Corpus Christi Employment Lawyer

A man stressed at work with head on his desk.

If you’re dealing with a challenging workplace issue in Corpus Christi, you might be wondering where to turn for help. Whether it’s discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or contract violations, understanding your rights and securing the right to legal representation is crucial. An experienced employment law attorney in Corpus Christi can provide the guidance and support you need to address these issues effectively.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Our dedicated team is ready to offer personalized representation and fight for your rights. Call us now to take the first step toward resolving your employment law concerns.

Call Galo Law Firm today at 210-764-6135 to discuss your case and find out how we can assist you.

What is Employment Law?

Employment law encompasses the regulations and legal standards that govern the relationship between employers and employees. This area of law covers a wide range of issues, including hiring, firing, workplace safety, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour laws, and employee benefits.

When Would I Need an Employment Law Attorney?

An individual might need an employment law attorney in several situations, such as:

  • Discrimination and Harassment: If an employee faces discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, age, religion, or any other protected characteristic, an employment law attorney can help them understand their rights and pursue legal action if necessary.
  • Wrongful Termination: If an employee believes they were wrongfully terminated, an attorney can help determine if the termination was illegal and assist in seeking compensation or reinstatement.
  • Wage and Hour Disputes: Issues such as unpaid wages, overtime disputes, or misclassification as an independent contractor can be addressed with the help of an employment law attorney.
  • Contract Violations: Employees and employers may face disputes over employment contracts, including non-compete agreements, severance agreements, and confidentiality agreements. An employment lawyer can provide guidance on these matters.
  • Workplace Safety: If an employee is injured at work or believes their workplace is unsafe, an attorney can help them navigate workers’ compensation claims or other legal remedies.
  • Retaliation: If an employee faces retaliation for reporting misconduct or exercising their legal rights, a lawyer can help protect their rights and seek justice.

Overall, an experienced Corpus Christi employment law attorney provides essential support in ensuring fair treatment in the workplace, protecting employee rights, and resolving disputes effectively.

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Understanding Your Legal Rights

To ensure protection under various federal and state laws, comprehension of your legal rights in the workplace is vital. Some of the key laws that provide protections include:

  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Title VII of this act covers all aspects of employment decisions and is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
  • The Equal Pay Act of 1963, which prohibits gender-based wage discrimination.
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from age-based discrimination.
  • Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federal employment.

At-Will Employment in Texas

Texas law follows the ‘at-will employment’ doctrine, allowing lawful termination of employees at any time, except for reasons such as discrimination or retaliation. This means that, generally, an employer can terminate an employee for any reason or no reason at all, without having to establish just cause. 

There are important exceptions to this rule. For instance, terminations that violate federal or state anti-discrimination laws, breach of contract, or terminations in retaliation for an employee exercising their legal rights are prohibited. 

Additionally, employees cannot be fired for refusing to perform illegal acts or for reporting illegal activities (whistleblowing). Understanding the nuances of at-will employment is important for both employees and employers to ensure that terminations are conducted lawfully and fairly. Skilled and knowledgeable legal counsel can be invaluable in managing the legal process and protecting one’s rights.

Tired employee with his head on his desk.

Comprehensive Employment Law Services in Corpus Christi

Galo Law Firm is renowned for our comprehensive employment law services in Corpus Christi, tailored to meet the needs of both employees and employers. Offering personalized representation, we address a wide array of workplace issues, ensuring that our clients receive the support they need to handle their legal challenges effectively.

From discrimination suits and harassment claims to contract violations and wrongful termination cases, Galo Law Firm handles it all. 

Our services include:

  • Handling discrimination suits
  • Addressing harassment claims
  • Resolving contract violations
  • Representing clients in wrongful termination cases

Our extensive experience and legal knowledge enable our team of employment lawyers to tackle complex employment law issues, providing our clients with the peace of mind that their cases are in capable hands.

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Protecting Employee Rights

Protecting employee rights against workplace discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment is central to Galo Law Firm’s mission. Our firm has a proven track record of defending clients in workplace retaliation cases, ensuring that they receive fair treatment and just outcomes.

Every client’s situation is unique, and our team at Galo Law Firm provides results-driven representation tailored to the specific needs of each client. Whether it’s addressing workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, or creating a hostile work environment, our team of employment law attorneys stands ready to fight for clients’ rights and seek the compensation they deserve.

Defending Employers

At Galo Law Firm, we feature a range of services to equip employers to handle employment law challenges effectively. From drafting clear and legally sound employment contracts to providing compliance advising, we aim to help employers prevent conflicts and adhere to regulatory requirements.

When disputes arise, our firm’s extensive litigation experience comes to the fore, representing employers in cases involving workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, and other employment law violations, ensuring that their clients’ interests are defended.

Experienced Legal Representation

Our practice’s founder, Michael Galo, boasts over 25 years of experience in employment law, earning him a reputation for his skilled legal representation. His extensive knowledge and dedication to his clients have made him a trusted advisor in the field.

Michael Galo’s achievements have garnered significant recognition, being recognized multiple times as a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters from 2004 to 2013––a testament to his experience and commitment to excellence.

Having handled numerous complex employment law cases successfully, Michael Galo brings significant jury trial experience to each case. He has tried numerous employment discrimination and retaliation cases to verdict in both state and federal court, showcasing his ability to achieve favorable results for his clients.

Areas of Practice

Demonstrating proficiency across various employment law areas, Galo Law Firm offers tailored legal services that cater to the specific needs of clients. Whether it’s handling sexual harassment cases, wage and hour disputes, or wrongful termination claims, our firm ensures that clients receive seasoned guidance and representation.

Over the last 25 years, Michael Galo has also managed numerous cases involving non-competition agreements, covenants of confidentiality, and protection of trade secrets, showcasing our firm’s technical prowess in these areas.

A woman cornered by a male coworker.

Sexual Harassment Cases

In addressing sexual harassment claims, Galo Law Firm assists victims to seek justice against workplace misconduct, guided by harassment laws. This includes dealing with:

  • Inappropriate Comments
  • Sexual Jokes
  • Unwanted Physical Contact
  • Coercion

Galo Law Firm ensures a safe and confidential environment for victims to discuss their sexual harassment experiences, providing them with the support they need to report inappropriate behavior without fear of retaliation.

Wage and Hour Disputes

Galo Law Firm also focuses significantly on wage and hour disputes. We ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and address violations such as unpaid wages and overtime issues.

Our firm works diligently to ensure that employees receive fair compensation for all hours worked, particularly when working overtime. Our team’s primary goal in these cases is to resolve issues related to unpaid wages and overtime, providing clients with the compensation they deserve.

Wrongful Termination Claims

Galo Law Firm excels in strategically handling wrongful termination claims. For a successful claim, employees must prove they are part of a protected class and that their termination was due to discrimination or retaliation.

Our firm challenges wrongful termination claims and personal injury cases by addressing unlawful justifications for dismissal and securing compensation for affected employees. Damages can include lost wages, back pay, future pay, compensatory damages for emotional suffering, and punitive damages.

Choose Galo Law Firm as Your Advocate

Galo Law Firm offers comprehensive employment law services in Corpus Christi, catering to both employees and employers. With a focus on protecting employee rights and defending employer interests, our firm handles a wide range of workplace issues, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes. Led by Michael Galo, a seasoned employment law attorney with over 25 years of experience, we are committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation to ensure fair treatment and just results for all clients. Whether you are facing workplace challenges or need legal counsel, Galo Law Firm stands ready to support and advocate for your rights.

Contact Us for Corpus Christi Employment Law Assistance

If you are facing workplace issues in Corpus Christi and need legal support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Galo Law Firm. Our dedicated employment law team is ready to provide personalized representation and fight for your rights. Take the first step toward resolving your employment law concerns with our committed legal team by your side.

Call us today at 210-764-6135 to discuss your case and find out how we can assist you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Employment law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. This includes any unfair treatment in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, training, benefits, and any other term or condition of employment. Retaliation against an individual for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation is also illegal.

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), employees have the right to discuss their wages with coworkers. Employers cannot legally terminate or discipline employees for engaging in such discussions. If you believe you were fired for discussing your salary, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

Pregnant employees are protected under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Employers cannot discriminate against employees based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. If you experience unfair treatment, document the incidents and report them to HR. You may also seek legal advice to understand your rights and potential actions.

Employers generally have the right to change job duties as long as the changes do not violate any contracts or employment agreements. However, significant changes that affect your compensation, status, or working conditions may be subject to negotiation. If you believe the changes are unreasonable or discriminatory, consult with an employment law attorney to discuss your options.

If your employer is denying you legally mandated breaks or meal periods, document the instances and review your state’s labor laws regarding breaks. Report the issue to your HR department or supervisor. If the problem persists, you may file a complaint with your state’s labor department or seek legal advice to address the violation.