Protecting Employee Rights

Call Now For Experienced Employment Advice

Real Clients, Real Results - BT Law Group, PLLC Case Studies

Connect With Our Team Now

Thorough Case Evaluation  – 100% Confidential

We Used to Defend Companies, Now We Fight for You

Experienced Miami Employment Attorneys

Table of contents

Knowing your rights at work can make all the difference in how you’re treated and how secure you feel in your job. When you’re clear about what the law allows, you have the strength to speak up and push back if your employer crosses the line. Too often, workers stay silent because they’re unsure of where they stand, and that silence can cost them their livelihood, their security, and their peace of mind. Your rights matter, and being able to assert them is how you protect not only your job but also your dignity.

At BT Law Group, PLLC, we’re here to stand with you. Our seasoned Miami employment law attorneys can give you the clarity you need, help you recognize when your rights are being violated, and take action to hold employers accountable for illegal practices. We work with you to protect your best interests and fight for the justice you’re entitled to under Florida and federal law.

You deserve to work in an environment where your rights are respected, and when that doesn’t happen, having the right attorney on your side makes all the difference. We’re here to listen, guide you through your options, and fight for the justice you deserve.

If you’re ready to take that important step toward fairness and accountability, contact us today at (305) 507-8506.

 

Our Results

Why Choose Our Miami Employment Law Firm?

We believe you deserve representation that is both thoughtful and grounded in real-world experience. With more than 30 years of combined employment law experience, our founding partners, Jason D. Berkowitz and Anisley Tarragona, have represented a wide range of clients, ranging from individuals to Fortune 500 companies across different industries.

Before starting BT Law Group, Anisley and Jason worked together at one of the nation’s premier labor and employment defense firms, representing management. That perspective gives BT Law Group  a distinct advantage when advocating for employees today. The firm knows how the other side thinks, and uses that insight to strengthen your case.

We created this firm on principles of honesty and integrity, and those values guide every decision we make. Your story becomes our priority, and your goals drive our strategy. We also serve clients in both English and Spanish, so you can feel confident that nothing is lost in translation when your future is on the line.

Stop Workplace Injustice

Call Our Miami Employment Attorneys

What Our Clients Say

Find Out If You Have a Case

Complete Our Confidential Form

How We Address Employment Law Challenges with Proven Solutions

Every employment law challenge is different, and your case strategy should never be one-size-fits-all. We take a practical, goal-oriented approach that starts with fully understanding the facts. Together, we create a strategy tailored to your needs, whether that means negotiating a fair settlement, pursuing litigation, or trying the case before a jury or arbitrator.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved. Our collaborative approach reflects the way we have worked side by side for years, combining our strengths to deliver results for our clients.

We created this firm on principles of honesty and integrity, and those values guide every decision we make. Your story becomes our priority, and your goals drive our strategy. We also serve clients in both English and Spanish, so you can feel confident that nothing is lost in translation when your future is on the line.

Our Consultation Process

At BT Law Group, our consultation process is designed to be thoughtful, focused, and meaningful. Your situation deserves more than a quick glance. We charge a reduced consultation fee that allows us to set aside dedicated time for one of our founding attorneys to review your matter with the attention it deserves, without rushing or cutting corners. This consultation process allows us to move forward with a clear, mutual understanding of the road ahead.

If you’re ready to take that first step, we’re here to meet with you, listen carefully, and offer guidance grounded in experience and integrity.

Miami Employment Law Attorneys – BT Law Group, PLLC

With over 30 years of combined employment law experience, our attorneys at BT Law Group, PLLC bring deep experience and a track record of success to every case they handle. Founding partners Jason D. Berkowitz and Anisley Tarragona built the firm on a foundation of teamwork, having practiced together for years at a national labor and employment defense firm before opening their own doors. Together, they’ve built a firm grounded in trust and dedicated to protecting clients’ rights in the workplace and in business disputes.

Jason D. Berkowitz spent more than 10 years at a national labor and employment firm where he represented management

exclusively and regularly litigated and provided advice and counsel. He first joined that firm as a summer associate, was then hired as a full-time associate, and then was elevated to Shareholder.

With years of experience in federal and state courts as well as before administrative agencies and in arbitration, Jason D. Berkowitz has handled matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, breach of contract, restrictive covenants, and other employment-related claims.

Recognized for his work, Jason has been listed in Best Lawyers in America, named a “Rising Star” for multiple years by Florida Super Lawyers, and included on Super Lawyers’ list of the top 5% of attorneys in Florida in several consecutive years. Jason was also selected to serve on a Florida Bar Grievance Committee for multiple years, including as the Chair.

Read More

Anisley Tarragona focuses her practice on workplace disputes, drawing from her experience representing management at a

national labor and employment law firm. Born and raised in Cuba, she is fluent in Spanish and brings a unique perspective to her work with clients throughout Florida.

Her practice covers a broad range of employment cases and disputes. She regularly handles claims involving Title VII, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the ADA, FLSA, and FMLA, along with cases tied to employment agreements, non-compete clauses, and contract breaches. Beyond employment law, she has managed complex business disputes, including securities litigation, and has achieved meaningful results in high-stakes cases. Recognized on the Florida Super Lawyers list in 2023 and 2024 and previously honored as a “Rising Star,” Anisley is also active in professional associations such as the Cuban-American Bar Association and the Dade County Bar Association.

Read More

Start Protecting Your Rights

Schedule a Consultation Today

Don't Stay Silent

Get Legal Help Today

Wrongful Termination: Fighting Unlawful Dismissals

Losing your job is always difficult, but it’s especially painful when the dismissal feels unfair or unlawful. In Florida, employment is generally “at-will,” which means an employer can terminate an employee for any reason, or no reason at all. Still, there are important legal limits.

Wrongful termination applies when your employer violates state or federal law in terminating your employment. Florida law, along with federal protections, prohibits terminations that infringe on protected rights or contractual obligations. Recognizing these grounds is key to determining if your termination crossed the line into illegality.

If you were fired because of who you are rather than how you performed, your rights may have been violated. Both federal law and the Florida Civil Rights Act prohibit discrimination in the workplace, including termination, based on:

In Florida, you can challenge these actions and seek remedies that protect your livelihood and dignity.

Employers sometimes attempt to disguise discrimination with excuses like “restructuring” or vague claims of poor performance. Looking closely at the timing and circumstances often reveals the truth.

The law protects you when you speak up. If you reported discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or illegal business practices and were then fired, that may amount to retaliation. Both Florida and federal whistleblower protections make it unlawful for employers to punish employees for reporting or complaining about violations of law.

This protection is important because it encourages honesty in the workplace without forcing employees to risk their livelihoods. If you lost your job after raising concerns, your termination may not stand under the law.

If you have an employment agreement that outlines conditions for termination, your employer must honor those terms. Firing an employee in violation of a written contract or can facilitate a wrongful termination claim.

This is especially relevant for higher-level employees, executives, or professionals who often work under agreements with clear clauses about termination, severance, or notice. In Florida, contract rights are generally enforceable, and employers who break them can be held accountable.

Being wrongfully dismissed can leave you feeling powerless, but the law gives you the right to fight back. At BT Law Group, PLLC, our seasoned Miami employment law attorneys can review the details of your termination, identify if your rights were violated, and take action to protect your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Combating Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace doesn’t just impact your ability to earn a living—it affects your dignity, your confidence, and your peace of mind. Florida workers are protected under both federal and state laws from discriminatory treatment at work. These protections apply from the hiring process to termination and everything in between. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly due to who you are, it’s time to take a closer look at your rights.

Living with a disability should never be a barrier to fair employment. Both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Florida Civil Rights Act require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

This might include modified schedules, accessible equipment, or adjustments to duties. If your employer refuses to even discuss your needs, denies an accommodation without reason, or penalizes you because of your disability, that could be discrimination. You have the right to equal opportunity and support in the workplace.

Being treated differently because of your sex or gender – including your gender identity or expression – is prohibited under both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the FCRA. Whether you’re being paid less than a male colleague for the same role, passed over for promotions due to gender-based assumptions, or facing demeaning comments or conduct, you don’t have to tolerate it.

Florida employers have a legal obligation to treat employees fairly, regardless of their gender. That includes fair evaluations, access to leadership roles, and protection against harassment. If your contributions are being dismissed or minimized because of outdated views about gender, you may have grounds for legal action.

Pregnancy should be a joyful and personal milestone, not a reason to lose career opportunities. The law protects you from being treated differently because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. That includes being fired for needing time off, denied reasonable accommodations like modified duties, or passed over for promotions because you’re expecting.

Both federal law (through the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act) and Florida statutes make it unlawful for your employer to treat you less favorably due to your pregnancy status. If your employer seems more focused on your due date than your performance, don’t dismiss your instincts. Speak with someone who can help.

If you’re 40 or older, you’re protected against age-based discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), as well as under Florida law. Being edged out for younger, less-experienced hires, receiving comments about your age or retirement plans, or being pushed into early retirement are warning signs.

You bring experience and institutional knowledge that is often undervalued. When employers ignore or sideline you simply because of your age, it’s not just disrespectful – it may be a violation of your rights. Florida law recognizes that mature workers deserve the same career opportunities as anyone else.

You have the right to a workplace free from bias based on your race, skin color, or where you come from. That includes being treated equally in hiring, promotions, pay, job assignments, and termination decisions. Unfortunately, race and national origin discrimination often shows up in subtle ways, including coded language, unexplained reassignments, or being passed over for opportunities you’re clearly qualified for.

In Florida, the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) reinforces the protections offered by federal law, giving you a powerful legal avenue when discriminatory actions occur. If a supervisor or co-worker makes offensive remarks, denies you fair treatment, or singles you out for harsher discipline, that’s not just workplace conflict; it may be illegal discrimination.

At BT Law Group, PLLC, we take the time to hear your story, identify how the law applies to your situation, and fight for the fairness you deserve. Our skilled Miami employment law attorneys can help you challenge discriminatory practices, protect your best interests, and hold employers accountable.

Schedule a consultation today by calling (305) 507-8506.

Connect With Our Team Now

Thorough Case Evaluation  – 100% Confidential

Don't Stay Silent

Get Legal Help Today

Addressing Unfair Labor Practices

Your work should be valued, and that means being paid fairly and treated according to the law. Unfortunately, many workers in Florida face issues like unpaid wages, misclassification, or confusion over employee status. These practices don’t just cost you money; they can also strip away important rights and protections.

If you put in the hours, you deserve to be compensated for them. Employers sometimes claim certain positions are “exempt” from overtime or ignore contractual agreements regarding pay structures. Florida law, along with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), protects your right to fair compensation.

Even executives and professionals can encounter situations where bonuses, commissions, or earned pay are withheld. Too often, employers try to cut corners, refusing to pay for all hours worked. You may be entitled to recover unpaid amounts, and in some cases, additional damages and fees. For high wage earners, these claims can involve significant sums, making it critical to act quickly when compensation is withheld.

The difference between an employee and an independent contractor matters for your pay, benefits, and protections. Independent contractors typically have control over their schedules, tools, and methods, while employees work under the direct control of their employer.

Some employers mislabel employees as “independent contractors” or put workers in exempt categories when they shouldn’t be. This misclassification is a serious issue because it can strip you of rights like overtime pay, minimum wage, unemployment benefits, and workers’ compensation.

Florida law looks at the reality of your working relationship, not just the job title or label. If your employer controls how, when, and where you work, you may be an employee no matter what the paperwork says. 

Consequences for employers can be serious:

  • Back taxes.
  • Unpaid wages and overtime.
  • Legal fees.
  • Fines and penalties from state agencies.

For you, though, this means you may have a strong claim to recover what was withheld when you were misclassified.

When employers take advantage of workers through unfair labor practices, it can feel like you’re outmatched. But the law gives you a way to fight back. At BT Law Group, PLLC, our skilled Miami employment law attorneys can review your situation, explain your options, and pursue the compensation and protections you deserve. Don’t let unpaid wages, misclassification, or false labels go unchallenged.

Call us today at (305) 507-8506 and let’s take the next step toward protecting your rights together.

Stop Workplace Injustice

Call Our Miami Employment Attorneys

Workplace Rights and Protections

When you speak up at work, whether it’s to report unlawful conduct, refuse to take part in something illegal, or exercise your workplace rights, you should not have to fear losing your job or facing punishment. Florida law, along with federal protections, makes it clear that retaliation is unlawful. These protections give you the power to stand up for yourself without sacrificing your livelihood.

Retaliation happens when an employer takes negative action against you because you engaged in protected activity. 

Negative actions can include:

  • Demotion or being removed from consideration for a promotion 
  • Reduced hours
  • Unfair disciplinary actions 
  • Termination

The law does not allow employers to punish you for asserting your rights, and you may be entitled to legal remedies if it happens.

To make a claim, you’ll need to show:

  • You took a protected step, such as reporting illegal activity.
  • Your employer took a negative action against you.
  • A connection exists between your report and what happened to you.

Timing matters. Sudden negative treatment after you report misconduct can point to retaliation.

Speaking up when something is wrong in the workplace takes courage, and both Florida law and federal law provide protections when you do. These laws are designed to protect you from retaliation if you report unlawful activity, refuse to participate in illegal conduct, or take part in an investigation.

Florida has two main statutes that safeguard employees:

  • Private Sector Whistleblower Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 448.101–105): This law protects private employees who report violations of laws, rules, or regulations by their employer, participate in proceedings related to those violations, or refuse to take part in illegal activity. If your employer retaliates against you for engaging in protected activity, you may have a claim.
  • Public Sector Whistleblower Act (Fla. Stat. §112.3187): This statute protects government employees who disclose misconduct, gross mismanagement, waste of public funds, or activities that pose a danger to public health and safety. Public employees are protected from retaliation when they step forward with such information.

At the federal level, several laws provide additional protections depending on the context:

  • Title VII and other federal anti-discrimination laws protect employees who report workplace discrimination or harassment from retaliation.
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Whistleblower Protection Program prohibits retaliation against workers who raise safety and health concerns.
  • The False Claims Act allows employees to bring claims on behalf of the government for fraud involving federal funds and protects them from retaliation.

Whistleblower protections give employees the confidence to report wrongdoing without fear of losing their jobs or facing punishment. These laws can provide remedies such as reinstatement, lost wages, and compensation for damages and ensure accountability across industries to safeguard the public interest.

No one should ever feel unsafe or disrespected at work. Sexual harassment is not only inappropriate, it is illegal under both federal law and the Florida Civil Rights Act. It can take many forms, from unwelcome comments or advances to offensive jokes or conduct that creates a hostile work environment as a matter of law. It can also include situations where your job, promotion, or pay is conditioned on tolerating unwanted behavior, often called quid pro quo harassment.

Sexual harassment can happen between supervisors and employees, among coworkers, or even involve third parties like clients or vendors. Regardless of who is responsible, your employer has a duty to provide a workplace free from harassment and to take action when complaints are made.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specific family and medical reasons. This includes time off for the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or managing your own serious health condition.

While on FMLA leave, your employer must maintain your group health insurance as if you were still working. When you return, you have the right to be reinstated to your original job or an equivalent position with the same pay, benefits, and terms. Importantly, the law also prohibits employers from retaliating against you for requesting or taking this protected leave.

In Florida, these federal protections apply to eligible employees working for covered employers. You can’t be punished for exercising your right to leave under the FMLA. Employers can’t interfere with your leave, penalize you for taking it, or use it against you in performance decisions. If you’ve been treated unfairly after requesting or taking leave, it may be more than just workplace conflict; it could be a violation of your rights under the FMLA.

Our skilled Miami employment law attorneys can step in to protect your rights. We can help you pursue justice against illegal and discriminatory actions in the workplace.

Contact us today at (305) 507-8506 for a consultation. Your voice matters, and we’re here to help you be heard.

Find Out If You Have a Case

Complete Our Confidential Form

Stop Workplace Injustice

Call Our Miami Employment Attorneys

Class and Collective Actions

When workplace problems affect more than one person, an opportunity appears for a more unified approach. Florida law, along with federal protections, gives employees the ability to come together and hold employers accountable as a group. These types of cases not only strengthen individual voices but also push for broader changes that benefit everyone impacted.

Class actions and collective actions are tools that let employees join forces.

  • Class actions allow a large group of workers with similar claims, such as discriminatory practices, to pursue justice together. If certified, all affected employees are automatically included unless they choose to opt out.
  • Collective actions are usually filed under federal law, such as under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Here, workers must affirmatively opt in to join the case, which makes the group more defined but still powerful.

Both options exist to level the playing field when individual employees might not have the resources to take on a company alone.

Bringing a collective or class action does more than amplify your voice. It can bring real change.

Class actions under Florida law can address discrimination and other employee-wide issues. When successful, you could also push employers to change harmful policies.

Federal collective actions under the FLSA are especially common in Florida for claims like unpaid overtime or misclassification. Courts often send notices to potential participants who might want to opt in.

These cases can be complicated, but our approach is straightforward and focused on you. We start by identifying the shared issues—whether it’s unpaid wages, missed breaks, or systemic discrimination. From there, we work with you and others affected to gather evidence, build a strategy, and pursue the case in state or federal court.

Throughout the process, we keep communication open so you know what to expect at each stage. Our role is to handle the legal work while giving you the confidence that your rights, and those of your coworkers, are being fought for with dedication and care.

You deserve justice that doesn’t stop at just one person. Our seasoned Miami employment law attorneys at BT Law Group can help you figure out which route fits best and guide that choice clearly. We can work with you to gather crucial information, file the right action, advocate for what you’re owed, and help shape fairness for now and the future.

Schedule a consultation today at (305) 507-8506.

Feature Class Actions Collective Actions
Purpose Allow a large group of workers with similar claims to pursue justice together Let workers join together to pursue claims under federal law
Inclusion of Employees All affected employees are automatically included unless they choose to opt out Workers must affirmatively opt in to join the case
Typical Legal Basis Used for similar claims such as discriminatory practices Usually filed under federal law, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Statute of Limitations for Employment Claims in Florida

When your rights are violated at work, time is not on your side. Florida law, along with federal protections, sets strict deadlines for when you must take action. If those deadlines pass, you may lose the ability to bring your case, no matter how strong it is. Knowing these time limits can make all the difference in protecting your future.

Employment Discrimination Claims

Most workplace discrimination claims are covered by both federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the ADA, the ADEA, etc.) and state law (the Florida Civil Rights Act).

So, for discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or other protected categories, you usually have one year under Florida law and 300 days under federal law to take initial action, which often includes filing a Charge of Discrimination.

Start Protecting Your Rights

Schedule a Consultation Today

Your Rights, Your Voice, Your Future

Knowing your rights at work gives you the power to protect yourself and hold your employer accountable when lines are crossed. Without that knowledge, it’s easy for companies to take advantage and leave you feeling like you don’t have a say. When you know your rights, you can speak up with confidence, protect your future, and demand fairness in the workplace.

At BT Law Group, PLLC, we’re here to stand with you. Our Miami employment law attorneys can help you assert your rights, protect your best interests, and challenge illegal practices when they threaten your livelihood.  Together, we can make sure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.

Contact us today at (305) 507-8506 for experienced legal guidance.

Call Now Button