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Pennsylvania

Employment Lawyer Network:
Pennsylvania

Susan K. Lessack (Editor)

Pepper Hamilton LLP
Pennsylvania Employment Law

LessackS@PepperLaw.com
(610) 640-7806

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Susan K. Lessack is a partner in the Berwyn and Philadelphia offices of Pepper Hamilton LLP. She concentrates her practice in employment counseling and employment litigation. Ms. Lessack’s experience includes counseling employers on matters related to compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws, counseling regarding employee discipline and terminations, conducting investigations of employee conduct, including harassment, training employers on their obligations under employment laws and litigation avoidance, and developing employment policies. She defends employers in litigation of employment discrimination claims, wrongful discharge claims, and claims under federal and state employment-related statutes, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law.

Beware demotion following disability leave

01/03/2017
Before you demote an employee who is returning from a lengthy medical leave, consider whether he might file and possibly win a disability discrimination claim.

Documentation key if you must discipline employee who took protected leave

12/13/2016
Document it carefully if, while an employee is out on protected leave, you discover that she has broken a workplace rule that warrants discipline.

Is it legal to claw back maternity leave pay?

12/06/2016
Q. Our maternity leave policy offers paid leave for female employees who plan to return to work after the birth of the child. If the employee quits before returning to work, she’s required to reimburse the company for the paid leave. Is this lawful?

Strip club’s stage lease doesn’t stop wage lawsuit

12/06/2016
An exotic dancer at Philadelphia’s Gold Club can sue under the Fair Labor Standards Act, following a ruling by a federal appeals court panel.

PennDOT case shows perils of negotiating discipline

12/06/2016
A former roadway programs coordinator with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has appealed his firing to the state Supreme Court in hopes of being reinstated.

Cut discrimination risk with audit for differing discipline

12/06/2016
If you are about to punish a worker for poor performance, do a quick self-audit to see if other employees received similar punishment.

Evidence unearthed during trial can cut liability

12/06/2016
If, during litigation, you discover a new reason for termination, you may lessen your liability.

Manager’s ageist comment isn’t necessarily a kiss of death in court

12/06/2016
It happens with disheartening frequency: A manager makes a stupid comment about an employee’s age that—in an HR pro’s worst nightmare—could lead to a nasty lawsuit.

Reporting racial slurs is protected activity

12/06/2016
A worker reporting that a supervisor used a racially charged slur is protected from retaliation.

Think twice before firing complainer

12/06/2016
If you have a worker who has complained about some form of discrimination, think twice before you terminate her.