SHRM Inland Empire News & Events - August 2026

Message from SHRM Inland Empire President Elect

Celebrating Service, Leadership, and the Power of Giving Back
August is a month of momentum for IESHRM. A time when our chapter leans into purpose, connection, and the impact we make when we give back to the HR profession. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, advocacy, or sharing expertise, our members continue to demonstrate what it means to elevate HR in the Inland Empire.

IESHRM thrives because of dedicated professionals who choose to invest their time, talent, and leadership in our community. Volunteering isn’t just an act of service it’s a pathway to growth, visibility, and meaningful contribution.

This month, we encourage every member to explore ways to give back:
-    Join a committee: Membership, Programs, Sponsorship, volunteer, serve as an active participant.
-    Support chapter events  
-    Share your expertise: Speak at an event, or mentor an emerging HR professional  

Every hour you give strengthens our chapter and expands the reach of HR excellence in our region.

Member Spotlight
Stacey Barnier named Outstanding Senior Administrator by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)

We are thrilled to celebrate one of our own: Stacey Barnier, who was recently recognized by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) for her outstanding contributions to public service and leadership.

Stacey’s recognition reflects the very spirit of IESHRM, service, integrity, and a commitment to advancing the profession. Her work exemplifies how HR professionals shape stronger organizations, healthier workplaces, and more resilient communities.

Stacey has served this chapter in almost all positions within the IESHRM Board, including past president. Her commitment to the profession is exemplified through the invaluable service she provides to this chapter’s members.

Please join us in congratulating Stacey for this well‑deserved honor. Her achievement inspires all of us to continue giving back in ways that elevate our profession and our region.

Get Involved
When HR professionals give back, the entire community rises. If you’re ready to deepen your engagement, we’d love to welcome you. Email us at [email protected] 

Your involvement makes a difference, and we’re excited to grow with you.
As we move through August, let’s continue celebrating service, uplifting one another; together, we strengthen the HR profession across the Inland Empire.

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Welcome New Members

Please join us in welcoming the newest members of SHRM Inland Empire:

• Michele DeGrande-Fuente
• Cynthia Altamirano
• Tina Hiner

We’re delighted to have you in our community! Each new member brings unique experiences, ideas, and perspectives that make our chapter stronger. We look forward to learning from one another, building meaningful connections, and continuing to advance the people profession together throughout 2026.

Welcome to SHRM Inland Empire—we’re so glad you’re here!

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Upcoming Events

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IE SHRM Annual HR Conference

October 15, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Add to Calendar

Delta Hotels Ontario Airport | 2200 East Holt Boulevard | Ontario, CA 91761
Venue website | Directions

The Inland Empire SHRM Annual Conference is Back!

The workplace is evolving faster than ever—and HR is leading the way.

Join us at the 2026 Inland Empire SHRM Annual Conference: Culture, Connection & the Future of Work, where we'll explore how today's HR professionals are shaping organizations that thrive through innovation, meaningful human connection, and cultures that inspire people to do their best work.

As artificial intelligence, changing workforce expectations, and new ways of working continue to transform our organizations, one thing remains constant: people are at the heart of every successful workplace. This year's conference will bring together HR leaders, business executives, and workplace innovators to share practical strategies, emerging trends, and fresh perspectives that will help you lead your organization into the future.

Whether you're building high-performing teams, navigating workplace transformation, embracing AI, strengthening leadership, or creating a culture where employees feel connected and engaged, this full-day experience is designed to equip and inspire you.

Why Attend?

Shape the Future of Work

Explore the trends redefining today's workplace—from artificial intelligence and workforce planning to employee experience, leadership development, workplace culture, and the evolving role of HR as a strategic business partner.

Earn Recertification Credits

Receive up to 6 SHRM and HRCI recertification credits while investing in your professional growth and maintaining your certifications.

Learn from Visionary Leaders

Hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers, HR executives, thought leaders, and practitioners who are transforming organizations through innovative leadership, people-first strategies, and forward-thinking solutions.

Discover Innovative Solutions

Connect with leading HR technology providers, consultants, and service partners showcasing products and services designed to help your organization succeed in an ever-changing workplace.

Build Meaningful Connections

Network with more than 250 HR professionals, executives, managers, and business leaders from across the Inland Empire who are passionate about advancing the profession and supporting one another.

Be Inspired to Lead

Leave energized with practical tools, actionable ideas, and new professional relationships that will help you strengthen workplace culture, foster meaningful connections, and confidently navigate the future of work.

Whether you're an emerging HR professional, an experienced practitioner, or a senior executive, the 2026 Inland Empire SHRM Annual Conference will challenge your thinking, expand your network, and equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to build workplaces where people—and organizations—can thrive.

Because the future of work isn't just about technology. It's about creating cultures where people feel connected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Register Now

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Legal News

Generative artificial intelligence can be useful in legal matters, but it also raises important questions about confidentiality. On February 17, 2026, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York addressed those questions in United States v. Heppner. The decision does not control California courts, but it offers practical guidance for clients and attorneys who want to protect confidential communications when using generative AI.

Heppner involved Bradley Heppner, who was charged with fraud and making false statements. On November 4, 2025, the FBI seized electronic devices and documents containing Heppner’s communications with “Claude,” a generative AI platform operated by Anthropic, PBC. Heppner had used Claude to help prepare his defense strategy.

Heppner’s attorneys had not told him to use Claude. Even so, Heppner argued that his communications with Claude should be protected by the attorney-client privilege because they included information Heppner had learned from his attorneys, were created so he could consult with his attorneys, and were later shared with them.

The court disagreed. It explained that the attorney-client privilege applies only when a communication: (1) is between a client and an attorney, (2) is intended to be confidential and is actually kept confidential, and (3) is made to obtain or provide legal advice. The court found that Heppner’s communications with Claude did not meet those requirements.

First, Claude was not Heppner’s attorney. The court stated that “Claude is not an attorney,” and that the privilege depends on a human relationship in which one person owes a legal duty to another.

Second, Heppner had been told through Claude’s user agreement that his communications were not confidential. The court noted that Claude users agree to Anthropic’s privacy policy, which allows Anthropic to collect prompts and outputs and disclose that data to third parties, including government agencies.

Third, the court found that Heppner was not using Claude to obtain legal advice from Claude itself. Instead, he was using Claude to help him prepare for discussions with his attorneys. The court concluded that this was not enough for the privilege to apply.

The court suggested the result might have been different if Heppner had used Claude at his attorney’s direction. In that situation, Claude might have functioned more like an outside professional assisting the attorney, which can sometimes fall within the attorney-client privilege.

The court also held that the attorney work product doctrine did not apply. The communications were not prepared by, or at the request of, Heppner’s attorneys and did not reflect their legal strategy. The court did not decide whether the doctrine would apply if an attorney had directed the client’s use of Claude.

California law protects confidential attorney-client communications and writings that reflect an attorney’s “impressions, conclusions, opinions, legal research, or theories.” Although Heppner is not binding in California, it identifies issues California clients and attorneys should consider when using generative AI in legal matters.

A key concern is how generative AI platforms handle user data. Anyone using AI for legal matters should avoid platforms that allow broad third-party access to prompts or outputs. More secure platforms may encrypt user data, limit outside access, and provide protected storage. These features may help show that AI prompts and outputs were intended to remain confidential.

This concern also applies outside the litigation context. For example, people handling confidential information in personnel investigations or other sensitive matters should not enter that information into an AI platform unless they understand who may access it.

Clients and attorneys should also consider who is directing the AI use. Heppner used Claude on his own, without direction from his attorneys. For that reason, the court found that Claude was not acting as his attorneys’ agent, and the materials Claude produced were not attorney work product.

If clients and attorneys decide to use generative AI in a legal matter, they should avoid the circumstances present in Heppner. Clients should not use generative AI for a legal matter on their own before consulting counsel. When AI is appropriate, it is safer for the attorney to direct or perform the use. Under Heppner and California privilege principles, AI communications are more likely to be protected when an attorney uses AI consistent with applicable ethical rules to conduct legal research or form legal advice for a client.

The law on privilege and generative AI is still developing, and California courts may reach different conclusions than the Heppner court. Still, Heppner highlights practical steps that may help clients protect confidential information when using generative AI.

AALRR will continue to monitor legal and policy developments in this area. If you have questions about this Alert, please contact the authors or your usual AALRR counsel.

This AALRR publication is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in reaching a conclusion in a particular area of law. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations. Receipt of this or any other AALRR publication does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Firm is not responsible for inadvertent errors that may occur in the publishing process.
© 2026 Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

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The HR Huddle

September 8, 2026  |  11:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Virtual (Zoom)
Add to Calendar

The HR Huddle series is a valuable resource for HR professionals, offering a monthly deep-dive into the latest legal updates, trends, and best practices in employment law. This collaboration with the legal experts of AALRR equips HR professionals and business leaders with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the workplace, ensuring they stay ahead in a field that's constantly evolving. In this series, here insights and best practices on topics related to compliance, policy-making, and employee relations, these webinars are designed to strengthen the skills necessary for the dynamic and demanding world of human resources.

The HR Huddle Occurs Every 2nd Tuesday.

There is NO COST TO YOU!

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