Navigating Reproductive Loss in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide to California’s New Employee Leave Law

Amanda M. Scarpo | Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

Amanda is an associate in the firm’s Labor & Employment section. A former Deputy Attorney General in Pennsylvania, she managed a voluminous caseload in both federal and state trial courts across the Commonwealth. This allowed her to gain first chair experience in several areas including state and federal employment law. Because of her background as an advocate for Commonwealth agencies and individuals, Amanda has a unique understanding of the impact her work can have on her clients, and beyond. Prior to her time at the Attorney General’s Office, Amanda spent time in an appeals heavy practice where she was able to strengthen her writing skills and streamline her writing style. From there Amanda’s litigation practice was propelled by a strength in her written advocacy, supplemented by an understanding of useful oral argument. Amanda’s unique career path from public service to private practice has allowed her to incrementally develop the skills necessary to negotiate and problem solve with her client’s needs and expectations at the forefront of her practice.

Amanda is an experienced advocate that has worked hard to curate a professional client focused communication style. As a representative she has developed a commitment to be available, responsive, and knowledgeable in what she does with a unique focus on the client’s needs and expectations.

Amanda enjoys her free time spent with her husband, toddler son, and two dogs exploring the city of Pittsburgh to find new parks, restaurants, and attractions. When it’s not just the three (five) of them, Amanda and her family find time to be with their very close extended family, including friends that have become such, all around the Pittsburgh area.

Mary R. Hackett | Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

With more than two decades of experience in law, business, and human resources, Mary understands the importance of practical solutions in the practice of law. She provides advice to businesses of all sizes, as well as senior executives. Mary’s practice is three-fold: advice to avoid disputes; methods for early resolution of disputes, including negotiation and mediation; and, if necessary, litigation to protect her clients’ interests. A Certified Professional in Human Resources – California® (PHRca®), Mary is admitted to practice in both California and Tennessee.

Mary is practical. She knows how to balance legal realities with business goals. With her extensive experience running businesses and managing employees, she knows that the advice she provides must not only be legally correct, but understandable and actionable.an experienced advocate that has worked hard to curate a professional client focused communication style. As a representative she has developed a commitment to be available, responsive, and knowledgeable in what she does with a unique focus on the client’s needs and expectations.

Mary is an accomplished yoga instructor and Dragon Boat coach (and occasional competitor). She splits her time between Philadelphia and San Diego and wants to learn how to paddleboard in the surf.

Erin J. McLaughlin | Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

A member of the firm’s Labor & Employment Group, Erin J. McLaughlin handles complex employment matters and provides strategic, day-to-day guidance to employers on their personnel matters.

Employment Litigation Erin defends clients against employment discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, breach of contract and wage and hour claims. She has also represented clients in investigations and litigation brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Erin further protects her clients’ business by prosecuting trade secrets and restrictive covenant cases. With significant litigation and trial experience, Erin has represented clients before United States federal courts nationwide and state courts throughout the country.

To avoid costly litigation, Erin advises union and non-union clients on preventive measures, including drafting effective employment agreements and restrictive covenants, reviewing policies, counseling on disciplinary actions and employee terminations, navigating employee accommodation and leave matters, conducting investigations, negotiating severance agreements, and conducting employment practices and compensation reviews. In this role, Erin helps clients effectively investigate, defend against and develop advance plans to avoid or minimize workplace problems stemming from harassment and discrimination claims.

Effective employee training is critical for employers. In this regard, Erin develops and implements effective training programs for clients on sexual and other forms of harassment, which has become increasingly important given today’s heightened awareness of and focus on workplace harassment. Erin has a passion for conducting effective employee training. In addition to training initiatives, Erin also counsels’ clients on best practices for employer diversity initiatives.

Erin has experience advising employers in such union-related matters as collective bargaining, grievance arbitrations, union organizing campaigns and unfair labor practice proceedings.

Erin is a frequent lecturer on various employment topics at conferences across the country, such as the Pennsylvania Society for Human Resource Management’s Annual State Conference and is a contributing author to well-regarded publications such as the Pennsylvania Employment Law Desk book.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Erin is a lifelong Steelers fan. When not working, she enjoys running, spinning, yoga and spending time with her husband, two boys and close knit extended family. Erin also shares her time and talents with a variety of local charitable organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown, Inc., the National Aviary and Operation Troop Appreciation.

I. The New CA Law | 12:00pm – 12:15pm

• Understanding the framework and provisions of the new law | 12:00pm – 12:05pm
• Exploring the legislative intent behind the enactment of the law | 12:05pm – 12:10pm
• Identifying the scope and applicability of the law to different types of reproductive loss | 12:10pm – 12:15pm

II. Employee Rights and Protections | 12:15pm – 12:30pm

• Detailing the rights afforded to employees under the new law | 12:15pm – 12:20pm
• Examining the process for employees to request and take leave for reproductive loss | 12:20pm – 12:25pm
• Discussing the interaction of the new law with existing employment laws and policies | 12:25pm – 12:30pm

III. Employer Obligations and Compliance | 12:30pm – 12:45pm

• Outlining the obligations imposed on employers to comply with the law | 12:30pm –12:35pm
• Providing guidance on creating and implementing policies that align with the new requirements | 12:35pm – 12:40pm
• Addressing potential challenges or issues employers may face in ensuring compliance
  | 12:40pm – 12:45pm

IV. Practical Considerations and Case Studies | 12:45pm – 1:00pm

• Offering practical insights into how employers and employees can navigate the implementation of the law | 12:45pm – 12:50pm
• Presenting hypothetical scenarios to illustrate common situations and challenges | 12:50pm – 12:55pm
• Discussing best practices for legal professionals advising both employers and employees on reproductive loss-related matters | 12:55pm – 1:00pm