Shelagh C.N. Michaud
Senior Attorney
Introduction
Shelagh advises and counsels employers of all sizes on employment matters and workplace safety (OSHA) issues and represents employers in employment and workplace safety investigations and litigation.
My focus
Employment Counseling
In my practice, I counsel and advise employers on day-to-day and long-term employment law matters, such as employee management, termination and performance counseling, reductions in force, severance and employment separation negotiations, wage and hour, employee classification, and employment policies and best practices. I also work with employers to implement workplace safety initiatives and policies, including those to address workplace violence issues. I work actively with clients to respond to business and financial concerns and workplace safety issues, to keep abreast of changing guidance, regulations, and laws impacting employers and to implement new employment policies and practices to assist businesses as they grow and transition during these changing times.
I also provide counsel on employment law issues in connection with corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and sales of companies.
Employment Litigation
I assist clients in conducting investigations and implementing strategies to prevent litigation and work with clients to develop and implement effective and manageable employment policies and practices to respond to changing business needs. I also represent employers in all stages of discrimination and employment matters pending before state and federal agencies and in state and federal courts.
Looking ahead
As we see more cooperation between federal and state agencies on issues impacting workers’ rights, we can help employers be more mindful and aware of how these changing laws and regulations will impact employment policies and how to continue to protect their interests and promote employee welfare in this changing environment.
/Insights
- “OSHA Overview 2024: Key Issues in Workplace and Occupational Safety and Health,” ABA Workplace and Occupational Safety and Health Law Committee Midwinter Meeting, San Juan, PR, March 5, 2024
- “Human Resource Issues: Policies for Companies In A Post-Pandemic Era,” Council for Affordable and Rural Housing's Annual Meeting, Arlington, VA, June 27, 2022
In the news
- SHRM HR News
OSHA and NLRB collaborate on enforcement
Nov 6, 2023Providence Labor & Employment senior attorney Shelagh Michaud is quoted throughout this article covering a recent agreement between OSHA and the NLRB to collaborate on enforcement to strengthen health and safety protections for workers. Shelagh notes the long history of collaboration between the two agencies, and that the new agreement continues a trend in the Biden administration to focus more on workers’ rights across all federal agencies.
- Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly
Employment bar bracing for fallout from ‘Stericycle’
Sep 4, 2023Providence Labor & Employment senior attorney Shelagh Michaud is quoted throughout this article on the National Labor Relations Board’s Stericycle majority opinion that tightens scrutiny of employer workplace rules. Shelagh explains how this is part of a larger trend of decisions and new laws leaning in favor of employee rights, and discusses the possibility for anti-moonlighting and noncompete provisions to be ratcheted back.
- SHRM HR News
OSHA expands injury and illness reporting requirement
July 19, 2023This article discussing a rule released by OSHA this week expanding workplace injury and illness reporting requirements quotes Providence Labor & Employment senior attorney Shelagh Michaud on how the rule could impact employers.
- CARH News
Three takeaways from Fed-OSHA’s increased workplace violence enforcement initiatives
April 3, 2023San Francisco partner Rachel Conn and Providence senior attorney Shelagh Michaud, both of the Labor & Employment practice, contributed this article discussing Fed-OSHA’s focus on workplace violence initiatives and how recent investigations can provide insight and best practices as employers take measures to create safe workplaces.
- 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
Admitted to practice
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire
U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island
Education
Boston College Law School, J.D., cum laude
University of New Hampshire, B.A., cum laude
Professional activities
- North Kingstown High School Booster Club, Vice President, Board of Directors
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- New Hampshire Bar Association
- Rhode Island Bar Association
Recognition
- Recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024 for Labor & Employment (Rhode Island).
- Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket Volunteer of the Year 2024 award.
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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