"Faced with allegations of harassment in the workplace, and with these claims often playing out in the court of public opinion, legal departments are in a tough spot. How can companies and in-house counsel create an environment that encourages speaking out, while also ensuring that there’s no fear of a hasty reaction?

This fine line companies must walk was touched upon late last year by U.S. District Chief Judge Colleen McMahon of the Southern District of New York. While accepting an award in December, McMahon noted that with the chorus of voices speaking out against harassment, 'we can finally address the nefarious and way too prevalent scourge of sexual harassment in the workplace.'"