Employment Law

Unpaid Wages

State and Federal law provide protections to most employees in the form of minimum wage, overtime, and other wage and hour related regulations. These protections apply to all non-exempt employees, but what makes an employee exempt is often misunderstood by employers and employees, alike. Even if you have been told you are an exempt employee, or even an independent contractor, you may still be entitled to recover unpaid wages and penalties for violations of state and Federal wage and hour laws.

Every situation is unique, and the best way to make sure you are being paid all of the wages you are owed is to speak with an employment attorney. During your confidential case evaluation we will analyze your situation in detail, review your timecard, payroll, and other employment records, answer any questions you may have, and provide a roadmap to recovery on the claims we are able to identify for you. If we determine that you are not likely owed any unpaid wages, we will still provide you with helpful advice that you can use in your current and future employment.

If you believe you may be owed unpaid wages, we recommend that you Contact Us immediately to schedule a confidential case evaluation with one of our attorneys, so that we can provide you with guidance tailored to your particular situation.

Employment Contracts & Severance Negotiations

Negotiations are always high-stakes when they involve your career and livelihood. Even if you are an expert at getting the best deal, it helps to have a team of dedicated professionals with your interests in mind backing you up when it comes time to step up to the negotiating table. We are ready and able to assist you in negotiating the best outcomes in any and all employment situations: from getting the most favorable terms in initial contracts to maximizing your severance when it comes time to move on, and everything in between.

Contract and severance negotiations require a light touch, and we understand the critical importance of balancing your professional reputation and work relationships with your financial interest in maximizing your compensation. To that end, we work very closely with our contract and severance negotiation clients to provide flexible, dynamic, custom-tailored guidance throughout the negotiation process. Where it is helpful, we are always prepared to ratchet up the intensity of the negotiation, and engage directly with the employer on your behalf.

Even if you are satisfied with the terms you have negotiated on your own, we are happy to evaluate your contract or severance paperwork and advise you of any nuances or potential pitfalls that are often tucked into these kinds of legal documents.

Contact Us to schedule a confidential case evaluation with one of our attorneys.

Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, disability, or national origin is not only wrong, it is illegal. There is an extensive and well-established body of law regarding the wrongfulness of discrimination in the workplace. Unfortunately, this type of activity continues to occur quite frequently; creating victims out of innocent employees for no other reason than the prejudices of an unscrupulous employer. Discrimination against employees suffering from a disability is particularly common, as many otherwise reasonable and fair-minded employers will try to save money or increase productivity by denying a reasonable accommodation to a disabled employee.

Discrimination may also take the form of workplace harassment. Perhaps the most familiar is sexual harassment, where coworkers or supervisors make unwanted sexual advances or engage in other inappropriate sexual behavior. There are other types of harassment, as well: for example, when the behavior of employees or supervisors creates a work environment that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive to individuals of a particular race, ethnicity, or ability. Whatever form it takes, workplace harassment on the basis of a protected characteristic is illegal, and employees are entitled to proper treatment and compensation when they have been harassed at work.

If you have been treated unfairly at work because of a protected characteristic like those listed above, you may be entitled to compensation pursuant to both state and Federal law. This compensation may consist of money damages for harm you suffered, money damages as punishment for your employer, reinstatement, promotion, or other kinds of relief.

If you have suffered workplace discrimination or harassment, we recommend that you Contact Us immediately to schedule a confidential case evaluation with one of our attorneys, so that we can provide you with guidance tailored to your particular situation.

Complaints & Retaliation

Reporting unlawful activity in the workplace is one of the most difficult situations an employee is likely to find themselves in. State and Federal laws prohibit employers from retaliating against employees that make “protected complaints” or engage in other protected conduct, but as with many things, the devil is in the details. Employers have gone to great lengths to prevent employees from triggering those legal protections, and it is very easy to find yourself in a position where you have complained to your employer, but you are not fully protected from termination or other adverse action.

If you are considering making a complaint to your employer, a supervisor, or an HR or ethics hotline, or if you already have, we strongly recommend that you Contact Us immediately to schedule a confidential case evaluation with one of our attorneys. Discussing your situation with an attorney at the earliest possible stage will help avoid or address any unlawful retaliation you may experience based on your complaint.