Ashley Eley Cannady Shares Ways Employers Are Taking Proactive Measures to Protect LGBT Rights at Work with Bloomberg Law

Ashley Eley Cannady, partner in the firm’s Jackson office and member of the Labor & Employment Practice, authored the Bloomberg Law article, “Employers Take Proactive Measures to Protect LGBT Rights at Work,” published on October 3, 2019. As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments in a series of discrimination cases, Ashley notes that the state of the law remains in flux and best practices to address LGBT workplace discrimination will continue to be driven by other factors, including corporate culture, economics, and the expansion of cultural norms.

Ashley discusses the Equality Act, passed earlier this year by the U.S. House of Representatives to provide employers clarity on discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Despite the uncertainty surrounding this topic, Ashley says many employers are implementing initiatives and procedures to make the workplace inclusive to LGBT employees. From non-discrimination policies to extending benefits such as health insurance and medical leave to same-sex couples, companies are aware of the changes that need to be made in order to attract and retain quality employees. 
  
At Balch, Ashley focuses on labor and employment litigation, providing advice to employers on all areas of work-related legal exposure, and business litigation. With a proactive approach, she helps her clients remain compliant with applicable laws. Ashley’s client roster crosses many sectors, including financial services, hospitals, telecommunications, construction companies, poultry plants, restaurants, hotels, and casinos. Ashley recently served as a presenter at Balch’s Labor & Employment Conferences where she discussed various leave laws including the FMLA, ADA, PDA, and workers’ compensation. She also shared best practices and legal restrictions connected to the hiring process in order to avoid hiring problem employees.
  
Ashley is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA for her work in Labor & Employment. Additionally, she has been named a Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star, annually since 2010.