Shelagh Michaud

What do you focus on?

Employment Litigation

I represent employers in all stages of discrimination and employment matters pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), state agencies, OSHA, and state and federal courts. I defend clients in employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower, and non-compete matters in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. I assist clients in conducting investigations and implementing strategies to prevent litigation and work with clients to develop and implement effective and manageable employment policies and practices to respond to changing business needs. I have also represented and counseled municipalities, schools, and colleges in civil rights and employment discrimination matters.

Employment Counseling

In my practice, I counsel and advise employers on day-to-day employment law matters, such as termination and performance counseling, workplace safety protocols, and employment policies and best practices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have worked actively with clients to respond to business and financial issues and workplace safety issues and keep abreast of the changing guidance, regulations, and laws impacting employers as businesses move forward during and after the pandemic.

What do you see on the horizon?

With the rise in awareness and media attention on sexual harassment and discrimination generally in the workplace, I expect to see an increase in claims, as well as employers seeking to review policies and implement improved strategies to address workplace issues and prevent litigation. More recently, I think we all need to be aware of the impact of the lessons learned from responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways in which that knowledge and experience can shape and improve employment policies and practices moving forward.