Practice Areas Washington, D.C. Employment Law

Washington, D.C. Employment Lawyer

Experienced Legal Representation for Employees in Washington, D.C.

Employees and job applicants in Washington, D.C. have clear legal rights. However, companies don’t always respect these rights, and as an employee, standing up for your rights can be challenging. Our firm is committed to helping individuals hold companies accountable. If a company has violated your legal rights, a Washington D.C. employment lawyer at our firm can take appropriate legal action on your behalf.

Types of Cases We Handle

Our lawyers handle all types of cases on behalf of employees and job applicants in Washington, D.C. This includes, but is not limited to, cases involving:

• Claims for unpaid compensation and benefits
• Employment discrimination
• Harassment in the workplace
• Noncompete agreement and nondisclosure agreement (NDA) disputes
• Severance agreement disputes
• Wrongful refusal to hire
• Wrongful termination

If you have questions about your legal rights involving any employment-related matter in Washington, D.C., we strongly encourage you to get in touch. We understand what it means to lose your job, miss out on a job opportunity, or experience discrimination or harassment on the job, and we are passionate about making sure our clients receive the outcomes they deserve.

Laws That Protect Employees in Washington, D.C.

Several laws protect employees and job applicants in Washington, D.C. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a Washington, D.C. employment lawyer at our firm may be able to take legal action on your behalf based on:

Federal Employment Laws

Several federal laws prohibit harassment, discrimination, and unfair employment practices related to compensation and benefits. We represent employees and job applicants who have claims under federal laws, including (but not limited to):

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Equal Pay Act (EPA)
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
• Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)

Depending on the circumstances of your case, asserting your rights under these laws may involve filing an administrative complaint (i.e., a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)) or it may involve going to court. Our lawyers can take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights, and if it makes sense to do so, we can focus on negotiating a settlement on your behalf.

District of Columbia Human Rights Act (DCHRA)

The District of Columbia Human Rights Act (DCHRA) prohibits discrimination in employment based on numerous protected characteristics—including characteristics not covered under the federal laws listed above. Additionally, while most of the federal laws listed above only apply to employers with a certain minimum number of employees, the DCHRA applies to all employers in Washington, D.C., regardless of size. If your employer (or former employer) has violated your rights under the DCHRA, you have the option of either filing a complaint with the D.C. Human Rights Office or filing a lawsuit in court.

Other Washington, D.C. Employment Laws

Along with the DCHRA, Washington, D.C. has also enacted several other laws that protect employees and job applicants. These laws include (but are not limited to):

• Washington D.C. Ban on Noncompete Agreements
• Washington D.C. Domestic Workers Employment Rights Amendment Act
• Washington D.C. Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws
• Washington D.C. Wage Transparency Act
• Washington D.C. “Ban the Box” Law

If an employer has violated your rights under any of these laws, a Washington D.C. employment lawyer at our firm can help you decide what to do next. If you decide to take legal action, our lawyers will rely on their experience to fight for the remedies you deserve.

Why It’s Important to Work with an Experienced D.C. Employment Lawyer

While you are not required to hire a lawyer when asserting your legal rights as an employee or job applicant, there are several important reasons to put an experienced lawyer on your side. The outcome of your case could impact your life for years (if not decades) to come, and if you make mistakes, you may not get a second chance. When you choose to work with The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, our lawyers will:

1. Help You Make Informed Decisions

From deciding how to assert your legal rights to deciding what remedies to seek, you will need to make informed decisions throughout the process. Our lawyers will guide you every step of the way.

2. Take Appropriate Legal Action Before You Run Out of Time

All employment-related claims are subject to strict deadlines. As long as it’s not already too late, our lawyers can take appropriate legal action before you run out of time.

3. Fight for Justice Based on Your Individual Circumstances

Whether you are a victim of discrimination, harassment or a violation of your contractual rights, our lawyers will fight for justice on your behalf. We are vigorous and relentless advocates for our clients.

FAQs: Your Rights as an Employee in Washington, D.C.

Are Employees in Washington, D.C. Protected Under Federal Law?

Title VII, the ADA, and all of the other federal employment laws that protect private-sector employees generally apply to private-sector employees in Washington, D.C. The District of Columbia Human Rights Act (DCHRA) and other local laws protect employees in Washington, D.C. as well.

How Do I File an Employment Discrimination Claim in Washington, D.C.?

The steps you need to take to file an employment discrimination claim in Washington, D.C. depend on the type of discrimination you experienced, the size of your employer (based on the number of employees), and other factors. To ensure you take the right steps, you should speak with an experienced Washington, D.C., employment lawyer promptly.

Do I Need an Employment Lawyer to File a Harassment Claim in Washington, D.C.?

While not legally required, hiring an employment lawyer to assist with your harassment claim is strongly recommended. If you are a victim of harassment, it is imperative that you take appropriate legal action to hold your employer (or former employer) accountable.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with a Washington, D.C. Employment Lawyer Today

If you need to speak with a Washington, D.C. employment lawyer, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. Call 410-514-6099 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.