Practice Areas

Kristine Sova provides an array of labor and employment legal services in a variety of industries across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Her labor and employment legal services are listed below. Click any section to read more.

How to Craft a Non-Discriminatory Paternity Leave Policy

Historically, many employers provided paid maternity leave to mothers, while providing little to no leave to fathers. While employers may provide leave that is tied to childbirth to birth mothers only, nowadays, employers must provide post-childbirth leave for bonding and childcare purposes to both male and females on an equal basis. Failure to do so … Read more

The Who, What, When and How of Sexual Harassment Training in New York and NYC

Much has been written about the sexual harassment training now required for New York and NYC employers as a result of the #MeToo movement. The requirements, however, differ slightly for each jurisdiction.  Here is a cheat sheet to the Who, What, When and How of the requirements under both laws. Who? All employees must be … Read more

The Language of Disability: Top 10 Dos and Don’ts

On Thursday, September 22, 2016, I had the pleasure of attending a workshop led by Christine Bruno, Disability Advocate, and David Harrell, Disability and Program Associate, from Inclusion in the Arts.  A portion of the workshop focused on the language of disability — particularly dos and don’ts — and is a useful tool for workplace … Read more

NYC Limits Credit History Use Beginning September 3

Beginning September 3, 2015, it will be illegal for covered employers in New York City to request or use an employee’s or applicant’s consumer credit history to make employment decisions. The Stop Credit Discrimination in Employment Act amends the New York City Human Rights Law, which applies to employers with 4 or more employees, and … Read more

Which EEO Laws Apply to Your Business?

Not all employers are covered by all of the various labor and employment laws that exist. It is important to know which laws apply to which company or organization, because coverage imposes important obligations on employers. Here are the most common federal, New York state, and NYC equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws, along with a brief … Read more

Interview Questions Not to Ask

Employers sometimes forget that it’s not just employees who can sue them, but applicants as well.  With the cost of defending a claim of discrimination at several hundred thousand dollars, and new laws in place that provide increased hiring protections for candidates, it’s more critical than ever for employers to conduct lawful employment interviews. As most … Read more

New Year, New Laws

Each new year brings new employment laws.  In this post, we provide highlights of legislation passed in 2013 that will affect (and, in some cases, already is affecting) New York and NYC employers in 2014. Pregnancy Accommodation (NYC Employers) Legislation amending the New York City Human Rights Law will require most NYC employers to provide … Read more

Final Days for NYC Employers to Check Their Hiring Practices Before Unemployed Law Goes Into Effect

On March 13, 2013, the New York City Council passed a bill amending the New York City Human Rights Law to protect the unemployed.  The new law goes into effect June 11, 2013 and generally prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s unemployment status and the posting of job advertisements requiring applicants to be employed. The … Read more

After EEOC’s Big Win, Employers Urged to Revisit EEOC’s 2013-2016 Strategic Enforcement Plan

Earlier this month, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) secured a $240 million jury verdict for a group of 32 intellectually disabled workers who were subjected to physical abuse and pay discrimination in their employment with Hill Country Farms Inc.  The verdict is the highest the EEOC has ever secured. Although the amount ultimately … Read more

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