Employment Law

We also handle employment contract negotiation and litigation involving severance agreements and non-compete agreements. Our employment law attorneys at The Previant Law Firm, S.C. have pursued employment claims on behalf of employees in the state and federal courts and a wide variety of other forums for decades. Established in 1912, we are one of Wisconsin’s oldest and most trusted law firms.
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The Basics of Employment Discrimination
Our employee discrimination lawyers work hard to protect workers’ rights. We are prepared to assert your rights if you lose your job because your employer discriminates against you or because you need an extended medical leave.

We know the laws and fight on your behalf for employment claims involving:

• Disability discrimination: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a person cannot be fired for having a disability as long as you can still perform your regular job functions. In addition, the employer must make reasonable accommodations for the disabled person.
• Age discrimination: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects people over the age of 40 from being fired or refused for a position based on age alone.
• Race/gender discrimination: Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, an employer cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Our employment lawyers can file a claim on your behalf if somebody fired you or refused you employment for any of these reasons.
• Family and medical leave violations: Both the state of Wisconsin and the federal government have acts allowing an individual extended leave from employment to care for a new child, an ailing family member, or to attend to a personal sickness. An employee is entitled to his or her same/similar position upon return.
• Veterans’ re-employment rights: Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, you are entitled to your same position and benefits after fulfilling your military obligations. If you are a veteran and your employer did not grant your job back or refused to give you the same benefits or salary, we can help.
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Wage & Overtime Claims in Wisconsin
Our attorneys also handle matters involving types of employment agreements such as the following:

• We protect our clients’ rights in severance agreement negotiations and if any problems arise after a layoff or termination.
• Non-compete agreements: Do you have questions about the terms of your non-compete agreement? Talk to one of our employment law attorneys today.

Legal Protection After a Whistleblower Claim
Under the Federal law, employees receive certain protections when filing qui tam claims or other forms of whistleblower claims. After bringing the claim forward, they are given protection from employer retaliation that can occur in the form of harassment, discrimination, or termination.

Employees who are aware of fraud or a violation of securities or commodities law can “blow the whistle” on their employer without fear of retaliation. If you feel that your rights have been violated and your employer has acted wrongly against you after you blew the whistle on them, you may have a claim. Make sure that you work closely with our employment lawyers.

Employment Discrimination Law FAQ
Here are some questions we frequently receive in regard to employment discrimination cases. If you need further help or guidance, reach out to our team.

Is harassment considered discrimination?
Yes. If you are being harassed based on your membership of a protected class, such as sex, it will be considered discrimination. If the behavior is resulting in a hostile work environment, it can likely be considered discrimination.

What is considered a “protected class?”
Based on both state and federal law, a protected class would include the following, among others:

• Race
• Sex
• Nationality
• Religion
• Pregnancy
• Disability
• Ethnicity
• Under Wisconsin law, sexual orientation is also a protected class. Employees are protected against discrimination based on any of these protected classes.
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What should I do if I am being discriminated against at work?

Your first step should be to discuss your matter with your supervisor and/or the human resources department. You will need to follow the protocol that your employer has in place for reporting discriminatory behavior. Make sure that you keep written records of the time, date, and details of the discrimination that takes place and preserve any physical evidence that you may have to build a thorough case. If your issue cannot be handled by your employer, speak with a lawyer to discuss your options.