Employment Discrimination

At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, our attorneys are highly experienced in their areas of practice. If you are seeking a modification of a child support order, are considering filing a claim against your employer for wrongful termination, or planning to file a suit against a contractor who provided shoddy construction, contact our Wheaton, Illinois, lawyers to discuss your legal needs. Family Law Attorneys Our family law and divorce lawyers believe that clients educated about the divorce process make better decisions. To that end, we spend the time needed to describe what is likely to occur during the legal proceedings, the options available, and the pros and cons of each option. Our comprehensive divorce and family law practice includes helping clients facing matters such as: Divorce / Family Law Mediation / Collaborative Family Law Child Custody and Visitation Maintenance / Alimony Child Support Property Distribution Enforcement and Modification of Orders For more information about divorce and family law, visit our Family Law Practice Center or our Family Law FAQ . Employment Litigation Attorneys Our employment litigation attorneys help employees whose rights have been violated under both federal and state employment laws. Whether you have been the victim of sexual harassment, or believe that you have suffered employment discrimination because of your sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, or veteran status, our employment lawyers can help. For more information about sexual harassment.

Deena R. Merlen is a Partner at the firm. She serves clients at both our New York and Stamford offices and heads the Connecticut practice. Her practice areas include intellectual property, employment and labor law, media and entertainment, general business law, commercial transactions and dispute resolution. In her employment practice, Ms. Merlen is a trusted “go to” problem solver and counsel to individuals, established name brand companies and startups alike. She has extensive experience representing clients in matters including general counseling, discrimination actions, mediations and dispute resolution, investigations by federal or state agencies, as well as wage and hour claims and other labor law matters. She also advises on and regularly negotiates employment and separation agreements, independent contractor arrangements and other services-related arrangements. Ms. Merlen also counsels clients on employment and business matters in response to a crisis or other unexpected business impact, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business closures, including continuity plans, employee furloughs, reductions in force and other critical measures. In her intellectual property practice, Ms. Merlen helps her clients with the development, acquisition and protection of their valuable brands and other vital intellectual property assets. She manages and grows trademark portfolios in the U.S. and internationally; negotiates licensing, assignment, distribution and branding agreements; prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations; enforces intellectual property rights; and provides strategic counsel to safeguard brand platforms and expand the value of her clients’ intellectual property assets. Ms. Merlen’s media practice encompasses the development and protection of creative works in the fields of music, film, television, theatre, publishing, literary arts, performing arts, design and technology. She ran her own business in the entertainment industry for over a decade and brings that business experience and acumen to her legal practice. In addition, Ms. Merlen provides general business counsel and represents clients in company and transactional matters such as partnerships, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, the purchase or sale of businesses, and a wide range of other corporate matters, including company formation, capitalization and governance, compliance and contracts. Representative clients include technology companies, schools and other academic institutions, personal care and beauty companies, fashion and design companies, media, arts and entertainment companies, wholesalers, retailers and more. Prior to her work with RPJ, Ms. Merlen served as Law Clerk to The Honorable Roger J. Miner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, after which she joined Debevoise & Plimpton, where she practiced for over five years in the areas of corporate law and intellectual property. Ms. Merlen is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.

Deena R. Merlen is a Partner at the firm. She serves clients at both our New York and Stamford offices and heads the Connecticut practice. Her practice areas include intellectual property, employment and labor law, media and entertainment, general business law, commercial transactions and dispute resolution. In her employment practice, Ms. Merlen is a trusted “go to” problem solver and counsel to individuals, established name brand companies and startups alike. She has extensive experience representing clients in matters including general counseling, discrimination actions, mediations and dispute resolution, investigations by federal or state agencies, as well as wage and hour claims and other labor law matters. She also advises on and regularly negotiates employment and separation agreements, independent contractor arrangements and other services-related arrangements. Ms. Merlen also counsels clients on employment and business matters in response to a crisis or other unexpected business impact, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business closures, including continuity plans, employee furloughs, reductions in force and other critical measures. In her intellectual property practice, Ms. Merlen helps her clients with the development, acquisition and protection of their valuable brands and other vital intellectual property assets. She manages and grows trademark portfolios in the U.S. and internationally; negotiates licensing, assignment, distribution and branding agreements; prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations; enforces intellectual property rights; and provides strategic counsel to safeguard brand platforms and expand the value of her clients’ intellectual property assets. Ms. Merlen’s media practice encompasses the development and protection of creative works in the fields of music, film, television, theatre, publishing, literary arts, performing arts, design and technology. She ran her own business in the entertainment industry for over a decade and brings that business experience and acumen to her legal practice. In addition, Ms. Merlen provides general business counsel and represents clients in company and transactional matters such as partnerships, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, the purchase or sale of businesses, and a wide range of other corporate matters, including company formation, capitalization and governance, compliance and contracts. Representative clients include technology companies, schools and other academic institutions, personal care and beauty companies, fashion and design companies, media, arts and entertainment companies, wholesalers, retailers and more. Prior to her work with RPJ, Ms. Merlen served as Law Clerk to The Honorable Roger J. Miner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, after which she joined Debevoise & Plimpton, where she practiced for over five years in the areas of corporate law and intellectual property. Ms. Merlen is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.

Representing employees against employers in claims for wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, assault & battery; whistleblower retaliation. Handle claims of retaliation for taking disability or medical leave, workers' compensation leave or family-medical leave, or denial of such leave. Harassment and discrimination claims are often based on sex, race, national origin, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, medical condition and other protected classifications. Adverse job actions based on discrimination may include excessive and unfair criticism, removal of responsibilities, fewer hours, transfers or assignments with less opportunity or income, assignment to menial or dirty tasks, demotion, denial of promotion, or simply termination. The firm also handles claims for unpaid overtime, denial of lunch and rest breaks. We handle all aspects of litigation including trial, arbitration, mediation and settlement in all state and federal courts in California and before the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) and the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Also represent independent contractors and managers with discrimination claims against their employers. Attorney Geoffrey Lyon has over 25 years' courtroom experience. He has litigated hundreds of cases in state and federal court collectively resulting in well over $15 million in verdicts and settlements. Attorney Lyon has handled dozens of trials, including jury trials, as well as arbitrations, hundreds of court appearances and mediations, and thousands of depositions. He has argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth and Ninth Circuits and the California Court of Appeal. He was a candidate for State Assembly in 2004. Lyon is married with three children. Collectively, the firm's employee-clients have sued dozens of Fortune 500 companies in numerous industries including aerospace, entertainment, defense, broadcasting, real estate, construction, advertising, automotive, sales, service, banking, mortgage, and many other industries. Representative public entities sued by clients of the firm include the City and County of Los Angeles, school districts and numerous city, county and government agencies. Nothing herein is intended to be a prediction, guaranty or estimate regarding the outcome of your case or any particular matter.

Brooke Dana Youngwirth, Esq. represents both employees and private and public sector employers before state and federal agencies, including the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and defends private and public employers against employment harassment and discrimination, labor violations, and various other federal and state claims. Brooke also counsels individuals, school districts, police departments, and other private employers on a range of topics such as wrongful termination, student disciplinary matters, employment discrimination, and the implementation of employment policies and handbooks. Mrs. Youngwirth has held client training sessions and continuing legal education seminars on various issues including: employment discrimination and harassment prevention, institutional sexual abuse, discrimination and harassment investigations, electronic discovery and dispositive motions. Brooke‘s practice also focuses on handling a variety of other types of commercial and civil disputes including franchise, personal injury, and business litigation. Brooke‘s litigation skills allow for majority of cases to settle prior to going to court, eliminating risk and expenses. Brooke’s practical approach to matters ensures clients feel secure and confident while handling their business and personal matters.

Peter A. Romero has practiced exclusively in the area of employment law for 16 years. Mr. Romero regularly represents both employers and employees in workplace litigation, including trial and appellate practice, administrative proceedings before the Department of Labor, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and New York State Division of Human Rights. He is highly experienced in complex litigation, including collective and class action lawsuits.

Antonio Gonzalez is a seasoned litigator in the employment law field. He started his law career defending employers in employment cases such as discrimination and harassment lawsuits, as well as providing advice and counsel to employers. After defending employers for six years, Antonio opened up his own practice, Gonzalez Law. His current practice focuses exclusively on representing employees in employment-related lawsuits. Antonio received his JD from Loyola Law School, where he was an editor for the Loyola Law Review. During law school he also externed for then U.S. District Court Judge and former California Supreme Court Justice, Carlos Moreno. He received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Stanford University. Gonzalez Law is a Los Angeles area labor & employment law firm exclusively representing employees with respect to workplace matters. Since the firm’s inception, the goals and philosophy is to assist individuals and their families obtain justice. Additionally, the firm assures that companies who are engaging in unlawful conduct take corrective action and provide a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage violations, and unlawful conduct towards employees. The firm cares about its clients, providing special care to every case and treating every client with respect. Please call us for a free employment law consultation.

With over 20 years of experience, Jamison Mark knows what it takes to fight for you. He works diligently to resolve your situation, explore all legal options, and find solutions that are in the best interest of you and your loved ones. He understands that every matter is unique and each client’s needs are different; that’s why he takes the time to understand your concerns so he can effectively fight for your rights in court.

William L. Nealy, IIhas been practicing law for almost 15 years. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida A & M University in accounting in April, 1997. He began working for Parker Hannifin as an accountant in their managerial accounting program in May of 1997; however, after a year and a half, he attended law school at the University of Houston Law Center in August, 1998. He received his law degree in May of 2001. William L. Nealy, II, was licensed to practice law in Texas in November of 2001. He began practicing with Davis & Associates, also in 2001, representing Plaintiffs in employment matters, discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, age discrimination, and religious discrimination. Additionally, William L. Nealy, II represented individuals in criminal matters on the state and federal level. As an associate, he represented clients in criminal appeals in federal court, civil appeals in federal court, and litigation in various employment matters, including sexual harassment, disability discrimination, national origin discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower actions, and worker’s compensation retaliation. William L. Nealy, II also represented clients in mediations and administrative hearings in regards to for cause termination. In April of 2005, William L. Nealy, II became licensed to practice law in Louisiana, where he began working for the Thomas Law Firm. At the Thomas Law Firm, William L. Nealy, II primarily represented a major insurance company in Louisiana and various individuals in Plaintiff’s lawsuits, mostly in personal injury, auto accidents, and wrongful death. William L. Nealy, II also handled several appeals, and represented Defendants in insurance contract disputes and post trial disputes regarding accidents, and subsequent injuries. William L. Nealy, II began his private practice in 2008, which is based in Houston, Texas, and primarily services Houston, Galveston, Pearland, Sugarland, Missouri City, and the surrounding area. Additionally, William L. Nealy, II provides legal services in Louisiana. The Law Office of William L. Nealy, II can represent you, whether you live in Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, Harris County, Montgomery County, Galveston County or Ascension Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, or Orleans Parish. Call the Law Office of William L. Nealy, II and we will provide you with the unyielding fighting spirit that your lawsuit deserves!

Tracy Neal-Lopez is the founding member of the firm; she has wealth of trial and litigation experience, having taken numerous cases to judgment, including jury trials, bench trials and arbitration. She has represented many clients facing a vast array of life changing situations and she prides herself on being willing to take cases all the way to trial. Tracy represents either plaintiffs or defendants in state and federal court. She fights injustice, focusing her litigation skills primarily in employment and labor disputes. Her areas of practice include, wrongful termination, wage and hour, misclassification, whistleblower retaliation, interference with prospective economic advantage, non-compete provisions, defamation, breach of employment contract, discrimination and harassment. She also handles business and corporate litigation matters. Such as matters involving partnership disputes, corporate dissolution, breach of contract, fraud and misrepresentation, and unfair business practices. One of her primary achievements in her legal work was before the California Court of Appeals where she successfully challenged the assumption of risk doctrine in a case entitled Lackner vs. North (2006) 135 Cal. App. 4th 1188. Tracy received her law degree from Loyola Law School. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).