Employment Law involves representing clients in all aspects of employer/employee relations. The employment relationship is an important part of business and life. For the employer, the employees are the lifeblood of the business, and for employees, the employment relationship is the means of maintaining their livelihood.

There are many things that can happen in the employment context. Some of the most common problems include claims for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and claims for wage and hour problems.

Discrimination Law

Discrimination occurs in the workplace on a daily basis. However, not all discrimination is illegal or improper. The law prevents discrimination only on certain limited grounds such as race, age, sex, religion, nationality, disability and sexual preference. If an employer discriminates against an individual on these grounds, an employee has the right to seek remedies for such discrimination. Generally, the discrimination by itself is not sufficient to make a claim. An employee must generally show that the discrimination had an effect upon a job benefit or right, such as wages, promotion, or other such benefits. Often an employee can claim that they lost their job and were “wrongfully terminated” based upon the discrimination of the employer. These claims, if won, can be very significant and require a comprehensive knowledge of the laws and issues relating to this type of litigation.

Harassment

Often times, a employee can make a claim for harassment based upon race, sex, age, religion or disability. These claims are based upon the premise that the employer, either through a supervisor or co-workers, made the work environment hostile and unfriendly because of the “severe and pervasive” harassment based on the protected categories.

Wage & Hour Claims

Wage and hour claims are often made when an employer miscategorizes the employee, fails to pay overtime, fails to pay for breaks or allow lunch. Often times an employer unintentionally violated certain employment rules. However, even unintentional mistakes can be costly and must be taken seriously.

For examples of cases in this regard click here. If you have any questions on an employment matter, contact us for a free evaluation.