Lawyer Monthly Magazine - October 2019 Edition

TheEEOChandles discrimination cases based on particular protected classes such as: race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, and pregnancy. In general terms, employment discrimination occurs when you suffer a hostile work environment or suffer an adverse employment action because of your protected class. Adverse employment actions can include a termination, failure to hire, or demotion. The EEOC also handles retaliation cases. Retaliation occurs when you suffer an adverse employment action because you complained of discrimination. Discrimination is unlawful and the EEOC assists in enforcing the federal anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws. FILING YOUR COMPLAINT When filing a complaint with the EEOC it is important to fill out the charge form correctly to ensure that the correct Defendant(s) are named and the appropriate causes of discrimination are checked off. You should also add a narrative detailing all of the allegations for your discrimination matter. Most importantly, there are specific deadlines for when EEOC charges need to be filed. You must file the charge within a specific time frame after the discrimination occurred and you should consult with an attorney as to what the time frame is for your specific case. THE MEDIATION PROCESS After your case is filed in the EEOC, your case may be assigned to mediation. Mediation is a confidential process by which a neutral mediator assists the parties with resolution of the claim. Super Lawyers By Brittany Stevens, Phillips & Associates 58 WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM | OCT 2019 Contact Brittany Stevens Phillips & Associates www.newyorkcitydiscrimination lawyer.com Employment Law Filing a Charge in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: What You Need to Know If you have been discriminated against by your employer and you are alleging certain federal law claims, you must file a Charge of Discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) prior to filing a lawsuit. In this article, Brittany Stevens details what you need to know about filing a charge with the EEOC. AFTER YOUR CASE IS FILED IN THE EEOC, YOUR CASE MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEDIATION.