Why do many corporations warn against consensual relationships at work? Because too often they lead to sexual harassment claims.
 

Monday at 7pm on WFMZ-TV 69 The American Law Journal presents "Sexual Harassment-- Beware the Consensual Relationship at Work." Taped at the Union League in Philadelphia, attorney host Christopher Naughton welcomes corporate counsel Anthony Haller of Blank Rome, plaintiff's attorney George Kounoupis of Hahalis & Kounoupis and Mary Tiernan, attorney with the EEOC.  The panel examines how consensual relationships can end up as sexual harassment / hostile working environment lawsuits.
 

"The core of these cases," Kounoupis suggests "is 'welcomeness'. Is it severe or pervasive, and is it welcome? A woman that had a prior consensual relationship and broke it off- I know what [defense counsel] is looking at: did she clearly break it off... the woman has to send very clear signals."
 
"The difficulties with these cases- particularly with a senior executive- you never want to be in a courtroom as a good defense lawyer," states Haller. "There is huge leverage in a plaintiff just bringing the case because it affects the [executive's] reputation and standing in the business itself. And more often than not there are implications for the wife and family."
 
The American Law Journal in its twentieth year returns to prime-time on Monday nights in its longtime studio setting at WFMZ-TV. For more information, go to www.LawJournalTV.com.  Next week: "Divorce: Breaking Up Is Hard to Do... in a Tough Economy."