PLEASE NOTE DUE TO POSSIBLE INCLEMENT WEATHER, THIS MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED FROM tUESDAY, jANUARY 27TH TO mONDAY, fEBRUARY 2ND. 

Available this month only - purchase an annual meeting package. $225 for all meetings (7 meetings, plus the half day seminar in september), a savings of $25. 

can't attend a meeting? send a co-worker in your place

Review annual package here (or purchase during january registration). Available until 1/30 @ 3pm. 

 January raffle - Dinner for two at hotel Roanoke

January 2026 Legal Update
Date and Time: Monday, February 2, 8:30-10:00 am 
Program Description: Kick off the new year by equipping yourself with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of Human Resources. This program will feature a panel of local legal experts from Woods Rogers, Gentry Locke, and Cowan Perry PC—facilitated by Brenna Harman of Woods Rogers—who will provide you with the latest legal updates and insights specifically tailored for HR professionals.

Why Attend?
Current Legal Landscape
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the most recent changes in labor laws, employment regulations, and compliance requirements that directly impact your role. ·
Future Challenges
Stay ahead by exploring anticipated legal trends and challenges that will shape the HR field in the coming year. 
Expert Panel
Benefit from the collective expertise of our panelists, who will share practical advice and best practices to help you tackle your toughest HR challenges.
Interactive Q&A
Have your pressing questions addressed, providing you with actionable insights and solutions to implement in your organization.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with fellow HR professionals and legal experts.

Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with the legal knowledge and tools necessary to navigate 2026 confidently. Join us for an informative and engaging session that will set the tone for a successful year ahead.

1.5 hours credit for SHRM and HRCI

Facilitated by: Brenna E. Harman is an Associate in the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Woods Rogers, part of a Chambers-ranked (Virginia, Band 1) group. She advises employers on workplace challenges and ensures compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws, including the ADA, FMLA, and other key regulations, with a focus on management-side employment matters. Brenna holds a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law; a Paralegal Certificate from Boston University; and a B.S. in Psychology, summa cum laude, from Virginia Tech. She is admitted to practice in Virginia.

Speaker Bios:

Panelist,Michael P. Gardner is a Principal at Woods Rogers. He provides outside counsel to private companies and local governments, agencies, and boards on labor and employment law matters. He represents clients in internal management issues, state and federal agency proceedings, and state and federal litigation through trial and appeal. Recognized as a Best Lawyer in America, Virginia Super Lawyer, and Virginia Business “Legal Elite,” Mike brings extensive experience in workforce management and employment compliance.

Panelist, James K. Cowan, Jr. (Jim) is the Chairman of CowanPerry PC. His practice focuses on representing management in the full spectrum of labor and employment related issues, handling complex business litigation, and representing property owners and developers. With twenty-five years of trial experience, he represents a wide range of employers in non-compete litigation, employment-related claims under federal laws like the ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, and Title VII, and before agencies such as the NLRB, EEOC, and Virginia Employment Commission. Jim has been recognized for over a decade in “The Best Lawyers in America,” as a Virginia “Super Lawyer,” and in Virginia Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite” for Labor/Employment law.

Panelist, Harrison E. Richards is an Associate at Gentry Locke, practicing in the firm’s commercial litigation group with a primary focus on employment litigation defense. He represents employers across various industries in state and federal courts, defending claims involving discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour violations, and other employment disputes. He also handles administrative proceedings before agencies such as the EEOC and Virginia Employment Commission, and provides day-to-day counsel on workplace issues, including compliance, policy development, and risk mitigation.

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