Employment Discrimination

Richard Neuworth has been handling personal injury and employment and employee benefit litigation for 35 years. He has extensive experience in employee benefit, discrimination, harassment, personal injury, workers compensation and Social Security disability cases, successfully representing individuals and groups of employees in significant employment disputes. An “AV Preeminent-Rated” attorney, he is listed in “Best Lawyers in America” in Labor and Employment Law in 2010. He is listed in “Super Lawyers,” as well, in Employee Benefits. A graduate of the George Washington University and the University of Baltimore Law School, Richard is general counsel to employee organizations and associations. He is a member of the American Bar Association – Labor and Employment Section, Maryland State Bar Association Labor and Employment Section – Section Council since 2006, Maryland State Bar Association – Elder Law Council in 2010, Maryland Association of Justice, Baltimore City Bar Association and National Employment Lawyers Association. He has been the editor in chief of the “Trial Reporter” of the Maryland Association for Justice since 2006. Richard has presented on the subject of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and Americans for Disabilities Act of 1990 to the Maryland State Bar Association Convention in June 2006 and June 2010. He moderated a program on the new Maryland False Claims Act and federal False Claims Act in June 2015. He presented on both the Maryland False Claims Act and federal False Claims Act in April 2015 for Employment Law Institute. Richard has lectured on disability benefits and employment issues to diverse groups such as the National MS Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Lupus Foundation. He has also lectured on the subject of Social Security disability and Maryland Workers Compensation law to those groups, the National Business Institute and the Maryland State Bar Association in September 2010. He has been an adjunct lecturer on both employment law and Social Security disability as part of the Elder Law course at the University of Maryland Law School from 2005 to the present. Richard’s publications include course materials sponsored by the Maryland Institute of Continuing Professional Legal Education for Lawyers (MICPEL) on the subjects of Employment Law and Social Security Disability. His materials on ERISA and Medicare liens were also part of programs sponsored by the Maryland Association of Justice. He has published articles in the Maryland State Bar Association, “Trial Magazine” and the “Trial Reporter’ of the Maryland Association of Justice on topics that include the Medicare Secondary Payer Act and the Private Cause of Action, Employee Termination under the False Claims Act, ERISA Liens and Personal Injury Actions, Medicare, Medicare Secondary Payer Act and Private Cause of Actions, Sexual Harassment, ERISA and Personal Injury Actions.

Mary Ann E. Rousseau is a practicing lawyer in the state of Massachusetts. She has significant experience in the area of employment discrimination before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, EEOC, Superior and Federal Courts. While primarily a plaintiff's lawyer fighting for the rights of employees for the past 30 years, her prior experience in a Boston law firm representing employers gives her the edge to know what the employers will be arguing in all kinds of discrimination cases based on sex, age, disability, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sexual harassment. She cares about her clients and will always return phone calls. In addition to employment, she has also concentrated in the area of divorce and family law which includes custody, child support, visitation, alimony issues. Her compassionate representation and reasonable fees have helped hundreds of people through this traumatic experience. Lastly for the past 30 years, she has been handling personal injury cases including car accidents, slip and falls, head trauma, etc. These have resulted in many settlements, but she also has significant trial experience, including numerous jury trials in Superior and District Courts as well as administrative agencies and arbitration.

Matthew J. Fogelman is a founding partner of Fogelman Law LLC. Mr. Fogelman’s litigation practice is focused on employment law and personal injury cases. He is an experienced trial lawyer, having won a number of significant cases on behalf of plaintiffs, including prevailing before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in a ground-breaking disability discrimination case involving an employee’s right to use medical marijuana off-site. Mr. Fogelman also reached a settlement in a catastrophic personal injury case for $11.5 million, one of the largest settlement in Massachusetts in 2024. Mr. Fogelman has also prevailed on a race and gender discrimination case in Middlesex County for $2.5 million, and on an age discrimination case in Norfolk County, securing a $1.2 million verdict at trial for his client. The firm also recently settled a wrongful death / dram shop case for $2.2 million at mediation. For his work on the Barbuto medical marijuana employment case, Mr. Fogelman was named one of the “Lawyers of the Year” for 2017 by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly; he also received the award for most outstanding 2017 “Professional Achievement” of any member by USA500, a prominent networking group of lawyers and other professionals, out of 650 members. For eight consecutive years (2018-2025), Mr. Fogelman has been selected as a “Top 100 Super Lawyer” for both Massachusetts and New England, a distinction received by only 100 lawyers out of nearly 44,000 lawyers in Mass. and nearly 80,000 in New England. In the employment arena, Mr. Fogelman has litigated cases ranging from Wage Act and overtime cases to discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation matters. He has significant experience advising employees on non-compete and severance agreements. In the personal injury realm, Mr. Fogelman has extensive experience litigating complex personal injury cases and emotionally-charged cases, including allegations of sexual abuse and wrongful death, as well as car collisions, slip-and-falls, and dog bites, among many others. Mr. Fogelman is the current Vice President of the prestigious Massachusetts Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA), the leading plaintiffs’ lawyer group in the state. He will serve as President starting in the summer of 2026.

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.

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.