Featured Topic: He Said, She Said: Investigating and Handling Uncorroborated Allegations of Sexual Harassment

This session, led by Rick Russo of Davis and Campbell L.L.C., will focus on practical approaches for addressing complex sexual harassment allegations in the workplace.

Attendees will review key legal definitions, the distinctions between quid pro quo and hostile work environment claims, and the employer’s responsibilities related to prevention, training, and policy enforcement. The presentation will outline effective investigation practices, including interviewing, credibility assessment, documentation, confidentiality, and the use of appropriate interim or corrective actions.

The session will also address how to proceed when allegations cannot be corroborated. Participants will gain clear frameworks for evaluating unverified claims, determining appropriate next steps, and reducing the risk of retaliation.

Attendees will leave with practical tools they can apply immediately to conduct thorough investigations and manage sensitive complaints with consistency and confidence.

Speaker: Rick Russo, Davis & Campbell L.L.C.

Rick is a member of the firm, concentrating his practice on management-side labor and employment matters, commercial litigation, and municipal law.

Rick regularly counsels employers regarding a large variety of labor and employment issues, including collective bargaining, wage & hour, discrimination, leaves of absence, reductions in force, workplace policies, and employment and non-competition agreements. He has represented employers before government agencies such as the Arizona Civil Rights Division, Illinois Department of Human Rights, Illinois Human Rights Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and Department of Labor, as well as before state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court.

In his municipal practice, Rick serves as the attorney for municipalities and has assisted other governmental bodies with compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Freedom of Information Act, collective bargaining, and personnel matters, among others.

Recertification Credits:

-1 hour of general HRCI and 1 SHRM PDC will be shared with attendees after the meeting.

Meeting Agenda:

-11:30-11:50 Check-in & Networking

-11:50-12:00 Chapter Announcements & Speaker Introduction

-12:00-1:00 Presentation, Q&A 

Guests:

-Member: $30

-Non-Member: $40

-First-time guests can join for free - reach out to Allison Gottwald at agottwald@eastersealsci.com for more information.

Registration Deadline: Monday, January 12 @ 5 pm

Location:

-The Warehouse on State: 736 SW Washington St Peoria, IL