Employment law is complicated and constantly changing. Whether you have been discriminated or retaliated against or you're a business owner who needs to investigate a harassment claim or is accused of not paying your workers, you need someone who knows the law and can advise you.
This is my area of specialization. In a survey of other lawyers who I've practiced with and against, I received the highest rating available for professional excellence in my work, including employment litigation. Here are some of the matters that I’ve handled:
EMPLOYMENT LAW ADVICE & HR CONSULTING
I regularly advise on and litigate claims involving:
Discrimination and harassment based on protected classes like sex, disability, race, age, pregnancy and sexual orientation;
Retaliation;
Whistleblowing; and
Wage and hour violations.
If you think that you might have an employment law claim, you should contact me or another attorney as soon as you can. Many of the laws that apply have short statutes of limitations (limitations periods) that can affect your ability to bring your case.
For employers, the goal is to turn #MeToo into #NotHere. I work with organizations to develop and implement sound personnel policies and practices to ensure compliance and to reduce and prevent the risk of litigation. I also develop customized forms, policies and procedures, job descriptions and handbooks for your business. I draft employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, non-solicitation and non-competition agreements and non-disclosure agreements and tailor them to you specific business needs.
WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS & TRAINING
If you need to investigate allegations of harassment or other employee misconduct, do you have someone on staff who is properly trained to do so? Do they have both the time and the resources to completely investigate what did and did not happen? A prompt, thorough and impartial investigation isn't just a good idea - it's the law - and if the case ends up in court, the jury will judge your response to the complaint as much as they examine its underlying allegations.
My employment law practice has always included investigating claims of discrimination and harassment and allegations of fraud, theft and bullying. I have also been approved as an investigator by United Educators, which provides liability insurance and risk management services to more than 1,600 members representing schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States. Additionally, I provide training and guidance to employers on how to conduct effective, thorough internal investigations.
I have also designed and provided guidance and customized compliance trainingon a variety of topics for employers, including documenting and managing employee performance, wage and hour audits, harassment and workplace bullying prevention, managing employee leave of absences, reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, conducting workplace investigations and workplace social media use.
Finally and for my fellow Maine attorneys. In order to comply with the CLE requirement, the State Bar now requires that you earn at least 1 in person credit hour annually concerning recognizing and avoiding harassment and discrimination related to the practice of law.
I am authorized by the Board of Bar Overseers to provide this credit. Contact me at either Erik@epeterslaw.com or (207) 619-1805 to learn more about meeting this requirement quickly and conveniently - in some cases, without leaving your office.
WORKPLACE AUDITS I conduct workplace auditsto ensure compliance with record keeping and poster requirements, documentation practices, and compliance with state and federal equal employment opportunity and wage and hour laws. I can help you determine whether you are properly classifying your workers as independent contractors or employees and whether you are properly classifying them as exempt or non-exempt.
Free Initial Consultation If you have an employment law issue that you'd like to discuss, please contact me for a free and confidential initial consultation. Phone: (207) 619-1805 | Email: Erik@epeterslaw.com
