A person also has the right to pursue a profession or career without discrimination, harassment, or other illegal conduct by his or her employer. Simopoulos Law focuses a significant part of its practice on employment law and regularly advises, counsels, and represents employees at all critical stages of the employment relationship. If you have an employment issue, then we are ready to assist.
Indeed, at Simopoulos Law, we handle a broad array of employment issues focused almost exclusively on the employee. Employment issues inevitably arise and oftentimes involve illegal discrimination and harassment or contractual or related disputes. With respect to the former, unfortunately, discrimination and harassment still exist today and can occur on the basis of race, color, national origin, pregnancy, sex, disability, or age. They can also occur at any point in the employment relationship. Becoming employed, performing a job well, or pursuing a profession or career are challenging and stressful in their own ways. A person should not have the additional stress of having to accept and endure the unacceptable burdens imposed by others simply on account of their unlawful preferences and dislikes or disregard for their own fundamental legal obligations.
Simopoulos Law knows the importance of having a discrimination, harassment, and illegality free workplace and understands the negative impact an employer’s unlawful conduct can have on an employee. Various legal protections exist, however, including but not limited to an employee’s rights under:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits retaliation against an employee for exercising his or her rights to have a discrimination and harassment-free workplace
- Title IX of the Education Amendment Acts of 1974, which prohibits discrimination and harassment in academia based upon gender and sex
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1990, which prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, namely for a person over the age of 40
- Titles I and V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which prohibit discrimination against a qualified person with a disability in the private sector and in state and local governments
- The Civil Rights Act of 1991, which permits monetary damages for intentional employment discrimination, and
- Depending upon whether an employer is public or private, First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment Due Process protections, which respectively guarantee an employee’s freedom of speech and freedom from arbitrary deprivations or property or liberty interests.
In all of these contexts, discrimination and harassment can be subtle, overt, or continuous. Unlawful acts can occur at any time in the course of a job, including in:
- Job advertisements
- Recruiting
- Hiring
- Training
- Compensation or pay
- Assignments and classification
- Promotions
- Transfers
- Firing, discharge, or termination, and
- Other terms or conditions of employment
In some scenarios, small acts in the contexts above, which may seem harmless on their own, add up to reveal the existence of a more pernicious pattern of conduct creating a hostile work environment. Knowing whether you are experiencing discrimination or harassment is a critical step in pursuing and safeguarding the rights to which you are entitled. Having handled employment law matters specifically for years, Simopoulos Law can share with you the insight you need to navigate your difficult and sensitive employment issues in an informed manner.
Apart from ensuring workplaces are free from discrimination and harassment, Simopoulos Law also regularly advises, counsels, and represents employees in all aspects of their employment relationship otherwise, including with:
- Employment Contract Reviews
- Compensation Agreement Reviews
- Non-Compete Covenants and Restrictions Reviews
- Grievances Representation
- Discipline Issues
- Disability Accommodation Requests
- Severance and Termination Agreements, and
- General Employment Advice and Guidance
At the end of the day, you have a right to an enriching, positive, and rewarding career, profession, and workplace. Being informed, prepared, and protected at the critical moment is not only the smart choice but it is your right. If you are experiencing any problem with your employment or the workplace and need help, then please contact us right away.
CONTACT SIMOPOULOS LAW FOR AN INITIAL CONSULTATION OF YOUR CASE. YOUR RIGHTS ARE OUR MISSION.