As a member of the Littler CaseSmart – Charges™ team and based in Florida, Karen E. Smeda is responsible for handling charges from investigation to conclusion. She works on client-dedicated service teams, focusing on handling administrative agency charges. She investigates charge allegations, reviews pertinent documents, interviews key witnesses, and provides clients an assessment of the risks associated with the charge. In partnership with the client, she defends the charge by drafting persuasive position statements and responses to the agency’s requests for information.
Previously, Karen focused her practice on representing and counseling employers in labor and employment law matters across various industries. Karen’s practice ranged in all areas of employment law, such as:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- 42 U.S.C § 1981 (Section 1981)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- State whistleblower laws
- Workplace investigations
- State and local anti-discrimination and retaliation claims
- Garnishments
She regularly defended employers, of all sizes, before administrative agencies, state, and federal courts while obtaining successful results. She also provided advice, counseling, and training to mitigate the risks of litigation.
During law school, Karen interned at the U.S. Department of Labor, worked as a graduate resident fellow in the West Campus House System, and served on Cornell’s Presidential Task Force sub-committee regulating hate speech and harassment on campus. Prior to joining Littler, she practiced employment litigation and defense at an international labor and employment law firm.