Stacie B. Collier
Partner / Chief Talent Officer
Introduction
Stacie represents management in the resolution of employment-related disputes before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Stacie is a member of the firm’s Management Committee, which works with firm leaders to execute the strategic plan and oversee day-to-day operations.
My focus
While I have experience performing all aspects of labor and employment work, today, my practice has three primary focuses.
Preventative/Strategic
My overarching goal is to help our clients foster positive employee relations and keep them out of litigation in the first place. To that end, I have provided strategic advice and counsel focusing on a preventative approach for over 25 years, including fielding client questions, reviewing policies, and drafting employment agreements. As co-chair of the firm’s cross-disciplinary Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategies group, I help clients assess their DEI strategies and navigate challenges and priorities in this space. I also have provided thousands of hours of managerial and employee training nationally on myriad topics, including harassment prevention, DEI, accommodating and managing leaves, and supervisory skills.
Defense Of Claims
When defending the inevitable claims, I partner with our clients to achieve the desired result with the appropriate blend of aggressiveness and strategy. I regularly assist clients to prevail on motions to dismiss and for summary judgment and claims dismissals before a number of administrative tribunals. I have a depth of experience in litigating claims of discrimination and harassment, with an emphasis on workplace harassment. I have successfully prosecuted and defended a number of non-compete and other restrictive covenant cases over the years.
Unique Experience
As the firm’s first-ever chief talent officer, I focus on growing and enhancing its legal talent, driving diversity, equity, and inclusion, and developing its people and culture. I have a unique perspective that I can bring to bear in my client-facing role. It allows me to take my real-world experience and provide even more practical advice and solutions for our clients.
Looking ahead
Most workplaces see five generations working together. This presents new opportunities for innovative work strategies, but it also creates L&E challenges in the ways our clients can best recruit, retain, and maintain safe and legal working environments and avoid costly claims. I try to help employers “see around corners” on how their workforce approaches work and how judges and legislators are addressing these major shifts.
/Insights
- “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Affordable Housing Industry,” IPED's Learn the Basics: Housing Tax Credits 101, Boston, MA, March 21, 2024
- “Integrating Remote Working with Phased Return to Work,” Sandpiper Partners Roundtable, Virtual, June 2020 (presenter)
- “The Intersection of Legislation and Diversity in the Workplace,” 20th Annual Rhode Island's Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Conference, March 2019 (break-out session facilitator)
- “HR and Employment Best Practices and Policies,” 2018 Million Dollar Round Table EDGE Meeting, November 2018 (co-presenter)
In the news
- The Business Journals
Some companies ditch DEI. How business owners can navigate the backlash.
Oct 8, 2024This article looks at a range of companies that are publicly dropping their DEI initiatives. The article references and quotes a client alert written by Providence Labor & Employment partner and Chief Talent Officer Stacie Collier, Corporate partners Kendal Tyre of Washington, DC and Conrad Adkins of Chicago, and Chicago Labor & Employment counsel Kamau Coar. The alert discusses DEI legal risks that several public companies have identified as significant in their filings.
- Law360
Nixon Peabody creates new role to aid attorney mental health
Oct 2, 2024This article highlights the NP arrival of Director of Engagement and Performance Optimization Carla Lempera, who is based in the Chicago office. Carla is quoted in the coverage, discussing why she chose to join NP, how her skills align with the role, and what she hopes to accomplish at the firm. Managing Partner and CEO Steve Zubiago and Providence partner and Chief Talent Officer Stacie Collier are also quoted from NP’s press release.
- Corporate Counsel
Meet the 2024 Women, Influence & Power in Law honorees
Sep 19, 2024Providence partner and Chief Talent Officer Stacie Collier is featured in this Q&A for being recognized in the “Talent Management” category of Law.com’s 2024 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards. The award honors women legal leaders who focus on building a firm culture that helps grow and retain diverse talent. In the Q&A, Stacie discusses her career journey, challenges she has faced, and the best leadership advice she’s received.
- Corporate Counsel
Corporate Counsel announces its 2024 Women, Influence, and Power in Law Awards!
July 26, 2024This article announcing winners of the 2024 Women, Influence, and Power in Law Awards highlights Providence partner and Chief Talent Officer Stacie Collier as a winner in the “Talent Management” category. The WIPL awards recognize in-house and law firm women leaders and allies who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in law.
- The Bond Buyer
Nixon Peabody elevates public finance attorneys
April 18, 2024This article features the recent promotions of Chicago partner Gretchen Sherwood, San Francisco counsel Dia Walrath, and New York City counsel Sebastian Torres, all of the Project Finance & Public Finance practice. Gretchen, Dia, and Sebastian are quoted in the coverage discussing the focus of their practices. The article also quotes Managing Partner and CEO Steve Zubiago and Providence partner and Chief Talent Officer Stacie Collier on how the new partner and counsel classes exemplify NP’s purpose and how these attorneys have blazed their own trails within the firm.
- Bloomberg Law
Nixon Peabody program trains, elevates more counsel to partner
Jan 12, 2024This article spotlights NP’s counsel program and how it has become a successful pathway for attorneys aspiring to become partner. The article quotes Providence partner and Chief Talent Officer Stacie Collier on how and why our firm has evolved the program in recent years, while New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Julia Casteleiro provides firsthand commentary on her experience in the program.
- Providence Business News
PBN honors 2023 Leaders & Achievers
Aug 24, 2023Providence partner and Chief Talent Officer Stacie Collier is recognized in this article as one of the publication’s 2023 Leaders & Achievers. This year’s recipients were honored at an event in Rhode Island last night. They were chosen based on their leadership, achievements, and longstanding commitment to the Providence business community.
- Providence Business News
Stacie Collier, Nixon Peabody LLP partner and chief talent officer
Aug 24, 2023This article profiles Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier as one of the publication’s 2023 “Leaders & Achievers” award winners. Stacie discusses her commitment to creating a more diverse workplace, showing authenticity and encouraging others to be their own natural selves, and ensuring that leadership opportunities within the firm are available to everyone.
- Providence Business News |
PBN unveils 2023 Leaders & Achievers
July 7, 2023This article recognizes Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier as one of the publications “Leaders and Achievers” award winners for 2023. Honorees were selected based on their leadership, achievement, community service, and longstanding commitment to the Providence business community.
- Providence Business News
Nine new Crossroads Rhode Island board members
April 28, 2023This article mentions Chief Talent Officer and Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier of Providence for being named to the board of directors of Crossroads Rhode Island, a homeless support and advocacy nonprofit organization.
- The Daily Record
Corporate lawyers face brave new world as business practices change with times
Nov 22, 2022This article on the evolving business practices of corporate lawyers features commentary from Rochester Corporate partner Eric Tanck, who discusses various aspects of his practice, his nontraditional path to Big Law, and the expectation that more clients will seek support with DEI initiatives. On the last point, the article mentions NP’s DEI Strategic Services, including a quote from co-leader of that group and NP Chief Talent Officer Stacie Collier.
- The American Lawyer
'Significant jump' in client inquiries leads to new diversity practice at Nixon Peabody
This article features the launch of NP’s cross-industry DEI Strategic Services group, developed to help clients advance comprehensive DEI strategies and address systemic challenges. The article quotes the group’s co-leaders, Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier, Washington, DC Corporate partner and Franchising & Distribution co-leader Kendal Tyre, and Chicago Labor & Employment counsel Kamau Coar.April 18, 2022 - The American Lawyer
'Burying the hatchet': Law firms find good reason to court 'boomerang' partners
This article covering a trend of attorneys returning to their prior firms features NP for the firm’s recent “boomerangs.” The story quotes Managing Partner and CEO Steve Zubiago and Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier for context on the trend, and also quotes New York Corporate partner Kevin Grant related to his recent move back to NP.April 11, 2022 - Law360
Nixon Peabody creates DEI advisement group
The following article covers the launch of Nixon Peabody’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Services group. Articles quote the group’s co-leaders, Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier, Washington, DC Corporate partner and Franchising & Distribution team co-leader Kendal Tyre, and Chicago Labor & Employment counsel Kamau Coar.April 8, 2022 - New Hampshire Business Review
Legal briefs: News from around New Hampshire
This column of notable New Hampshire-area legal news features the launch of Nixon Peabody’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Services group, and includes a quote from the group’s co-leader, NP Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier, on the variety of cross-industry needs this service will meet.April 7, 2022 - InnovateLI
Equitable solutions
The following article covers the launch of Nixon Peabody’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Services group. Articles quote the group’s co-leaders, Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier, Washington, DC Corporate partner and Franchising & Distribution team co-leader Kendal Tyre, and Chicago Labor & Employment counsel Kamau Coar.April 1, 2022 - Bloomberg Law
Wake up call
The following article covers the launch of Nixon Peabody’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Services group. Articles quote the group’s co-leaders, Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier, Washington, DC Corporate partner and Franchising & Distribution team co-leader Kendal Tyre, and Chicago Labor & Employment counsel Kamau Coar.April 1, 2022 - Long Island Business News
NP launches DEI Strategic Services group
The following article covers the launch of Nixon Peabody’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Services group. Articles quote the group’s co-leaders, Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier, Washington, DC Corporate partner and Franchising & Distribution team co-leader Kendal Tyre, and Chicago Labor & Employment counsel Kamau Coar.March 31, 2022 - The New York Daily Record
Nixon Peabody launches DEI Strategic Services group
The following article covers the launch of Nixon Peabody’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Services group. Articles quote the group’s co-leaders, Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier, Washington, DC Corporate partner and Franchising & Distribution team co-leader Kendal Tyre, and Chicago Labor & Employment counsel Kamau Coar.March 31, 2022 - Law360
Law360 names attorneys who moved up the firm ranks in Q2
This article on notable partner-level promotions during Q2 includes the appointment of Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier to Chief Talent Officer. In addition, NP’s recent appointments to department heads and practice group leaders were included: San Francisco Complex Commercial Disputes partner Tony Barron as Litigation Department chair, Boston Private Equity & Investment Funds partner John Beals as Investment Funds practice group leader, Boston Corporate partner Chris Keefe as Business & Finance Department chair, Los Angeles Corporate partner Shahzad Malik as Tax team co-leader, Washington DC Community Development Finance partner Matt Mullen as Community Development Finance practice group leader, and Albany Private Equity partner Todd Tidgewell as Corporate practice group leader.Aug 18, 2021 - Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly
Firm's chief talent officer goes 'deep in'
This Q&A features Chief Talent Officer and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier discussing how her new role expands on the work she has been doing for several years as Professional Personnel Partner, including attracting and retaining top talent, mentorship, mental health and well-being, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.July 29, 2021 - Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Promotions
This column of notable attorney news highlights the selection of Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier as NP’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer.June 17, 2021 - Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly
People in the law
This column of notable attorney news highlights the selection of Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier as NP’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer.June 11, 2021 - Law.com
Labor of law
Stacie’s selection as the firm’s first-ever chief talent officer was also featured in Law.com’s “Labor of Law” column.May 27, 2021 - Law360
Nixon Peabody's talent officer talks maintaining firm culture
In this Q&A feature, Chief Talent Officer Stacie Collier, of the Labor & Employment group, discusses priorities and goals in her new role, and how she views this new role as an evolution of work that she and the firm have been doing for a long time.May 27, 2021 - Fortune
Why corporate diversity reports are not good enough
Stacie’s selection as the firm’s first-ever chief talent officer was also featured in Fortune’s Broadsheet newsletter, “for and about the world’s most powerful women”.May 26, 2021 - Bloomberg Law
Wake-up call
Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier is featured in this article for being appointed as the firm’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer.May 26, 2021 - Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly
Employment – FMLA – Retaliation
This article covers the First Circuit Court of Appeals’ affirmation of an earlier decision that jeweler Tiffany & Co. had not violated the Family and Medical Leave Act in eliminating a former employee’s position. The article mentions Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier and associate Aaron Nadich, both of Providence, for successfully representing Tiffany.Feb 16, 2021 - Law360
4 Ways Firms Are Trying to 'Move the Needle' on Diversity
This article covering a recent Move the Needle Fund town hall highlights NP’s “Mansfield Rule for workflow allocation“ and quotes Professional Personnel Partner and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier on how our firm is building a more inclusive culture by equalizing access to work opportunities for all lawyers.Dec 4, 2020 - LinkedIn Workforce Insights
Burnout signs have risen 33% percent in 2020; here are seven ways to reduce risks
This article, covering how organizations can reduce burnout risks among employees, cites NP for “bucking the trend” by focusing on advancement and promotion even during these challenging times, and quotes Professional Personnel Partner and Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier on plans for the firm’s 2021 partner class.Oct 7, 2020 - Providence Business News
Practice makes perfect for Collier at Nixon Peabody
This article profiles Providence Labor & Employment partner and NP professional personnel partner Stacie Collier in connection with being honored as Providence Business Journal’s 2020 Professional Services Industry Leader among the publication’s Business Women Awards.June 19, 2020 - Providence Business News
PBN announces 2020 Business Women Awards honorees
The publication has named Providence Labor and Employment partner Stacie Collier “Professional Services Industry Leader” as part of PBN’s 2020 Business Women Awards. The article includes a list of this year’s honorees.April 25, 2020 - Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly
Pretext not shown in FMLA retaliation claim vs. jeweler
This article mentions Providence Labor and Employment partner Stacie Collier for successfully defending jeweler Tiffany & Co. against a former employee’s disability discrimination and FMLA retaliation claims. The judge in the case granted Tiffany’s motion for summary judgment.April 23, 2020 - Providence Business News
Diversity can be challenging for R.I. law firms
This article quotes Providence Office Managing Partner Andrew Prescott and Labor and Employment partner Stacie Collier on the steps Nixon Peabody is taking to increase diversity among attorneys and the changes they have seen in the profession over time.Feb 28, 2020 - Law360
Bye to Bad Habits: Lawyers share resolutions for 2020
This article on 2020 New Year’s resolutions from attorneys features Providence Labor and Employment partner and Professional Personnel partner Stacie Collier and Litigation Department Chair Scott O’Connell sharing their goals for the new year.Jan 24, 2020 - Law360
5 tips for parental leave policies that minimize legal risk
Providence labor and employment partner Stacie Collier is quoted in this article about how employers can ensure their parental leave policies are fair, equitable and lawful.May 11, 2018 - Working Mother
Rhode Island Maternity Leave: Everything Expectant Parents Need to Know About the State's Paid Leave Laws
Providence labor and employment partner Stacie Collier is quoted in this article about whether an employee on parental leave can collect Rhode Island’s temporary caregiver insurance and a partial salary from an employer.Jan 11, 2018 - Law360
Trumping Obama's employment law legacy
Providence Labor & Employment partner Stacie Collier and San Francisco Labor & Employment partner Jeff Tanenbaum and associate Traci Bernard-Marks contributed this article about anticipated changes in labor and employment law by President-elect Trump and Republicans in Congress.Nov 16, 2016 - Inc. Magazine
5 Surprising Things You Should Know About Generation Z
Labor & Employment practice group co-leader Stacie Collier and Chicago associate Laura Bacon provide commentary throughout this piece discussing how Generation Z is impacting business.May 13, 2016 - Law360
Evening The Score: A New Wave Of Equal Pay Act Claims
Partner and Labor & Employment practice group co-leader Stacie Collier and Labor & Employment associate Steven Nevolis authored this column discussing claims by the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team alleging that members of the Women’s Team are unlawfully compensated at a much lower rate than their male counterparts, members of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. The article looks at the case itself, the increasing attention that the gender pay gap is receiving and what it means for employers.May 3, 2016 - WJAR-TV (Providence NBC affiliate)
Allergies in the Workplace
Partner and co-leader of the firm’s Labor & Employment practice group Stacie Collier discusses food allergies in the workplace in this live, in-studio interview.Oct 29, 2015 - Law360
5 Tips for Employers Worried About Worker Substance Abuse
Providence partner and co-leader of the Labor & Employment practice group Stacie Collier is quoted in this article on important considerations employers should examine when concerned about possible employee substance abuse.May 7, 2015
Admitted to practice
Connecticut
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Education
University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D.
Syracuse University, B.A., magna cum laude (Phi Beta Kappa)
Professional activities
- Crossroads Rhode Island, Board of Directors
- Capital City Community Center, Past Chair, Board of Directors
- Temple University Fox School of Business Center for Ethics, Diversity and Workplace Culture, Advisory Board
Recognition
- “Leader and Achiever” – Providence Business News, 2023
- The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 – Employment Law—Management and Litigation—Labor and Employment
- Best Lawyers® Providence, Rhode Island, “Lawyer of the Year” 2022 – Litigation—Labor and Employment and 2021 – Employment Law—Management
- Best Lawyers since 2010
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024 – Labor & Employment (Rhode Island); also recognized in Chambers in previous years
- Providence Business News: Business Women Awards – 2020 Industry Leader, Professional Services
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllJeffrey B. Gilbreth
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Labor & Employment- Boston
- Office:+1 617.345.1371
- jgilbreth@nixonpeabody.com
-
Eric Paley
Partner / Team Leader, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation- Rochester
- Office:+1 585.263.1012
- epaley@nixonpeabody.com
-