Employee Rights

For over 25 years, Andrea has developed a comprehensive understanding of employment law by representing both employers and employees at various stages of her career, enabling her to navigate the legal landscape from multiple perspectives. Her broad experience defending employers—particularly in her current practice at Moss Byrnes PLLC and prior roles with management has given her deep insight into employer strategies, risk assessment, and decision-making processes in litigation, investigations, and compliance matters. This distinctive background makes her particularly well-suited to represent employees facing workplace legal issues, as she anticipates and counters employer defenses effectively while advocating vigorously for individual rights. Andrea handles all phases of litigation in state and federal courts, as well as proceedings before administrative agencies such as the EEOC, New York State Division of Human Rights, and other bodies. She has defended and prosecuted claims arising under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and equivalent state laws, the New York State Human Rights Law, and wage and hour statutes. Andrea advises clients on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, best practices for risk minimization, employee discipline, and sensitive terminations. She counsels on a wide range of issues, including employee classifications, overtime, and restrictive covenants. Her practice includes drafting and reviewing employment contracts, severance agreements, offer letters, non-compete and other restrictive covenants, employee handbooks, and personnel policies. Andrea frequently conducts independent workplace investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, and misconduct, and provides comprehensive training programs, including management-level and employee anti-harassment seminars. With extensive trial experience, including serving as lead counsel in dozens of federal and state trials and administrative hearings, Andrea incorporates alternative dispute resolution methods where aligned with client objectives to achieve efficient and favorable outcomes. Representative Matters include the following: · Resolved hundreds of employment disputes through arbitration and mediation, encompassing claims of discrimination based on age, race, religion, national origin, disability, and sexual orientation; sexual harassment; hostile work environment; wrongful termination; and retaliation. · Arbitrated and mediated high-stakes disputes concerning non-compete agreements and executive compensation packages. · Successfully resolved an employment dispute centered on a multi-million-dollar intellectual property issue. · Mediated and resolved claims of gender and religious discrimination on behalf of an employee at a nationally recognized marketing firm. · Successfully defended an employer against a multi-million-dollar wage and hour class action. · Secured six-figure settlement for employees who were improperly compensated for their work. · Negotiated numerous severance packages and separation agreements for executives and employees. · Produced workplace handbooks for employers across multiple jurisdictions. Andrea graduated from U-Mass Amherst summa cum laude and the University of Virginia Law School.

Since 2005, Chris Houk has been a dedicated advocate for the rights of Arizona’s workers, managers, and employers. From representing clients in small-town discrimination cases to arguing before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Chris has tirelessly worked to ensure that everyone is treated with the fairness, dignity, and respect they deserve. Chris’s extensive experience includes serving in the Civil Rights Division of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These roles have given him a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that govern employment in Arizona. In addition to his legal practice, Chris is an adjunct professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. He also serves as an officer of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Section, and is a Fellow with the American Bar Foundation. Outside of work, Chris is actively involved in the Arizona and Metro Phoenix communities, where he and his wife are raising their three children.

Our firm has been fighting for the rights of the injured and disabled of Colorado since 1977. Tom Bulger has been a member of the firm (then known as Silvern Law Offices, PC) 1996 when he moved to Colorado here from Philadelphia, where he had worked for a large personal injury law firm. He is a graduate of Canisius College (honors in History, and International Affairs) and Rutgers University School of Law (1993). He has worked as a clerk for a United States District Court Judge and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in its criminal and Organized Crime Divisions. He has been successful as sole trial counsel and also before appellate courts. His record in jury trial includes verdicts for our clients of $640,000.00 (motorcycle accident), $160,000.00 (auto accident); and over $500,000 (slip and fall on ice in the mountains). Recently his appellate advocacy on appeal preserved a $470,000.00 judgment that he had won in Adams County in a slip and fall case. He has also obtained millions of dollars in quiet, confidential settlement for our clients, and has received a rating of 4.4 of 5 from the Martindale-Hubble peer review process (Distinguished) and 4.8 of 5 (Preeminent) based on client surveys. Tom has handled cases all over Colorado, from trials in the Denver Metro area (Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Boulder, Lakewood, Littleton, Thorton and Broomfield) to the mountains. He is currently the managing member of the firm. In addition to his background in personal injury law, he has developed a strong employee benefit practice which focuses on long term disability, short term disability, medical (and other insurance benefits), and ERISA cases (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974). He has helped hundreds of Colorado workers obtain needed insurance benefits.

Carmen Jo Rejda-Ponce (“CJ”) is a Principal in Germer’s Houston office, but her practice takes her all across Texas. She regularly counsels and defends both private and public sector clients on matters involving employment issues and civil (constitutional) rights. She handles matters from the pre-claim and pre-suit stage, through litigation, and through appeal. She is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. CJ focuses on a broad range of labor and employment litigation, including, discrimination, harassment, hostile work environment, retaliation, disability accommodation, workers’ compensation retaliation, on-the-job injuries, and wage and hour issues. She has represented private and public sector clients in employment-related disputes before federal and state courts, federal and state administrative agencies, and arbitrators. CJ counsels private and public sector employers on labor and employment concerns, including, addressing medical leave, developing and revising workplace policies and procedures, investigating and addressing employee complaints, conducting employee disciplines and terminations, drafting employment, separation, and other agreements, and determining proactive solutions to workplace problems while avoiding litigation. CJ also defends public sector clients —including counties, cities, and law enforcement officers— in a variety of civil rights matters, including defense of first amendment retaliation, excessive force, wrongful arrest, inmate medical care, and jail death matters. Many of these civil rights matters involve qualified immunity issues for law enforcement officers. Through her civil rights defense work, CJ has gained appellate experience. She has handled multiple federal and state appeals. She has successfully argued for her clients twice before the Fifth Circuit, and is looking forward to more opportunities. CJ also has experience with personal injury litigation, including on-the job-injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and negligence claims against public entities. CJ’s private practice experience includes Baker Botts LLP and Reed Smith LLP. CJ also previously served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Houston in Labor, Employment, and Civil Rights Division. She was also a registered lobbyist during the 2013 Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

Niran Grimberg, Esq., is a dedicated attorney with a formidable reputation in defending employee rights. He excels in handling a wide array of employment-related disputes, expertly representing plaintiffs in instances of wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, retaliation (in violation of California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, Title VII, and more), and whistleblower retaliation claims. Mr. Grimberg's unwavering commitment to equality and justice in the workplace truly sets him apart. As a tenacious advocate for employee rights, Mr. Grimberg brings a tireless pursuit of justice to every case. Each lawsuit he champions is a stride towards a more equitable society, challenging and transforming discriminatory practices within workplaces. Choosing to work with Mr. Grimberg means gaining more than legal representation - it means securing a passionate ally in the fight for workplace justice and equality. His profound dedication to these principles has earned him broad recognition in the field of employment law, steadfastly protecting and upholding the rights and dignity of workers.

The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. is committed to ensuring governmental employees are afforded proper representation in employment arbitration and employment mediation. As federal employees, you may encounter various types of adverse actions, disputes, and grievances. Having an experienced lawyer from our firm to represent you during these proceedings can ensure your rights are protected. Are you a federal employee requiring employment arbitration or mediation? Please call The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. at 972-726-7400 to arrange your free case evaluation. We are committed to standing up for the rights of federal employees. Arbitrations often involve labor unions and labor union grievances. But we represent all employees at all pay grades in arbitration. As experienced former federal lawyers, we understand what it takes to successfully represent your interests in employment arbitration. Our firm has a high success rate in mediation. Mediation is considered a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that is less adversarial than litigation and oftentimes administrative proceedings. We believe we are successful in mediation because of our creativity, our negotiation skills, and our strong belief in our clients. We represent federal employees in various arenas of mediation including EEOC, MSPB, Office of Special Counsel, OWCP, and in several administrative forums. If you are a federal employee concerned about any adverse, retaliatory, or disciplinary actions against you, please contact our firm to learn how we can help.

Mr. Melehy began his legal career in 1987 as a judicial law clerk to Maryland Court of Appeals Judge William H. Adkins II, followed by eight years as an Assistant Attorney General with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. During that time, he developed significant courtroom experience and became a seasoned trial lawyer. Since 1997, Mr. Melehy has focused on advocating for employees in disputes involving wage violations, discrimination, and other workplace injustices, representing clients across both the private sector and federal government. He has secured numerous favorable verdicts, judgments, and settlements, many of which have resulted in lasting changes to employment law. Mr. Melehy holds an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell — the highest available — reflecting his legal ability and ethical standards. He is admitted to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia and has served in leadership roles with several employment rights and civil justice organizations, including MWELA and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. If you're facing an issue with your employer and need strong legal representation, contact Melehy & Associates LLC today at 301-587-6364 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Carmel J. Decker is a Partner with Harwood Lloyd, practicing in its Insurance Defense Litigation and Commercial Litigation Departments. Ms. Decker concentrates her practice in employment law, civil rights violations, construction law, corporate and contract law and insurance law. Ms. Decker’s employment law practice includes complex litigation in state and federal courts involving wrongful termination, sexual harassment/hostile work environment, discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, corporate and business law, common-law claims, ERISA, CEPA, the New Jersey Law against Discrimination, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, hiring practices, restrictive covenants, employee handbooks and workplace torts. Ms. Decker represents companies, public entities and public employees in matters involving civil rights violations, negligence and police conduct. Ms. Decker also handles matters involving directors’ and officers’ liability, particularly employment and civil rights disputes. Ms. Decker lectures on employment matters including sexual harassment/hostile work environment discrimination, hiring practices and litigation of employment issues. Ms. Decker drafts employee handbooks, counsels clients on risk management and regulatory compliance and provides preventive counseling to employers on employment issues. Ms. Decker also appears in matters before the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Ms. Decker’s construction law practice includes complex multi-party litigation involving claims of construction defect, professional liability of architects and engineers and construction site accidents. As part of her construction defect practice, Ms. Decker handles matters involving claims of deficiencies in construction and design, latent construction defects, building code violations, breach of contract and insurance. Ms. Decker’s construction law practice encompasses matters arising on public, private, commercial and residential projects. Ms. Decker received her B.S., cum laude, in Business Administration from Montclair State College in 1978 and her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1981. Ms. Decker is admitted to practice before the courts of the State of New Jersey (1982), the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (1982) and the courts of the State of New York (1989). Ms. Decker is a member of the Federal Bar Association, the Bergen County Bar Association and the Professional Liability Underwriting Society.

The Law Offices of Jennifer Tell offers legal counsel to business owners, ultra-high net-worth individuals, and family offices. Our services include serving as outside general counsel, advising on a range of corporate and financial matters, as well as business litigation strategy.

Susan Hutchison is a Fort Worth employment law and personal injury attorney who has been practicing law for over 25 years. Susan's practice areas include employment law for employees, personal injury, wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment and more. She is a member of several professional associations, including the American Bar Association, Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association, Tarrant County Civil Trial Lawyers Association, and Tarrant County Women's Bar Association. Susan has also been honored with numerous awards, including being named a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, Top Car Accident Attorney by Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb, Fort Worth Top Attorney by Fort Worth Texas Magazine, and Recipient of the Disability Rights of Texas Award. To schedule your free case evaluation with a Fort Worth Employment Law Attorney, visit online or call 817-336-5533.