Overview
Sharon represents employers in a wide range of labor and employment issues. She counsels employers on compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws, represents employers in administrative proceedings before federal and state agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor, and National Labor Relations Board, and in employment arbitration and litigation. During three decades in practice, Sharon has handled hundreds of charges of discrimination before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and represented clients in labor and employment litigation in state and federal courts, and has provided advice and counseling to employers in connection with representation elections, pre-election campaigns, and unfair labor practice charges. Sharon has extensive experience representing employers in the healthcare, food production and hospitality industries.
Sharon is admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court, the US Circuit Courts of Appeals for the Fourth and Seventh Circuits, the US District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, and the Supreme Court of Virginia. Sharon is active in her community, and, among other activities, is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, serves on The Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, and is the Immediate Past President of the Board of St. Mary’s Home.
Experience
- Counsels employers with respect to all facets of the employer/employee relationship including compliance with Federal and State anti-discrimination laws, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act, and the National Labor Relations Act.
- Represents employers in lawsuits and administrative proceedings involving federal and state law employment claims including actions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and other state and federal wage and hour laws as well as actions involving non-compete agreements and wrongful discharge claims.
- Represents employers on administrative charges of discrimination and has defended hundreds of charges before the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state fair employment practice agencies.
- Conducts and counsels employers on workplace investigations.
- Trains managers and supervisors on best practices to avoid litigation, maintain compliance with employment laws, prevent workplace harassment, conduct workplace investigations and handle employee discipline.
- Reviews and prepares employee handbooks, employment forms, corporate policies and employment agreements.
- Advises employers facing union organizing campaigns and represents employers in administrative hearings before the National Labor Relations Board.
Accolades
Honors & Recognitions
- Recognized on Inside Business Annual Power List 2023: 60 Power Players
- Best Lawyers’ 2023 Richmond Labor Law - Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Recognized in the list of 100 People to Meet in 2023, Virginia Business
- Humanitarian Award, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, 2020
- Honoree, YWCA South Hampton Roads Women of Distinction in Law 2016
- Selected for inclusion as a “Best Lawyer,” The Best Lawyers in America, 2008-Present
- Recognized as a Best Lawyer for Labor Law - Management, The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2024
- Best Lawyers’ 2018 Norfolk Labor Law - Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Best Lawyers’ 2017 Norfolk Employment Law - Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Best Lawyers’ 2015 Norfolk Labor Law - Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Best Lawyers’ 2014 Norfolk Employment Law - Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Best Lawyers’ 2013 Norfolk Litigation – Labor and Employment “Lawyer of the Year”
- Best Lawyers’ 2012 Norfolk Labor Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Selected for inclusion as a Virginia “Super Lawyer,” Employment Law, Virginia Super Lawyers, 2012
- Named to The National Black Lawyers Top 100 List for Virginia, 2021
- Named one of Virginia Business magazine’s 2020 Legal Elite for Labor/Employment Law
Affiliations
Professional
- Chair, Board of Directors, Hampton Roads Community Foundation
- Member, GO VA Region 5 Council
- Member, Board of Directors, ACCESS College Foundation
- Member, Board of Trustees, University of Virginia Law School Foundation
- Member, Board of Trustees, Virginia Wesleyan University
- Member, Tidewater Walentas Scholars Selection Committee, University of Virginia
- Past Member (2013-2023), Board of Visitors, Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Past Member (2011-2021) and former President (2017-2019), Board of Trustees, St. Mary’s Home
- Past Member (2002-2018) and Board President (2007-2010), Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia Board of Directors
- Past Member, Board of Trustees, United Way of South Hampton Roads Foundation (2011-2017)
- Member, Old Dominion Bar Association
- Member, South Hampton Roads Bar Association
- Member, Virginia Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section Council
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Legal Updates
Events & Speaking Engagements
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Education
JD, University of Virginia School of Law, 1988
BA, Harvard University, magna cum laude, 1985
Admissions
Virginia
