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Philadelphia
215.751.2883
610.988.0869 fax
jb@stevenslee.com

Jo is a lawyer and consultant to management on workplace labor and employment matters. She represents management clients in all aspects of human capital management in industries such as higher education, health care, financial services, technology and manufacturing. Before becoming a lawyer, Jo was an editor at major metropolitan daily newspapers, including The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Miami Herald. She relies on her experience as a one-time union member, line supervisor and manager to offer clients a practical approach to solving workplace issues.

Jo advises organizations and companies in a broad range of industries across the U.S. on affirmative action obligations. She counsels clients on federal affirmative action laws and regulations, advises organizations and companies on diversity initiatives and succession planning issues and trains hiring managers and human resources professionals on equal employment opportunity and affirmative action matters. Jo also assists clients with preparation of affirmative action plans and provides risk-management analysis of hiring, promotion and compensation practices. She has successfully defended clients in dozens of compliance investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

In addition to her consulting practice, Jo represents management in federal litigation involving claims of discrimination, retaliation and other matters related to workplace disputes. She has achieved significant victories for clients in federal courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

 A frequent presenter and writer, Jo has spoken before a variety of organizations on labor and employment matters. She also publishes a periodic newsletter on developments in affirmative action and diversity law.

Jo supports a variety of charitable causes and often combines fundraising efforts with her love of bicycling.

Education:
Temple University School of Law,  J.D., cum laude, 1996
Western Kentucky University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1980

Bar Admissions:
Pennsylvania
New Jersey

Court Admissions:
Pennsylvania state court
New Jersey state court
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Representative Cases:
Delgado v. SEPTA
Linden v. SAP America, Inc.
Ricciardi v. Conrail
Martinez v. QVC, Inc.

Selected Presentations:

• “Employment Law for the Nonprofit Manager.” The Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University. January 2008.
• “Conducting an Effective Internal Investigation.” Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of PANPHA. December 2006.
• “Termination: Reducing the Risk of Litigation.” Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of PANPHA. December 2006.
• “New Internet Applicant Rules.” MidAtlantic Employers’ Association. January 2006
• “Making the Right Hiring Decisions Without Violating the Law: Best Practices for Effective Interviewing, Background Checks, and Other Critical Strategies.” Council on Education in Management. September 2005.
• “Best Practices for Avoiding Liability During, and After, Employment Terminations.” Council on Education in Management. April 2005.
• “Union Organizing in the Health-Care Industry.” Villanova School of Nursing. October 2003 and October 2004.

Selected Publications:

• “DOL Issues Veterans Regulations for Federal Contractors.” November 2007
.
•  “New EEO-1 Reporting Requirements Address Job Categories, Race/Ethnic Classifications.” September 2007.

Professional and Civic Affiliations:
Arcadia University, Board of Trustees
Society for Human Resource Management (SPHR certification)
American Association for Affirmative Action
Greater Philadelphia Senior Executives Group (GPSEG)
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2003 MS Leadership Award
American Bar Association (ABA)
ABA Labor and Employment Law Section
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Philadelphia Bar Association