Employers, large and small, appreciate the day-to-day advice and practical solutions they receive from Joanne. Joanne focuses her practice on a wide range of compliance issues, such as employee benefits (ERISA, COBRA and HIPAA), wage and hour, leave administration, unemployment practices and procedures, and affirmative action. She also represents employers before the Maine Human Rights Commission, the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, the New Hampshire Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, defending against claims of discrimination, harassment, wage and hour violations, and whistleblower retaliation.
Joanne routinely speaks to a wide variety of audiences on benefits and employment topics. Prior to attending law school, Joanne worked as an auditor for a national public accounting firm.
Recent Experience
- Advises employers on proper hiring practices, such as employment applications, background checks, drug testing, and federal contractor requirements
- Reviews handbooks and other employment policies and procedures, including family and medical leaves of absences
- Reviews benefit plans and HIPAA policies and procedures
- Advises on COBRA compliance
- Prepares affirmative action plans for federal contractors
- Prepares separation agreements
Professional Activities
Member, Maine Bar Association
Member, Cumberland Bar Association
Member New Hampshire Bar Association
Member Maine Employee Benefits Council
Publications
Pierce Atwood Employment Alerts:
EEOC Regulations Help Define the Impact of GINA on Leave Administration, Accommodation Requests and Wellness Plan
Health Care Reform Update: Grandfathered Status, What is it, How do you Keep It, and Why do Employers Care?
Wellness Plans: The Hits Keep Coming
HIPAA Breach Notification Rules Issued: What Does this Mean for Employers?