#United States #Newport Beach #Clarus #Niosha Shakoori #AB 1803

Clarus Founder Niosha Shakoori Discusses Emerging Workplace Hate Speech Legislation

On October 22, 2026, Niosha Shakoori, the founder and managing partner of the boutique law firm Clarus, actively participated in an engaging panel discussion at the California HR Conference, organized by the Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA). The event spotlighted the crucial bill, AB 1803, proposing to incorporate anti-hate speech training into California's mandatory workplace harassment prevention program.

The Panel Discussion

Shakoori shared the stage with fellow legal and HR professionals Sherry Shavit and Dana Mayhew. The panel aimed to explore essential questions surrounding the necessity of the proposed legislation and its potential implications for both employees and employers while featuring a debate-style format that encouraged diverse viewpoints.

Shakoori, with her extensive experience in employment law over the past 25 years, strongly advocated for the bill. She drew from her rich background, which includes more than a decade serving as in-house executive counsel for publicly traded companies, such as her recent role as Vice President, Chief Employment Counsel at Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), before founding Clarus. Her support for the bill was rooted in her understanding of how prevalent hate speech is in workplaces, emphasizing the critical need for early intervention to tackle this issue.

Key Issues Addressed

The discussion delved into whether existing workplace training under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) adequately covers hate speech and whether a workable definition of 'hate speech' can be formulated. The panel also examined practical issues employers might face if the bill is enacted, including:

• - How the training content could be defined and integrated into current compliance programs.
• - Identification of effective trainers to deliver the content.
• - Possible impacts on workplace behavior and investigations as a result of this new training requirement.

Shakoori’s insights are informed not only by her legal expertise but also by a deep understanding of workplace dynamics, employee relations, and organizational culture. Her credentials include holding the Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH) designation and the Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification. As a co-chair of the AWI's Advocacy Committee, she closely monitors federal and state legislation shaping the legal landscape for workplaces.

Furthermore, her commitment to advancing HR best practices is evident through her involvement in various organizations, such as the California Lawyers Association (CLA) Labor and Employment Law Section and the Iranian American Bar Association. She has even contributed to developing internal investigator training programs and has acted as an expert witness in various workplace investigations.

Clarus's Commitment to Neutrality and Integrity

Since its inception in 2014, Clarus has conducted over 1,000 impartial investigations addressing issues such as harassment, discrimination, and misconduct. Each investigator at Clarus holds the AWI-CH certification, ensuring a commitment to neutrality and integrity in their findings.

The recent panel discussion reflects Clarus's proactive approach to understanding and navigating the evolving landscape of employment law. Following the event, AB 1803 has now been signed into law, set to take effect on January 1, 2028. This underscores the ongoing relevance of the topics Shakoori and her co-panelists debated during the session.

As changes in legislation unfold, Clarus remains committed to helping employers grasp their new obligations and addressing workplace issues before they escalate into larger business challenges. The firm’s dual approach to workplace counsel and compliance, alongside objective investigations, aids various organizations—from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits—in maintaining compliant and healthy work environments.

For further insights and detailed guidance on workplace legislation and best practices, visit Clarus.