Employment Law Lawyers in Texas

American employment is mostly “at will” — either side can usually end the relationship — but employers cannot fire, refuse to hire, or treat workers worse because of protected characteristics, in retaliation for protected activity, or in violation of contract or statute. An employment lawyer translates a vague sense that something was wrong at work into a specific legal claim and a strategy to recover lost wages, back pay, and emotional-distress damages.

Common employment claims

• Wrongful termination in violation of public policy, contract, or anti-discrimination law
• Discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or pregnancy
• Sexual harassment and hostile work environment
• Retaliation for whistleblowing, reporting discrimination, or filing a workers comp claim
• Wage and hour violations: unpaid overtime, off-the-clock work, misclassification as exempt or independent contractor
• FMLA and ADA interference and denial of reasonable accommodation
• Severance negotiation and review
• Non-compete enforcement and defense

Where to file: EEOC, state agency, or court

Federal discrimination claims under Title VII, ADA, and ADEA require filing a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC (or equivalent state agency) within 180 to 300 days of the discriminatory act — a hard deadline. Wage claims can be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor or state labor agency, or directly in court. An employment lawyer chooses the venue that maximizes your leverage and recovery.

When to talk to an employment lawyer

• You were fired suddenly after raising a concern or taking protected leave
• You are offered severance with a release of claims
• You are subject to a non-compete that limits your next job
• You suspect you are misclassified or owed unpaid overtime
• You are experiencing harassment and HR is not responding