What does Discrimination Law lawyers do?
Discrimination law lawyers in your area help people who have been discriminated against at work, in housing, or in other areas of their lives. They may represent clients in court, or help them file a complaint with a government agency. Discrimination law is a complex area of the law, and lawyers who specialize in it must have a deep understanding of the various laws that protect people from discrimination. They must also be able to navigate the complicated legal system, and be able to effectively communicate with their clients.
How much does it cost to hire a discrimination law attorney?
It depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer you hire. Some lawyers may charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat fee. Some lawyers may also offer a contingency fee, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Before hiring a lawyer, be sure to ask about their fees and how they will be calculated. The most expensive discrimination law lawyers can charge upwards of $1,000 per hour. However, there are many competent and affordable lawyers who charge much less. Low-cost lawyers focusing on discrimination law will charge around $100-$300 per hour, or may offer a flat fee.
What are some things I should look for when hiring a discrimination law attorney?
When looking for a discrimination law attorney in your area, you should look for someone who is experienced in handling discrimination cases. The lawyer should also be familiar with the laws that protect you from discrimination. They should be able to explain the legal process to you, and answer any questions you have. Finally, you should feel comfortable communicating with the lawyer, and feel confident that they will represent you well.
10 issues handled by Discrimination Law lawyers - explained
- Employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
- Housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.
- Discrimination in public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
- Discrimination in education based on race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.
- Discrimination in federally assisted programs based on race, color, national origin, or religion.
- Employment discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS
- Discrimination against people with disabilities in state and local government services, programs, and activities
- Discrimination against people with disabilities in private businesses and organizations
- Sexual harassment in the workplace
- Hostile work environment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
How to proceed with a Discrimination complaint
If you believe that you have been the victim of discrimination, you should contact a discrimination law attorney near you. The lawyer will review your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If you do, the lawyer will help you file a complaint with the appropriate government agency, or file a lawsuit in court. This process can be complicated and time-consuming, so it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. As a victim of discrimination, you may be entitled to damages, including back pay, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages. You may also be able to recover your attorney's fees.
What are some common defenses to Discrimination complaints?
There are a number of defenses that can be used against discrimination complaints. These include:
- The alleged discrimination is not based on a protected trait
- The alleged discrimination is based on a bona fide occupational qualification
- The alleged discrimination is based on a seniority system
- The alleged discrimination is based on a merit system
- The alleged discrimination is based on affirmative action
- The person bringing the complaint did not suffer any adverse effects
- The person bringing the complaint cannot prove that the alleged discrimination was the reason for the adverse effect.
These are just some of the defenses that may be used in a discrimination case. If you have been accused of discrimination, you should contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case.
What are some common remedies for Discrimination?
If you are found to have been a victim of discrimination, you may be entitled to a number of remedies. These can include:
- Back pay
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages
- Attorney's fees
- Injunctive relief
- Promotion or reinstatement
This is not an exhaustive list of remedies, and the specific remedies available to you will depend on the facts of your case. An experienced discrimination attorney in your area can help you understand what remedies may be available to you.
Filing a charge of discrimination in U.S
If you believe that you have been the victim of discrimination, you can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You must file your charge within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. If you have been discriminated against in housing, you can also file a complaint with your state's Fair Housing Enforcement Agency.
What is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination. The EEOC investigates charges of discrimination and can file lawsuits on behalf of victims of discrimination. The EEOC also provides training and education programs to prevent workplace discrimination.
What is the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)?
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federal agency that enforces laws against housing discrimination. HUD investigates charges of housing discrimination and can file lawsuits on behalf of victims of housing discrimination. HUD also provides training and education programs to prevent housing discrimination.
Authorities covering discrimination issues in the United States
There are a number of federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination. These laws cover discrimination in employment, housing, education, and other areas.
The federal laws that prohibit discrimination are:
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972
- The Fair Housing Act of 1968
- The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Other authorities, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), also enforce discrimination laws. State and local laws may also prohibit discrimination. You should contact an experienced discrimination attorney in your area to find out what laws apply to your situation.
What is the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The act applies to employers with 15 or more employees, as well as to employment agencies and labor unions.
What is the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 is a federal law that amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The act created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to investigate charges of discrimination. The act also made it illegal for employers to retaliated against employees who complain about discrimination.
What is the Fair Housing Act of 1968?
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability. The act applies to landlords and property owners with four or more units, as well as to real estate agents and brokers.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, housing, education, and other areas. The act applies to employers with 15 or more employees, as well as to state and local governments.
These are just a few of the federal laws that prohibit discrimination. State and local laws may also prohibit discrimination. You should contact an experienced discrimination attorney in your area to find out what laws apply to your situation.