Heather Southwell

Heather Southwell is Of Counsel at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC in Burlington, Vermont. Heather defends employers in Labor & Employment Litigation and advises managers on workplace concerns. Her work includes discrimination and harassment claims, wrongful discharge, performance management, and discipline. With a background in business and management, she considers both legal requirements and the operational needs of the organizations she advises.

Heather holds a JD from Northeastern University School of Law and an MBA from Northeastern University Graduate School of Business Administration. She also earned a BA from Allegheny College. Her legal and business studies provide complementary perspectives on employer decision-making. This background supports advice that connects the assessment of employment issues with the management responsibilities and business circumstances surrounding those issues.

Heather has represented management in mediation involving harassment and discrimination allegations. Her experience includes defending an employer before the Federal Labor Relations Authority and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She also obtained a favorable determination in an arbitration concerning religious accommodation. Alongside contested matters, she advises employers on performance standards and performance management, helping managers address workplace concerns as they arise.

Heather Southwell frequently presents on human resources management and employment law. Heather’s topics include conflict management, the EEO complaint process, performance issues, employee engagement, and diversity, inclusion, and civility at work. She is admitted in New York and Vermont and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont. Her practice combines employer representation, management advice, and education about recurring workplace challenges.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, Society of Human Resource Management

Licensed State

• Vermont
• New York

Education

• Northeastern University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Northeastern University Graduate School of Business Administration
  Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Allegheny College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges