Collaborative, strategic thinker with a passion for partnering with clients to navigate complex labor and employment challenges.
Heather Southwell defends employers in labor and employment litigation, and has extensive experience representing managers before third parties, including arbitrators and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Heather also serves as a trusted advisor to managers on a wide variety of labor and employment issues, including claims of discrimination and harassment, wrongful discharge claims, and issues related to performance management and discipline. She is admitted to practice in Vermont and New York.
Heather lives in Montpelier, and when she is not working, she enjoys running and gardening.
Experience
• Represented management in mediation, securing a favorable settlement in a complex claim involving allegations of harassment and discrimination.
• Successfully defended employer in claims before the Federal Labor Relations Authority and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• Received a favorable determination in an arbitration proceeding involving a claim of failure to accommodate based on religion.
• Served as advisor to employer in navigating myriad issues related to performance standards and performance management.
Presentations
Heather is a frequent presenter on topics pertaining to human resources management and employment law. Favorite topics include:
Conflict Management
EEO Complaints and the EEO Process
Addressing and Identifying Performance Issues
Performance-Based Removals
Employee Engagement
Diversity, Inclusion and Civility in the Workplace
