Under various federal and local laws, employment discrimination occurs when an employer takes an adverse action against an employee due to the employee’s:
- race and color
- national origin
- religion
- sex and gender identity
- age
- sexual orientation, or
- disability
Under laws such as the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the DC Human Rights Act, or the Americans with Disabilities Act, an adverse action can take many forms, including termination, failure to hire, failure to promote, demotion and even disciplinary actions.
Unlike other lawsuits, a victim of discrimination must fulfill a several administrative requirements before even getting to a hearing or lawsuit. Our attorneys are well-versed in these administrative requirements, as well as the litigation process, and are here to assist you in stopping workplace discrimination. We will also seek any compensation that may be owed to you due to such discrimination.
- Wage Claims
As an employee, you need to have piece of mind that you are getting paid for the work you perform. If an employer fails to properly pay you for work you have done or does not pay at all, there may be a claim. If you are in a service industry that depends on tips, you need to make sure your employer is not diverting wages that are yours. Our attorneys have experience assisting workers with wage claims, including claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act and DC Minimum Wage Act.
- Wrongful termination and whistle-blower claims
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is terminated for an unlawful reason, usually an excuse that has no relation to one’s job performance. Unlawful reasons can include discrimination (see employment discrimination below), breach of contract, whistle-blower claims, Family Medical Leave Act claims, or a violation of an established public policy. Our attorneys have experience and familiarity with the laws in place to protect those who are wrongfully terminated, such as the Whistleblower Protection Act.
- Workers Compensation
If you are injured on the job, you may have the option of filing a workers’ compensation claim. A workers’ compensation claim is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits in exchange for waiving the right to sue the employer for negligence. Our attorneys determine a client’s eligibility and provide the strengths and weaknesses of your claim at no cost to the client.
- Security Clearance
Whether you are a federal employee or a private contractor, being denied a federal security clearance can cost you your job or adversely alter your career path. The security clearance process can be quite burdensome depending on the agency and the level of clearance you are seeking. Our attorneys recommend an initial consult before you begin the process in order to prepare you for the process ahead of time. If the clearance level you are seeking requires a polygraph examination, we strongly advise preparing for the polygraph with our attorneys, which may save you significant time and money in a very ambiguous appeals process. If your clearance has been denied, our experienced attorneys can navigate the administrative hurdles of the process. We will develop an extensive written and oral appeal that will thoroughly cover the mitigating factors. In addition, our attorneys can develop a plan of action to rehabilitate your candidacy though counseling, training and other avenues.
