The New Reality for Religious Organizations and the Law Today: Liberties and Liabilities (On Demand Seminar)

A pre-recorded streaming video replay of the November 2021 webcast, The New Reality for Religious Organizations and the Law Today: Liberties and Liabilities.

Topics Covered

In this program, attendees:

• Examine the First Amendment’s ecclesiastical abstention doctrine and the ministerial exceptions to certain federal employment laws, and how religious organizations can use these doctrines
• Discover how to use charitable immunity to advantage
• Learn how to leverage the employee protections that apply specifically to religious employers
• Review the impact of Virginia’s new non-discrimination statute on churches and religious schools
• Understand the impact on churches and religious schools of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII includes protection for sexual orientation
• Learn best practices for religious organizations for the rental of their buildings and use for venues for weddings

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Douglas R. Burtch, Burtch Law PLLC / Richmond

Douglas Burtch is Owner and Principal of Burtch Law PLLC in Richmond. His practice focuses on employment law matters, while also encompassing school law, aspects of administrative and healthcare law, and business disputes. He represents businesses of all sizes, non-profits, executives and professionals.

Mr. Burtch was born and raised in The Episcopal Church, has worked for church camps, serves on church boards, and regularly counsels churches, religious schools, and other religious organizations. He graduated from Emory University (1998) and the University of Richmond School of Law (cum laude, 2003). He is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, and is listed in the “Best Lawyers in America” by U.S. News & World Report, is named a “Virginia Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers magazine and a “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine, all in employment and labor law categories. He is an active member of numerous bar associations and an author and speaker on issues affecting the workplace.

Jack W. (JB) Burtch, Jr., Burtch Law PLLC / Richmond

JB Burtch practices law with Burtch Law PLLC in Richmond. Throughout over 40 years of law practice, he has focused on labor and employment law, representing companies, educational institutions, churches and religious institutions, other non-profits, and executives and professionals (including clergy). He also serves as a mediator in legal disputes. Mr. Burtch has had leadership roles in The Episcopal Church, including the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, and currently serves as the Senior Warden of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Richmond. He graduated from Wesleyan University (1969) and Vanderbilt Law School (1972.)

Mr. Burtch is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, is listed in the “Best Lawyers in America” by U.S. News & World Report (since 1987), and is named a “Virginia Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers magazine and a “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine, all in employment and labor law categories. He has been honored as a “Leader in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly and as a “Fellow” by the Virginia Law Foundation. He is active in the Virginia State Bar (past Chair of the Senior Lawyers Conference and the Conference of Local Bar Associations) and in numerous bar associations. Mr. Burtch has been an adjunct professor of law at the University of Richmond School of Law since 1994 and writes and speaks on church law, employment law, and other legal matters.

Matthew D. Fender, McGuireWoods LLP / Richmond

Matt Fender is an Associate in the Richmond office of McGuireWoods LLP. His practice is focused on commercial litigation with an emphasis on environmental and insurance matters. He also frequently advises clients in issues related to firearms and civil liberties. He has appeared in state and federal courts throughout the Commonwealth and the country. Mr. Fender also advises churches and Christian schools on issues related to religious liberty and has represented both churches and schools in litigation. He is a 2008 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, and a 1995 graduate of Virginia Tech, with a B.A. in Political Science.

Mr. Fender is a Ruling Elder at All Saints Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA), and he is an Alliance Defending Freedom Allied Attorney. He is also a member of the Federalist Society. He lives in Richmond with his wife, three children, and two dogs.