Rhonda K. Grubbs helps employers find practical solutions to their employment-related issues at a reasonable rate. She frequently acts as the de facto human resources department for small and medium-sized employers who do not have the means to allocate resources to a full-time professional in this area. Ms. Grubbs brings to this work a unique combination of knowledge and skills in both labor and employment and employee benefits law. She counsels public and private employers in day-to-day labor and employment matters, including disability and family and medical leave issues, compliance with wage and hour laws, and harassment and discrimination investigations. Ms. Grubbs is experienced in drafting social media and other employment-related policies, employee handbooks, employment agreements, confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements, and separation agreements.

Ms. Grubbs believes that most employers prefer to find a way to favorably resolve employment disputes rather than spend time and other resources in litigation. She helps avoid litigation and entanglements with administrative agencies, but when necessary she represents them before administrative tribunals. Ms. Grubbs also represents employers in grievance arbitration matters and unfair labor practice charges.

Ms. Grubbs advises employers on implementation of the Affordable Care Act, as well as matters related to the design, administration, and taxation of health and other welfare benefit plans. She focuses on compliance with the statutory and regulatory rules relating to such plans, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code. Ms. Grubbs is a frequent trainer on social media issues, sexual harassment, and compliance with the Affordable Care Act.

Prior to joining Wisler Pearlstine, Ms. Grubbs practiced employee benefits law at major law firms in Philadelphia. In law school she was editor-in-chief of the Temple Law Review and served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Dolores K. Sloviter, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Representative Matters

• Advised numerous school districts in successfully navigating the complex regulatory requirements of the Affordable Care Act.
• Drafted employee handbooks and employment agreements (including confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-compete, severance, and separation agreements) for numerous small and mid-sized employers.
• Drafted social media policy that could withstand scrutiny of National Labor Relations Board while meeting the needs of the employer.
• Successfully represented small employer throughout wage and hour audit by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Counseled small and mid-sized employers regarding internal wage and hour compliance audits, including review of overtime classifications and reclassification strategies.
• Represented numerous private and public employers in the successful defense of employment discrimination cases before the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
• Counseled client regarding all aspects of delicate internal investigation of sexual harassment.

Speeches and Publications

• “Drug and Alcohol Testing and Policies: How Will the New PA Medical Marijuana Act Affect Your District?” Michael D. Kristofco, Esq., co-presenter. Pennsylvania Association of School Personnel Administrators Webinar. October 6, 2016.
• “Eight HR Fall Cleaning Tips.” Client Alert. September, 2016.
• “FLSA in the Schools – Recent Changes and Key Issues for School Districts.” Michael D. Kristofco, Esq., co-presenter. Pennsylvania Association of School Personnel Administrators’ Annual Conference. February 25, 2016.
• “The Affordable Care Act – What the Employer Mandate Means For Your School District.” Montgomery County School Business Administrators. March 7, 2014.
• “The Affordable Care Act – What Does the Employer Mandate Mean for Your School District?” Eastern Pennsylvania Association of School Personnel Administrators. January 10, 2014.
• “Three Things Every Employer Should Know About Getting Ready to Play or Pay Under the Affordable Care Act.” Client Alert. March 2013.
• “Records Retention: What You Need to Know.” EPASPA Human Resources Assistants Workshop. March 16, 2012.
• “What You Need To Know About the New 403(b) Plan Regulations.” CLE at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads, LLP. 2008.
• “Domestic Partner Coverage: Employer Experiences,” Pennsylvania Employee Benefits Association. 2006.
• “Nontraditional Relationships: Practical Issues for Lawyers,” CLE for Free, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP. 2003.

Personal Interests

• Ms. Grubbs is a voracious consumer of science fiction and fantasy, whether watching it, reading a novel, or enjoying a role-playing game with her nephews. She is a fantasy baseball junkie, neophyte boxer, and is beguiled by shiny new-fangled technology. Ms. Grubbs is an unapologetic nerd who believes it’s never too late to try something new, most recently learning to play electric guitar.