Your employer hands the promotion you earned to someone less qualified. They pay coworkers with the same title more than you. They write you up or exclude you after you speak up about a workplace issue. Your employer is not just treating you differently; your employer is treating you unfairly. And now you wonder if it is more than...
Continue ReadingThe first time your paycheck does not arrive, you might think there has been a clerical error. The second time, it starts to feel personal. By the third time, you are likely wondering, Can I sue my employer for not paying me? In Arizona, the answer is often yes. State and federal laws protect employees from wage theft, intentional...
Continue ReadingNot all prejudice is obvious. When an employer targets you because of your race—whether by dismissing your voice in meetings, passing you over for promotions, or punishing you more harshly than others—the impact can be subtle but devastating. In these situations, employees are usually left with at least one question: How long do you have to sue an employer...
Continue ReadingImagine this: It is Tuesday afternoon. Your star employee, typically filled with creativity and enthusiasm, walks into your office. Today, she is withdrawn, with her eyes downcast and her usual spark missing. She hesitates, then quietly mentions experiencing unwanted advances from a colleague. Your heart sinks. Could you have prevented this? The Phoenix employment attorneys at Shields Petitti &...
Continue ReadingWhen you speak out at work—whether to report harassment, discrimination, or unethical behavior—you might expect some awkwardness or discomfort. But what if that tension starts to feel targeted or even punitive? That is when you need to pay attention to the signs of retaliation at work. Workplace retaliation is not always a slam-door spectacle. Sometimes, it hides in subtle...
Continue ReadingSome of the most damaging things people say in the workplace do not appear in writing. Often, there is no email to print or memo to forward—just an inappropriate term or line that slips into the conversation. These moments may seem minor. But if they are unwelcome, persistent, and tied to your gender or sexuality, they may not just...
Continue ReadingThe toxic grip of sexual harassment doesn’t just stain the workplace—it crushes morale, drains productivity, and leaves employees feeling trapped. When courage compels you to speak out, the last thing you expect is retaliation. But what happens when you’re fired after reporting harassment? Is it legal for an employer to retaliate? Can you fight back? Arizona employees facing these...
Continue ReadingAfter the emotional sting of a wrongful termination fades, practical questions arise: How long do I have to file a claim, and what is the statute of limitations for wrongful termination? Unfortunately, the clock starts ticking before most people realize it. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for wrongful termination provides a strict deadline for filing claims, a critical...
Continue ReadingMost employees invest significant time and energy in their careers. They strive to excel and contribute to their company environment while climbing the employment ladder. So, what happens when an employee’s dedication results in a sudden and unjust employment termination? If your employer fired you in violation of your employee contract, for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for adhering to...
Continue ReadingA job is more than just a paycheck; it is a cornerstone of stability, purpose, and future dreams. Questions often come faster than answers when what feels like a wrongful termination abruptly shatters that stability. Did your employer break the law when they fired you? Could this termination be a violation of your rights? Understanding how to file a...
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