Representing DC Employees for Over 25 Years
Our Washington, DC, employment lawyers advise and defend employees in the District of Columbia. DC employment law can be complicated, and we are here to help. DC employment law issues that can arise include wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, hiring practices, workplace rights, internal investigations, severance agreements, and non-compete agreements. Hiring an experienced DC employment attorney is important to defend employee rights. We represent DC employees in several areas of employment law, including:
Wrongful Termination in DC
The District of Columbia, like most states, is an at-will employment jurisdiction. Employers and employees generally have the power to terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason. However, wrongful termination occurs when it is done for illegal reasons. While at-will employment gives employers the ability to end an employee’s employment, there are restrictions.
DC employees can challenge wrongful terminations when they are based on illegal employer conduct. Additionally, other employees covered by employment agreements are not always subject to the at-will laws. We defend DC employees in wrongful termination cases.
Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
We represent DC employees in discrimination and harassment claims in the workplace. The District of Columbia Code, Section § 2–1401.01, prohibits workplace discrimination on “race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, sealed eviction record, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, and homeless status.”
The DC Human Rights Act (DCHRA) provides employees the ability to challenge discrimination in firing, hiring, promotions, demotions, and compensation claims. Employees who believe they are victims of discrimination or retaliation can file complaints with the DC Office of Human Rights (DCOHR). DC employees can also potentially file a discrimination complaint through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you have a potential complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment, you should seek a DC employment lawyer to evaluate the best strategy for your complaint.
DC Severance Agreements
In our DC employment law practice, we represent and advise individuals in severance agreement negotiations. Thisoften involves reviewing proposed severance agreements and negotiating with an employer about compensation and other terms. When dealing with severance agreements, it is important to have a DC employment attorney represent and advise you.
DC Public Employee Defense and Grievance Representation
Our lawyers represent and defend public sector DC employees in employment matters. We frequently represent DC teachers, DC MPD police officers, DC firefighters, and other District employees. Our firm represents these employees in investigations, disciplinary matters, grievances, and hearings. We also represent these DC employees in discrimination, harassment, and whistleblower cases. Our DC employment attorneys defend District employees before the DC Office of Employee Appeals. We have also represented unions and individuals before the D.C. Public Employee Relations Board.
DC Executive Agreements
Our DC employment attorneys represent executives in working out the details of executive agreements. These types ofagreements are frequently negotiated through counsel before an executive in the District of Columbia begins work. These agreements can include favorable terms of employment and compensation, and you should have counsel to negotiate them.
DC Whistleblower Retaliation
DC law protects employees from retaliation when they report illegal activity and are punished for doing so. These activities include filing a whistleblower complaint or a formal complaint of discrimination. If an employee experiences retaliation in the workplace, a DC employment lawyer can advise whether or not a claim for retaliation can be brought. We represent DC employees in whistleblower cases. For DC public sector employees, they can be protected by the DC Whistleblower Protection Act.
DC Employment Investigations
We defend DC employees who are facing internal investigations in the workplace. This can be a difficult process for many employees. If you are facing an internal investigation at work, it is important to have your own attorney. Keep in mind that most employers that start internal investigators use law firms to investigate employees. This has a tremendous impact on any investigative findings. A negative determination in an internal investigation can result in discipline, termination, and even security clearance implications. It is important to have counsel represent you in employer internal investigations.
DC Non-Compete Agreements
Some DC employers still use non-compete agreements before hiring employees. These types of agreements used to be more common but have been curtailed by DC law. DC Law has banned non-compete agreements for individuals making less than $150,000 a year and in other circumstances. Before signing a non-compete agreement, DC employees should consult with a DC employment lawyer.
Contact our DC Employment Attorneys
DC employment law can be complicated for employees facing work-related issues. Obtaining legal advice is importantwhen employment issues arise. DC employees are encouraged to consult with a DC employment attorney when facing employment-related issues. Our office can be reached at (703) 668-0070, or we can be reached here.
