Miami Retaliation Lawyer

There are several federal and state laws requiring that employers do not retaliate against employees for engaging in protected activity. For instance, under federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), which applies to employers with 15 or more employees, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which applies to employers with 20 or more employees, prohibit employers from taking any adverse employment action against an employee who has engaged in protected activity.

For instance, Title VII specifically provides that:

It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer to discriminate against any of his employees or applicants for employment . . . because he has opposed any practice made an unlawful employment practice by this subchapter, or because he has made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this subchapter.

42 U.S.C. § 2000e-3(a). To establish a prima facie case of retaliation, an employee or applicant must show that (1) he/she employee engaged in an activity protected under the law; (2) he/she suffered an adverse employment action; and (3) there was a causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse employment action.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and courts have found that an employee or applicant engages in protected activity when using the employer’s internal reporting mechanism to complain about unlawful employment practices carried out by the employer or its agents. The same is true of informal complaints to a supervisor. See Rollins v. Fla. Dep’t of Law Enf’t, 868 F.2d 397, 400 (11th Cir. 1989).

For example, an internal report of a hostile work environment based on a protected classification (gender, race, etc.) are generally protected, as well as a report alleging retaliation for engaging in earlier protected activity. Other actions opposing discrimination are typically protected as long as the employee or applicant was acting on a reasonable belief that the company was violating an employment law. The employee’s or applicant’s belief must be objectively reasonable in light of the circumstances.

Engaging in activity regarding an employer’s equal opportunity practices, however, does not render an employee immune from discipline or discharge. An employer may discipline or discharge an employee for any reason or no reason at all as long as the decision is not motivated by retaliatory animus.

There are similar protections under Florida state law. For instance, the Florida Civil Rights Act (“FCRA”), which applies to employers with 15 or more employees, offers similar protections to Title VII. When addressing claims under the FCRA, Florida courts follow the analysis under Title VII.

Retaliation claims are very fact specific. Lawyers from BT Law Group have extensive experience advising clients about, and litigating, claims of retaliation. If you believe you have been retaliated against or need advice regarding the investigation or defense of such claims, then contact the attorneys at BT Law Group for a consultation

Show More
Show Less

Get help now

Talk to a lawyer now

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our Process
1.
Investigate

As a first step, your assigned legal team will gather and review records related to your claim, including any employment contract or offer letter, time sheets, any relevant communications, and any disciplinary actions, including performance improvement plans or termination paperwork.

These documents will help your attorneys evaluate your claims and develop a strategy to obtain the best results for your situation.

2.
Formulate

Once your legal team completes the initial investigation, they will work with you to determine the best legal strategy for your situation. Your legal team will make recommendations and will work with you to formulate the most effective approach to obtain your desired outcome.

3.
Advocate

After you and your legal team formulate the strategy, your legal team will advocate on your behalf to obtain your desired outcome. This could include negotiating a separation package, engaging in pre-suit negotiations, sending a demand letter, and/or filing a charge of discrimination or lawsuit on your behalf.

The attorneys at BT Law are experienced trial lawyers and will advocate for your rights in the courtroom as necessary.

Reviews

Jason and Anisley are one of the best decisions someone can make given the situation. They are knowledgeable, transparent, proactive and communicate with their clients. I have dealt with other attorneys in the past and I’m always frustrated because you don’t get information or you have to chase the attorney and staff down that’s not the case with them.

In finding the right lawyers to represent you, you want to have mutual respect and understanding for each other and clear communication to achieve your goals. BT Law Group is just that. They not only represented me to their fullest abilities, but went above and beyond to truly understand my goals and priorities and provide sound legal advice to achieve such. It was a pleasure working with both Anisley and Jason, I’d highly recommend them.

We very much enjoyed BT Law Group’s founding partner, Anisley Tarragona service and attention to detail. From the onset her approach was practical and conscious of providing the best legal advice while being mindful of suggesting cost effective, conservative solutions. We find her to be a great business partner to service all our employment related legal needs.

I received a prompt and very professional service by the BT Law Group. Ms Tarragona provides tailored advice in the best interest of the client. She was meticulous and explained the pros and cons of my case in very simple terms which allowed me to consider and take the best decision. Very happy with the service. Highly recommended.

Absolutely wonderful and professional services. Represented my mom in a caring and personalized manner. Knowledgeable and ethical. Thank you!

I always consult BT Law Group for employment law matters. They are responsive, practical and efficient. I recommend them to colleagues and friends.

Trusted advisors
Jason D. Berkowitz is a Founding Partner of BT Law Group, PLLC. Prior to starting BT Law, Mr. Berkowitz was a Partner in the Miami office of a national labor and employment law firm where he represented management exclusively.
Anisley Tarragona is a founding partner of BT Law Group, PLLC. Prior to starting BT Law, Ms. Tarragona worked in the Miami office of a national labor and employment law firm where she represented management exclusively. Ms. Tarragona, who was born and raised in Cuba, is fluent in Spanish.
UNPAID OVERTIME WAGES?