Employment
At EPW Law, we stand as champions for employees who have faced mistreatment, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace. With deep expertise in employment law, we are dedicated to holding employers accountable when they fail to uphold their legal and ethical obligations. We understand the impact that unfair treatment at work can have on your livelihood, dignity, and future, and we’re here to fight for your rights with precision, passion, and unwavering commitment. Whether you’ve been denied opportunities, subjected to a hostile environment, or faced retaliation for speaking up, our firm is prepared to deliver the powerful representation you deserve.
Claims against Employers
Discrimination
Whether it occurs during hiring, promotions, or termination, workplace discrimination violates your rights under some of the most critical employment laws. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employees are protected against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Similarly, 42 U.S.C. § 1981 ensures that all individuals have the right to make and enforce contracts, protecting against racial discrimination in employment. For employees aged 40 and older, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits age-based discrimination. Public employees also benefit from the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which ensures they cannot be treated differently due to their race, gender, or other protected characteristics. We handle cases involving wrongful termination, failure to hire, denial of promotions, unequal pay, and other discriminatory practices, ensuring that justice is served. Relevant laws and protections: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 42 U.S.C. § 1981 ensures the right to make and enforce contracts free from racial discrimination. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees aged 40 and older from age-based discrimination. The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment safeguards against discrimination by public employers. We handle cases involving wrongful termination, failure to hire, denial of promotions, unequal pay, and other discriminatory practices.
Harrassment
Harassment in the workplace is prohibited under federal law, primarily under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects employees from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This includes unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile or abusive work environment, interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job, or leads to adverse employment decisions, such as termination or demotion. Additionally, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) provide protections against harassment based on disability and age, respectively. Employers are legally required to address and prevent harassment, whether it comes from supervisors, coworkers, or even third parties. If you are experiencing harassment at work, federal law allows you to take action to hold your employer accountable. Filing a claim can lead to remedies such as compensation for damages, reinstatement, or changes in workplace policies to prevent future violations.
Wrongful Termination
Federal protections against wrongful termination come from laws like Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA, as well as public policy exceptions to at-will employment. For example, firing an employee in retaliation for filing a discrimination complaint, whistleblowing, or exercising rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can form the basis of a wrongful termination claim. Additionally, breach of an employment contract or termination based on discrimination or harassment may also give rise to legal action. Employees who believe they have been wrongfully terminated can seek remedies such as back pay, reinstatement, or compensation for damages.
Retaliation
Retaliation is illegal under multiple federal statutes, including Title VII, the ADA, the FMLA, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action—such as demotion, termination, or harassment—against an employee for engaging in a protected activity. This might include reporting discrimination, filing a harassment complaint, whistleblowing, or requesting a reasonable accommodation for a disability. Federal law ensures employees can assert their rights without fear of punishment or retribution.
Wage and Hour Violations
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes federal requirements for minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor protections. Employers must pay non-exempt employees at least the federal minimum wage (or a higher state minimum wage) and provide overtime pay of 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Misclassifying employees as exempt or as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime or benefits is a common violation. Employees can file claims to recover unpaid wages, overtime, or damages for willful violations.
Failure to Accommodate
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities or religious practices unless doing so would cause undue hardship. This might include modifications to work schedules, equipment, or policies to enable employees to perform their jobs. Employers who deny accommodation requests or fail to engage in an interactive process to explore options may be in violation of federal law, opening the door to claims for damages and injunctive relief.
Breach of Employment Contract
Employment contracts, whether written or implied, set expectations for pay, benefits, duties, and duration of employment. A breach occurs when an employer fails to uphold the agreed terms, such as wrongful termination before the contract’s end date or failure to provide promised compensation. Claims for breach of contract typically require proving the terms of the agreement and the employer’s failure to honor them.
Contact Us Now
Reach out to us easily for any inquiries or assistance. We are here to help you and answer all your questions.
600 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Suite 200
Washington, D.C. 20003