Job Cuts at KMPG a Reminder That Laid-off Employees Have Legal Rights
Belt-tightening is never a justification for discrimination or unlawful behavior, and this...
Kate Mueting
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Congress Should Pass the Judiciary Accountability Act
For years, Ninth Circuit judge Alex Kozinski sexually harassed his law clerks, repeatedly making inappropriate comments and sharing pornography in chambers. He could act with impunity—and other judges have been able to do the same—because our nation’s anti-discrimination laws have left law clerks and most other judicial employees unprotected. Because of a loophole in Title VII, there are more than 30,000 workers…
5 Ways To Protect Your Rights When You Return To Work From An Employment Lawyer
By Melinda Koster Whether you’re swapping out a rocking chair for an office chair or returning to an in-person setting, heading back to work after having a baby is a big transition. As an employment lawyer, I have counseled many parents about their rights in the workplace. Below are helpful tips and considerations to keep in mind as you navigate…
Seeking COVID-19-Related Accommodations for At-Risk Household Members
Since the pandemic disrupted U.S. life in March 2020, the number of Americans who have worked remotely, at least in part, has more than doubled.[1] After over a year of proof that telework is possible, workers have gained fodder for legal arguments that remote work is a reasonable accommodation for their disabilities without undue burdens for employers.[2] As vaccines have become more…
Don’t Hesitate: Statute of Limitations in Discrimination and Harassment Cases
Are you considering contacting a lawyer about discrimination, harassment, or mistreatment at work? It may be tempting to wait. You think: “Let’s see how this plays out. Learn if the company will do the right thing. Maybe they will promote you, or transfer you, and maybe things will get better. You have a lot on your plate right now, and…
“Take care of your kid situation”—Employers are Failing Working Moms During this Pandemic
As many schools go fully virtual this fall, working parents are faced with many questions about caring for and educating children while working. Working moms also face an additional question: will my boss perceive me as less committed to my work because I am a woman with children? Unfortunately, too often the answer is “yes.” That working moms face a…
Dos and Don’ts of Severance Agreements
Fired? Laid off? I’m sure you have so many things running through your mind right now. Here are a few things to consider when reviewing your severance agreement. DON’T be pressured to respond or sign immediately. Your employer must give you time to review the agreement. I frequently hear of employers trying to pressure or bully employees into signing severance agreements…
Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia: Four Other Takeaways for Discrimination Victims
The Supreme Court’s opinion released earlier this week in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia represents an outstanding milestone in the LGBTQ civil rights movement, and numerous posts and articles rightly celebrate this, including this one by my colleague Alok Nadig. The opinion also reminds us of several concepts that can benefit all victims of unlawful workplace discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of…
Five Reasons to Celebrate the Virginia Values Act
A new Virginia law expands anti-discrimination protections for employees in the state and gives employees and civil rights advocate many reasons to celebrate. Here are five. 1. Virginia employees are explicitly protected from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sexual identity. When the law goes into effect on July 1, 2020, there will be no dispute that employers covered…
Dos and Don’ts to Consider Before Going to Human Resources
Thinking of raising a complaint to your Human Resources representative? First, read these Dos and Don’ts from an employment law attorney. 1. DO read this article: “HR Is Not Your Friend: Here’s Why.” In representing clients in gender discrimination claims and pregnancy discrimination claims, I have learned that many employees think HR is there for them. On their side. Employees think: If…