Employee Handbook Updates for 2027 with Cara Butler and Alexis Jones

VIRTUAL - zoom LINK WILL Be in the confirmation email.

FREE FOR WCASHRM CHAPTER MEMBERS. $10 FOR NON-WCASHRM MEMBERS.

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of employee handbook best practices, with a focus on distinguishing handbook language from contractual obligations. Presented by attorneys Cara Butler and Alexis Jones of Mitchell Williams, the presentation covers key Arkansas employment law principles—including the at-will employment doctrine, the legal significance of express and implied promises in handbooks, and the critical role of disclaimers in protecting the employment relationship. The presentation also addresses practical do's and don'ts for handbook drafting, as well as hot topic employment issues in 2026—including ADA accommodations and other emerging areas—that should be reflected in updated employee handbooks.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the distinction between handbook language and contractual obligations. Attendees will learn how to identify express and implied promises in employee handbooks that may create enforceable contractual rights.
2. Apply best practices for drafting and maintaining employee handbooks. Attendees will gain practical guidance on using clear, unambiguous language and effective disclaimers to articulate employer expectations and employee conduct standards while preserving the at-will employment relationship.
3. Identify hot topic employment law developments requiring handbook updates. Attendees will become familiar with current employment law issues in 2026—such as ADA accommodations and other emerging legal requirements—and understand how to incorporate necessary policy revisions into their employee handbooks to ensure ongoing compliance.

Cara Butler advises businesses and not-for-profits on employment and workplace issues. She counsels employers on wage and hour compliance matters with federal, state and local laws. She advises human resources and business executives on management issues related to hiring and termination procedures, employee discipline procedures, state and federal leave laws and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Prior to joining Mitchell Williams, Cara gained extensive knowledge of employment law as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Lavenski R. Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Alexis Jones is dedicated to supporting clients in litigation including employment and labor matters. While earning her J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law, Alexis gained valuable hands-on experience as a legal extern with a Fortune 1 company and as a law clerk in law firms, where she conducted legal research, drafted memorandums, and analyzed complex regulatory issues. As a quarterfinalist in her law school's Negotiation Competition, Alexis demonstrated strong advocacy and problem-solving abilities. Alexis is committed to delivering thoughtful, reliable representation and is eager to leverage her skills to support firm clients.

One hour of SHRM PDC & HRCI is approved.

WCASHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.

HR Certification Institute's® (www.HRCI.org)  official seal confirms that this Activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval, including SPHR® and PHR®.

SPONSOR

Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. is a full-service law firm with Arkansas roots and national reach. For over 70 years, the firm has provided comprehensive legal counsel to corporations, organizations, and individuals, handling routine business matters as well as highly complex corporate issues.  From offices in Little Rock, Rogers and Jonesboro, Arkansas and Austin, Texas, Mitchell Williams provides strategic solutions and extensive experience to help clients achieve their goals. Learn more at MitchellWilliamsLaw.com.

Contact [email protected] about this opportunity or visit Marketing Opportunities for more information.

SHRM FOUNDATION

Donate $10.75 for opportunity to win $25 gift card doorprize. (You can donate when you register or go to our catalog) 

Giving For A Cause

WCASHRM's fourth-quarter community outreach partner is Tri-Lakes CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) provides compassionate volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. They are committed to ensuring a consistent voice, safe home, and promising future for children in foster care. Through the combined community efforts of volunteers, staff, attorneys, judges, foster families, family service workers, board members, donors, and supporters, Tri-Lakes CASA provides a CASA advocate for foster children in Garland, Hot Spring, Grant, and Clark and Pike counties. Please consider making a donation to this important organization when you register for this month's membership meeting. Every contribution helps us extend WCASHRM's impact beyond our profession and into the community we serve. Donate to our quarterly “Giving for a Cause.”  Add it to your registration or go to the  WCASHRM Catalog and we will donate on your behalf!

NOT A WCASHRM MEMBER? MEMBERSHIP IS FREE FOR SHRM MEMBERS!

If you're not a WCASHRM chapter member, we hope you will consider joining us. Our chapter provides monthly education with 1 hour of CE. Our dues are free for SHRM members who primary designate their SHRM membership with our chapter, $30 for SHRM members designated to another chapter, or $45/annually. Our members consist of HR professionals, small business owners, office managers, payroll clerks, benefit coordinators, and others interested in the Human Resource function. WCASHRM offers certification and college scholarships, legislative updates, a monthly newsletter, free virtual meetings, free online job ad posting, and more to our members. [Your membership will more than cover your registration to all 8 virtual meetings.]

In addition, the national organization - the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - provides a multitude of resources including articles, legal updates, research, online tools including job descriptions, templates, audit information, and expert help in HR and business. SHRM membership costs $299/annually. (Then your local chapter dues with WCASHRM are free!)

Visit our Join page for membership information where you can find the online application. Or email questions to: [email protected].