Minnesota Employment Lawyer

Defending Employee Rights

Have you been discriminated against or mistreated by your supervisor or your employer? Is Human Resources not responding to your complaints? Some bosses think they can get away with their illegal actions simply because they sign your paycheck, but the law is the real boss. Our passion lies in representing the underdog and making sure their rights are protected every step of the way – with us on your side, you can trust that we will work tirelessly.

Labor laws have the last word on what an employer can and can’t do, and how they should treat their workers. Your employer cannot fire you for taking time off to care for your medical needs or for your loved one. He or she cannot deny you promotion or fair pay because of your race, gender, age, or national origin. 

If you have experienced workplace discrimination, speak with your HR office first. Then have us at Capitol City Law Group step in to help. Don’t hesitate. We’re here to help. Call us today at 651-877-6784 to begin your search for justice.

We represent employees in cases of:

• Wrongful Termination
• Discrimination
• Wage & Hour Violations
• Family & Medical Leave Issues
• Interference with Employee Benefits
• Sexual Harassment
• Severance Counseling and Negotiation
• Non-Compete Agreement Counseling and Negotiation
• Retaliation
• Whistleblower Disputes

Understanding Minnesota Employment Law

For any workplace to run smoothly, there must be a robust understanding of labor and employment law. This encompasses legal rights and responsibilities that govern the employer-employee relationship, including issues such as:

• Hiring
• Termination
• Workplace safety
• Discrimination

In Minnesota, these laws play a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights of employees and ensuring fair treatment across all sectors.

With the aid of our experienced employment lawyers, individuals can understand these laws, identify potential issues, and take appropriate action. These legal professionals anticipate potential legal hurdles and provide proactive solutions to avoid costly litigation and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

The Role of an Employment Law Attorney

Our employment law attorneys:

• Equip individuals with an understanding of their legal rights concerning employment
• Represent employees
• Advocate for their rights
• Ensure fair treatment in the workplace

From counseling on employment contracts to guiding employees through wrongful termination, employment contract disputes, or discrimination claims, they provide essential legal support.

Key Legislation Impacting Minnesota Workers

Minnesota workers enjoy protection from key legislation that safeguards their rights and promotes equality in the workplace. The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) stands as a cornerstone in this regard, prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual harassment.

It offers legal recourse to those who face these issues at work, ensuring a fair and inclusive work environment for all.

Beyond the MHRA, other significant legislation includes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act. These laws mandate Minnesota employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities and protect employees who need to take leave for medical or family reasons. These legislations collectively ensure that Minnesota workplaces are not just productive, but also compassionate and inclusive.

Facing Wrongful Termination in Minnesota

Wrongful termination can be a distressing experience, leaving employees feeling not just jobless but also wronged. In Minnesota, wrongful termination refers to non-voluntary termination for an improper reason, such as retaliation or discrimination. The process for a wrongful termination claim involves the employee requesting a truthful reason for termination in writing within 15 working days, and the employer must respond within 10 working days with the reason.

Legal counsel becomes a beacon of hope in these situations, or in cases of age discrimination or other forms of wrongful termination. By challenging the legality of the termination, our attorneys can help secure justice and compensation for the affected employees.

Illegal Reasons for Dismissal

The line between an unfortunate termination and an illegal one can often seem blurred. In Minnesota, wrongful termination claims are grounded on unlawful reasons such as discrimination or retaliation. Despite operating under the ‘employment at-will’ doctrine, where an employer can terminate an employee for any reason except for an illegal one, employers are legally bound to provide a truthful reason for an employee’s termination if requested in writing within 15 working days following the dismissal.

Legal Support for Wrongful Termination Claims

When faced with wrongful termination, legal support can be a lifeline. From exploring grounds for a claim to handling lawsuits and settlement negotiations, attorneys play an instrumental role in achieving justice for wrongfully terminated employees. They provide tailored legal strategies that cater to the unique circumstances of each case, ensuring that all aspects of the wrongful termination are addressed.

The scope of potential damages recoverable in wrongful termination or discrimination lawsuits can include:

• Back pay
• Front pay
• Emotional distress
• Consequential damages
• Interest rates
• Treble damages
• Coverage for attorney fees and costs

In this pursuit of justice, employees are advised not to sign termination letters without legal consultation to preserve their ability to file legal claims, such as wrongful termination.

Battling Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination continues to be a pervasive issue that can manifest in various forms and impact employees’ morale, career progression, and overall well-being. The Minnesota Human Rights Act, alongside federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulations, prohibits discrimination and retaliation against employees. This ensures the protection of civil rights within the workplace and fosters a conducive work environment for all.

Our employment law attorneys in Minnesota play a pivotal role in battling workplace discrimination. We can:

• Identify legal issues related to discrimination
• Support employers in recognizing civil rights
• Offer assistance in asserting employee rights to fight against workplace discrimination
• Advocate against retaliatory actions post-FMLA leave
• Challenge actions such as wrongful termination, prejudices affecting career progression, and unequal treatment in the workplace.

Race and Ethnicity Discrimination

Race and ethnicity discrimination is a grave issue that undermines the principles of equality and fairness. Both the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act provide protections against discrimination based on race or ethnicity, ensuring individuals are treated fairly regardless of their race, color, or national origin.

Discrimination can appear in various forms, including:

• Differential treatment
• Dismissal
• Race-based comments
• Enforcement of policies in a racially skewed manner

It is crucial to identify and challenge such behavior.

Gender and Sexual Harassment Issues

Gender discrimination and sexual harassment are critical issues that can severely impact an individual’s professional and personal life. Sexual harassment includes actions such as:

• Inappropriate touching
• Promising job advancement in exchange for sexual favors
• Engaging in unwanted ‘x-rated’ conversations
• Making provocative gestures

These actions can occur regardless of the harasser’s or victim’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

Victims of such harassment have legal protection under Minnesota and federal law and can seek legal assistance to pursue their rights. It becomes imperative for victims to report such conduct and secure legal help if it persists.

Disability and Religious Discrimination Protections

In the realm of workplace discrimination, disability and religious discrimination also hold significant concern. Employees with disabilities in Minneapolis are safeguarded by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), which mandate that employers furnish reasonable accommodations.

Similarly, religious discrimination is outlawed in Minneapolis workplaces by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, requiring employers to reasonably accommodate employees’ religious beliefs and practices, absent undue hardship.

Wage & Hour Compliance and Violations

Wage and hour compliance and violations form another crucial aspect of employment law. Employees are entitled to fair wages for their work, and this is protected by both state and federal laws. In Minnesota, the laws regarding wages vary depending on the size of an employer. Large employers are required to comply with different wage laws compared to smaller employers.

Violations of wage laws such as minimum wage not meeting the state standards, unpaid overtime, and misclassification of employees are issues that can be legally addressed with the support of an employment lawyer. We represent clients across Minnesota, ensuring a wide-reaching support system for various employment law matters.

Ensuring Proper Compensation

Guaranteeing proper compensation is a fundamental part of upholding employee rights. Minnesota’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Law ensures that employment attorneys play a critical role in challenging wage discrimination based on sex, helping to enforce equal pay for jobs that are equivalent in skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions.

Moreover, employment attorneys utilize resources provided by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to guide both employers and employees through the state’s minimum wage laws, ensuring their proper application and compliance.

Addressing Overtime and Minimum Wage Discrepancies

Overtime and minimum wage discrepancies can significantly impact an employee’s livelihood. At Capitol City Law Group, we assist employees with claims related to non-compliance with overtime laws, ensuring that employers adhere to minimum wage requirements as per state and federal standards. Our attorneys actively litigate cases involving unpaid overtime and minimum wage discrepancies, offering legal representation to those who have been unfairly compensated.

Misclassification of employees as exempt or independent contractors can lead to the denial of entitled overtime pay and benefits, an issue we address for our clients. We also offer a free initial discussion to evaluate potential claims regarding unpaid overtime, withheld commissions, or other compensation and benefit disputes.

Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Advocacy

The Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a vital piece of legislation that supports employees during challenging times. It requires employers to provide job-protected unpaid leave for certain medical and family reasons without fear of losing their job, ensuring employees can address:

• Personal or family illness
• Military service
• Pregnancy
• Adoption
• Foster care placement

Our Minnesota employment law attorneys play a pivotal role in helping employees through FMLA regulations, ensuring they understand their rights and receive assistance with the leave request process.

At Capitol City Law Group, our attorneys are well-versed in providing comprehensive services related to FMLA leave. We can guide employees through the various FMLA leave options, such as continuous, intermittent, or reduced leave, and help determine the best fit for their specific circumstances. 

We offer robust legal support for employees who have faced unfair treatment concerning FMLA leave and work diligently to ensure that employees are reinstated to their previous or an equivalent position, with the same pay, benefits, and terms, upon their return from leave.

Interference with Employee Benefits

Interference with employee benefits is not only a serious concern for workers but can also be a form of discrimination. When an employer deliberately alters, denies, or manipulates the benefits an employee is entitled to, based on discriminatory factors such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion, it violates both state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, leave, and other employment perks are critical components of an employee’s compensation package. Any adverse actions affecting these benefits might constitute discrimination if they are not applied uniformly and are instead based on prejudiced motives.

For example, if an employer provides a lower level of health insurance coverage to employees of a certain nationality, or if they deny parental leave only to male employees, these actions could be discriminatory. Similarly, adjusting the terms of a retirement plan to the disadvantage of older employees, or failing to accommodate the religious practices of an employee by not granting necessary religious holidays, can also be seen as discriminatory interference.

Severance, Non-Competes, and Executive Agreements

Severance packages, non-compete agreements, and executive agreements form a significant part of employment agreements in the landscape.

Severance packages are typically provided following retirement, layoff, or termination and may be pre-determined in employment contracts. They often include components such as:

• Continued salary
• Payment for unused vacation time
• Insurance benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Stock options

Our employment attorneys can play a crucial role in:

• Evaluating the adequacy of severance packages
• Advocating for improved terms on behalf of the employee
• Ensuring that the terms of these agreements are fair and in the best interest of the employees
• Aiding in their transition to new opportunities.

Negotiating Fair Severance Packages

Negotiating a fair severance package can be a challenging task for employees. Employment lawyers in Saint Paul can help employees in the following ways:

• Establish entitlement to severance
• Assess whether severance offers are adequate
• Negotiate severance terms that provide a better financial bridge for employees until they secure their next employment, especially if the initial offer is found to be unreasonable.

Counseling on Non-Compete and Employment Contracts

Non-compete and employment contracts can often involve complex legal terms that may be hard for employees to understand. Our Minnesota attorneys assess the validity and enforceability of non-compete agreements considering factors like geographic limitations, duration, and scope of prohibited activities.

In instances where non-compete agreements may be too broad or not legally enforceable, our employment lawyers can advocate for changes that align with the professional interests of employees.

Employer Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection

Retaliation in the workplace can have devastating effects on an employee’s career and mental health. The Minnesota Whistleblower Act prohibits retaliation against employees who report violations, participate in investigations or hearings, or refuse to obey unlawful orders. Employment law attorneys in Minnesota protect employees from punitive actions like termination and demotion when they assert their rights under the law.

The Minnesota Whistleblower Act bolsters these protections, prohibiting employers from:

• Terminating employees for reporting illegal actions
• Disciplining employees for reporting illegal actions
• Intimidating employees for reporting illegal actions
• Terminating employees for refusing to partake in illegal actions

The legal landscape can often seem intimidating for employees who wish to report illegal conduct. However, by providing legal guidance, Minnesota employment law attorneys set up employees reporting illegal conduct to be protected under the law, helping to minimize negative reactions. Let us be your advocate. At Capitol City Law Group, we want to help.

Understanding Retaliation Laws

Understanding retaliation laws is vital for employees to protect their rights. Both Minnesota state and federal laws provide protections for employees from sexual harassment and retaliation, including legal remedies for victims who have faced wrongful termination as a consequence of reporting harassment. Retaliation methods can vary widely, ranging from creating an unsafe work environment to the denial of promotions, benefits, or bonuses.

Strong legal counsel is crucial for whistleblowers to prevent blowback and ensure protection when exposing non-compliance.

Safeguarding Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the workplace. They receive protection under federal laws such as the Whistleblower Protection Act.

Under the Minnesota False Claims Act, whistleblowers can file qui tam lawsuits and may be rewarded with a percentage of financial recovery, besides legal extended protections in healthcare standard reporting.

Protect Your Employee Right with Capitol City Law Group 

At Capitol City Law Group, we believe that your job is more than a paycheck – it is a source of your pride and dignity. We understand that you may be afraid of retaliation or you may even be worried about how your boss will react.

Our Minnesota employment attorneys are ready to protect you and to make sure that your employer does not trample all over your rights. We are known as fierce workers’ rights advocates, and we work hard to deliver progressive solutions that benefit our clients and workplaces all across the state of Minnesota. We regularly represent plaintiffs who have experienced a violation of their workplace legal rights. Whether in state, federal or appeals court, we are ready to be your legal advocate from start to finish.

We offer all potential clients a free case evaluation. During this half-hour discussion, we can review the facts related to your case and provide our honest opinion of your case and what you can expect from our representation. We also educate you on your rights and what is at stake here. If you have any written evidence or support of your claims, we encourage you to bring this to our office. Don’t wait — call us today at 651-877-6784.