Practice Areas
For Employees
DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT
Employers are prohibited from discriminating against individuals based on race, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Discrimination involves treating someone less favorably because of their protected classification. Both state and federal laws protect employees against discrimination. The law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
Although the law doesn't prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment based on a protected classification is unlawful when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted). The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer.
If you believe you have been subjected to workplace discrimination or harassment, contact Lawrence Employment Law today to protect your rights.
RETALIATION
State and federal laws protect employees from retaliation when they: (a) report fraud or wrongdoing by their employer, (b) support others who have made such reports, or (c) exercise their legal rights in the workplace. Retaliation can take many forms—from wrongful termination to more subtle actions like demotion, reduced hours, or exclusion from projects. Any "materially adverse action" that might discourage a reasonable person from speaking up can be considered unlawful retaliation. If you’ve experienced retaliation after asserting your rights or reporting misconduct, you may have grounds for legal action.
WRONGFUL TERMINATION
In the United States, most employment is 'at-will,' meaning that, unless there is a written employment contract or collective bargaining agreement, either the employer or employee can terminate the relationship for any lawful reason. However, some terminations are illegal if they violate public policy, retaliation laws, or whistleblower protections. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, contact Lawrence Employment Law to explore your legal options and determine the best course of action.
MEDICAL LEAVES OF ABSENCE
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and various state laws grant employees protected leave for specific circumstances, including:
- A serious health condition affecting the employee or a family member.
- Childbirth, adoption, or caring for a child during the first year.
- Pregnancy-related medical conditions.
- Caring for a returning Armed Forces member under qualifying conditions.
- Emergencies arising from a spouse, child, or parent’s overseas military deployment.
Other laws provide leave for victims of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, or stalking to pursue protection in the criminal justice system.
Eligibility for leave may depend on factors such as length of employment, employer size, and specific legal requirements.
If you believe you have been denied leave or faced termination, discipline, or unfair treatment because you requested leave, contact Lawrence Employment Law to help you navigate your leave-related claims.
WAGE & HOUR PROTECTION
Employees are entitled to fair pay for their work. Wage and hour laws—both federal and state—set minimum standards for wages, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and more. If your employer has failed to pay you minimum wage, denied you overtime pay, misclassified you as exempt or as an independent contractor, or required you to work off the clock, they may be violating the law. You have the right to be paid fully and fairly for every hour you work. If you believe your rights have been violated, Lawrence Employment Law can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Others Are Saying
Your Trusted Employment Law Advocate
"Kelly Lawrence is the rare talent who combines a deep understanding of employment law gleaned from decades of practice with a practical approach at resolving disputes, with the skills, ability, and tenacity to take a matter through trial if needed. I would not hesitate to hire Kelly to represent me, my business, or a close family member in need of an employment lawyer."