About Employment Law
Sommers Schwartz attorneys have unique insight into how employment disputes get resolved. Employment law can be complicated, and impacts both how employment policies and contracts are drafted and how they are enforced. For any employment law issue you may encounter, from issues in hiring to wrongful termination, Sommers Schwartz is your first phone call.
Workplace Violations
State and federal laws such the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), prevailing wage laws, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) shield workers from workplace abuses. In some situations, it is apparent that an employee’s rights have been violated, but in other cases, those violations are much more subtle and can be difficult to prove in court.
Employment Discrimination & Sexual Harassment
Claims of discrimination or sexual harassment in the workplace also require learned counsel and capable hands. Employee discrimination is one of the most common violations of employees’ rights, and happens when an employer harasses or treats an employee unfairly because of his or her race, disability, color, age, religion, height, gender, weight, or national origin. If you have been the victim of discrimination, or if your business is the target of such an accusation, you need to act quickly.
Employment Agreements
When employment contracts are breached, especially an executive employment contract, legal representation for both the employee and the employer is necessary, no matter which party is responsible for the contract breach. The consequences can be serious, and these cases require guidance and direction from a knowledgeable professional who is experienced in navigating the ins and outs of employment law.
Other Employment Agreements & Disputes
Sometimes employment disputes arise from business operations, workplace policies, and day-to-day operations, and compensation structures, with issues involving:
- Stock options
- Performance awards
- Claims arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Whistleblower retaliation and violation of public policy
- Breach of non-compete agreements
- Breach of confidential information agreements
- Sales commission disputes
- Misappropriation of trade secrets
- Minority shareholder oppression and freeze-out disputes
Employment law isn’t limited to litigation. We frequently work with executives, senior managers, and family businesses, helping them to draft and negotiate complex contracts and documents such as:
- Executive employment agreements
- Compensation plans
- Stock options, performance award, and commission provisions
- Equity acquisitions and separation agreements
- Tax structures
- Creative or technical intellectual property protection and enforcement
Finding Solutions Out of Court
We often provide alternative dispute resolution services as mediators or arbitrators, and we even counsel other law firms on their own workforce issues. The breadth of our experience uniquely qualifies us to evaluate employment matters, provide clients with knowledgeable and practical advice, and, when necessary, to successfully represent clients in litigation.
While litigation can be an effective way to end the dispute, we know that it’s not the only way – nor is it always the best way – to obtain the best results for our clients. We believe in the importance of determining when and how to litigate, and when to find a solution through negotiation and creative thinking, a philosophy that comes from years on the front lines fighting on behalf of both employers and employees.
Experienced & Accomplished Employment Attorneys
In the event workplace situations take a wrong turn, we help employers solve workforce management issues, defend them in lawsuits filed by individual employees or governmental agencies, or protect and enforce their interests in legal proceedings.
For all of the employment law issues that arise in your job or in your workplace, you need Sommers Schwartz. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help.
