Employment Law
Employment law is one of the most complex and heavily regulated areas of legal practice. At MacElree Harvey, our employment lawyers bring over a century of combined experience to help clients, both employers and employees, navigate virtually every aspect of the workplace relationship.
Unlike many law firms, we do not limit our practice to one side. We represent management, business owners, executives, employees, and independent contractors alike. Our loyalty is to our clients, not to an ideology.
Areas of Employment Law We Handle
Employment Discrimination
We represent clients in cases involving discrimination based on race, gender, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or genetic information, under both federal and state law.
Workplace Harassment
We advise and represent clients in claims involving sexual harassment, hostile work environments, and other workplace harassment issues. We also counsel employers on compliance with harassment laws to prevent claims before they arise.
Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
Our attorneys protect employees who report unlawful conduct and defend employers against unfounded retaliation claims.
Wage & Hour Disputes
We handle disputes involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, employee misclassification, and improper wage deductions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Pennsylvania labor statutes.
Leave of Absence Issues
We assist with compliance and claims under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related medical or personal leave laws.
Employment Contracts
We draft, review, and negotiate contracts for executives, managers, and employees. We also represent clients in breach-of-contract disputes through mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
Restrictive Covenants & Non-Compete Agreements
We advise on the enforceability of non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements, and represent clients in related disputes.
Public Policy Restrictions
We handle claims involving workplace policies or agreements that violate established public policy.
Affirmative Action & Diversity Compliance
We counsel employers on diversity initiatives and compliance with federal and state affirmative action requirements.
Employment Law Training & Counseling
We provide training and proactive counseling to help businesses comply with employment laws and reduce the risk of workplace disputes.
Separation from Employment
We negotiate severance packages, prepare and review termination agreements, and advise on lawful separation terms regarding pay, benefits, and post-employment rights.
This list is not exhaustive of all of the areas where an employment issue may arise. MacElree Harvey is ready to help you if and when they hit the doorstep of your family or business.
FAQ: Employment Law in Pennsylvania
Do you represent both employers and employees?
Yes. We believe our ability to see issues from both perspectives makes us more effective advocates for every client.
What counts as unlawful workplace discrimination?
Unlawful discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly because of a legally protected characteristic such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin.
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Pennsylvania?
It depends. Non-competes must be reasonable in duration, geographic scope, and subject matter. Courts may refuse to enforce agreements that are overly broad.
What is at-will employment?
Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, meaning an employer can terminate employment for any reason or no reason at all — as long as the reason is not unlawful (e.g., discrimination, retaliation, or other wrongful termination).
What should I do if I’m being harassed at work?
Document the harassment, follow your company’s complaint procedures, and contact an employment attorney to protect your rights.
Can an employer deny FMLA leave?
Yes, if the employer is not covered under the FMLA, if the employee does not meet eligibility requirements, if the request does not qualify under FMLA guidelines, and if the request is not properly submitted to the employer.
ALL PRACTICE AREAS
