Sarah K. WilleyMiller Johnson, Kalamazoo, USAAreas of Practice: Employment Law -- Employer, Labor Law, Labour and Employment, Litigation Contact Information:
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| Sarah K. Willey is a Member of Miller Johnson and has been practicing law since 1997. Her practice is focused on representing clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to large multinational corporations in labor and employment law matters. Employment and Labor LawMs. Willey works with a diverse clientele to provide counsel on a wide-range of employment-related legal issues and disputes. Her employment and labor knowledge and experience provide the foundation for her to partner with clients to develop personnel policies and management training programs. This proactive and preventive approach fosters positive employment relations and long-term profitability. Clients have come to trust that she provides timely and current advice on employment issues. Employment LitigationHer employment litigation practice demonstrates that she is aggressive but sensitive in resolving employment-related disputes such as discrimination and workplace harassment. Family and Medical Leave Ms. Willey has significant experience working with employers on issues related to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In fact, her advanced knowledge on issues related to the FMLA earned her the title of "point person" for her peers (approximately 30 employment and labor attorneys) at the firm. She advises employers about their rights under the FMLA and stresses the potential liability resulting from not paying close attention to the Act. She recommends employers coordinate the Family Medical Leave (FML) with other employee benefits like short-term disability, paid time off and workers' compensation. Ms. Willey provides clear direction on eligibility, written notices, medical certifications, second opinions and how to work with health care providers. Health Care FocusMs. Willey has considerable experience with clients in the health care industry. She works with hospitals and health systems, medical providers, nursing facilities, home health care services and regional medical diagnostic centers. The complexity of health care systems in the 21st century, the critical importance of good staff relations and the ever-present need for uncompromising patient care combine to make management of a health care facility a challenging endeavor. When working with health care human resource professionals, she keeps the focus on developing and maintaining a culture that empowers employees and provides high quality care. She understands the challenges which include:Peer review privilege - how to effectively review professional practices for the purpose of improving patient care and reducing morbidity and mortality Whistleblowers protection act - protects employees and contractees from civil and criminal liability and adverse employment actions based on complaints Duty to report - the health care facilities responsibility to report employee misconduct especially any disciplinary action which shows incompetence, change of status or adversely affects clinical privileges for more than 15 days Criminal liability - licensed health care providers practicing their professional with elevated blood alcohol or while under the influence of a controlled substance Union organizing Professional Affiliations and ActivitiesMs. Willey belongs to the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan and Kalamazoo County Bar Association. She is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and the Labor and Employment practice group. She is also a member of the Kalamazoo Human Resources Management Association. Articles and PresentationsMs. Willey is a writer and frequent speaker on employment and labor law topics to clients and professional organizations. The audiences range from a Michigan hospital's human resource "boot camp" to Lorman Education Services seminars to annual conferences for the American Bar Association and Michigan Society for Human Resource Management. As Miller Johnson employment section's appointed in-house resource for FMLA, she has developed and maintained client training programs such as FMLA 101 and FMLA 201 along with valuable client resource materials. She has written many articles for Miller Johnson's newsletter Priority Read - Employment Law Update including:"The University of Michigan Admission Cases," Fall 2003 "The New Wage and Hour Regulations: Special Considerations for Health Care," Summer 2004 "Criminal Liability For Health Care Providers Who Practice While Under The Influence," Fall 2004 "New Frontiers In 'Sex' Discrimination: What Would You Do If A Male Employee Showed Up For Work In A Dress?," Winter 2005 "Can Peer Review Decisions Be Challenged in Court? In This Case the Answer Was 'Yes,'" Winter 2005 "The Top 10 Misconceptions About The Fair Labor Standards Act," Spring 2005 "Yes, You Can Be Liable for Harassment by Non-Employees," Winter 2006 "New Criminal Background Legislation for Healthcare Providers: Muddying the Waters," Summer 2006 In addition, "The Top 10 Misconceptions About The Fair Labor Standards Act," article was also printed in newsletters for the Michigan Bankers Association and Northern Michigan Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. EducationMs. Willey received her undergraduate degree magna cum laude in 1994 from University of Michigan where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key National Honor Society. She earned her law degree with honors in 1997 from The George Washington University National Law Center. She was on the George Washington University Law Review and Order of the Coif. Ms. Willey is admitted to practice in Michigan. Bar Admissions Michigan, 1997 Education The George Washington University National Law Center (1997, J.D.) with honors University of Michigan (1994, B.G.S.) magna cum laude Professional Associations and Memberships American Bar Association State Bar of Michigan Kalamazoo County Bar Association Kalamazoo Human Resource Management Association American Health Lawyers Association, Employment and Labor practice group |
