Valerie Hoffman Quoted in Employment Law360
"Do's & Don'ts For Litigation-Proof Affinity Groups"

Valerie Hoffman was quoted in the May 17, 2010 Employment Law360 article, "Do's & Don'ts For Litigation-Proof Affinity Groups." The article discussed the formation of affinity groups, also known as employee resource groups or networking groups, as a good way for companies to promote diversity and advance their business. However, some attorneys warn that employers run the risk of exposing themselves to discrimination lawsuits if they do not set some ground rules. According to Val, who chairs the firm's affirmative action and diversity counseling practice group, letting groups focus on human resources issues has gotten employers into trouble. Allowing such a focus, Val noted, allows a group of similarly situated employee to compare notes on how they're being treated by the company. She explained, “The best practice in affinity groups these days is to have a broader focus than HR issues,” such as marketing, community outreach and identifying diverse suppliers as part of supporting business.