Violations En Vogue? Labor and Employment Laws Concerning Fashion Models and Interns

- Location -
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019-6119

THIS PROGRAM IS SOLD OUT

Program 5:30 - 8:30p.m.

The event will address labor and employment law issues as they relate to fashion models and fashion design interns.   

 Intern Panel

The use of unpaid interns is widespread in the fashion industry, as well as many other industries.  The U.S. Department of Labor has a set of criteria that employers must meet for an internship to be legal.  Some argue that internships routinely fail to meet this criteria.  A number of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of interns. This panel will discuss the use of unpaid interns, with particular emphasis on its use in the fashion industry.  It will explore ways in which employers can ensure they are adhering to state and federal guidelines governing the use of unpaid interns.

~Moderator~   
Gary D. Friedman, Esq., Employment Litigation Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP 

~Speakers~
Laurel George, Ph.D, Adjunct Assistant Professor, New York University  
Laura Lestrade, Esq., Senior Attorney, Dorsey & Whitney, LLP
Deborah McNamara, Esq., Attorney, designer and Fashion Law Professor, New York Law School
 Ross Perlin, Author, Intern Nation
Elizabeth Wagoner, Esq. Associate, Outten & Golden LLP
 
Fashion Models

Because models are typically considered independent contractors (as opposed to employees), they do not benefit from the protection afforded U.S. employees.  Some argue that this leads to poor working conditions that would be illegal in the traditional workplace such as unpaid wages, sexual harassment and violations of child labor laws.  The panel will explore these issues and discuss ways they can be addressed. 

~Moderator~ 
Paula Viola, Esq., Former Model, Associate at Paul Weiss

~Speakers~
Tracy Agyemang, Esq., Trial Attorney, US Department of Labor
Barbara Coleman, Talent Agent, Innovative Artists
Gary D. Friedman, Esq., Employment Litigation Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP 
Doreen Small, Esq., Of Counsel at Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe, adjunct professor at Fordham’s Fashion Law Institute
Sara Ziff, Model, Founder/Director of Model Alliance

Following the program there will be a trunk show and hors d'oeuvres served 

 This program is sponsored by the Fashion Law Committee of the Entertainment Arts & Sports Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. This year the Section celebrates its 25 Year Anniversary find out more about the celebration www.nysba.org/EASL25Anniversary 

The Section would like to thank the following companies for Their Sponsorship:
                                    

Under New York’s MCLE rule, this program is approved for a total of 2.0 credit hours in Professional Practice. This program is transitional and will qualify for credit for newly-admitted attorneys.

Program Fees:
$35 - EASL members, Models Alliance and attorneys with Dorsey & Whitney
$50 - Non-members
$25 for Law Students

The last day to pre-register online was February 10, 2013.

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities:
NYSBA welcomes participation by individuals with disabilities. NYSBA is committed to complying with all applicable laws that prohibit discrimination against individuals on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of its goods, services, programs, activities, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations. To request auxiliary aids or services or if you have any questions regarding accessibility, please contact Kathy Heider at 800-582-2452 or kheider@nysba.org.