Event Details

The November NASHRM training is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2023. Training will be delivered using Zoom, an online audio and web conferencing platform. If you plan to attend, please register to receive an invite by emailing our programs director, Willow Bowen at bowenw@doyon.com, by Tuesday, November 14, 2023, and the link will be sent to you.

Our start time is 11:45 a.m. for sign-in, with the program running from 12:00-1:00 p.m. This presentation has been approved for SHRM credits.

Training description:

In Alaska marijuana is “legal” right?  But, what are the implications of marijuana use by employees on the workplace?   Please join Kyle Abraham, an employment and labor lawyer with Ogletree Deakins, for an interactive program on the impact of marijuana use by employees on Alaska employers.  Kyle has litigated cases involving drug testing and presented to thousands of individuals on this topic.  Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the issues and key guidance on an employer’s options related to employee use of marijuana.  Spoiler alert: there is not a uniform policy for all employers!   

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the legal options employers have with respect to drug testing and a substance abuse policy related to marijuana.
• Identify the real impact of the evidence from a drug test analysis.
• Explore options for employers to develop a policy on employee use of marijuana.

SHRM BASK: Talent Acquisition, Workforce Management, Risk Management, U.S. Employment Law & Regulations

HRCI functional area: Business Management & Strategy, Workforce Planning and Employment, Employee Relations & Engagement

Presenter Bio:
Kyle Abraham is a shareholder with the law firm of Ogletree Deakins.  Ogletree Deakins is the premier national law firm for labor and employment law matters.  Kyle works with employers in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon on traditional labor and employment law matters. 

Kyle previously served as a Deputy District Attorney and prosecuted cases involved drivers impaired by marijuana.  Kyle also served as a federal prosecutor and defense counsel, and, in that capacity, he prosecuted and defended cases involving drug testing and expert forensic toxicologist testimony.  Based on his prior experience, Kyle has unique expertise suited to assist employers dealing with employee (hopefully) off duty use of marijuana and compliance with workplace policies and law.

Prior to private practice, Kyle served as a Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force, including a tour in Alaska serving as defense counsel for military members at Eielson and Elmendorf.