Employment law is an extremely complex area of the law as both federal and state laws are often involved at once, as well as industry specific regulations and internal administrative procedures.
Some attorneys avoid working as a Houston employment attorney because the practice touches on so many different aspects of the law. Our attorneys are experienced and have a history of success in managing employment law cases. All entities—large and small—must comply with an ever-expanding number of employment laws. Because of this, when employers encounter problematic situations with employees they will require the help of a Houston employment attorney.
Feldman & Feldman focuses on providing employers with legal guidance regarding a variety of employment-related issues. We work with public and private businesses of all sizes to help prevent Houston employment litigation down the road, and also represent employers if and when legal disputes do arise. Our experienced Houston employment litigation lawyers frequently train managers and supervisors on the nuances and regulations of employment law and policy. In addition to on-site training, our legal team also has extensive experience successfully representing companies and organizations in legal employment matters.
One of our founding partners, David Feldman, has been Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for over 35 years, which gives him a depth of knowledge and experience other lawyers and law firms just can’t match. Less than 10 percent of Texas lawyers qualify for board certification, much less pass the arduous process to obtain the distinction.
Preventing Employment Litigation
Employment disputes can be lengthy and expensive, so employers of all sizes can greatly benefit from litigation avoidance training by experienced employment litigation attorneys. At Feldman & Feldman, our lawyers will explain proper procedures designed to protect your business from facing litigation in the future. Our preventative employment law training can include proper procedures for handling:
- Hiring, Firing, and Disciplining Employees
- Executive Employment
- Wage and Hour Laws
- Federal and State Leave Laws
- Day-to-Day Counseling for Supervisors and Management
Employment Law: Representing Employers
If employers and management do not work to prevent employment-related disputes, it is only a matter of time until a dispute will arise. At Feldman & Feldman, we work closely with our clients to understand the exact circumstances surrounding the dispute so we can resolve employment cases successfully. We understand the best resolution for our clients isn’t always in the courtroom, so we work to resolve employment law issues through negotiations and arbitration when these methods best serve our clients. We can help handle employment disputes regarding:
- Wage and Hour Violations
- Civil Rights Violations
- EEOC Violations
- Wrongful Termination
- Discrimination and Harassment
Employment Law: Representing Employees
As an employee, you are bound by the terms and conditions in your employment agreement, as well as state and federal laws. Your employer is also obligated to follow rules and regulations, and must provide you the legal protections to which you are entitled. When situations arise and you believe your rights as an employee are being violated, take action with the help of an experienced Houston employment attorney.
Our Houston employment lawyers also fight on behalf of employees needing help with matters ranging from racial discrimination to Fair Labor Standards Act violations. We also handle retaliation matters and severance agreements. People come to us seeking an employment attorney in Houston to help with a broad range of issues, including cases involving sexual harassment. We are proud to offer experienced representation in employment law. Our attorneys advocate effectively for employees facing difficult issues in the workplace, including for claims involving:
- Employment Discrimination
- Wrongful Termination
- Wage and Hour Disputes
- Unpaid Overtime Claims
- Sexual Harassment
- Whistleblower Actions
- Executive Representation
Our lawyers are happy to consult with you regarding your rights and legal options. We normally take our employee-focused employment cases on a contingent fee basis. This means if you do not recover financially for your claim, our lawyers are owed nothing in fees.
In addition to helping you succeed in litigation, our employment lawyers can help individuals negotiate the terms of their employment agreements, including executive compensation agreements, non-compete clauses, and severance packages. Many times, the employee has more power to negotiate than they think. We assist you in getting the best deal possible from your employer.
Why Feldman & Feldman?
You do not hire the Houston employment lawyers of Feldman & Feldman because you want a plaintiff-focused attorney or a lawyer who only defends businesses. You hire us because you want a successful employment attorney in Houston to personally handle your case. Our team is here to help you with whatever employment issues you are facing. We support employees by giving them a powerful voice to advocate for fair working conditions. We also help employers defend themselves against unjust accusations.
Employment disputes can have a devastating effect on an organization’s reputation. Whether you are interested in preventing disputes or are currently faced with an employment law issue, the employment lawyers at Feldman & Feldman can go to work for you to protect your best interests. Don’t wait for the worst to happen before you contact us to schedule a consultation.
FAQs: Employment Law
On what grounds can I sue my employer?
There are many different reasons you may need to sue your employer. You can sue for wrongful termination if you feel you’ve been fired for invalid reasons. You can sue your employer for wages you believe you have earned and haven’t been paid. If your employer mistreated you or otherwise violated your legal rights, contact us to discuss your potential claims.
I think I’ve been discriminated against. How do I know for sure?
It can be difficult to determine if employment discrimination is taking place or has taken place. It is illegal for your employer to discriminate against you on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and/or other specifically enumerated characteristics. Discrimination lawsuits can be complex, so contact us to set up a free consultation to discuss your situation.
What does it mean to be an “at-will” employment state?
Some states follow the legal doctrine of “at-will” employment, which allows an employer to fire an employee at any time for any reason as long as the reason is not illegal. Illegal reasons for termination include racial discrimination or retaliation. Texas is an at-will employment state, so let us handle the complexity of your case if you think you’ve been wrongfully terminated.
I’m pregnant. What are my rights for maternity leave?
If you are pregnant, you don’t automatically have a legal right to maternity leave. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), if your employer employs at least 50 people, they must allow you to return to your job after 12 weeks. You are not necessarily entitled to any maternity leave pay, but your position should be secured while you are at home taking care of your baby.
What do I do if I’ve been sexually harassed at work?
If you’ve been sexually harassed in the workplace or on the job, you should report it to the proper personnel, typically a human resources department. If you feel the situation is not handled properly or that you do have have a safe person to whom you can voice your concerns, contact us to discuss your concerns at no cost.
Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment?
If you report a situation of sexual harassment, it is considered retaliation for your employer to fire you because you reported it, which is illegal. Being fired in retaliation for lodging a sexual harassment complaint internally is ground for filing a civil lawsuit.
Do you represent employers who are being sued by employees?
We handle legal work on all sides of the employment law context, such as when employers are sued by employees. We represent employers in internal investigations, civil lawsuits, and we provide educational opportunities to help employers avoid workplace disputes through comprehensive procedures and protocols.
Are employers required to pay all employees at least minimum wage?
In most cases, employers in Texas are required to pay minimum wage or higher to all employees; but there are a few exceptions. If you are being denied the wages you’ve earned and deserve to be paid, contact us to discuss your rights.
What is the law regarding overtime pay?
Some employees qualify to receive overtime pay and others do not. It depends on a few factors, such as your employee classification and whether or not you are paid by the hour or if you receive an annual salary. If you think you’ve been wrongfully denied overtime pay, contact us.