Powerlist – Ashley McNulty – Godfrey & Kahn

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The human element attracted Ashley McNulty, an associate at Godfrey & Kahn, to working in employment law.

“Everyone works. It’s very human,” she said. “Our goal is to support employers so they can provide a place where people want to work.”

McNulty advises clients on a wide variety of day-to-day employment matters, compliance with federal and state employment laws and developing tailored workplace policies, handbooks and agreements to meet their needs.

“I also handle some administrative litigation and help support the Godfrey & Kahn litigation team on employment issues,” she said.

Prior to working as an attorney, McNulty honed her legal research and writing skills as a law clerk for Judge J.P. Stadtmueller of the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

McNulty called herself a lifelong learner and said there is always something new to learn in employment law. With more employers having workers in multiple states, she said it’s vital for her to keep up with each state’s different rules.

“I then work with my clients to make sure they are up to speed and provide them support as needed,” McNulty said, adding she also performs risk assessments for clients especially regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Keeping up the changing rules and regulations — especially at the federal level — is one of challenges of working in employment law, McNulty said. For example, the Federal Trade Commission’s recent decision to eliminate employee non-compete agreements is currently keeping her busy as she researches what the changes could mean for her clients. “There are cases pending in district courts, but you need to be prepared in case it goes through,” she said.