Employment and Civil Rights Defense

Holtsford Gilliland works with in-house counsel, human resource professionals, and claims professionals from employment practices insurance carriers in the resolution of employment and related claims. Our attorneys provide advice and representation across the spectrum of employment law including all of the following:

Discrimination and harassment- Representation before the EEOC, and federal courts. Our practice includes claims of race, sex, age, religion, and disability discrimination under Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA and applicable state statutes. We defend against allegations of all forms of sexual harassment, including quid pro quo, hostile work environment, and same-sex harassment.

Civil Rights- In addition to the civil rights statutes prohibiting discrimination and harassment in the workplace, employees may claim that company policies or practices infringed on their rights to free speech, free expression or free exercise of religion. Our employment law attorneys are well-versed in civil rights claims, including section 1983 claims lodged against government employers, and charges of retaliation for filing a discrimination or workers’ compensation claim, or retaliation for cooperating with an investigation.

Breach of contract- Where an express, implied, oral or written contract exists, the terms of that contract govern the terms of employment, including matters such as wages, hours, assignment and transfer, promotions and discipline, including termination. Our lawyers are practiced in the review and interpretation of employment agreements and their application to the facts of a given case.

Wrongful termination- Even at-will employees may allege a wrongful discharge. We help our clients determine whether a colorable claim exists and assist in settlement negotiations or litigation defense as applicable.