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
- U.S. Supreme Court Denies Permission For Lawsuit Seeking to Invalidate Colorado’s Legalization Of Marijuana - (Posted On Wednesday, March 23, 2016)
- Top 10 Reasons To Update Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policies in 2016 - (Posted On Wednesday, January 06, 2016)
- U.S. Opposes Lawsuit By States Seeking To Overturn Colorado Legalization of Marijuana - (Posted On Friday, December 18, 2015)
- Hair Testing Guidelines Coming Within Year For Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers - (Posted On Friday, December 11, 2015)
- FMLA and ADA Claims Dismissed Where Employee Became Intoxicated and Was Arrested for DUI While Out On FMLA Leave - (Posted On Thursday, December 03, 2015)
- Deaf Employee Who Was Fired For Positive Drug Test Result Could Not Show Disability Discrimination - (Posted On Tuesday, December 01, 2015)
- Employee Termination Upheld Due To Failure To Comply with Employer’s Prescription Medication Policy - (Posted On Wednesday, November 25, 2015)
- EEOC Sues Employer Who Allegedly Refused to Hire Methadone User - (Posted On Sunday, November 15, 2015)
- Employee Failed to Show that Positive Drug Test Result For Barbiturates Was Discriminatory - (Posted On Friday, November 13, 2015)
- Reasonable Suspicion Alcohol Test of Employee Was Justified After Bar Fight and Diagnosis of Alcoholic Pancreatitis - (Posted On Thursday, September 24, 2015)