Employment Law Chair, HR Director Explore Workplace Inclusion, Legal Compliance in Wichita Business Journal

02.14.2025

Stinson LLP Partner Stephanie Scheck and Director of Human Resources (HR) Chelsea Clennan offer strategies for navigating inclusion and legal compliance in a column for the Wichita Business Journal, "Balancing Inclusion, Legal Compliance in 2025: Dual Perspectives from Legal and HR."

Clennan and Scheck analyze how changing legal landscapes – driven by a new presidential administration – affect workplace policies, diversity initiatives, employee benefits and immigration. They highlight the importance of proactive legal guidance and collaboration with HR in fostering inclusive workplace cultures while ensuring compliance with changing laws. They emphasize that attorneys need to be creative in helping clients stay legally compliant to enable the continuation of initiatives that reflect the company culture. At the same time, HR leaders should establish policies that promote inclusivity and ensure fairness and compliance, which can create a positive work environment and reduce potential legal risks.

"The goal is clear: find legally compliant and effective ways to do business in this new environment while fostering a supportive environment where people feel valued and respected," they said.

Clennan leads the development and implementation of Stinson's HR operations, collaborating with firm leadership to address complex employment law within a dynamic business environment and support strategic objectives. She spearheads initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness, including strategic planning and talent assessment. Clennan also provides guidance to firm leaders to resolve complex employee relations matters.

Scheck's practice focuses on employment litigation and providing employment counseling on a variety of complex issues. She specializes in representing clients in Affirmative Action Plan audits and administrative claims before the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and often represents companies in high-stakes internal investigations. Scheck utilizes her experience to serve as lead labor and employment specialty counsel in transactions involving mergers and acquisitions, as well as to advise on public company board of directors' diversity and environmental, social and governance matters.

Sign in to the Wichita Business Journal to read the full column.