LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW COUNSEL FOR DC AREA BUSINESSES AND BEYOND
At General Counsel, P.C., our attorneys have extensive experience in representing a wide range of local, regional and national companies. We are particularly sensitive to the needs of government contractors and emerging growth businesses. We strive to be your company’s best asset by assisting your company in instituting preventative policies and procedures from Day One of your company. Our knowledgeable lawyers provide comprehensive legal advice through all aspects of labor and employment law as it relates to your company.

Virginia Severance Agreements

The Beginner’s Guide to Severance Agreements

This post was originally published in March, 2013. We’re re-posting in case you missed it.  The purpose of a separation/severance agreement is to minimize risk from employment termination, to compensate an employee for employment loss, and, contractually, to finalize the employment relationship. It is an important tool for employers. Here’s what you need to know about

Keeping an Eye on Your Employees

This post was originally published in August, 2004. We’re re-posting in case you missed it.  Employers have long engaged in monitoring employees to help maintain quality standards, protect against untrustworthy employees, and shield the company against potential liability. Advances in technology have made electronic methods of monitoring easily available and effective. While federal and Virginia

Case Law Update: Fourth Circuit Expands Definition of “Protected Activity” Under Title VII

In a recent Fourth Circuit case, Owen v. County of Franklin, the court answered the question of whether a person who rejects a supervisor’s sexual advances has engaged in “protected activity” under a Title VII retaliation claim. The court’s decision expanded the definition of “protected activity” under Title VII, and employers should familiarize themselves with what this could

Employer’s Must be Careful of Retaliation

It should be clear that when an employee engages in lawful, protected activity, an employer may not retaliate by firing the employee.  Any subsequent firing must be based on separate and distinct conduct which warrants firing. A recently decided Fourth Circuit case, Carmack v. Commonwealth of Virginia, establishes that the passage of time may not
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Employee handbook update

Ten Reasons Your Company Needs to Update Their Employee Handbook

This post was originally published in January, 2004. We’re re-posting in case you missed it.  Now that the holiday season is over, it is time for employers to focus on ways to improve their companies. One of the more important ways to do this is by is updating (or creating) a company employee handbook. I
Employer responsibility for employee rumors

Case Law Update: Are Employers Liable for Employee Gossip?

A recent Fourth Circuit case decision could have wide-ranging implications for business owners throughout Virginia and should put employers on notice not to take workplace gossip lightly. Parker v. Reema Consulting Services, Inc., considers the question of whether a false rumor that a female employee slept with her male boss to obtain a promotion can

Covenants Not To Compete: When Do You Need Them, How Do You Implement Them?

This post was originally published in November, 2009. We’re re-posting in case you missed it.  It would be devastating for a Coca-Cola executive to jump ship to Pepsi Co. and spill all of his or her accumulated knowledge about how Coca-Cola does its business to its longstanding competitor. The same may be true of your

How to Effectively Respond and Investigate a Harassment or Claim of Discrimination

The outline below was presented to Washington Executives Association on May 1, 2019. We thought it might be useful for employers, owners and managers to know what is involved in responding to workplace harassment or discrimination claims.   If you need more guidance or information, Contact the employment law experts at General Counsel Law, PC.
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When a Competitor Hires Your Former Employee: Enforcing Your Rights

This post was originally published in January, 2009. We’re re-posting in case you missed it.  Your worst fear has been realized: a former employee with access to your trade secrets or confidential client information has joined a competitor, or has started a new firm in direct competition with yours. What can you do to protect

Why Employers (and Employees) Need to Pay Attention to the Fair Labor Standards Act

This post was originally published in February, 2015. We’re re-posting in case you missed it.  Why Employers (and Employees) Need to Pay Attention to the Fair Labor Standards Act Recently, General Counsel, P.C. is getting more (and more) calls for a business litigation attorney regarding alleged violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”).