Employment Law

Although it may not always feel like it, you have numerous rights as an employee. If someone else violates those rights and creates an unhealthy or dysfunctional workplace, you could have grounds for a legal claim. Here’s a basic overview of your employee rights that may come in handy if you find yourself in a difficult situation.

Workplace harassment comes in so many different forms that it can sometimes be hard to identify. Discriminatory harassment occurs when unwelcome or offensive conduct is directed towards an individual because, at least in part, they are a member of a protected class. Here are three common forms of discriminatory harassment — and how to recognize them.

Different types of lawyers handle different aspects of the law. An employment lawyer is the most qualified choice to deal with legal matters related to a hostile work environment.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious problem capable of inflicting lasting harm. If you have experienced harassing conduct at work, it is important to understand your options and your rights.

This article provides an overview of sexual harassment in the workplace. Schedule a consultation with skilled employment attorney James H. Shoemaker, Jr. to discuss your specific circumstances. 

Employment law covers a range of issues relating to the employer-employee relationship. State and federal employment laws provide protections for employees, which means that you have recourse if your rights are violated.

Non-compete agreements are becoming increasingly common between employers and employees, especially among the federal contractors of northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. These contracts govern the terms of your work with your employer. They also affect your future job prospects.

For many federal employees, military personnel, and government contractors, a security clearance is a vital part of their lives. Security clearances allow people to perform the essential functions of their jobs and advance in their careers. Obtaining them is an exhaustive process that requires paperwork, background checks, and more.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal at the state and federal levels, as is retaliation against an employee who reports such misconduct. Unfortunately, the law does not stop offenders from persisting with inappropriate behaviors, and termination and discrimination are common tactics of employers facing allegations of workplace sexual harassment.

Non-compete agreements may be enforceable in Virginia if the terms detailed in the contract are considered reasonable. In cases of unreasonable terms or illegal business acts, a judge or jury may release you from the agreement.

Sexual harassment is unfortunately common in American workplaces. Since the #MeToo movement began in the fall of 2017 with harassment allegations against influential people such as Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer, the country has made tremendous progress in confronting this problem.