Hybrid, Remote and Post-Pandemic (Eventually!) Return to In-Person Work Arrangements: A Panel Discussion on Key Topics for Those with Disabilities (RECORDING)

Rebecca Dobbs Bush, a former human resources consultant that worked with a variety of businesses in different industries, has a unique understanding of the legal landmines her clients face every day. Rebecca thoughtfully and skillfully provides management with advice and counsel in human resource matters, wage and hour issues, employee benefit compliance and employment litigation. When Rebecca advises on difficult matters relating to compliance with ERISA and the tax code, she is able to consolidate the complexities of compliance into understandable and practical advice and guidance.

With a disciplinary background in Sociology (B.A Lancaster; PhD Bath) Professor Foster's research encompasses employment relations and workplace equality and diversity.  Past projects examined the impact of marketisation on public service trade unions and industrial relations; gender and management in China and Taiwan and the negotiation of disability adjustments in the workplace by disabled people and trade union representatives.

Mercedes K. Meyer, Ph.D., draws on her doctorate in virology and degree in chemistry to apply a deep understanding of complex biotechnology and scientific research in advising life science clients on commercializing and protecting product innovations as well as performing diligence for investing in new technologies. She oversees global patent portfolio development, patent portfolio due diligence and war games, strategy and management on behalf of clients and counsels on innovation monetization. Mercedes maintains an extensive biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent management and prosecution practice, particularly in corporate joint development projects. Mercedes also advises and speaks frequently on patent ethics.

Tom Pienkos counsels clients on the strategic protection, licensing and enforcement of intellectual property rights both domestically and abroad. His experience includes preparing and prosecuting many U.S. and international patent applications and securing patent rights for clients in relation to a wide variety of technologies, including engine, construction, printing, commercial and residential heating and cooling, and computer-related technologies. Tom has supervised and conducted intellectual property due diligence investigations for corporate mergers, acquisitions and re-financings. He also drafts and negotiates patent license, nondisclosure and joint development agreements.

As a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, Tom represents clients in a range of industries, including transportation, commercial and residential kitchen and washroom, technologies, and industrial manufacturing. Tom leads and enjoys participating in patent review committees charged with strategically evaluating inventions for possible patent prosecution.  He advises clients on policing and protecting copyright, trade dress, trade secret and trademark rights.