Employment Law
Your job is your livelihood, and the law protects your right to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and your right to be paid what you earned. When an employer breaks those rules, the damage can follow you for years, from lost income to a stalled career. The employment lawyers in Highly Rated Lawyers represent workers who are ready to stand up for their rights.
Employment Lawyers Workers Recommend
Employees taking on an employer need a lawyer who takes their story seriously and has the skill to hold a company accountable. Highly Rated Lawyers features employment attorneys with reputations built on that kind of advocacy, supported by consistent client feedback, sound professional standing, and focused experience in workplace law.
Workplace Claims Our Attorneys Handle
The employment lawyers in our directory represent workers in wrongful termination claims, discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, national origin, and other protected characteristics, sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims, and retaliation against employees who report misconduct or exercise their rights. They pursue unpaid wages and overtime, misclassification of employees as independent contractors, family and medical leave violations, and whistleblower claims, and they review severance agreements and noncompete provisions before you sign.
At Will Employment and Its Limits
Most employment in the United States is at will, which means an employer can generally end the relationship for many reasons or no reason at all. That freedom has important limits. An employer cannot fire you for a discriminatory reason, in retaliation for complaining about harassment or illegal conduct, for taking protected leave, or in violation of a contract. An experienced employment attorney can look past the stated reason for a termination and determine whether the law was broken.
Highly Rated Employment Law Firms
Choosing an Employment Lawyer
Look for an attorney who represents employees rather than employers, and ask about experience with your type of claim, how fees work, and what deadlines apply. Bring documents such as offer letters, performance reviews, emails, and pay records to your consultation so the attorney can give you a clear assessment.
Employment Law FAQs
Is there a deadline to file a discrimination claim?
Yes. Many federal discrimination claims require a charge with the EEOC within 180 days, extended to 300 days in states with their own fair employment agency. State law claims can have different deadlines, so act quickly.
Can my employer fire me for complaining about harassment?
No. Retaliating against an employee for reporting harassment or discrimination is illegal, and retaliation claims are among the most common successful employment claims.
Should I sign a severance agreement?
Have an employment attorney review it first. Severance agreements usually require you to give up legal claims, and an attorney can tell you whether the offer is fair or negotiable.
How much does an employment lawyer cost?
Many employee side employment lawyers work on contingency for discrimination, harassment, and wage claims. Others charge hourly or flat fees for services such as severance reviews.