In episode 175, Coffey talks with Melanie Ronen about legal considerations and emerging regulations surrounding the use of AI in employment decisions.

They discuss current anti-discrimination laws affecting AI use; recent litigation related to AI in hiring; strategies for avoiding disparate impact discrimination; the role of bias testing in AI systems; proposed legislation in California and other jurisdictions; transparency in AI usage; considerations when selecting AI vendors; and future implications of AI regulation in employment.

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About our Guest:

Working with clients across a broad array of industries, Melanie Ronen advises on all aspects of employment law, including hiring, promotion, termination, privacy, wage and hour, disability and protected leave, and retaliation and whistleblower issues. She assists with the drafting and review of employment manuals and agreements, ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws.

Melanie works side by side with employers to provide practical, tailored solutions to the various issues that arise in the workplace. When unavoidable, Melanie defends employers in litigation involving all aspects of employment-related claims.

Melanie handles single-plaintiff and complex employment disputes in state and federal courts and arbitration involving claims related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, breach of contract, defamation, trade secret, unfair competition, and wage and hour issues, including class action and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims.

When complaints arise, Melanie also conducts workplace investigations regarding unlawful or unwanted conduct, including harassment and race, age and gender discrimination. She proactively identifies potential risk and formulates strategies in line with clients’ business objectives to mitigate conflict and avoid litigation.

Melanie Ronen can be reached at

https://www.stradley.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-ronen-07888123

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.

Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.

Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.

Learning Objectives:

1. Implement testing and monitoring procedures to identify potential discriminatory impacts of AI tools in employment decisions.
2. Develop transparency protocols around AI usage that protect both employer interests and employee/candidate rights.
3. Evaluate AI technology vendors based on their ability to test for bias, make necessary adjustments, and provide compliance documentation.