The SCHRC Officers know that the need for all members to more effectively manage HR-related risk and employment law compliance remains constant.  Today’s political and legal landscape creates a level of risk, confusion, challenges, and chaos that employers have not seen in the past.  The regulations that govern today’s workplace in Massachusetts are extensive and expanding and reach employers of all sizes and in all industry sectors – each and every one of our members.  Compliance obligations are burdensome and the corresponding liability and exposure for business owners, managers, and supervisors are extraordinary.  In fact, the cost to settle an employment lawsuit has tripled during the last five years alone, to an average of more than $300,000.  The average compensatory award in federal employment cases now exceeds $500,000.  Unfortunately, there is no end in sight to this trend.

Through member feedback, the SCHRC has identified employment law compliance as a top concern and priority for current and prospective members.

As such, we created the General Counsel role for our organization to help bring some calm to the chaos.  To help you keep pace with your compliance obligations and more effectively manage HR-related issues, the SCHRC is very proud to provide the following, members-only, benefits to active members in good standing:

• No cost telephone access to a designated attorney within Foley and Foley, PC for active SCHRC members in good standing from 2 pm to 3 pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month.  The guidance provided during this time will cover all issues that arise within the broad spectrum of the employment relationship to help SCHRC members achieve compliance with the extensive regulations that govern their workplace and to better understand best employment practices.  Issues related to the Internal Revenue Code/the Internal Revenue Service or ERISA-related issues will not be covered under this arrangement, nor will the interpretation, editing, or drafting of documents.

• Foley & Foley, PC will prepare a semi-monthly General Counsel Employment Law Report.  This will be a blog-type newsletter that will help all members keep pace with the constantly changing laws and regulations that govern their workplace, including best practices.  The General Counsel Employment Law Report will be distributed via email to all active SCHRC members in good standing.

We hope these special benefits help bring some calm to the chaos!