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Top Rated Employment Law Firm
Protecting Families Since 1995
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An experienced employment lawyer helps protect employees and job seekers from harassment, discrimination, and other unlawful treatment in the workplace.
Violations of employee rights can appear in many forms. They can violate your civil rights, deny you proper wages for the hours worked or create issues rooted in retaliation (i.e., wrongful termination and demotions). When you face any violations of your rights as an employee, you deserve an attorney who believes in justice. You deserve a lawyer who will stand up against these injustices for you. Your attorney should advocate for your rights the way they would for their own.
At the Derek Smith Law Group, our experienced employee rights lawyers have spent over 30 years standing up for individuals harmed by illegal workplace practices. From your initial consultation to the final resolution—whether through negotiation or trial—our legal team is committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Workplace rights violations occur when employers fail to honor the legal protections granted to workers.
Whether you are a full-time employee, part-time staff member, intern, contractor, or gig worker, you are entitled to certain protections under federal and state law.
Recent developments in labor law also address issues such as:
If your employer violated any of these protections—by underpaying you, treating you unfairly, denying leave, or punishing you for speaking up—you may have a legal claim.
A qualified workplace rights lawyer can help evaluate your situation and guide you through the next steps. Every worker deserves to be treated fairly—whether on-site, remote, or freelance. Our attorneys stay current with evolving employment laws to protect your job, your income, and your dignity. Call for free consultation at 800-807-2209.
Think of your workplace rights like a safety net—always there, even when things feel uncertain.
If you are like many workers, you may not realize just how many protections the law offers you—whether you work full-time, part-time, freelance, or in the gig economy. The truth is, your job title or contract type does not erase your rights. In many cases, federal, state, and even local laws step in to ensure you are treated fairly. Whether you clock in at a corporate office, run deliveries as a gig worker, or log in remotely from your home, the law gives you protections that many employers either overlook—or hope you never learn about.
And yet, companies still get away with unfair treatment. Why? Because people are unsure of what qualifies as illegal.
Of course, knowing you have rights is only half the battle. Enforcing them often takes courage—and support. Your workplace rights are protected by both federal and state laws. These laws exist to make sure employers treat workers fairly, safely, and with respect – it’s not optional, it’s required.
Here are the main types of work-related legal problems an experienced employee rights lawyer can help you with:
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate based on protected characteristics. If you believe you have faced unfair treatment, especially discrimination based on race, gender, or religion, learn more about your rights. These include:
Discrimination can happen at any level—from CEOs to coworkers—and can impact hiring, pay, promotions, assignments, and termination.
Federal and state laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. This includes:
Our harassment legal support team helps victims understand their rights and pursue justice.
It is unlawful for an employer to punish an employee for:
Retaliation may include termination, demotion, loss of hours, shift changes, or unfair performance reviews. If you are experiencing this, speak with a workplace rights lawyer immediately.
If you were fired for exercising your legal rights, you may have a wrongful termination claim. Common examples include:
Your employer cannot legally fire you for asserting your rights.
Wage-related violations can happen in many ways. These issues include:
If you’re facing any of these, a labor attorney can help recover the pay you’re owed.
Workers who report fraud, illegal activity, or public safety risks are protected under whistleblower laws. This includes government employees and, in some cases, private-sector workers under specific statutes.
Whistleblowers are entitled to:
If you work for a company with 50 or more employees, you may be eligible for unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Qualifying reasons include:
Some states now offer paid family leave programs that expand these benefits. Our team can help clarify what you are eligible for.
If you signed an employment contract—such as a non-compete, severance agreement, or confidentiality clause—your employer must honor the terms.
When your employer violates those terms, a legal advocate for workers can help enforce the agreement and recover damages.
Discover how our expertise has helped clients overcome their legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes.
View All TestimonialsDuring the time that I really needed a good counselor and I was approaching different attorneys unfortunately before they heard the problem they were demanding a retainer fee. A friend of mine introduced me to the Derek Smith Law Group and I was very fortunate to be answered by Matt Finkleberg who was very polite and understanding and gave me a lot of confidence without asking for any fees in f... Read Full Testimonial
Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired!
Matt Finkelberg is an outstanding attorney. It was a pleasure to have him represent me for my employment case. He was very easy to talk to. He was very supportive and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. He explained the entire process to me and kept me informed every step of the way. Matt fought diligently throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. I am very gratef... Read Full Testimonial
Matt Finkelberg is a top notch lawyer. He is very easy to talk to and truly cared about me as his client. He definitely earned my trust and confidence in his capabilities to represent me in the most professional respects. I give Matt and his firm the Derek Smith Law Group my highest recommendation to anyone who is seeking legal help for employee/employer related matters.
Matt Finkelberg is a life saver. During this whole process not only did I have a great lawyer but I also made a great friend. Matt was very attentive to my case, and mental health. Matt helped me during probably the darkest time of my life and for that I am forever grateful to have came across the Derek Smith law group. As a past client, I 100% recommend Matt Finkleberg. Matt provides a safe sp... Read Full Testimonial
It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial
matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough
It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial
You will be in great hands at this firm! Alyssa the managing paralegal is an absolute professional who excels at what she does. You can tell she truly cares about providing the best service possible, and is passionate about helping her clients. With Alyssa at the helm, this firm is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking assistance. Highly recommend!
Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial
Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonial
Experienced Attorneys Fighting for Justice!
When your job and your dignity are on the line, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or even powerless. Maybe you were harassed, unfairly fired, denied your wages, or punished for speaking up. You know something is wrong, but you are not sure what to do next. That is exactly when you should speak with an experienced employment lawyer.
An employment attorney helps you understand your legal rights, prepares and files complaints, represents you in negotiations or court, and fights for real outcomes—whether that is fair compensation, job reinstatement, or simply making your voice heard. They guide you through every step, protect you from retaliation, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Most offer free consultations, and many work on a contingency fee, meaning you only pay if they win your case. In short: yes, it is absolutely worth hiring a workplace rights lawyer when your future, your finances, or your peace of mind are at stake.
Whether you are unsure if your rights were violated or you know you were mistreated, legal help can give you clarity, confidence, and control over what happens next.
When your job is on the line, it is more than just a paycheck—it is your stability, your peace of mind, and your future. If you have been mistreated at work, you do not have to face it alone. Our compassionate and experienced employment law attorneys are here to listen, support, and fight for you.
At Derek Smith Law Group, we stand up for workers—because your voice matters, and your rights deserve protection. We defend employee rights in cases involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. Whether we negotiate or litigate, we are in your corner.
Take the first step toward reclaiming your workplace rights. Schedule your free consultation with our trusted legal team today. No fees unless we win.
Call us at (800) 807-2209 or contact one of our offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, or Washington D.C.
Our experienced legal team provides reliable services in key U.S. cities, ensuring expert assistance for workplace discrimination and employment law matters wherever you are located.
Our experienced employment lawyers are dedicated to resolving your workplace rights concerns with expertise and care.