Sterling, Virginia Employment Law Attorneys

Trusted Employment Lawyers for Clients in Sterling

Protecting your rights in the workplace is not easy. Not all violations of your rights as an employee are open and obvious, and sometimes, employers will deny that anything illegal has taken place. Whether you have experienced wage theft, retaliation, or another breach of your rights, consider reaching out to a Sterling, VA employment lawyer who can advise you of how to respond.

At Freedman Law, LLC, we are equipped to represent both employees and employers in legal disputes. Attorney Lindsay Freedman has a deep understanding of the rights and protections afforded to employees, so you can trust him to review your case from all angles and pursue the best possible outcome.

Retaliation in the Workplace

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for asserting a legal right or participating in a protected activity. In Sterling, Virginia, retaliation may include demotion, reduction in hours, negative performance reviews, pay cuts, denial of promotion, or termination. Federal and state laws prohibit retaliation when an employee files a wage claim, reports discrimination or harassment, participates in an investigation, or requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To succeed in a retaliation claim, you must show that you engaged in protected activity and that your employer took adverse action because of it. Evidence can include emails, performance evaluations before and after the protected activity, witness testimony, and timing that suggests a causal link.

If you believe you have been retaliated against, you should document each incident and file a charge within 180 days with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Virginia Division of Human Rights. An experienced employment attorney in Sterling can help you gather evidence, draft compelling pleadings, and represent you in administrative proceedings or court to recover lost wages, reinstatement, and other damages.

Documenting and Reporting Wage and Hour Violations in Sterling

Wage and hour violations occur when an employer fails to pay minimum wage, overtime, final wages, or makes unauthorized deductions. Sterling employees should keep meticulous records of hours worked, break times, pay stubs, and any written policies or memos related to compensation. Smartphone apps, handwritten logs, and copies of work schedules can bolster your claim if official records are inaccurate or incomplete.

Under the Virginia Payment of Wage Law, you must file a complaint with the Department of Labor and Industry within three years of the violation. The department may investigate and order your employer to pay withheld wages, liquidated damages equal to twice the unpaid amount, and reasonable attorney's fees. If administrative remedies prove insufficient, you can file a civil lawsuit in Loudoun County Circuit Court to seek back pay, damages, and injunctive relief against ongoing violations.

An attorney can help you prepare your complaint, preserve crucial evidence, and communicate with the department on your behalf. They can also negotiate with your employer for a voluntary resolution, helping you avoid the time and expense of trial.

Filing a Claim for Racial Discrimination

Racial discrimination claims arise under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Virginia Human Rights Act, both of which prohibit adverse treatment based on race or color. Discrimination may occur in hiring, promotions, compensation, job assignments, training, benefits, or termination. Sterling employees who believe they have been subjected to racial bias—such as being passed over for promotion in favor of less qualified candidates, receiving harsher discipline, or enduring racial slurs—have the right to file a charge.

Before suing, you generally must file an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Virginia Division of Human Rights within 180 days of the discriminatory act. The agency will investigate, attempt conciliation, and issue a Notice of Right to Sue if no agreement is reached. Once you receive that notice, you have 90 days to file a lawsuit in federal or state court.

During this process, it is essential to collect performance reviews, emails, policies, and witness statements that demonstrate disparate treatment compared to similarly situated employees of different races. A Sterling employment law attorney will help you prepare your administrative charge, guide you through mediation or conciliation efforts, and advocate for damages such as back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and injunctive relief to prevent future discrimination.