Partners Patrick McGovern and Dina M. Mastellone Quoted in New Jersey Business Magazine

Genova Burns Partners Patrick W. McGovern and Dina M. Mastellone were quoted in an article in the May 2017 edition of New Jersey Business Magazine entitled “Legal Advice On: Diversity, Discrimination and Immigration,” which discusses the importance of diversity, anti-discrimination training and immigration policies in the workplace.

Ms. Mastellone stresses in the article that adherence to a company’s anti-discrimination/anti-harassment policy boils down to “training, training, and more training!”  She explains that training, which should also include diversity and sensitivity in the workplace, should occur every two years, from top to bottom within a company, which will significantly reduce harassment and discrimination claims. Ms. Mastellone also cautions that every company must be an equal opportunity employer and discusses the importance of affirmative action and diversity in the workplace. Mr. McGovern points out companies must proactively review their I-9 compliance processes and “it is a continuing challenge for legal counsel to ensure that newly hired HR professionals and managers are aware of these requirements, which are strictly enforced by federal agencies.” Mr. McGovern says that employers must keep tabs on when their immigrant employees’ work authorizations expire, to help such employees think about leaving this country to visit family back home and avoid not being allowed to get back into the U.S.

Mr. McGovern is the Co-Chair of the Firm’s Hotel, Restaurant & Hospitality Law Practice Group and Partner in the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Labor Law, Immigration Law, and Wage and Hour Compliance Practice Groups. Ms. Mastellone is Chair of the Firm’s Human Resource Training and Audit Programs Group and a Partner in the Employment Law & Litigation Practice Group.

To read the full article, click here.