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
Tagged under: ,

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
Tagged under: , , , ,

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
Tagged under: , , , ,

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
Tagged under: , , , , , , , ,

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
Tagged under: , , , , ,

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
Tagged under: , , , ,

Where Would you like to Sue or be Sued?

General Counsel, P.C. (“GCPC”) attorneys practice in three jurisdictions, collectively known as the “DMV” – the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. While similarities exist among the venues, there are distinct differences that might impact where you or your company may prefer to engage in litigation. While GCPC has a strong litigation practice, it also
Tagged under: ,
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

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.
Tagged under: , , , ,

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”).