Subtle Signs of Workplace Discrimination

Whatever else they may be, most employers aren’t dumb. They know that engaging in discrimination, harassment or retaliation against protected groups in hiring and employment practices is illegal. They also understand that discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims can negatively affect their finances and their reputations. That’s why workplace discrimination is often subtle and nuanced rather …

Can You Get Severance If You Quit Your Job?

People quit their jobs for all sorts of reasons – better opportunities, shifting priorities, or the need to escape from uninspiring, frustrating or miserable situations. Whatever motivates workers to move to greener pastures, they typically want to leave with as little drama or animosity as possible. They also want to depart with as much financial …

Recent Minnesota Supreme Court Case Clarifies Proof Needed for Age Discrimination and Constructive Discharge Claims

Age discrimination in the workplace is rarely open and obvious. An employer that wants to push an older worker out the door likely won’t come out and say, “We’re letting you go because you’re too old.” Instead, the employer may devise pretexts for termination, such as unjustified poor performance reviews. Alternatively, an employer may make …

Top 5 Questions to Ask When Offered a Severance as Part of a RIF

If your employer has offered you a severance package as part of a Reduction in Force or RIF, you first need to understand that companies typically claim that RIFS are necessary for supposed financial reasons. In truth, though, RIFS are often used to get rid of older, more expensive employees and may constitute age discrimination. …

I’ve Just Received a Layoff Notice. What Should I Do?

Coming off record low unemployment rates, businesses are increasingly shedding workers across the economy, affecting employees at companies ranging from 3M to Twitter to Yankee Candle. Fortunately, the law affords laid off individuals certain rights and protections, as summarized below:  1. Am I Entitled to Severance? In many countries, terminated employees are entitled by law …

Cassie Davis

With more than 15 years working in corporate and legal services, Cassie is a seasoned professional. In her role at Halunen Law, she enjoys engaging with potential, new, or current clients. She appreciates collaborating with the other support staff on case and business tasks and working with Halunen Law’s group of experienced attorneys. Cassie shares …

Halunen Law Partner and FCA Attorney Susan Coler provides commentary for SHRM article on Supreme Court Whistleblower Retaliation Case

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently published anarticle on a whistleblower retaliation case to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.   The case will examine whether a whistleblower must prove an employer acted with retaliatory intent or whether the employer has the burden to show it did not intend to retaliate. The case …

Physician Whistleblower Protections: What You Need to Know

As a physician, your primary concern is the health and safety of your patients. Sometimes, this means speaking out when you witness violations of healthcare laws or unethical practices. Unfortunately, the act of reporting such violations can sometimes put your job and career in jeopardy. Fortunately, federal and state laws provide protections for physicians who …

Halunen Law Welcomes Attorney Pamela Johnson to its Employment Law Practice Group

Accomplished attorney brings an impressive record to complement team Halunen Law is pleased to announce that attorney Pamela Johnson has joined the firm. Johnson brings nearly 30 years of experience and an impressive reputation for advocacy and achievement throughout her practice. In addition to practicing employment law, Pamela has guided complex cases involving intellectual property, …

Pamela Johnson

Committed to clients' rights, attorney Pamela Johnson brings the power of persuasion and a depth of legal knowledge to bear for all those she represents. As a member of Halunen Law’s Employment Practice Group, Pamela brings an impressive reputation for advocacy and achievement. Her clients benefit from her breadth of experience, stellar track record, and …