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Baltimore Employment Lawyer
Protecting Your Rights with Experienced Representation
If you are treated unfairly at work, your career, financial and emotional well-being, and overall way of life are all at risk. Despite the fact that Maryland is an “at-will” employment state—meaning employers can terminate an employee at any time—they can’t do so for illegal reasons.
If you’re facing wrongful termination, workplace harassment, or discrimination, having a Baltimore employment lawyer in your corner ensures your voice is heard and your rights are protected. At the Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC, our team is well prepared to provide the representation you need. Contact us today for immediate assistance.
What Laws Protect Baltimore Employees?
Employees in Baltimore and throughout Maryland enjoy legal protections from federal, state, and city regulations. Some of the primary statutes that protect your rights on the job include:
- Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA): This is Maryland’s state law regarding fair employment practices. The Act forbids discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or genetic information.
- Maryland CROWN Act: This state law protects individuals from discrimination based on hair type and hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race.
- Baltimore City Code (Article 4 – Civil Rights): A local Baltimore ordinance that protects against discriminatory practices within city limits and often provides local administrative pathways for dispute resolution.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act & EEOC Regulations: Federal protections enforced alongside the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR).
State harassment laws apply to companies with 1 or more employees, while general discrimination laws apply to businesses with 15 or more employees. Request a confidential consultation today to learn more.
What Our Baltimore Employment Lawyer Can Do for You
The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC handles the following workplace claims:
Wrongful Termination
A firing or wrongful termination becomes unlawful when it violates statutory protections, breaches an employment contract, or acts as retaliation against an employee for exercising their legal rights (such as reporting unsafe conditions or wage theft).
Workplace Harassment and Hostile Work Environment
Workplace harassment can occur if your employment is dependent on tolerating abusive behavior or if that behavior has created a hostile work environment.
Employment Discrimination
When an employer fires you, pays you less, or refuses to hire you because of your race, gender, age, etc., they may be violating federal and/or Maryland law. Our team will help uncover the truth behind the company’s discrimination by investigating employer practices, uncovering subtle patterns of bias, and building a compelling case to enforce your rights under federal and Maryland anti-discrimination laws.
Sexual Harassment
Unfortunately, sexual harassment remains prevalent in many Maryland workplaces. For example, your supervisor may seek sexual favors from you in exchange for giving you a raise, keeping you at the company, or providing you with better benefits. A work environment can also become sexually hostile through the use of inappropriate comments and behaviors. Our Baltimore employment lawyer will work to hold employers accountable when management fails to prevent or stop misconduct.
EEOC and Administrative Representation
Filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) is typically the first step before filing a lawsuit. Our team will guide you through each stage of the process from drafting the initial charges and responding to employer position statements to participating in mediation and securing your Right to Sue letter.
FMLA Violations
If you qualify, you can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for your own health or a family member’s. If your employer denies your FMLA leave, discourages you from taking it, penalizes you for it, or fails to reinstate you to your same or an equivalent position when you return, we can step in to resolve your issue.
Wage and Hour Disputes
Under federal FLSA guidelines and Maryland law, you must be fully paid for every hour worked. We know that employers sometimes have you work off the clock or reclassify you to avoid paying overtime. If they are failing to pay you tips or other amounts that were agreed upon, we can help.
Workplace Retaliation
Employers cannot penalize you for asserting your legal rights at work. If you reported illegal activity, asked for a reasonable disability accommodation, filed a workers’ compensation claim, or complained about discrimination, we can help if they retaliate against you.
Employment Contracts & Severance
Whether you’re a seasoned executive or landing your first job, the employment contract you sign can shape your career down the road. We can help you understand your severance pay or ensure your company sticks to what’s in your contract.
If you have experienced unfair treatment, discrimination, or unlawful termination at work, do not wait to protect your rights. Employment claims are subject to strict administrative deadlines under Maryland and federal law, and delaying can jeopardize your ability to recover damages.
Contact the Law Firm of J.W. Stafford today to schedule a confidential case evaluation with an experienced Baltimore employment lawyer.
Why You Need an Experienced Baltimore Employment Lawyer
A lawyer by your side can help ensure you get the results you deserve. Here is how dedicated legal counsel makes a difference:
- Navigating Strict Filing Deadlines: There’s a set time limit for filing any workplace claim. If you miss those deadlines, you may lose the ability to collect what you’re entitled to. Given how Maryland laws can vary, you should work with a skilled Baltimore employment attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
- Building a Direct Evidence Trail: Employers rarely admit to discriminatory motives. You will need evidence that supports why you believe your employer discriminated against you or caused your harm. Our team can help you find the evidence needed to strengthen your claim.
- Maximizing Financial Recovery: Victims of unlawful workplace practices may be entitled to back pay, emotional distress damages, job reinstatement, and attorney fees.
Contact Our Firm Today
Don’t allow your employer to take advantage of you. If you feel your rights have been violated, gather your information and call us. We can evaluate your situation and advise on how your case may proceed.
At The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, we believe no employee should have to stand alone against unfair treatment, wage theft, or corporate retaliation. Our Baltimore employment lawyers are here to evaluate your case and give you an action plan to stand up to your employer. Contact us today to learn more.
Sending an e-mail to the Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC or an attorney at the Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is not created until we consider conflicts of interest, agree to represent you, and execute a Client Agreement confirming this representation.
Testimonials
Jay began his career as a litigation associate at a large international law firm, DLA Piper, in Baltimore, MD. As a partner, I found Jay...
- M. D.