You’ve Been Sued, Now What?
In this episode of the Employment Law Counselor, hosted by Jeff Stewart in collaboration with Professional Liability Underwriting Society, Jeff is joined by Nancy Conrad, Managing Partner, Lehigh Valley Office, for a discussion about how a new lawsuit is assessed and handled in the first days after receiving the case. They look at how different parties – a business, an attorney and an insurance company – work together to gather information and create an initial plan.
You can listen to the podcast episode below or for easy access on the go, listen to the podcast on the PLUS Connect App.
The transcript for this podcast recording is available to view below.
Meet the Speakers
Jeff Stewart focuses his practice on labor and employment matters. He represents business, governmental and not-for-profit employers in all phases of labor and employment law matters.
Jeff defends employment actions related to workplace discrimination and harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and whistleblower claims. Jeff’s clients appreciate his desire to get to know the unique aspects of their businesses and his ability to then apply the law to their particular circumstances. He counsels clients about non-compete agreements, sexual harassment investigations, FLSA compliance, unemployment compensation, and drafting employment policies and handbooks.
Jeff also tries cases before the National Labor Relations Board and the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. He handles unfair labor practice charges, unit clarification hearings, and grievance arbitration. He counsels employers in union avoidance and has helped his clients successfully defeat union representation elections. Jeff serves as lead negotiator during collective bargaining and advises his clients on all aspects of strikes, lockouts, and mass picketing. In addition to his private-sector clients, Jeff represents municipalities with respect to their labor unions.
Chair, Higher Education Group and Managing Partner, Lehigh Valley Office at White and Williams LLP
Nancy Conrad empowers employers to address and resolve workplace issues. For more than 20 years, she has represented businesses, educational institutions and non-profit organizations in all aspects of workplace disputes. She has defended all types of employment actions, including the defense of federal and state discrimination claims, wrongful discharge claims, whistleblower claims, defamation claims, employment contract matters and restrictive covenant cases. Clients recognize that Nancy develops and advances a litigation position and strategy based on the client’s designated resources and ultimate goal. She utilizes effective, value-based litigation practices that are tailored to a client’s business operations and work environment.
In addition to litigating employment related disputes, Nancy counsels employers in all aspects of workplace issues. Nancy builds collaborative relationships with her clients and they rely upon her for advice in reviewing and revising workplace policies, managing employee performance, disciplining and terminating employees and training supervisors in best practices. When consulting with employers, Nancy’s focus is on identifying and implementing practical solutions for the client’s workplace. While it may not always be the answer that is sought, she provides the information needed, including the benefits and risks related to a decision, in order for a client to make a fully informed decision.
Nancy has particular experience in representing colleges, universities and schools in matters related to faculty, staff and students. Nancy understands the unique challenges that exist on campus and is recognized for her depth of experience in analyzing and problem-solving controversial matters. She has litigated tenure related disputes, academic integrity and student conduct cases and staff terminations. She provides proactive advice and counsel to her clients, including Presidents, Deans, Vice Presidents, the Office of General Counsel and Heads of Schools to assist them in resolving education and employment issues and making significant decisions. Nancy serves as counsel to several colleges that do not have in-house counsel.
Nancy has led investigation teams for employers, including educational institutions; Nancy and her team conduct prompt, thorough and confidential internal investigations on issues related to compliance, personnel and sexual misconduct. She is a certified Level 2 ATIXA Civil Rights Investigator.
Nancy is a frequent speaker on workplace issues, including ADA, FMLA and EEO compliance. She supports organizations and philanthropic programs that provide training and mentoring to students, faculty and staff, including Title IX compliance.
You can listen to more episodes in the series below:
Leave a Reply