Rebecca has been with the firm since 2001 and is a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment practice group. Her practice focuses on handling a wide variety of employment disputes arising under both state and federal law. These disputes include harassment and discrimination claims under Title VII and 42 U.S.C. § 1981, as well as employment contract disputes (including pay issues, enforcement of non-compete agreements, protection of confidential employer information and trade secrets), wage and hour law issues, and workplace drug and alcohol testing issues. Additionally, she handles disputes arising under the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Shanlever also has significant experience defending employers against claims of customer race discrimination. Shanlever has successfully defended numerous employment discrimination and related lawsuits, both through motion practice and in jury trials. In addition to her litigation practice, Shanlever regularly gives day-to-day legal advice to human resources and management personnel and provides anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training for all levels of employees. Shanlever has been recognized by Law & Politics and Atlanta Magazine as a Rising Star in the area of employment litigation, since 2005.
Representative Experience
Served as counsel to numerous companies on a regional and national basis in employment discrimination litigation involving individual and multiple-plaintiff actions alleging sex, race, age, and disability discrimination and harassment, discrimination in public accommodations, and violations of various state laws
Successfully represented restaurant chain in multiple lawsuits in five states alleging race discrimination against customers represented by national civil rights organization, including three summary judgment rulings and one defense verdict at jury trial
Obtained defense verdict for national and international news network in federal jury trial of reverse-race and age discrimination claims
Awarded judgment as a matter of law for national media corporation wrongful discharge claim in state court
Received numerous summary judgment rulings in favor of employers in sex, race, age, and disability discrimination and harassment cases
Obtained dismissal of nine-plaintiff race and national origin discrimination lawsuit against national broadcasting company
Negotiated favorable settlements of sex, race, age, national origin, and disability discrimination and harassment claims and lawsuits
Counseled management and human resources personnel on compliance with all labor and employment laws and regulations, review and revision of internal corporate policies, and practices involving restrictive covenants
Investigated and advised employers regarding internal reports of sex and race harassment and whistleblower complaints
Presentations and Speaking Engagements
Reducing Your Workforce Without Increasing Your Liability, November 19, 2008
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments, November 6, 2008
Explaining the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), November 6, 2008
Volunteers & The Law – the legal issues of working with volunteers, April 26, 2008
Emory University School of Law, Trial Techniques program, Jury Selection, February 29, 2008
Publications
"Trends Suggest Expanded Protection for Minor Employees," Employment and the Law, November 17, 2008
"Genetic Information Nondiscrimination ACT ("GINA") Becomes the Law," E-Alert, May 22, 2008
Managed and presented Troutman Sanders Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, November 2008
Regular contributor to "Legislative Update," Employment and the Law, Fall 2007-present
Editor, Employment and the Law, Spring 2002-Winter 2004