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Allen Smith, J.D.

Manager, B2C Content at SHRM

Allen Smith, J.D., writes and edits articles on employment laws and trends, including major federal acts like the ADA, FLSA, FMLA, and Title VII, as well as state and local laws. He covers significant Supreme Court decisions impacting HR, edits Court Report articles on federal appellate and California Court of Appeal rulings, and addresses global HR issues. He also oversees the Legal Trends column for HR Quarterly.

Allen's work ensures that HR professionals are informed about critical legal developments and compliance requirements.

Allen Smith

Education:

University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D.

Davidson College, B.A. cum laude.

 

Honors & Awards:

Recipient of an Edward Crosland Stuart scholarship, which was a full scholarship to Davidson College.

Valedictorian, Hillside High School, Durham, N.C.

 

Noteworthy Articles:

The ADA at 30: Looking Back and Ahead

This article reflects on the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), highlighting its achievements and ongoing challenges. It discusses advancements in accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities while noting areas that still need improvement, such as employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations.

Stay in Line with Federal, State and Local WARN Laws

This article explains the complexities of complying with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, along with state and local "mini-WARN" laws. It emphasizes the importance of understanding notice requirements for mass layoffs and plant closings to avoid legal pitfalls.

HR's Role in Pay Analyses

This article outlines HR's critical role in conducting pay analyses to ensure equitable compensation practices. It stresses the importance of regularly reviewing pay structures to identify and rectify disparities, promote transparency, and comply with equal pay laws, thereby fostering a fair workplace environment.