Employment Law in the Metaverse: Harassment, Discrimination, Accommodations, Jurisdiction, Privacy, Cyber Security, Digital Outsourcing
Recording of a 90-minute CLE video webinar with Q&A
This CLE course will advise counsel on employment issues in the metaverse. The panel will address the practical and legal considerations, including concerns surrounding sexual harassment, diversity and discrimination, and accessibility accommodations implicated when interacting in the metaverse. The panel will also discuss concerns related to data collection, privacy, and cybersecurity, as well as how state employment laws and federal regulations might be implemented in the metaverse.
Outline
- Employment in the metaverse
- Defining the metaverse
- History of the metaverse
- Key issues
- Discrimination and harassment
- Sexual harassment
- Verbal harassment and bullying
- Discrimination
- Accessibility and accommodations
- Jurisdiction
- Privacy
- Digital outsourcing
- Other concerns
- Discrimination and harassment
- Best practices before a transition
Benefits
The panel will discuss these and other pivotal issues:
- When should employers consider opening a virtual office on the metaverse or another virtual platform?
- What should an employer do before opening a virtual office?
- How can employers address issues of sexual or virtual harassment in the metaverse?
- How can employers address issues of discrimination in the metaverse?
- How can employers address accessibility issues and/or accommodation requests related to the metaverse?
- What issues arise with the use of avatars in the metaverse disguising employee identities?
- What issues arise with employees' freedom to design their avatars? How can this be addressed preemptively?
- How can the metaverse and AI be used to improve business efficiency?
- What are the risks associated with the metaverse and AI and how can an employer minimize them?
Faculty

Emily M. Lamm
Attorney
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
Ms. Lamm is an employment attorney with her practice focusing on labor and employment litigation, counseling, and... | Read More
Ms. Lamm is an employment attorney with her practice focusing on labor and employment litigation, counseling, and investigations. Ms. Lamm is also a member of the Artificial Intelligence and Automated Systems Practice Group, where she counsels clients regarding the use of AI technology across the employment lifecycle. Ms. Lamm graduated Order of the Coif from Vanderbilt Law School and was selected as a member of Law360’s 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Editorial Advisory Board.
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Joseph C. O'Keefe
Partner
Proskauer
Mr. O'Keefe is an experienced trial lawyer who, for nearly 30 years, has litigated employment disputes of all types... | Read More
Mr. O'Keefe is an experienced trial lawyer who, for nearly 30 years, has litigated employment disputes of all types on behalf of employers, before federal and state courts, arbitral tribunals, and state and federal administrative agencies throughout the U.S. He has litigated employment-related lawsuits alleging breach of noncompete agreements, theft of trade secrets, discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblowing, wage and hour violations, Title IX violations, breach of contract, defamation, fraud, and other business-related torts. His practice includes representing clients in complex class and collective litigation, including alleged violation of state and federal pay equity laws, violations of wage and hour laws, and discrimination claims. In addition to his extensive litigation practice, he regularly advises employers, writes and speaks on a wide range of employment-related issues. He counsels clients concerning pay equity, use of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace, management of personnel problems, ADA/FMLA compliance, reductions in force, investigation of employee complaints, state and federal leave laws, wage and hour issues, employment policies, and contracts.
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Siddartha Rao
Partner
Romano Law
Mr. Rao is a commercial litigation and technology attorney with over a decade of experience handling complex commercial... | Read More
Mr. Rao is a commercial litigation and technology attorney with over a decade of experience handling complex commercial matters for clients ranging from small businesses and individuals to large corporations. He has litigated in federal and state trial and appeal courts in many jurisdictions, including New York, Washington D.C., Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and others, as well in arbitral forums. Mr. Rao also advises clients on issues involving intellectual property protection and licensing and data privacy. In addition, he provides legal advice and counsel to clients in the software, mobile applications, and entertainment industries.
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