Employment forms the basic structure of our society, economy, and individual self-identity. There is an inherent tension between company ownership and employees. Ownership generally sees employees as a "cost of production." Employees, on the other hand, generally see employment as part of their identity, their place in a community, as well as a means of economic security. The State and the Federal Government see the employment contract as source of public revenue and means to enable public policy objectives. But the system is fragile, and it provides an opportunity for abuse by both sides.
Ownership will sometimes find ways to deny employees basic rights, benefits, or protections in its pursuit of better profits or cost savings. In some situations, physical and psychological abuse may occur, where a company's culture of active or passive discrimination is allowed to persist. For all genders, antiquated notions of individual sexual identity or traditional gender roles will often result in separate opportunities for employees. For Immigrants, employers will sometimes take advantage of an individual's lack of citizenship status to abuse and threaten them to work in dangerous conditions or for low wages.
Employees will sometimes abuse the protections provided by law, and make a frivolous claim of discrimination or harassment. They will use the protections provided by law to extort Ownership into paying financial settlements not based on actual discrimination or consequential violations. When employees abuse the laws designed to protect them, it weakens the protections for all employees by discrediting the legal process and creating a sense of distrust.
Our employment practice has been built on representing both business owners and employees. We try to give fair counsel to both and work toward practical resolutions. We know that employment is personal and the emotions involved can be as deeply felt as an argument with a spouse or family member. We don't prejudge facts and we don't assume motivations. The goal is always reconciliation, and where reconciliation is not possible, a fair settlement for all sides.