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Anna S. M. McCarthy

She/Her/Hers
Partner
  • Buffalo
  • 716.844.3748

Anna McCarthy helps clients navigate complex labor and employment issues by taking a holistic approach and exploring all sides of an issue. Her patient, engaged, and reassuring manner puts employers at ease when they are faced with workplace challenges. She represents employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including in the development of employment policies, union relations, wage and hour compliance, discipline and termination decisions, employee leave issues, discrimination and harassment claims, diversity, equity and inclusion compliance, and employment contract disputes. She also supports clients in navigating employment issues arising from mergers and acquisitions. Anna has a keen eye for detail, skilled in both conducting and advising on workplace investigations, and representing clients in employment-related litigation and before administrative agencies. Anna also assists with the development of clients’ affirmative action programs and in ensuring compliance with employment-related federal and state regulations.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

  • Member, Bar Association of Erie County’s Rule of Law Committee
  • Member, Attorney Grievance Committee for the Eighth Judicial District of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department
  • Member, Bar Association of Erie County (BAEC)
  • Immediate Past President, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), Western New York Chapter
  • Labor and Employment Law Committee Co-Chair, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY)
  • Former Board Member, National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list since 2018
  • Recipient, Rev. A. Joseph Bissonette Pro Bono Award, Bar Association of Erie County (BAEC), 2024
  • Recipient, Pro Bono Award, The Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal’s Legal Excellence Program, 2024
  • Recipient, Hanna S. Cohn Pro Bono Award, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), 2024
  • Selected by peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for:
    • Commercial Litigation (2024-2026)
    • Labor and Employment Law – Management (2024-2026)
  • Recipient, “Up and Coming Lawyers” Award, The Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal, 2019
  • University at Buffalo School of Law
    • “Top 8 Finalist,” The Frederick Douglass 2015 National Civil Rights Moot Court Competition
    • Recipient, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction Award for Academic Excellence in the following classes: Family Law, 2014; Healthy Homes Legal Practicum, 2014; Public International Law, 2013
    • Semifinalist, SUNY Buffalo Law Desmond Moot Court Competition 2013
    • Recipient, Buffalo Human Rights Center Summer Fellowship, 2013
    • Executive Publications Editor, Buffalo Human Rights Law Review, SUNY Buffalo Law School

NEWS

PRESENTATIONS

  • Co-Presenter, “2026 Labor and Employment Law Update,” Kenmore-Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce, May 20, 2026
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Recent Federal Directives Reshaping the Workplace,” HSE Institute, May 13, 2026
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: How the ‘Trapped at Work Act’ Impacts Employers,” HSE Institute, January 22, 2026
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Navigating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Resources and Employee Relations, Part 2,” HSE Institute, December 4, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Investigator’s Workshop: How to Conduct Effective Workplace Investigations,” HR Legal Lab, October 21, 2025
  • Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Navigating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Resources and Employee Relations,” HSE Institute, September 16, 2025
  • Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: What Employers Should Know When ICE is at the Door and Other Immigration Updates,” HSE Institute, July 22, 2025
  • Presenter, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Under New Administration,” Appellate Division, Fourth Department Mental Hygiene Legal Service, June 6, 2025
  • Presenter, “Navigating DEI in the Legal Industry,” Telesca Center for Justice, May 8, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “2025 Labor and Employment Law Update,” Kenmore-Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce, May 7, 2025
  • Presenter, “Implicit Bias Awareness and the Impact of Biased-Based Thinking on the Legal Profession,” Harter Secrest & Emery Specialty CLE Summit, May 1, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Employee Handbooks are Living Documents: Keeping Your Finger on the Pulse of Required and Recommended Handbook Updates,” HSE Institute, April 29, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: 100 Days In: Navigating the Sea Change in Employment Law Enforcement,” HSE Institute, March 25, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Employee Handbooks for Lawyers and Law Firms,” Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, March 19, 2025
  • Panelist, “Employer Think Tank: Creating Thriving Workspaces Through Intentional Conversations,” Say Yes Buffalo, March 14, 2025
  • Presenter, “Labor and Employment Law Legal Update,” National Human Rights Association Rochester Affiliate, March 11, 2025
  • Panelist, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York Women in Law Panel, Erie County Court Ceremonial Court Room, March 5, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Workplace Impact of New Executive Orders Concerning DEI and Other Non-Discrimination Efforts,” HSE Institute, February 12, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: HR Resolutions for the New Year,” HSE Institute, January 22, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Preparing for Workforce Changes with the New Administration,” HSE Institute, December 12, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Understanding New York’s Clean Slate Act”, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, December 12, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Understanding New York State’s Clean Slate Act,” HSE Institute, October 22, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Employee Speech in the Workplace,” HSE Institute, August 22, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “DEI: Now What?”, Ad Idem Network, November 21, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: The FTC Non-Compete Ban,” HSE Institute, July 25, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act,” HSE Institute,  June 27, 2024
  • Co-Presenter “Insights and Implications for New York State’s Recent Employment Updates” Kenmore Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce Webinar, June 26, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “New Year, New Challenges: Insights and Implications for New York State’s Recent Employment Updates,” Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, January 18, 2023
  • New Year, New Challenges: Insights and Implications for New York State’s Recent Employment Updates,” Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, January 18, 2023
  • “Labor & Employment Law in 2022: What All Employers Should Know,” Kenmore Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce, April 26, 2022
  • “What OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard Means for Employers,” Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, November 10, 2021
  • “Labor & Employment Law in 2021: What All Employers Should Know,” Kenmore Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce, May 18, 2021
  • “Requirements for Records Retention and Data Security,” Greater Rochester Chamber, April 8, 2021
  • “Implementing Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives and How to Avoid Common Pitfalls,” Harter Secrest & Emery LLP Labor & Employment Law Breakfast Briefing Webinar Series, February 24, 2021
  • “NYS Paid Leave Update,” Genesee Valley Chapter of SHRM and National Human Resource Association – Rochester Affiliate Legal Update Webinar, February 9, 2021
  • “A Focus on Reopening Businesses, New CDC Guidance, and Anticipated HR Headaches,” Guidance for Employers on Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic – Session Twelve, Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, June 4, 2020
  • “Ten Things Your Organization Should Be Thinking About Now,” Guidance for Employers on Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic – Session Six, Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, April 16, 2020
  • “When Good Employees Post Bad Comments: Social Media in the Workplace in 2019,” Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment Law Conference, April 30, 2019
  • “Implicit Bias Awareness, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Legal Profession” CLE, Harter Secrest & Emery, April 29, 2019
  • “When Good Employees Post Bad Comments: Social Media in the Workplace in 2019,” Genesee Valley Chapter of SHRM and the National Human Resource Association-Rochester Affiliate 2019 Legal Update, February 13, 2019
  • “Implicit Bias, Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession,” Niagara University Partnerships for Race and Equality Conference, June 15, 2018
  • “Employment Litigation War Stories and How to Avoid Them,” Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment Law Conference, April 26, 2018
  • “Risks Associated with Criminal Conviction Records in Employment,” Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, August 15, 2017
  • “Cybersecurity and Your Business,” Eyes on the Future Radio Show-Greater Rochester Enterprise, August 12, 2017
  • “Employee Handbooks Should be Living Documents, Not Cookie Cutter,” Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment Law Conference, April 5, 2017
  • “Summary of Employment Laws (ADA, ADEA, WARN, OWBPA, FMLA, Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, Pregnancy Discrimination and Title VII)” and “NLRB Obligations and Compliance,” National Business Institute, November 16, 2016
  • “Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action in Higher Education,” Harter Secrest & Emery Higher Education Institute, August 2, 2016
  • “Shifting Standards for Joint Employment Liability” and “Tips and Strategies for Effective Communications with Administrative Agencies,” Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment Law Conference, June 21, 2016

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York

EDUCATION

  • University at Buffalo School of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • Wellesley College, B.A.

Anna McCarthy helps clients navigate complex labor and employment issues by taking a holistic approach and exploring all sides of an issue. Her patient, engaged, and reassuring manner puts employers at ease when they are faced with workplace challenges. She represents employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including in the development of employment policies, union relations, wage and hour compliance, discipline and termination decisions, employee leave issues, discrimination and harassment claims, diversity, equity and inclusion compliance, and employment contract disputes. She also supports clients in navigating employment issues arising from mergers and acquisitions. Anna has a keen eye for detail, skilled in both conducting and advising on workplace investigations, and representing clients in employment-related litigation and before administrative agencies. Anna also assists with the development of clients’ affirmative action programs and in ensuring compliance with employment-related federal and state regulations.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

  • Member, Bar Association of Erie County’s Rule of Law Committee
  • Member, Attorney Grievance Committee for the Eighth Judicial District of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department
  • Member, Bar Association of Erie County (BAEC)
  • Immediate Past President, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), Western New York Chapter
  • Labor and Employment Law Committee Co-Chair, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY)
  • Former Board Member, National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list since 2018
  • Recipient, Rev. A. Joseph Bissonette Pro Bono Award, Bar Association of Erie County (BAEC), 2024
  • Recipient, Pro Bono Award, The Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal’s Legal Excellence Program, 2024
  • Recipient, Hanna S. Cohn Pro Bono Award, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), 2024
  • Selected by peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for:
    • Commercial Litigation (2024-2026)
    • Labor and Employment Law – Management (2024-2026)
  • Recipient, “Up and Coming Lawyers” Award, The Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal, 2019
  • University at Buffalo School of Law
    • “Top 8 Finalist,” The Frederick Douglass 2015 National Civil Rights Moot Court Competition
    • Recipient, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction Award for Academic Excellence in the following classes: Family Law, 2014; Healthy Homes Legal Practicum, 2014; Public International Law, 2013
    • Semifinalist, SUNY Buffalo Law Desmond Moot Court Competition 2013
    • Recipient, Buffalo Human Rights Center Summer Fellowship, 2013
    • Executive Publications Editor, Buffalo Human Rights Law Review, SUNY Buffalo Law School

NEWS

PRESENTATIONS

  • Co-Presenter, “2026 Labor and Employment Law Update,” Kenmore-Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce, May 20, 2026
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Recent Federal Directives Reshaping the Workplace,” HSE Institute, May 13, 2026
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: How the ‘Trapped at Work Act’ Impacts Employers,” HSE Institute, January 22, 2026
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Navigating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Resources and Employee Relations, Part 2,” HSE Institute, December 4, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Investigator’s Workshop: How to Conduct Effective Workplace Investigations,” HR Legal Lab, October 21, 2025
  • Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Navigating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Resources and Employee Relations,” HSE Institute, September 16, 2025
  • Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: What Employers Should Know When ICE is at the Door and Other Immigration Updates,” HSE Institute, July 22, 2025
  • Presenter, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Under New Administration,” Appellate Division, Fourth Department Mental Hygiene Legal Service, June 6, 2025
  • Presenter, “Navigating DEI in the Legal Industry,” Telesca Center for Justice, May 8, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “2025 Labor and Employment Law Update,” Kenmore-Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce, May 7, 2025
  • Presenter, “Implicit Bias Awareness and the Impact of Biased-Based Thinking on the Legal Profession,” Harter Secrest & Emery Specialty CLE Summit, May 1, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Employee Handbooks are Living Documents: Keeping Your Finger on the Pulse of Required and Recommended Handbook Updates,” HSE Institute, April 29, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: 100 Days In: Navigating the Sea Change in Employment Law Enforcement,” HSE Institute, March 25, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Employee Handbooks for Lawyers and Law Firms,” Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, March 19, 2025
  • Panelist, “Employer Think Tank: Creating Thriving Workspaces Through Intentional Conversations,” Say Yes Buffalo, March 14, 2025
  • Presenter, “Labor and Employment Law Legal Update,” National Human Rights Association Rochester Affiliate, March 11, 2025
  • Panelist, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York Women in Law Panel, Erie County Court Ceremonial Court Room, March 5, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Workplace Impact of New Executive Orders Concerning DEI and Other Non-Discrimination Efforts,” HSE Institute, February 12, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: HR Resolutions for the New Year,” HSE Institute, January 22, 2025
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Preparing for Workforce Changes with the New Administration,” HSE Institute, December 12, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Understanding New York’s Clean Slate Act”, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, December 12, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Understanding New York State’s Clean Slate Act,” HSE Institute, October 22, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: Employee Speech in the Workplace,” HSE Institute, August 22, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “DEI: Now What?”, Ad Idem Network, November 21, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: The FTC Non-Compete Ban,” HSE Institute, July 25, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “Your Morning Briefing: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act,” HSE Institute,  June 27, 2024
  • Co-Presenter “Insights and Implications for New York State’s Recent Employment Updates” Kenmore Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce Webinar, June 26, 2024
  • Co-Presenter, “New Year, New Challenges: Insights and Implications for New York State’s Recent Employment Updates,” Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, January 18, 2023
  • New Year, New Challenges: Insights and Implications for New York State’s Recent Employment Updates,” Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, January 18, 2023
  • “Labor & Employment Law in 2022: What All Employers Should Know,” Kenmore Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce, April 26, 2022
  • “What OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard Means for Employers,” Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, November 10, 2021
  • “Labor & Employment Law in 2021: What All Employers Should Know,” Kenmore Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce, May 18, 2021
  • “Requirements for Records Retention and Data Security,” Greater Rochester Chamber, April 8, 2021
  • “Implementing Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives and How to Avoid Common Pitfalls,” Harter Secrest & Emery LLP Labor & Employment Law Breakfast Briefing Webinar Series, February 24, 2021
  • “NYS Paid Leave Update,” Genesee Valley Chapter of SHRM and National Human Resource Association – Rochester Affiliate Legal Update Webinar, February 9, 2021
  • “A Focus on Reopening Businesses, New CDC Guidance, and Anticipated HR Headaches,” Guidance for Employers on Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic – Session Twelve, Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, June 4, 2020
  • “Ten Things Your Organization Should Be Thinking About Now,” Guidance for Employers on Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic – Session Six, Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, April 16, 2020
  • “When Good Employees Post Bad Comments: Social Media in the Workplace in 2019,” Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment Law Conference, April 30, 2019
  • “Implicit Bias Awareness, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Legal Profession” CLE, Harter Secrest & Emery, April 29, 2019
  • “When Good Employees Post Bad Comments: Social Media in the Workplace in 2019,” Genesee Valley Chapter of SHRM and the National Human Resource Association-Rochester Affiliate 2019 Legal Update, February 13, 2019
  • “Implicit Bias, Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession,” Niagara University Partnerships for Race and Equality Conference, June 15, 2018
  • “Employment Litigation War Stories and How to Avoid Them,” Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment Law Conference, April 26, 2018
  • “Risks Associated with Criminal Conviction Records in Employment,” Harter Secrest & Emery webinar, August 15, 2017
  • “Cybersecurity and Your Business,” Eyes on the Future Radio Show-Greater Rochester Enterprise, August 12, 2017
  • “Employee Handbooks Should be Living Documents, Not Cookie Cutter,” Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment Law Conference, April 5, 2017
  • “Summary of Employment Laws (ADA, ADEA, WARN, OWBPA, FMLA, Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, Pregnancy Discrimination and Title VII)” and “NLRB Obligations and Compliance,” National Business Institute, November 16, 2016
  • “Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action in Higher Education,” Harter Secrest & Emery Higher Education Institute, August 2, 2016
  • “Shifting Standards for Joint Employment Liability” and “Tips and Strategies for Effective Communications with Administrative Agencies,” Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment Law Conference, June 21, 2016

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York

EDUCATION

  • University at Buffalo School of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • Wellesley College, B.A.

McCarthy_Anna_2025_Roc_WebReady
Anna S. M. McCarthy