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.

Employee Must Meet Employer’s Legitimate Expectations to Establish Case of Employment Discrimination

In two recent cases, the Eastern District of Virginia found that the plaintiffs weren’t able to establish claims of discrimination, because they weren’t able to establish that they met employers’ legitimate expectations at the time of the adverse employment action. These cases can offer helpful guidance for employers. Employment Discrimination—Disparate Treatment Title VII of the
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Eastern District of Virginia Finds in Favor of Employer When Employee Claimed Racial Discrimination and Then Voluntary Resigned

  In a recent case, the Court found there wasn’t sufficient evidence of employment discrimination or hostile work environment, where the employee’s claims were based on a single incident of conduct by a co-worker and the employer took swift corrective action. The Court also offered additional guidance on when a voluntary resignation may be considered
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Court Finds for Employer in Race Discrimination Case

In a recent case, Brown v. Akima, LLC, the federal court for the Eastern District of Virginia found for an employer when an employee filed claims of race discrimination, retaliation, and hostile work environment. While this case was decided on a particular set of facts, the ruling may offer guidance to other employers. The Facts
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Front Pay, Back Pay and other Damages in Retaliation Case

Arbas v. PhyAmerica Government Services, Inc., U.S. District Court, Eastern Dist. Va, April 2019. The Facts Catherine Arbas was employed as an art therapist by PhyAmerica Government Services, Inc. and contracted to work at the Womak Army Medical Center for the United States Department of the Army. On October 30, 2016, Arbas informed her direct
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Employer Not Required to Make Safety Exemptions for Employee in ADA Case

In a recent case, the federal court for the Western District of Virginia answered the question of whether an employer must exempt an employee from a requirement to wear safety equipment because she has a physical condition that prevents her from wearing the safety equipment. The court ultimately concluded that the Americans with Disabilities Act
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Are you Asking job Candidates Illegal Questions During an Interview?

Here are some tips on what not to ask to avoid a liability. Want to avoid complaints and discrimination allegations flowing from your company or organization’s hiring practices? Then, you need to be very careful in your hiring processes and interview questions. Imagine the scenario where a 55-year-old male applies for a job. During the
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Government Contractor Restrictive Covenant Enforced in Part

Omnisec Int’l Investigations, Inc. et al. v. Slavica Stone, Fairfax Co. Cir. Ct., March 26, 2019 (Judge Richard Gardiner) The Facts Slavica Stone worked for Omniplex (and its subsidiary, Omnisec) from 2003 until 2017. Omniplex conducts security clearance background checks for agencies and performs its work nationwide and overseas. Upon taking the position, Stone signed
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DOL Overtime Update Client Alert

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a change to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that will make over a million more American workers now eligible for overtime pay. Business owners should be aware of this new rule, which goes into effect on January 1, 2020. The new rule changes the earnings threshold necessary
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Employer Needs Legitimate, Non-Discriminatory Grounds for Termination

In a recent case, Haynes v. Waste Connections Inc., the Fourth Circuit affirmed denial of summary judgment against employer on claims of race discrimination and retaliation. While this case was decided on a particular set of facts, the ruling may offer guidance for other employers and employees. The Facts James Fountain, a white man, hired
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Employer Termination Requirements and Age Discrimination

Fourth Circuit Upholds Age Discrimination Verdict

The Facts In Westmoreland v. TWC Administration, LLC, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has federal appellate jurisdiction for Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia, upheld the jury’s age discrimination verdict for the plaintiff, Glenda Westmoreland. (Case No. 18-1600, May 22, 2019). Glenda Westmoreland worked for Summit Cable, a predecessor of