INDIVIDUALS CALL US BECAUSE
L & N is comprised of lawyers whom only represent individuals and employees. We do not represent companies or unions. We provide advice to our clients on all employment related matters and benefit issues. We negotiate on behalf of clients, counsel clients and represent clients in court, mediations and arbitrations.
Individuals frequently seek our services to champion their legal protections and rights.
Employment Advice & Counsel
Employees often call us when they are experiencing problems on the job, filing complaints, facing discipline or required to respond to employers' demands for information. We meet with our clients, assess their matter, apprise them of their legal rights and obligations, and suggest courses of action.
Executive Employment Contracts and Restrictive Covenants:
As part of our employment practice we oftentimes negotiate employment contracts for our clients. We do this directly with employers as well as "behind the scenes" with our individual clients.
We are well-versed in reviewing and evaluating non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants. These matters are frequently time-sensitive and critical to a client's decision to accept or reject possible employment.
Negotiating Separation Agreements/Packages:
We frequently negotiate separation agreements for employees who have been terminated, asked to resign or are about to be terminated. We fully understand the importance of our clients' needs at this often-difficult time.
Leave issues:
We provide advice and counsel to our clients on leave issues and short term and long-term disability benefits, if applicable, to employees on leave. There often are questions concerning the length, timing and entitlement to a leave of absence. There also are questions concerning retaliation for an employee having exercised a right to a leave. Leave questions include:
- family medical leave
- disability leave benefits
- disability discrimination issues
Click here for more information on the Family Medical Leave Act.
Discrimination & Harassment & Retaliation Claims:
We are very experienced in representing individuals in employment discrimination and harassment claims, based on gender, race, age, national origin, color, disability, religion, sexual preference/orientation and physical appearance.
It is not uncommon for employees to be retaliated against for complaining about discrimination and harassment. We can prevail on these types of claims even if the underlying discrimination or harassment claim is not successful.
Termination Issues:
We represent employees who have been wrongfully terminated, and sue those who wrongfully terminate them.
Defense Against Employer or Employee Claims:
Sometimes, an employee is sued, either by an employer or another worker. For example, claims can arise over purported breaches of confidentiality or non-compete agreements. We defend our individual clients vigorously.
Compensation & Wage-Hour Issues
Employees retain us when they are owed wages, commissions, bonuses, etc. Click here for information on compensation collection claims. Maryland as well as several other states allow for penalties, attorney fees and costs to be assessed against an offending employer.
We have represented hundreds of employees in claims for overtime wages. We assess whether employees who work over eight hours a day or over forty hours a week are entitled to overtime pay. Employers often misclassify employees. Exempt status is not determined by whether an employee is called "exempt" or is paid on a salary basis, but by the duties performed. Click here for more information about overtime pay claims and an overtime checklist.
Disability Benefits
We represent individuals in connection with claims for disability benefits from private insurance policies, employer-sponsored plans and government agencies. We work closely with medical professionals and vocational rehabilitation specialists. We have earned a stellar reputation as a law firm representing individuals in this area. We have never represented an insurance company. Click here for more information on our disability benefit practice.
Employee Benefit Plan Issues
Employee benefit plan litigation is an important part of our practice. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act is the federal law that governs many employee benefit plans such as health insurance, pension and retirement, and disability insurance plans. Other applicable statutes include those commonly known as COBRA and HIPPA.
We represent clients in ERISA related claims, at all stages - the initial claim, the appeal and in litigation. Click here for more information on ERISA and an ERISA claims checklist.
Government Employees
Federal, state and local employees may have additional employment protections. We represent public sector employees in a wide-range of matters.
Health Care Professionals
We frequently represent health care professionals in employment matters and licensure/credentialing issues. We have achieved positive results in the most serious and sensitive situations.