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.

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
Reviewing employment agreement non-compete terms

TechINT v. Sasnett

Preliminary Injunction granted to Govcon for Non-Solicitation Restriction GCPC Practical Counsel:  Restrictive Covenants must be drafted as narrowly as possible and the enforceability depends on the facts of the particular situation.  In this case, prohibition against soliciting clients to provide competing services enforced. TechINT Solutions Group, LLC v. Sasnett, U.S. Dist. Ct, W.D.Va, Harrisonburg Div

Maryland Employment Alert: Effective October 1, 2019 –Non-Compete Agreements Prohibited for Low Wage Employees

There has been a recent trend of states moving to limit the application of restrictive covenants. Both Virginia and Maryland have recently sought to limit the enforceability of such agreements on low-wage employees. While Virginia failed to pass such legislation, Maryland enacted legislation that limits the enforceability of non-compete agreements on low-wage employees. On May
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Virginia Employment Alert: Effective July 1st, 2019 – New Law Requires Disclosure of Personnel Records. Employer Should Update Employee Handbooks

Currently, Virginia employers have discretion whether to provide employees access to their employment records. However, as of July 1, 2019, an amendment to the Virginia Code will take effect requiring employers to provide copies of certain employment records to employees upon request. Specifically, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 8.01-413.1.B: Every employer shall, upon receipt of
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