Sheryl helps employers make important decisions in a way that is designed to minimize risk. She counsels business owners and senior leaders on a wide range of business and employment matters, providing clear and direct guidance that promotes legal compliance while remaining cognizant of practical workplace realities her clients face.

Known for being responsive and detail-oriented, Sheryl carefully listens to her clients to develop a deep understanding of their unique legal and business challenges. She recognizes that building lasting relationships involves more than just addressing the immediate project, and she works hard to get to know her clients – both the businesses and the people – so they can count her among their trusted advisors. While employment law is her primary focus, Sheryl often functions as outside in-house counsel, supported by Much's full-service team to help clients address complicated day-to-day legal issues as well as big picture business objectives.

At Much, Sheryl is a member of the Management Committee, where she helps chart the firm's long-term direction and strategic growth. She also co-leads Much University, a firm initiative centered on continuing education and professional development for the firm’s attorneys and staff, as well as information-sharing with clients and the community.

Sheryl helps employers protect their business interests and minimize legal exposure through proactive strategies and sound best practices, including:

• Preventing claims before they arise by adopting a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to discrimination, harassment, wage-and-hour, and other employment-related issues
• Developing compliant policies that further business goals while adapting to evolving laws
• Protecting confidential information and safeguarding customer and employee relationships through carefully crafted agreements and practices
• Managing workforce decisions strategically by carrying out hiring, termination, and restructuring decisions in ways that minimize risk

Sheryl and her team have successfully represented employers at state and local human rights agencies, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, state unemployment agencies, the U.S. Department of Labor and state departments of labor, and in state and federal courts.

Prior to joining Much, Sheryl was a partner at a small Chicago firm where she established and grew the labor and employment practice from the ground up. Sheryl has spoken at legal and industry conferences, addressing topics ranging from current legal requirements and best practices to emerging employment law trends.