachusetts Practice and Procedures Committee, and is a former member of the Boston Bar Association’s Education Committee. She is also a volunteer Hearing Committee Member for the Board of Bar Overseers.

Peter Woo serves as an Equity Principal in the Orange County and Los Angeles offices and Office Litigation Manager of the Riverside office of Jackson Lewis, P.C. Peter is also the Office Business Development Leader of the Orange County office. He additionally serves as a member on the Firm’s EPLI Executive Committee with respect to its nationwide insurance practice.

Peter represents businesses and management in labor and employment law matters, including general employment litigation, wage and hour class action/PAGA defense, Title III public accommodation issues, workplace investigations and audits, and advice and counseling. He acts as outside employment and litigation counsel for corporations in all industries, including media, entertainment, marketing, insurance, manufacturing, construction, real estate, retail and hospitality, distribution, technology, professional services, and other business sectors. He serves clients nationwide and throughout California.