Erin Schilling provides advice, counsel and peace of mind so that employers can focus on what they do best – operating their businesses. She works with clients as a strategic partner to find practical solutions and mitigate risk on a broad range of employee management topics including:

  • Day-to-day human resources counseling on various issues in the workplace including discrimination, harassment and leave;
  • Drafting and negotiating employment agreements, restrictive covenant agreements and separation agreements;
  • Developing a legally compliant diversity and affirmative action programs;
  • Creating and performing pay equity analysis;
  • Drafting policies and procedures; and
  • Providing training to employees on discrimination, harassment and leave.

Erin also oversees the preparation of affirmative action plans and has successfully defended clients in Department of Labor Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP) compliance reviews. 

In addition, Erin represents employers before state and federal agencies, defending clients against allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, as well as discrimination claims including age, race, disability, religion, national origin and sex discrimination.

Education

  • University of Kansas School of Law (J.D., 2004)
    • University of Kansas (B.A., 2000)

      Bar Admission

      • Missouri, 2004
      • Kansas, 2005

      Professional Affiliations

      • SHRM of Greater Kansas City
        • President, 2021
        • Executive Committee, 2018-2022
        • Board of Directors, 2016-2022
      • American Bar Association
      • Kansas Bar Association
        • Labor and Employment Section, 2007-2014 
          • President, 2010
      • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
      • Lawyers Association of Kansas City
        • Young Lawyers Section
          • President, 2009-2010
          • Board of Directors, 2005-2010
      • The Missouri Bar
      • Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers

      Recognition

      • Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® for:
        • Employment Law - Management, 2022-2026
        • Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2022-2026
      • SHRM-KC Contributor of the Year, 2017
      • Selected for inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, 2013-2015
      • "Rising Star" recognition by Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, 2012
      • "Up and Coming Lawyers" recognition by Missouri Lawyers Weekly, 2008
      • Recipient of Lawyers Association of Kansas City Young Lawyers Public Service Award, 2008
      Publications
      The New Rules of Federal Contracting: Redefining DEI Compliance
      Key Takeaways Federal contractors and subcontractors should assess whether their existing DEI policies and initiatives include any race- or ethnicity-based disparate treatment that could constitute a violation under EO 14398 and the new FAR 52.222-90 clause. Effective April 24, 2026, all new federal contracts must include a clause prohibiting "racially discriminatory DEI activities," with existing contracts required to be modified by July 24, 2026. Non-compliance carries serious consequences, including contract cancellation, termination or suspension, debarment and potential liability under the False Claims Act. Contractors should map flowdowns across their supply chain to ensure subcontractor compliance and prepare for forthcoming agency information collection requests related to FAR 52.222-90. On March 26, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order (EO) 14398, titled Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors,
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      DOJ Announces Intent to Use False Claims Act To Target Diversity and DEI Initiatives
      At a Glance The Department of Justice (DOJ) will use the False Claims Act (FCA) to investigate and pursue claims against entities that violate federal civil rights laws, including anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity obligations, which may include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Unlike many federal civil rights laws, the FCA allows for significant uncapped damages. To the extent your organization receives an inquiry from the Department of Justice or any agency inquiring about compliance with federal civil rights laws or DEI, contact your counsel. Recipients of federal funds should carefully review any representations regarding federal civil rights laws or DEI associated with federal contracts or grants. Further, recipients of federal funds should proactively review their compliance with federal civil rights
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