Kathryn J. Russo is a Principal in the Long Island, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She is a firm resource on the legal issues implicated in workplace drug and alcohol testing arising under federal, state and local laws.
Ms. Russo assists clients with workplace problems involving drugs and alcohol, and gives advice about compliance with all pertinent drug and alcohol testing laws. She prepares substance abuse policies to comply with all federal drug and alcohol testing regulations (including all agencies of the U.S. Department of Transportation), as well as the drug and alcohol testing laws of all 50 states. In addition, she defends employers in litigation where drug and alcohol test results are at issue, and frequently conducts “reasonable suspicion” training for employers in connection with their substance abuse policies. Ms. Russo also counsels employers on leave and disability management issues arising when employees seek leave for substance abuse rehabilitation.
In addition to her workplace substance abuse practice, Ms. Russo concentrates her practice on employment litigation, defending employers in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies and arbitration panels in litigation related to employment discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, whistleblower, wage-hour and related tort and contract claims. Ms. Russo advises clients on compliance with various state and federal laws affecting the workplace, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and New York State and City laws, among others. She guides clients through internal investigations, disciplinary actions and medical leave issues, and prepares workplace policies and employee handbooks. Ms. Russo frequently lectures and conducts management training for employers on a wide variety of employment law topics, including EEO/anti-harassment, FMLA, ADA, substance abuse, drug testing and privacy issues.
More Legal and Business Bylines From Kathryn J. Russo
- North Carolina Court Dismisses Employee’s Disability Suit Over Lawful Use of CBD - (Posted On Wednesday, April 12, 2023)
- Pennsylvania Court Holds Employer Must Reimburse Out-of-Pocket Costs for Medical Marijuana - (Posted On Wednesday, April 12, 2023)
- Motor Carrier Employers May Conduct Safety Performance History Investigations in FMCSA Clearinghouse as of January 6, 2023 - (Posted On Wednesday, November 30, 2022)
- Employers Should Note Post-Midterms State Law Changes - (Posted On Thursday, November 17, 2022)
- Voters in Two States Approve Marijuana Ballot Initiatives on Election Day 2022 - (Posted On Friday, November 11, 2022)
- Medical Marijuana and the Construction Job Site - (Posted On Friday, September 30, 2022)
- California Enacts Law Prohibiting Employment Discrimination Based On Off-Duty Marijuana Use, Effective 2024 - (Posted On Tuesday, September 20, 2022)
- NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission Publishes Guidance For Employers To Address Marijuana Impairment - (Posted On Friday, September 16, 2022)
- DOT Proposes New Guidance For Medical Examiners To Address CBD Use By Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers - (Posted On Tuesday, September 06, 2022)
- How Links to Marijuana Industry Can Affect Foreign Nationals’ U.S. Immigration Status - (Posted On Wednesday, August 31, 2022)