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Employment Cases In Minnesota

AGGRESSIVE, CREATIVE, ETHICAL ADVOCACY

Minnesota Employment Lawyer

Peters PLLC is your go-to for expert advice and representation on all aspects of employment law. Whether you're an employee, executive, or employer, we have the expertise and experience to provide you with the guidance and advocacy you need. We have deep experience in nearly all areas of employment law, including workplace discrimination, workplace retaliation, wage and hour problems, leaves of absence issues, trade secret misappropriation, non-compete agreements, severance agreements, and internal investigations. Trust us to provide you with personalized, effective solutions for all your employment law needs. Call today at 612-427-4358.

Types Employment Matters We Handle

Below is an overview of some of the employment law matters that Peters PLLC can handle for Minnesota employees and employers:

Discrimination and Harassment

Workplace discrimination and harassment are serious issues that can have a significant impact on individuals and organizations. Discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfairly because of his or her race, gender, age, religion, or other protected characteristic. Similarly, harassment refers to unwelcome conduct that is based on a protected characteristic (such as race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or genetic makeup).  Harassment becomes unlawful when it is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would find it intimidating, hostile, or abusive.  Peters PLLC is here to help both employers and employees navigate these complex issues. Whether that means filing a lawsuit on behalf of an employee, writing policies for an employer, or conducting an internal investigation, we have the knowledge and experience to provide practical, effective solutions to address discrimination and harassment in the workplace. 

Retaliation

Workplace retaliation is any action taken by an employer or manager against an employee in response to the employee engaging in protected activity. “Protected activity” simply refers to an employee’s actions that are legally protected.  Examples of protected activity include: reporting harassment or discrimination, participating in a workplace investigation, refusing to engage in unlawful activity, requesting an accommodation for a disability, resisting sexual advances, or intervening to protect others who are being discriminated against or harassed.  Employers cannot legally punish employees for engaging in these acts. Possible examples of retaliation include:

•  Giving the employee an unwarranted reprimand or low performance evaluation; 
•  Transferring the employee to a less desirable position 
•  Verbally or physically abusing the employee 
•  Increasing scrutiny or micromanaging an employee 
•  Denying the employee career opportunities or benefits 
•  Reducing the employee’s pay 
•  Spreading false rumors about the employee

If you believe you’ve been unlawfully retaliated against, or if you are an employer needing guidance on workplace retaliation issues, please call us today.  We can help.

Wage and Hour Issues

Wage and hour laws ensure that employees receive at least  minimum wage for all the hours they work, and that they receive premium pay for all hours worked over 40 in a given workweek.  Wage and hour statutes and regulations are complex.  Fortunately, Peters PLLC can help both employers and employees navigate these laws. For employers, Peters PLLC can provide legal counseling and guidance, draft policies, and defend against wage and hour claims. For employees, Peters PLLC will advocate on their behalf so that they receive all wages they are owed, including minimum wage and overtime pay.

The following are common examples of wage and hour legal issues:

•  Misclassifying employees as being exempt from minimum wage and/or overtime pay 
•  Failing to pay an employee minimum wage 
•  Failing to pay employees for all hours worked, including overtime 
•  Improperly calculating overtime pay 
•  Failing to pay employees for off-the-clock work 
•  Failing to provide breaks and meal periods 
•  Docking employee pay for uniforms or equipment 
•  Unlawfully deducting from employee’s wages 
•  Improperly calculating tipped employee pay 
•  Misclassifying employees as independent contractors 
  

If you are an employee or employer needing guidance or representation on wage and hour laws, contact Peters PLLC today.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Claims

If you have worked for more than a year at a company with at least 50 employees, then you probably have rights under the FMLA.  The FMLA permits employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave per year to deal with eligible medical or family matters.  Covered companies are legally prohibited from interfering with employees’ FMLA rights, or from retaliating against an employee who chooses to exercise his or her rights under the FMLA.  Examples of FMLA interference include:

•  Refusing to authorize FMLA leave for an eligible employee
•  Discouraging an employee’s use of FMLA leave
•  Manipulating an employee’s work hours to avoid responsibilities under the FMLA
•  Counting FMLA leave under “no fault” attendance policies
  

Examples of FMLA retaliation include:

•  Reducing an employee’s pay or work hours because he or she took FMLA leave 
•  Re-assigning an employee to a less desirable position because he or she took FMLA leave 
•  Terminating an employee who chose to take FMLA leave 
•  Denying an employee a promotion because he or she took FMLA leave

If you suspect your employer has engaged in FMLA interference or retaliation, please call us today.  Similarly, if you are an employer looking to ensure you comply with the FMLA, Peters PLLC can also help.

Whistleblower Claims

If you have reported unlawful or illegal conduct by your employer, either internally or externally, you might be a whistleblower. Various state and federal laws protect employees from being terminated, disciplined, harassed, or unfairly treated for engaging in whistleblowing activities.  If you believe your employer has or is mistreating you for reporting unlawful conduct, please call Peters PLLC to see if you have a claim.

Questions? Get Answers From a Minnesota Employment Lawyer!

If you're facing any challenges or problems in the workplace, don't hesitate to reach out to Peters PLLC. We have extensive experience in employment law, and we are dedicated to providing effective representation to both employees and employers alike. Though employment law can be complex and overwhelming, we are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need.  Call us at 612-427-4358 or complete the form above to schedule a consultation.

The information on this webpage is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. It is not a substitute for seeking personalized legal counsel and does not, and is not intended to, create an attorney-client relationship.

What Others Have Said

Trial Ready

Our firm has deep experience representing individuals and businesses in a broad range of civil litigation matters.

About Andrew

Our core values are top tier quality work, trial readiness, and giving back to our community.

Andrew Peters is the founding attorney of Peters PLLC. Andrew has more than a decade of litigation experience representing both companies and individuals in a wide range of civil matters, including matters involving alleged workplace discrimination, sexual misconduct, wrongful discharge, wage and hour violations, breaches of contract, trade secret misappropriation, and defamation. Prior to starting Peters PLLC, Andrew practiced with some of the most well-respected law firms in the country, including Dorsey & Whitney LLP and Jones Day. Andrew also spent two years as a Senior Counsel in Wells Fargo’s Legal Department.

Andrew graduated summa cum laude from the University of Northern Iowa. He then attended the University of Iowa College of Law where he graduated with distinction. Andrew is licensed to practice in Minnesota state courts, as well as the Eighth Circuit, and the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Hold Your Employer Accountable

Speak with an employment lawyer about your situation today to start building your case.

Andrew is so knowledgeable and is always doing research to make sure he has the most recent facts, he reply’s very promptly, and offers a very great value for exceptional work. Very happy with my decision to choose to work with Andrew at Peters PLLC.

-Amanda Van Ert

Andrew is an excellent attorney. Not only is he professional, responsive and knowledgeable, he is also a hard worker who is passionate about the cases he handles.  He will listen to your needs and fight to get you the result that you deserve.   If you are looking for an honest attorney with reasonable fees, then look no further than Peters PLLC.

-Brittni Robinson

Andrew is a very knowledgeable attorney who also has the practical, common sense that makes for a very positive and rewarding experience.

-Joseph Hamwell

I worked closely with Andrew and cannot recommend him enough.  He is extremely smart, practical, and hard working.  He cares about people and never settles for anything less than doing excellent legal work.

-Ryan