Margaret M. Sheahan - "Peg"

I provide legal advice and representation to employers in all aspects of their relationships with their workers.  Skilled in adversarial settings, I also focus on preventive counseling.

My clients range from large, multinational organizations to small, local concerns.  Their industries range from manufacturing to the provision of social services.  I work with in-house counsel and directly with executive and other management.

I help employers manage their non-discrimination and affirmative action obligations through defense of proceedings before State and federal agencies and courts, preparation of affirmative action plans and representation in OFCCP and State agency compliance and pre-award audits.  I conduct internal investigations of discrimination and harassment complaints and assist in interactive exploration of accommodation alternatives.  I provide general training, individualized manager coaching and assistance in devising and monitoring selection procedures to promote compliance.

I help employers achieve and maintain compliance with federal and State laws on compensation, by defending government audits and private claims under FLSA and other laws in federal and State agencies and courts and by conducting internal audits of pay practices and exemption designations.  

I help employers manage federal and State Family & Medical Leave Act obligations through defense of administrative and judicial claims, as well as through policy development, education and implementation and guidance in difficult applications.

I help employers to remain union free or to manage their union relations through representation election campaigns, collective bargaining negotiations, contract implementation, grievance arbitration, strike management and unfair labor practice proceedings, including representation in related proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board and the courts.  I offer guidance on employment policies and practices to minimize risk.

I help employers protect their investments in proprietary information and business development interests by devising, defending and prosecuting restrictive covenants.

I help employers defend and avoid common law wrongful termination claims, Unemployment Compensation and Workers’ Compensation liability, some OSHA issues, WARN Act COBRAand ERISAviolations and contract and quasi-contract issues.