Location: Balsamroot Conference Room - G.W. Marks Exploration Center - 1075 South Avenue West, Missoula, MT 59801
Workshop Title:From Posts to Pink Slips: Navigating Free Speech and Social Media in the Workplace
Presenter: Leah Trahan
Presenter Bio: Leah is an attorney at Parsons Behle & Latimer who advises and represents employers in workplace disputes. Leah regularly appears before state and federal courts and administrative agencies defending employers in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, and wrongful termination matters. In addition, Leah works closely with clients to develop practical strategies that support her clients’ business goals while managing legal risk. Leah is also a frequent speaker on employment law developments and workplace best practices.
Workshop Description: This workshop is designed to provide a practical, up-to-date understanding of the legal rules governing employer management of employee social media use. Participants will explore where employer authority begins and ends, including the distinction between on-duty and off-duty conduct, protected concerted activity, privacy rights, and anti-retaliation laws.
Through real-world scenarios and case discussions, the session will examine common risk areas such as monitoring employee accounts, responding to controversial posts, disciplining employees for online behavior, and drafting social media policies. The workshop also addresses how federal and state laws may differ, and how recent legal developments affect HR decision-making.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify legally-protected employee speech and activity on social media
- Assess when and how employers may lawfully monitor or respond to online conduct
- Avoid common legal pitfalls when disciplining employees for social media use
- Draft and enforce social media policies that balance business interests with employee rights