Springfield Discrimination Lawyer
Illinois Harassment Attorney
Federal law prohibits discrimination in the employment process on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age (40 or older), sex (including pregnancy), disability or using the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Claims of discrimination usually must be based on a personnel action, such as hiring, suspension, non-promotion, firing or performance rating.
As an employment law lawyer, I handle discrimination cases as well as sexual harassment claims for government and private sector employees. In sexual harassment cases, there is a strict burden of proof; there must be a pattern of behavior or a severe behavior, often involving a supervisor. Regardless of the type of discrimination you have faced, however, it is good to have facts, names and dates written down prior to our meeting. For a free initial consultation, please call 217-280-4094 or contact me online.
Federal Employees
Disciplinary actions for government agencies and employers are handled by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Federal employers must exhaust the MSPB administrative process before a federal employee can be fired. If the employer fails to follow regulations, the employee may file a grievance procedure with the MSPB.
After filing a grievance, the next steps are mediation, a hearing and discovery. An administrative law judge (ALJ) will decide to uphold the discipline, reduce it or dismiss it. You can appeal the ALJ’s decision to federal court.
Private Sector Employees
Private sector employees have essentially the same protections as federal employees. Employers are prohibited from discriminating against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, gender, religion or national origin by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 prohibits age discrimination, and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Veterans are also protected under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA).
I represent individuals in Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) proceedings as well as Illinois Department of Human Rights hearings. I can also represent individuals in state and federal court.
To make an appointment with a Springfield discrimination attorney, please call 217-280-4094.
For a free initial consultation, please call my Springfield office at 217-280-4094 or contact me online.