Member
Denise represents public and private employers in workers' compensation and employment matters. She advises clients in litigation, federal and state compliance, and workplace safety.
As an experienced litigator, she handles matters in all phases of employment-related litigation, including before state and federal courts, arbitrators, administrative law judges, and administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. She also provides proactive counseling and training to employers to help them comply with the law and avoid litigation.
As an EEOC-trained investigator, Denise assists employers with investigations involving sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other workplace misconduct. Her work often involves issues at the intersection of workers’ compensation, disability accommodation, medical leave, Title VII, and unemployment compensation.
Denise is a frequent speaker and author on the topic of medical marijuana in the workplace. Her articles on the topic have been published by Inc. Magazine, Corporate Counsel Business Journal, The Legal Intelligencer, and Business Woman Magazine, among others. Denise is a member of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce Medical Marijuana Taskforce and has testified before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee regarding recommended revisions to Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act.
Denise serves on the Board of Directors for Union Community Care (and on Union’s Governance committee) and the YWCA of Lancaster. She is an Adjunct Professor at Penn State Dickinson Law School, teaching an experiential learning class in PHRC/EEOC Litigation.
Explore recent thought leadership, news, and other updates.
The rules governing today’s workplace are evolving quickly, shaped by changing laws and the growing use of technology and data in employment decisions. This full-day seminar will help employers stay current and make informed, practical choices. Our attorneys will cover key labor and employment updates for 2026 and explain how they affect hiring, pay, workplace […]
Labor and employment attorney Denise Elliott spoke on January 29 at the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability (PAR) HR Committee meeting on “High Stakes – Medical Marijuana in the ID/A Workplace,” where she provided HR leaders from intellectual disability and autism service provider organizations with practical legal guidance on managing medical […]
Pennsylvania will soon implement the CROWN Act, a law that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles, textures, and types, as well as religious head-coverings. Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro on November 19, 2025, the Act amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) and takes effect January 24, 2026. Employers across the state should begin preparing now […]
Labor and employment attorneys Denise Elliott and Ursula Siverling presented “How else can we accommodate you?” at the 2025 Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Fall Solicitors Seminars, Cumberland County, and as a live webinar. Denise and Ursula discussed new and changing workforce accommodations relating to pregnancy, disabilities, and more.
Counsels public and private employers on labor and employment matters. Advises healthcare entities on compliance, risk management, privacy, and HIPAA.
Defends discrimination claims, advises on labor relations, counsels on union matters, and assists with immigration issues, including DHS and ICE investigations.
Leads McNees as firm chair. Represents employers in union negotiations and labor arbitration. Advises on all workforce issues, focusing on manufacturing and education.
Represents employers in employment-related litigation before federal and state governmental agencies and state and federal courts. Advises on employment practices, employee relations and employment law compliance.
