In an interview with Business Insurance, Goldberg Segalla’s Jacqueline K. Siegel explained what H.R. 4445, the Ending Forced Arbitrations Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021, means for employers going forward.
Jacqui and other attorneys shared their thoughts with Business Insurance on how the landscape will change after federal legislation is signed by President Biden forbidding mandatory arbitration in sexual harassment and assault cases. Most attorneys concluded that it could possibly lead to higher legal costs and employment practices liability rates.
Jacqui stated, “It creates settlement leverage for the employees because these sexual harassment cases can now proceed to court, litigation costs increase and there is the risk of having to deal with a jury, as opposed to a private arbitrator.”
“Arbitration Ban Expected To Increase Harassment Dispute Costs,” Business Insurance, March 1, 2022
Jacqueline K. Siegel counsels and represents clients in all aspects of employment litigation, including but not limited to, discrimination, harassment, and wage-and-hour claims before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. She has significant experience providing clients with advice to mitigate risk to their business; investigating complaints of discrimination and harassment; and conducting comprehensive audits pertaining to employment practices on behalf of corporations.