Heather Southwell
Of Counsel
Email: hsouthwell@drm.com
Phone: 802-846-8629
Direct: 802-863-2375
MAILING:
PO Box 190
Burlington, VT 05402-0190
PHYSICAL:
Courthouse Plaza
199 Main Street
Suite 600
Burlington, VT 05401-8339
With a background in business and management, Heather Southwell brings a unique perspective to the labor and employment challenges her clients face, and approaches each challenge with empathy, an understanding of each client’s business needs, and a deep commitment to client service.
Collaborative, strategic thinker with a passion for partnering with clients to navigate complex labor and employment challenges.
Heather Southwell defends employers in labor and employment litigation, and has extensive experience representing managers before third parties, including arbitrators and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Heather also serves as a trusted advisor to managers on a wide variety of labor and employment issues, including claims of discrimination and harassment, wrongful discharge claims, and issues related to performance management and discipline. She is admitted to practice in Vermont and New York.
Heather lives in Montpelier, and when she is not working, she enjoys running and gardening.
Education
Northeastern University School of Law, JD
Northeastern University Graduate School of Business Administration, MBA
Allegheny College, BA
Experience
- Represented management in mediation, securing a favorable settlement in a complex claim involving allegations of harassment and discrimination.
- Successfully defended employer in claims before the Federal Labor Relations Authority and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
- Received a favorable determination in an arbitration proceeding involving a claim of failure to accommodate based on religion.
- Served as advisor to employer in navigating myriad issues related to performance standards and performance management.
Admissions
Vermont 2014
New York 2006
Memberships & Activities
Society of Human Resource Management
Vermont Bar Association
Presentations
Heather is a frequent presenter on topics pertaining to human resources management and employment law. Favorite topics include:
Conflict Management
EEO Complaints and the EEO Process
Addressing and Identifying Performance Issues
Performance-Based Removals
Employee Engagement
Diversity, Inclusion and Civility in the Workplace