In The News

• February 9, 2012
  "Workplace policies on tweeting"
  Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Eric L. Barnum
  Schiff Hardin partner Eric Barnum is quoted in this article about CNN analyst Roland Martin's suspension from the network after Martin posted a Twitter update that was perceived as homophobic. Mr. Barnum, who focuses on employment litigation, points out that laws governing employment relationships in social media differ from state to state, but that in no case does the First Amendment bar an employer from terminating an employee.
• July 6, 2011
  'Q&A With Schiff Hardin’s Eric Barnum'
  Law360
  Eric L. Barnum
  The Law360 newswire conducted a detailed interview with Schiff Hardin partner Eric Barnum, a trial lawyer in the firm’s Atlanta office. The piece covers career-related topics including challenging cases and opposing counsel, and trial preparation routines.
• December 15, 2009
  'High court to examine privacy at work case'
  The Washington Times
  William J. Carroll
  Will Carroll, who heads up Schiff Hardin's labor and employment practice in California, is quoted in this article about the appeal of a workplace privacy case, the first of its kind to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, concerning a California police officer whose text messages on a department pager were audited by the department, will go before the Supreme Court next spring.
• November 10, 2009
  'Practitioners Cite Unsettled Law, Urge Adoption of Social Media Policies'
  BNA Daily Labor Report
  Eric L. Barnum
  Schiff Hardin Labor and Employment group partner Eric Barnum is quoted in this article about employers grappling with rapidly evolving social networking technologies. Mr. Barnum comments on 'friending' co-workers and the use of location-tracking devices by employers.
• November 10, 2007
  “Angry Clash of Ideologies Splits NLRB: Labor Lawyers Call Actions Anti-Union”
  Philadelphia Inquirer
  Patricia Costello Slovak
  This piece from the Philadelphia Inquirer centers on ideological differences within the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). At a labor law conference hosted by the American Bar Association, panelist and Schiff Hardin partner Pat Slovak is quoted regarding the NLRB’s recent decisions regarding methods of unionization.
• September 1, 2007
  'Patricia Costello Slovak: Irish Charm and Experience Make Her One of Illinois’ Finest'
  Leading Lawyers Network Magazine
  Patricia Costello Slovak
  Leading Lawyers Network Magazine featured a profile of Schiff Hardin’s Patricia Costello Slovak, a partner in the firm’s Labor and Employment group, in its September issue. The article describes her pioneering early career in a profession dominated by men, her colleagues’ admiration for her abilities, and her leadership role in the area of labor and employment law.
• July 31, 2007
  'In the Bar Associations'
  Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
  Patricia Costello Slovak
  The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin took note of Schiff Hardin partner Patricia Costello Slovak’s recent appointment to the American Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession. Ms. Slovak, who concentrates her practice in labor and employment, will assist the Commission in assessing the role of women in the legal field and making recommendations to the ABA.
• June 13, 2007
  'Disability Claims Related to Obesity Could Rise'
  USA Today
  Patricia Costello Slovak
  Patricia Slovak, a Schiff Hardin partner focusing on labor and employment issues, is quoted in this front-page article, observing that employers are now taking more notice of obesity as a source of potential disability claims. Three recent obesity-related employment discrimination cases are highlighted.
• May 1, 2007
  'Policies on Models Can Lead To Weighty Legal Issues'
  Women’s Wear Daily
  Patricia Costello Slovak
  This multi-page special report quoted Pat Slovak exclusively regarding the legal issues, such as employment discrimination, that could arise from increasing pressure on the U.S. fashion industry to emulate requirements established in Italy and Spain regarding a fashion model’s weight. The death of under-weight, high-profile models from malnourishment has fueled this controversy and calls for national regulation. Ms. Slovak commented, &'The general concern we wanted to raise to employers in the fashion industry is, while they should address this issue, they need to be careful how they do it.”