Rockville Employment Discrimination Attorneys
Workplace Discrimination Lawyers Serving Employees in Washington, D.C.
Workplace discrimination refers to unfair treatment or bias against employees based on certain characteristics unrelated to their job performance. This can include discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or being part of the LGBTQ+ community. If you are a victim of employment discrimination, you have the right to take legal action.
Because federal law is complex and state and local law vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, it is important to make an informed choice about where to file a workplace discrimination case. To bring a case in federal court, a private sector employee must first file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), although many state agencies allow you to “cross-file” with both the state and the EEOC. (Federal employees have different requirements and must contact an EEO counselor at their agency within 45 days. They do not have the option of going to state court.) In some states, the only real recourse is to file in federal court. Fortunately, the District of Columbia and some counties in Maryland enforce strong discrimination laws, and their courts may sometimes be more responsive than the federal courts.
Acting quickly and consulting an experienced attorney is the surest way to protect your rights, as there is often only a short window of opportunity in which to bring a case within the statute of limitations. At The Day Law Practice, LLC, we understand how to effectively navigate workplace discrimination cases at the state and federal levels, including those involving discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. We are not afraid to go to trial. We are prepared to uphold the law, fight to enforce your rights, and hold discriminatory employers accountable.
Do not wait to schedule a confidential consultation with our Rockville employment discrimination lawyers if you think you may have experienced workplace discrimination. Call (301) 965-6386 or contact us online today.
What Is Considered Workplace Discrimination?
Federal law forbids your employer to discriminate against you on the basis of your race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age (for those 40 years of age or older), or religion. It also forbids your employer from retaliating against you for bringing a claim of discrimination or otherwise opposing discrimination. In addition, depending on your jurisdiction, state law may provide you with protection from other kinds of discrimination, such as discrimination because of your sexual orientation.
Specific types of workplace discrimination include:
- Hiring and recruitment discrimination. This occurs when employers favor certain candidates over others based on race, age, nationality, or other protected characteristics. For example, refusing to hire qualified candidates of a particular ethnicity or race simply because of their background is a clear form of discrimination.
- Promotion and advancement discrimination. Discrimination can also manifest through biased promotion practices, where certain employees are overlooked for advancement due to protected characteristics like race or age (when the employee is at least 40 years old). This not only limits the professional growth of individuals but can also breed resentment and dissatisfaction within the workforce. Promotions should be based on performance and merit.
- Pay and compensation discrimination. Pay discrimination involves offering different salaries for the same work based on characteristics, such as sex or race.
- Harassment. Workplace harassment includes unwanted conduct or behavior targeting an individual based on protected characteristics, creating a hostile work environment. This can range from derogatory comments and jokes to unwanted physical advances.
- Retaliation. Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse actions against an employee for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation. This might include demotion, dismissal, or creating an uncomfortable work environment as a form of punishment or intimidation.
- Wrongful termination. Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired on grounds that violate federal, state, or local employment laws. This can include being dismissed based on discriminatory reasons such as race, age (if 40 or older), or disability, or in retaliation for whistleblowing or filing a complaint about workplace discrimination.
Integrity in Action Why Choose The Day Law Practice, LLC?
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Committed to Fair and Just WorkplacesWe believe that everyone deserves a safe, equitable work environment. Our firm is passionate about holding employers accountable and fighting for systemic change to ensure justice for all employees.
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Fierce Advocacy for MinoritiesWe are dedicated to providing robust legal support for racial and sexual minorities in the workplace. Our team works tirelessly to ensure every individual is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
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Trial-Ready for Every CaseWe meticulously prepare every case with a trial mindset, even if settlement is the goal. This approach empowers us to negotiate from a position of strength and ensures your rights are fully protected in the courtroom if needed.
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Exclusively Advocating for EmployeesWe focus solely on representing employees, ensuring that workers' rights are always our top priority. From wage disputes to workplace discrimination, we stand with employees every step of the way.
What Should I Do If I Have Suffered Employment Discrimination?
If you believe you have experienced any form of employment discrimination, you should take proactive steps to address the situation while safeguarding your rights. Document any and all discriminatory incidents meticulously, including the dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and any witnesses present. Collecting evidence, such as e-mails or text messages, can help substantiate your claims.
You may be tempted to immediately report the incident or incidents to your employer’s HR department, but in many cases, you should consider discussing your situation with a legal professional experienced in handling matters of employment law before proceeding. Our Rockville employment discrimination attorneys at The Day Law Practice, LLC can review your circumstances and provide personalized advice on what to do next. You likely will need to report discrimination internally, but we can support, advise, and enforce your rights every step of the way.
You deserve a workplace free from discrimination, and we want to help you get the justice you deserve. Call (301) 965-6386 or contact us online today.
