Employment Lawyers Near You — Wrongful Termination, Discrimination & Wage Disputes

Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract. Most U.S. employees are at-will, but firings based on protected characteristics or in retaliation for protected activities (like reporting harassment) are unlawful.

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), national origin, age (40+), disability, or genetic information. An EEOC charge must typically be filed within 180–300 days.

The Fair Labor Standards Act requires federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour (states may set higher), overtime pay at 1.5x for hours over 40 per week for non-exempt workers, and equal pay regardless of sex. Workers can sue for back wages plus liquidated damages.

File at publicportal.eeoc.gov, in person, or by mail within 180 days of the discriminatory act (300 days in most states). The EEOC investigates and may mediate; if no resolution, they issue a Right to Sue letter. You then have 90 days to file in federal court.

Most employment lawyers representing workers offer free consultations and work on contingency (33–40% of recovery, no fee if you don't win). Attorney fees are also typically awarded against the employer in successful discrimination, harassment, and wage cases.