If you have experienced unfair treatment in the workplace, a trusted Seattle Employment Discrimination Attorney at The Schauer Law Offices, PLLC can help protect your rights and pursue justice. Employment discrimination can affect your career, financial stability, and emotional well-being. Our firm represents employees facing discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. Whether you have been wrongfully terminated, denied promotions, harassed at work, or treated unfairly by an employer, our Seattle Employment Discrimination Attorney team is prepared to guide you through the legal process and fight for fair treatment under Washington law.
Seattle Employment Discrimination/Wrongful Termination Attorney Standing Up for Your Rights
Workplace discrimination and wrongful termination can seriously impact your career, income, and peace of mind. The Schauer Law Offices, PLLC provides experienced legal representation for employees facing unfair treatment, retaliation, harassment, or unlawful termination. Our Seattle Employment Discrimination Attorney team is dedicated to protecting employee rights and helping clients pursue fair outcomes under Washington law.
What is employment discrimination?
Employment discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly because of a legally protected characteristic. Federal and Washington state laws protect workers from discriminatory actions in hiring, promotions, wages, workplace conditions, and termination.
Employment discrimination law protects employees throughout the United States from discrimination in hiring, firing, promoting, assigning of jobs, transferring of jobs, paying and offering benefits. Based on the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution, it is illegal for public and private employers to discriminate against employees based on their race or gender.
According to the Washington State Human Rights Commission, an employer or an employment agency cannot discriminate against a current employee or prospective employee based on:
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Your rights are constitutionally protected and incorporated against Washington State under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. If you believe these rights have been violated, call The Schauer Law Offices, PLLC for your free consultation with an employment law attorney in Seattle.
Common Types of Employment Discrimination Cases
Our Seattle Employment Discrimination Attorney team handles a wide range of workplace discrimination matters, including:
- Race discrimination
- Gender discrimination
- Pregnancy discrimination
- Age discrimination
- Disability discrimination
- Religious discrimination
- Sexual orientation discrimination
- Wrongful termination
- Workplace retaliation
- Harassment and hostile work environment claims
How do I file a charge of employment discrimination?
Based on the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (WSHRC), employers may not discriminate by:
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If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a Charge of Discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Except for the Equal Pay Act, the EEOC enforces all employment discrimination laws and requires individuals to file a Charge of Discrimination before filing a lawsuit against an employer. The failure to file your claim with the EEOC within the statutory filing period may cost you the right to have your case heard. Discrimination claims are sometimes difficult to prove and the burden of proof falls upon the plaintiff. Our Seattle employment discrimination attorney at The Schauer Law Offices, PLLC thoroughly understands civil rights and employment laws and handles state and federal claims.
Signs of Workplace Discrimination
Employees may face discrimination in many forms. Common warning signs include:
- Unequal pay for similar work
- Being denied promotions unfairly
- Offensive comments or harassment
- Unfair disciplinary actions
- Retaliation after reporting misconduct
- Wrongful termination based on protected status
A skilled Seattle Employment Discrimination Attorney can review your situation and explain your legal options.
By your side from start to finish
While you may be hesitant about initiating legal action, you can be confident The Schauer Law Offices, PLLC knows how to handle even the most complex cases from start to finish. Attorney Jason Schauer has comprehensive understanding of Washington and federal labor and employment laws — including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act (EPA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) — and he uses his knowledge to build a strong case on your behalf.
How The Schauer Law Offices, PLLC Can Help
At The Schauer Law Offices, PLLC, we understand how stressful and damaging workplace discrimination can be. Our legal team works closely with clients to investigate claims, gather evidence, negotiate with employers, and pursue appropriate legal action when necessary. We are committed to protecting employee rights and seeking fair outcomes for our clients.
Contact a labor and employment attorney in Seattle when your rights are violated
Contact The Schauer Law Offices, PLLC online or call 206-420-7112 to speak to a Washington labor and employment lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered employment discrimination in Seattle?
In Seattle, employment discrimination refers to unfair treatment of an employee or job applicant based on protected characteristics such as race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status. Both Washington State law, including the Washington Law Against Discrimination, and federal laws prohibit this type of conduct and provide protections against workplace discrimination.
What are common examples of workplace discrimination?
Common examples include discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or national origin in hiring, promotions, pay, or termination.
What laws protect employees from discrimination in Seattle?
Washington’s Law Against Discrimination and federal anti-discrimination laws protect employees and applicants. The WSHRC enforces RCW 49.60, and the EEOC protects workers against discrimination and retaliation under federal law.
Can I file a claim without losing my job?
Yes. Washington is an at-will state, but employers cannot fire or retaliate against workers for exercising protected rights or filing discrimination complaints. The WSHRC and EEOC both prohibit retaliation for reporting or opposing unlawful discrimination.
What damages can I recover in an employment discrimination case?
A discrimination case may recover back pay and benefits, job placement or reinstatement-type relief, attorney’s fees, and—when the law allows—compensatory damages for out-of-pocket loss and emotional harm, plus punitive damages for especially malicious or reckless conduct.