Kimberly Harding
Partner / Leader, Labor Relations Team
Introduction
Kim Harding is an attorney in Nixon Peabody’s Labor & Employment group and the leader of the firm’s Labor Relations team. Kim’s experience as a manager of Nixon Peabody’s own team of litigation attorneys informs the counsel she provides her clients and gives her unique insight into the challenges they face in managing their own workforces. She is a go-to resource for employers when they have problems with, or affecting, their “people.”
Kim’s exceptional legal service has been recognized by her clients and peers alike. She was selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the fields of Labor Law–Management and Litigation–Labor and Employment in both 2021 and 2022, and she was named as one of Western New York’s power players in the legal industry on the Daily Record’s Power 20 List for Litigation. Her exceptional standing in the legal community was similarly recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Labor & Employment (New York (Upstate)) in the 2021 and 2022 editions, and as an “Up and Coming” lawyer in the same fields in the 2020 edition Kim also was selected to the 2019 Super Lawyers, Upstate New York Rising Stars list in the area of Employment and Labor, and was recognized by the Daily Record as a 2017 Excellence in Law, Up & Coming Attorneys honoree.
My focus
Employment counseling
I routinely work with clients to help them implement decisions, policies, and strategies pertaining to their employees. My advice is grounded not only in the avoidance of legal risk, but also an understanding of the implication each decision will have on the broader workforce. I firmly believe that every company’s most important asset is its people, and that effective people management drives the most impressive delivery of customer service and, in turn, the strongest business results for my clients.
Employment litigation
Whether it’s a disgruntled employee, or the classic “good deed” for an employee that results in the proverbial punishment, I zealously defend employers in state and federal courts and before state and federal administrative agencies from claims alleging violations of employment statutes, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and their state-law corollaries. I also strategically maximize any available leverage in negotiations to achieve favorable settlements of wage and hour suits, including putative class and collective actions, discrimination and whistleblower claims, and litigation of non-compete covenants, at the most appropriate earliest stage of litigation.
Labor relations
I counsel unionized employers with respect to the development of bargaining strategies and the cost and negotiation of labor agreements. In doing so, I am always cognizant of the fact that the development of a labor relationship is a full-time job that requires attention, careful planning and deliberate actions. I am committed to understanding my clients’ workplaces and needs to ensure that we avoid piecemeal approaches to labor relations, which tend to be both shortsighted and ineffective.
My labor relations practice also involves advising on anti-organizing campaigns and strategies, and representing management in the arbitration of labor disputes and in litigation of claims under the National Labor Relations Act and the Labor Management Relations Act. I have defended Section 301 claims and both prosecuted and defended unfair labor practice charges.
Looking ahead
Organized labor is savvier than ever, and is particularly attuned to employers’ traditional anti-union strategies. Their effective use of social media, and anticipation of traditional “union-busting” strategies, has made waging an anti-organizing campaign increasingly difficult for unsuspecting employers. Employers must stay vigilant and attuned to employee satisfaction and engagement to prevent any incentives to unionize in the first instance, and adopt innovative strategies.
In the news
- Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record
2024 Power Law Lists
July 19, 2024The publications have selected several NP attorneys for their annual “Power Lists,” putting a spotlight on regional professionals who are leaders in their respective fields. Click the links to read Q&A profiles with the NP honorees.
- 2024 Power 50 Law List: Jared Lusk
- 2024 Trusts & Estates Power List: Stephanie Seiffert
- 2024 Litigation Power List: Kim Harding and Steve Jones
- 2024 Labor & Employment Law Power List: Kim Harding and Eric Paley
- The Daily Record
The Daily Record’s Power 20 Litigation 2023
Nov 9, 2023The following articles profile Rochester Labor & Employment partners Kim Harding, leader of the firm’s Labor Relations team, and Stephen Jones, co-leader of the firm’s Wage & Hour Compliance and Litigation team, for their inclusion on the publication’s “Power 20 Litigation 2023” list. This annual list recognizes prominent litigators in the Rochester region for their exceptional client service.
- Rochester Business Journal
Unions, AI, workplace issues trending in local litigation
Feb 28, 2023Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding, deputy leader of the Litigation department, is quoted in this article on current litigation trends in the region. Kim discusses an increasingly active labor movement and the recent growth in data privacy-related activity.
- The Daily Record
Power 20 Litigation 2022
Nov 10, 2022Buffalo Complex Disputes partner Vivian Quinn and Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding, deputy leader of the firm’s Litigation department, are mentioned in this article for being named to the publication’s “Power 20 Litigation 2022” list. The recognition includes individual features profiling Vivian and Kim, where they discuss their expectations for the next year, recent successes, personal goals, and advice for new litigators.
- Law360
Unions see opportunity in New Jersey's new cannabis law
Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding, a member of the firm’s Cannabis practice, is quoted in this article on New Jersey’s recreational cannabis industry, noting that the combination of the labor provisions in the New Jersey law effectively means that businesses will have a hard time operating without a unionized workforce.July 13, 2022 - Rochester Business Journal
State, city of Rochester strive for social and economic equity in cannabis industry
This article covering equity and inclusion provisions in New York state’s recreational cannabis law quotes Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding, who discusses potential opportunities created by the Seeding Opportunity Initiative, labor peace agreements, and how cannabis businesses are establishing credibility while dispelling stigma that can surround the industry.June 10, 2022 - The New York Daily Record
On the move
This column of notable promotions and moves features Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding for her appointment as deputy leader of NP’s Litigation Department. The article also highlights Rochester Labor & Employment associate Jeniffer Taylor for joining the firm, and Rochester Affordable Housing & Real Estate associate Ninteretse Jean Pierre (JP) for rejoining NP.March 8, 2022 - Bloomberg Law
Labor board's pending work rule change muddles employer strategy
Rochester Labor & Employment partner and deputy leader of the Litigation Department Kim Harding is quoted in this article about the NLRB’s reconsideration of its legal framework for workplace rules and employee handbooks, and what this could mean for employers.March 7, 2022 - Bloomberg Law
Employees almost always win with Trump NLRB test set for change
This article analyzes the different outcomes in the National Labor Relations Board’s Trump-era and Obama-era worker classification legal tests, which determine if workers are considered employees protected by federal law. Rochester Labor & Employment partner and Litigation Department deputy head Kim Harding is quoted for her perspective on whether new standards will drive additional litigation.Feb 22, 2022 - WROC-TV
Some Rochester companies are following the Supreme Court ruling against vaccine mandates
This TV news segment, focusing on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to block the OSHA rule mandating COVID-19 vaccination for large companies, features Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding for her thoughts on the ruling and how companies are breathing a sigh of relief for no longer having potential OSHA penalties lingering over them.Jan 14, 2022 - WHEC-TV
Labor and employment attorney on Supreme Court halting COVID-19 vaccine rule for businesses
Rochester partner Kim Harding is quoted in this broadcast segment regarding how some large companies will be relived in the wake of the SCOTUS decision, as it lifts the administrative burden of collecting tests and vaccination cards. Kim is also quoted on how the decision does not include the reinstatement of employees who were terminated for not getting vaccinated.Jan 13, 2022 - WHEC-TV
Business owners react to CDC's new guidance for asymptomatic COVID-positive people
This TV news segment on the CDC’s updated guidance, which reduces the isolation time from 10 days to five, features Rochester Labor & amp;Employment partner Kim Harding on how companies can still use their discretion when it comes to the guidance.Dec 27, 2021 - The Daily Record
OSHA regulations likely to be challenged
The following coverage of OSHA’s federal COVID vaccination and testing guidelines for large private employers includes outlook from Boston partner Jeff Gilbreth and Rochester partner Kim Harding, both of the Labor & Employment group. They discuss what companies need to know and how they can prepare, and—with several states filing related lawsuits—both Jeff and Kim emphasize that employers should still proceed as though the regulations will be implemented.Nov 5, 2021 - Bloomberg Radio
Baystate Business
The following coverage of OSHA’s federal COVID vaccination and testing guidelines for large private employers includes outlook from Boston partner Jeff Gilbreth and Rochester partner Kim Harding, both of the Labor & Employment group. They discuss what companies need to know and how they can prepare, and—with several states filing related lawsuits—both Jeff and Kim emphasize that employers should still proceed as though the regulations will be implemented.Nov 5, 2021 - The Boston Globe
How the OSHA vaccine and testing mandate might play out for local businesses
The following coverage of OSHA’s federal COVID vaccination and testing guidelines for large private employers includes outlook from Boston partner Jeff Gilbreth and Rochester partner Kim Harding, both of the Labor & Employment group. They discuss what companies need to know and how they can prepare, and—with several states filing related lawsuits—both Jeff and Kim emphasize that employers should still proceed as though the regulations will be implementedNov 5, 2021 - WHEC-TV
Employment attorney on COVID-19 vaccine or test mandate
This broadcast segment on OSHA’s emergency temporary standard, which was announced yesterday, features Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding on what the rule requires of large companies and their employees, whether religious or medical exemptions apply, and the timeline of the rule, among other insights.Nov 4, 2021 - WHAM-TV
DOL - Most employers can no longer test employees for marijuana
Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding analyzes new guidance from New York State’s Department of Labor regarding the implementation of the state’s law legalizing recreational marijuana use. Under the law, most employers are prohibited from testing employees for marijuana or discriminating on the basis of cannabis use.Oct 21, 2021 - Reuters
U.S. pastors, advocacy groups mobilize against COVID-19 vaccine mandates
This article on the large-scale efforts of religious and advocacy groups to challenge COVID-19 vaccine mandates quotes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding on the recent rapid increase in religious exemption requests, which have historically been rare.Oct 14, 2021 - Spectrum News
Judges vaccine religious exemption ruling comes as good news for some NY health care workers
This article, focusing on a federal judge’s ruling upholding the religious exemption to New York State’s vaccine requirement for health care workers, quotes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding on what is required of employees to qualify for the exemption and the process for employers to vet these accommodations.Oct 12, 2021 - Politico Pro
Employer conundrum: To test or not to test?
San Francisco Labor & Employment associate Hillary Baca, also a member of the firm’s Cannabis practice, is quoted in this article on how pressures of the recent labor shortage and changing attitudes toward cannabis have some employers reconsidering drug-testing policies. The article is based on a client alert Hillary co-authored with Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding.Oct 5, 2021 - HR Specialist Employment Law
Q&A on OSHAs upcoming vaccine mandate-What it means for HR
This industry newsletter includes the client alert “President Biden orders vaccination mandate for large employers,” co-authored by San Francisco partner Rachel Conn, Rochester partner Kim Harding, and Providence department attorney Shelagh Michaud, all of the Labor & Employment group. The Q&A covers OSHA’s emergency standards, the 100-employee threshold in Biden’s vaccination mandate, and how the rule affects state OSHA plans.Oct 1, 2021 - The Charlotte Observer
What workers and employers should know a week after Biden issued COVID vaccine mandate
This article, which has been syndicated across the country, quotes the client alert “President Biden orders vaccination mandate for large employers” co-authored by San Francisco partner Rachel Conn, Rochester partner Kim Harding, and Providence department attorney Shelagh Michaud, all of the Labor & Employment group. The content covers OSHA emergency standards, the 100-employee threshold in Biden’s vaccination mandate, and how the rule affects state OSHA plans.Sep 16, 2021 - The Daily Record
Vaccine mandate lacks detail
This article on President Biden’s recent vaccine mandate for employees of larger companies quotes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding on legal questions and nuances employers have regarding the mandate’s implementation and her outlook on OSHA’s upcoming emergency temporary standard.Sep 15, 2021 - Spectrum News
Rochester labor and employment attorney swamped with messages since vaccine mandate announced
This broadcast segment, on President Biden’s announcement requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for employees of larger companies, features insight from Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding, focusing on questions that remain for employers as they navigate the legal landscape and nuances of the mandate, as well as the testing option still available for vaccine-resistant employees. Rochester records clerk Jody Smith also appears in the segment.Sep 14, 2021 - Rochester Business Journal
Legal perspective on vaccine mandates for employers
Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding contributed this column which analyzes the legality of mandating COVID-19 vaccines for employees, including the different requirements governing exemption requests, and provides best practices on how employers can mitigate challenges when implementing this policy.Sep 10, 2021 - Spectrum News
University plumber prepared to lose job rather than get the COVID-19 vaccine
This broadcast segment on President Biden’s announcement requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for employees of larger companies quotes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding on employers’ right to impose terms and conditions for employment and the reasoning behind New York State’s vaccine mandate for health care workers.Sep 10, 2021 - WHEC-TV
Employees who refuse to get COVID-19 vaccine may not qualify for unemployment
This broadcast segment, covering the latest development around NYS’ vaccine requirement for hospitals and healthcare workers, quotes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding on the notion of employee “voluntary-ness” and the potential consequences for employees deciding not to get the vaccine.Sep 1, 2021 - WHEC-TV
NYS orders hospitals and nursing homes to order their employees to get vaccinated
This broadcast segment, focusing on Governor Cuomo’s announcement that all New York State health care workers must be vaccinated, quotes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding on the way in which the state is rolling it out, by requiring hospitals and nursing homes to require it of their employees.Aug 16, 2021 - HR Dive
Navigate cannabis legalization, avoid employment litigation
Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding co-wrote this contributed article highlighting three common pitfalls for employers as they comply with the patchwork of state and federal laws regulating the use of legal cannabis by their employees.Aug 13, 2021 - WHEC-TV
The Crown Act expands definition of racial discrimination according to legal expert
In this broadcast segment on ‘The Crown Act’, a federal bill aiming to broaden the definition of discrimination by including hair texture and protected hair styles, Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding explains the impetus for the bill and its potential implications for employers nationwide.July 24, 2021 - GreenState
Amazon has stopped testing job seekers for cannabis: Here's what it means for you
Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted in this article on Amazon’s announcement it will stop testing job seekers for cannabis, noting the impact of Amazon’ s decision at a national level and adding that Amazon’ s support of the MORE Act lends a great deal of credibility to the proposed legislation that would legalize marijuana at the federal level.June 15, 2021 - Rochester Business Journal
New mask rules pose challenge to business
In this article on New York State’s revised mask guidance in accordance with federal recommendations, Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted on enforcement challenges for businesses and the uptick in client inquiries regarding the guidance, mandatory vaccination policies, and job postings.May 18, 2021 - Spectrum News
Red Wings preparing to welcome back both vaccinated and non-vaccinated fans
In this broadcast story on New York State’s new guidance on capacity seating for venues, Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted on whether businesses can ask their customers of their vaccination status.May 6, 2021 - Cannabis Law Report
Cannabis operators, insiders, and experts discuss New York’s cannabis legalization, equity plans, revenue possibilities, and future cannabis market potential
This wide-ranging discussion of New York’s legalization of recreational cannabis includes commentary from both Cannabis practice co-leader and Rochester Corporate partner Lori Green and Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding.April 19, 2021 - Spectrum News
What does marijuana legalization mean for employment in New York State?
This news segment on the legalization of marijuana in New York quotes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding on how the enforcement of marijuana in the workplace will likely be similar to alcohol.March 31, 2021 - WROC-TV
Weed and the workplace: What legalization could mean for testing, possession, and use
The following television news segment on New York State’s pending marijuana legalization bill quotes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding on how the enforcement of marijuana in the workplace will likely be similar to alcohol.March 29, 2021 - WHAM-TV
If recreational marijuana is legalized in New York, what happens to the workforce?
The following TV news segments cover New York’s pending marijuana legalization bill and how it may affect the workplace. Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted on the exclusion of marijuana in drug screens and its protected use outside the workplace. Cannabis practice co-leader and Rochester Corporate partner Lori Green is quoted in WHEC-TV’s segment on how the group is staying on top of marijuana legislation across the U.S., to better serve NP’s clients.March 27, 2021 - WHEC-TV
Legal recreational marijuana and the workplace
The following TV news segments cover New York’s pending marijuana legalization bill and how it may affect the workplace. Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted on the exclusion of marijuana in drug screens and its protected use outside the workplace. Cannabis practice co-leader and Rochester Corporate partner Lori Green is quoted in WHEC-TV’s segment on how the group is staying on top of marijuana legislation across the U.S., to better serve NP’s clients.March 26, 2021 - WXXI-AM (NPR affiliate)
Morning edition
In this radio segment discussing a remote workforce in a post-pandemic world, Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted on tax and withholding rules, among other employment laws, that employers should be aware of as employees may want to work in other states.March 8, 2021 - WHEC-TV
Local experts on CDC's new guidelines for COVID vaccinated people
In this television news segment on the CDC’s new guidelines announced on Monday, Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted on employer incentive programs to increase the population of vaccinated employees, as businesses work toward a return to normal.March 8, 2021 - WHEC-TV
90-day window for COVID-19 travel guidelines has some confused
In this broadcast segment on the loosening of some of New York State’s COVID-19 travel guidelines, Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted for her thoughts on state and federal guidelines that employers must follow to protect their workforce.March 2, 2021 - Rochester Business Journal
COVID-related paid sick leave options for employers
Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding contributed this article for her outlook on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and what’s top-of-mind for employers in the year ahead.Jan 20, 2021 - Spectrum News
NYS Assembly Bill Seeks to Empower Health Department to Make COVID-19 Vaccine Mandatory
In this television news segment on a bill introduced in the New York State Assembly to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory, Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted for her outlook on the bill’s enforcement mechanism.Dec 9, 2020 - WHEC NBC-10
New Regulations May Make It Easier for Travelers to State, but Questions Remain
In this broadcast segment on New York State’s new coronavirus regulations regarding interstate travel, which replaces the 14-day quarantine for travelers, Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted for her outlook on how the new regulations are more manageable for businesses.Nov 2, 2020 - Rochester Business Journal
Best Practices in Dealing with Working Parents as School Year Commences
Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding and Complex Commercial Disputes associate Franz Wright, both in Rochester, contributed this column on the unprecedented need for collaboration between working parents and their employers as the school year commences during COVID-19.Sep 11, 2020 - Daily Record
Liability immunity proposals raise concerns for lawyers
In this article on the proposed legislation to provide businesses with immunity from COVID-19 liability lawsuits, Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding is quoted for her outlook on the legislation and the importance of businesses to continually abide by state and federal laws.July 31, 2020 - WHEC-TV News 10NBC
Are employers obligated to accommodate requests to work from home?
Rochester Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding was featured in this broadcast segment on what obligations employers have to work with their employees as schools start again in September.July 22, 2020 - WHEC-TV (Rochester)
Essential or nonessential?
Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding spoke to the local NBC affiliate via FaceTime to discuss new work restrictions announced by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Kim talks about employee staffing, staggered scheduling and which businesses qualify as essential.March 19, 2020 - HR Magazine (Society for Human Resource Management)
New York government reaches deal on coronavirus sick-leave mandate
Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding, Rochester Corporate partner Brian Kopp, and Long Island Labor and Employment associate David Tauster co-wrote this contributed article, based on their NP client alert, analyzing the new mandatory sick-leave deal in New York state.March 19, 2020 - WXXI News
Coronavirus sparks workplace legal questions
Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding says that travel, communicable illness, and sick leave policies should be top of mind for employers as they adjust to the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 outbreak.March 13, 2020 - WHAM-AM (Rochester)
Rochester Business Report
This story highlights Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding’s guidance on what is required of employers during the coronavirus outbreak.March 13, 2020 - The Daily Record
In addition to health concerns, coronavirus a legal and employment issue
This coverage features the insights of Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding on how companies should address the growing coronavirus outbreak—including developing remote work guidelines and protecting the confidential health information of employees.March 12, 2020 - Spectrum News
Rochester-area employers preparing for spread of coronavirus
This coverage features the insights of Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding on how companies should address the growing coronavirus outbreak—including developing remote work guidelines and protecting the confidential health information of employees.March 11, 2020 - WROC-TV
News 8 at Five
Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding talks about how employers can effectively address the coronavirus outbreak, including weighing short-term staffing needs, analyzing sick leave policies, and limiting employee travel to severely impacted areas.March 3, 2020 - WHEC-TV
Coronavirus has employers examining policies around employee illness
Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding talks about how employers can effectively address the coronavirus outbreak, including weighing short-term staffing needs, analyzing sick leave policies, and limiting employee travel to severely impacted areas.March 3, 2020 - WXXI News
The new coronavirus prompts businesses to rethink global travel
This radio interview (also available in print) features Rochester Labor and Employment partner Kim Harding discussing the steps Nixon Peabody and other businesses are taking to modify employees’ travel routines as the coronavirus spreads. Kim also explains employers’ right to tell workers to stay home if there is a possibility of infection.Feb 26, 2020 - The Deal
Movers & Shakers
This column of notable executive moves in the legal industry included a write-up on the promotion of Nixon Peabody’s 2020 new partner class: Laura Bacon, Shariff Barakat, Katie Baynes, Robert Fisher, Kimberly Harding, Brian Mahoney, Sonia Nayak, Dara Newman Histed, Morgan Nighan, Chris Porzio, Rachel Pugliese, Dana Roper, and Peter Trimarchi.Feb 4, 2020 - Reuters Legal
Career Tracker: Lawyers on the Move
This roundup of personnel moves in the legal industry highlights the 13 members of Nixon Peabody’s 2020 new partner class: Laura Bacon, Shariff Barakat, Katie Baynes, Robert Fisher, Kimberly Harding, Brian Mahoney, Sonia Nayak, Dara Newman Histed, Morgan Nighan, Chris Porzio, Rachel Pugliese, Dana Roper and Peter Trimarchi.Feb 3, 2020 - The Daily Record
New sexual harassment rules now in effect
Rochester Labor & Employment associate Kim Harding is quoted extensively in this article about New York state’s new rules to curb workplace sexual harassment and how employers are taking a more proactive approach.Oct 18, 2018 - Spectrum News Rochester
Opioid addiction: What employers need to know
Rochester Labor & Employment associate Kimberly Harding appears in this segment, discussing her outlook on how the opioid crisis is affecting the labor market in terms of lost productivity and costs to employers.July 20, 2018 - SHRM
Review Your Company Dating Policy in Light of #MeToo Movement
In this article on company dating policies, Rochester Labor & Employment associate Kim Harding is quoted on ways companies can avoid possible #MeToo experiences when employees date one another.Jan 31, 2018 - Rochester Business Journal
State Legislation Increases Wages, Mandates Family Leave
Rochester partners Jeff LaBarge and Steve Jones, counsel Todd Shinaman, and associates Joe Carello and Kim Harding co-authored this column discussing New York’s landmark legislation raising the minimum wage and mandating paid family leave.May 13, 2016 - Rochester Business Journal
N.Y. takes aim against transgender discrimination in the workplace
Rochester partner Jeff LaBarge and associate Kim Harding co-authored this law column discussing transgender discrimination issues in the workplace.March 11, 2016 - Law360
Fairy Tale Endings for Office Romances are Far-Fetched
Labor & Employment attorneys Kim Harding and Bob Dolinko authored this column discussing how employers should handle office romances.Feb 10, 2016 - Rochester Business Journal
Think NLRB Rules Don't Apply to You? Think Again
Rochester Corporate Transactions partner Jeff LaBarge and Rochester Labor & Employment associate Kim Harding authored this column discussing increased enforcement actions by the National Labor Relations Board, the resulting litigation and how employers should comply.Sep 18, 2015 - The Daily Record
Anthony Museum Names New Board, Officers
Rochester Labor & Employment associate Kim Harding has been elected to the board of the National Susan B. Anthony House.June 1, 2015
Admitted to practice
District of Columbia
New York
U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
Education
American University, Washington College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, Order of the Coif
Syracuse University, B.A., summa cum laude
Professional activities
Kim is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys. She currently serves as a director for her local library, and sits on the HR Committee for the Willow Domestic Violence Center.
Kim previously served on the City Planning Commission for the City of Rochester, and is a former chair of the board of trustees for the National Susan B. Anthony Museum, where she also served for six years as a trustee, vice chair, chair of the Governance Committee, and member of various committees. She is a graduate of the Leadership Rochester Class of 2020, and formerly served as the director-at-large, programming, for the Rochester affiliate of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, served on the “Art of Lawyering” event committee for the Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County, Inc. (VLSP), and has organized efforts to collect feminine hygiene products for the “PAD (Providing Access and Dignity)” Project of Rochester. Finally, Kim is the former regional leader for the Women’s Resource Group for Nixon Peabody’s upstate New York and Long Island offices.
Recognition
- Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 in the fields of Employment Law—Management, Labor Law—Management and Litigation—Labor and Employment
- Listed in Best Lawyers since 2021
- Recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024 for Labor & Employment (New York (Upstate))
- Recognized as “Up and Coming” in the 2020 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the area of Labor & Employment (New York (Upstate))
- Chosen by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce to be the recipient of the 4th Annual IGNITE Award in August 2022, which recognizes professionals who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, excels in their chosen field, devotes time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forges a path of leadership for others to follow
- ATHENA Young Professional Award Finalist (2020), recognizing emerging female leaders in the 30- to 45-year-old range who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession and serve as a role model for young women both personally and professionally
- Leadership Rochester program, 2020 graduate
- Selected to the 2019 Upstate New York Rising Stars list in the area of Employment and Labor
- Recognized by The Daily Record in 2017 as an Excellence in Law, Up & Coming Attorneys honoree
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
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Stacie B. Collier
Partner / Chief Talent Officer- Providence
- Office:+1 401.454.1018
- sbcollier@nixonpeabody.com
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Eric Paley
Partner / Team Leader, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation- Rochester
- Office:+1 585.263.1012
- epaley@nixonpeabody.com
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