In response to growing demand, SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) today announced a new product offering for human resource professionals working for small businesses. SHRM LegalNetwork provides businesses with affordable, legal resources during a time when many are especially concerned about legal guidance, compliance, and liability issues. The product will be supported through LegalShield, a long-time provider of legal plans for small businesses.

SHRM LegalNetwork is available to HR professionals representing businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Across the COVID-19 landscape, smaller organizations are the most vulnerable business class, often with little-to-no guidance on managing complex employment laws and liability issues. SHRM research found that, of the 7 in 10 small businesses seeking outside advice since the start of COVID-19, 86 percent sought legal help.

“Access to legal protection shouldn’t be a luxury,” said SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP. “As businesses reopen, smaller organizations will face many unprecedented scenarios and circumstances — where legal guidance will be needed now more than ever. This service enables HR leaders to fully support their employers on the road to recovery with real-time solutions and dedicated legal protection to manage these important issues.”

“We are proud to work with SHRM to bring businesses the legal assistance they need in any economic environment,” said Jeff Bell, CEO of LegalShield. “From general legal consultation and document review, to debt collection assistance and legal correspondence, the SHRM LegalNetwork Plan meets year-round legal needs and gives businesses back time and money to focus on reopening, stabilizing and growing.”