Legal Blog
Revisit Your Non-Disclosure Agreements or Risk #MeToo Issues
As you probably know, non-disclosure agreements signed by employees are legally binding. These may prevent workers from speaking out about workplace practices, including #MeToo issues. Newly introduced federal legislation targets NDAs that silence employees reporting sexual harassment. This is already a matter of law in some states, including California and Washington.
Lift Our Voices, a pro-worker policy group headed by former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, has spurred the House introduction by a Democrat of the SPEAK OUT Act (H.R. 8227). As with the last #MeToo related law passed, SPEAK OUT is backed by several GOP representatives already. Lift Our Voices expects an introduction of a similar Senate bill, apparently to be backed by Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham. Lift Our Voices supported another #MeToo-related bill, H.B. 4445, through its passage. That law nullifies provisions that force workers to arbitrate #MeToo claims rather than have their day in court.
The SPEAK OUT Act applies to pre-dispute non-disclosure agreements signed before an issue arises. However, if a business is sued by an employee alleging sex discrimination or harassment, it would still be legal to include an NDA in a settlement agreement or release.
Take a look at NDAs you’re using. It might be a good time to revise them, given the bipartisan support of this bill and state bills. I’m speculating here, but a court could go on to invalidate other provisions of the NDA if it contains this type of provision.
ABOUT KATHERINE WITHERSPOON FRY
For over 25 years, Katherine has provided her clients with robust representation in matters of employment and related business law. Katherine represents and counsels employers and executives in all facets of the employment relationship, including hiring, termination, discrimination, non-competition, Fair Labor Standards Act matters, issues regarding Family and Medical Leave and other leaves, whistleblowers’ complaints, and regulatory matters. As a litigator, she is well aware of the nuances of law necessary to draft effective restrictive covenants, severance agreements, and employment contracts. Along with her over 250 colleagues, she represents companies and non-profit organizations of all sizes. She has defended companies under investigation by both U.S. and state Departments of Labor and handled multiple matters before the EEOC.
ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN
Offit Kurman, one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the United States, serves dynamic businesses, individuals and families. With 17 offices and nearly 250 lawyers who counsel clients across more than 30 areas of practice, Offit Kurman helps maximize and protect business value and personal wealth by providing innovative and entrepreneurial counsel that focuses on clients’ business objectives, interests and goals. The firm is distinguished by the quality, breadth and global reach of its legal services and a unique operational structure that encourages a culture of collaboration. For more information, visit www.offitkurman.com.
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