Conrad, Nancy

For more than 20 years, Nancy Conrad has represented businesses, educational institutions and non-profit organizations in all aspects of employment law.  Nancy has defended all types of employment actions, including the defense of federal and state discrimination claims, wrongful discharge cases, employment contract matters and restrictive covenant cases.  Nancy develops and advances a litigation position and strategy based on a client’s designated resources and ultimate goal.  She utilizes effective, value-based litigation practices that are consistent with a client’s business operations and work environment.

In addition to litigating employment related disputes, Nancy is involved in all aspects of work place issues.  Nancy builds close working relationships with her clients, and they rely upon her for advice in reviewing and revising workplace policies, managing employee performance, disciplining and terminating employees, and training supervisors in best practices.  When consulting with employers on best practices, Nancy’s focus is on identifying and implementing workplace solutions that make sense in the client’s workplace and that effectuate results.  While it may not always be the answer that is sought, she provides the benefits and risks related to a decision in order for a client to make a fully informed decision.

Another significant portion of Nancy’s practice includes representing colleges, universities and schools in matters related to faculty, staff and students.  Nancy recognizes the unique challenges that exist on campus and she has extensive experience in analyzing and problem solving controversial matters.  She has litigated tenure related disputes, academic integrity and student conduct cases and staff terminations.  She also provides proactive advice and counsel to her clients, including Presidents, Deans, Vice Presidents and Heads of Schools to assist them in resolving education and employment issues and making significant decisions.  She is especially sensitive to addressing and resolving issues in a manner that is consistent with the school’s mission and operations. 

Nancy serves as Chair of the Labor and Employment Practice Group.  Additionally, as evidenced by the awards she has received and programs she participates in, Nancy takes an active role in the legal and local community.  She is a frequent speaker on workplace issues and supports organizations and programs that provide training and mentoring to students and professionals.  Nancy is also a prominent advocate and fundraiser for breast cancer research and programs.

Nancy received her B.A., magna cum laude, in 1976 from Lycoming College and her M.Ed., summa cum laude, in 1977 from The Pennsylvania State University.  She received her J.D., cum laude, in 1989 from Temple University School of Law, where she was the recipient of the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy.  She is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and is also admitted to appear before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. 

Nancy has been recognized for her professional and personal accomplishments.  In 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2011, Nancy was selected in a survey of her peers as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer by Law & Politics magazine. In 2006, she received the Athena Award from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, which honors women who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and open paths for others to follow. She was honored by Lehigh Valley Magazine in 2008 as a Mover & Shaper in recognition of her contributions to the Lehigh Valley community.  And in 2009, Nancy received the Take the Lead Award from the Girl Scouts, which honors women whose professional and personal accomplishments exemplify the organization's mission of building girls who lead with courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place.
Nancy is a member of the Lehigh County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.  She is Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Federal Practice Committee and a member of the Commission for Women in the Legal Profession.  She is Chair for the Lehigh County Law Day Committee and is a member of the Steering Committee for the Women of the Bar Association of Lehigh County.  In addition to her bar association activities, Ms. Conrad is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management, a member of the Executive Women’s Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in Lehigh County, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Lehigh Valley Women’s 5K Classic, a member of the Community Advisory Board to the Wellness Community, Greater Lehigh Valley, and a member of the Board of Directors of Green Hope Charities. Nancy was a member of the faculty at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, Hot Topics in Employment Law For Non-Employment Lawyers.  Nancy presented on the topic, The Bermuda Triangle of Employment Law: The Intersection of FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Compensation. Nancy also presented, “The Ethics of Monitoring Employee Communications” during the quarterly meeting of the Forum for Ethics in the Workplace.