Miami Employment Law Attorney
Serving Miami and the surrounding counties.
Putting You First & Fighting For Your Rights
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“Richard is deeply invested in his community and is a professional of purpose and integrity. As our legal counsel, his strategic approach, proactive communication, and commitment to our organization’s needs and goals have helped us navigate challenges as well as build important partnerships.”
“I have used Richard’s services multiple times over the past 4 years and he continues to exceed expectations. His attention to detail and excellent communication deliver the quality and peace of mind I look for when hiring legal counsel. If you’re looking for someone that is honest and will deliver on his word, Richard if the person you’re looking for.”
“I go to Richard Guzman because of trust. He was recommended by my dear sister that had the pleasure of working with Mr. Guzman. By having a direct recommendation, I did not doubt that he could ease my worries and that I would be backed by a knowledgeable, trustworthy professional.”
At the The Guzman Firm PLLC, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees in Miami and throughout Florida. Employment law can be complex, but our mission is simple: to provide compassionate, effective, and zealous advocacy for individuals facing challenging workplace issues. With a deep understanding of both federal and Florida state employment laws, we are committed to helping you navigate disputes and achieve the justice you deserve.
Workplace Harassment: We represent individuals who have experienced unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment.
Sexual Harassment: This includes addressing unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates a hostile environment. This can encompass “quid pro quo” situations and hostile work environments.
Employment Discrimination and Retaliation: We fight against discrimination based on various protected characteristics and retaliation against employees who assert their legal rights.
Race / Color Discrimination: Protecting employees from unfair treatment, harassment, or adverse employment actions due to their race or color.
Sex Discrimination: Addressing discrimination based on gender, including issues related to pay, promotion, and working conditions.
Pregnancy Discrimination: Ensuring pregnant employees are not discriminated against in hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, or benefits.
Age Discrimination: Representing individuals over the age of 40 who have faced discrimination in employment decisions.
Disability Discrimination: Advocating for employees with disabilities to ensure they receive reasonable accommodations and are not subjected to discrimination.
Religious Discrimination: Protecting employees’ rights to practice their religion without discrimination or harassment in the workplace.
LGBTQ Discrimination: Fighting for the rights of individuals discriminated against based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
National Origin Discrimination: Addressing discrimination based on a person’s country of origin, ethnicity, or accent.
Genetic Information Discrimination: Protecting employees from discrimination based on their genetic information, including family medical history.
Wage and Hour Disputes: Assisting employees in recovering unpaid wages, overtime pay, and addressing other violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Wrongful Termination: Challenging terminations that are illegal, such as those based on discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract.
Rape and Sexual Assault in the Workplace: Providing sensitive and vigorous representation for victims of sexual assault in the workplace, holding responsible parties accountable.
Whistleblower Litigation: Representing employees who report illegal or unethical conduct by their employers, ensuring they are protected from retaliation.
Qui Tam Cases: Assisting individuals in bringing lawsuits on behalf of the government for fraud against government programs.
FMLA – Family Medical Leave Act: Advising employees on their rights to unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons.
Severance Agreements: Reviewing and negotiating severance agreements to protect employees’ interests and ensure fair terms.
Employment Contracts: Drafting, reviewing, and litigating employment contracts to define terms of employment, compensation, and termination.
If you believe your rights as an employee have been violated, or if you have questions about your employment situation, contact the law office of Richard Guzman today for a confidential consultation. We are here to provide the legal guidance and representation you need in Miami.
Employment discrimination in Florida occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or marital status. This includes decisions related to hiring, firing, promotion, pay, and other terms or conditions of employment.
Florida is an “at-will” employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employment at any time for almost any reason, or no reason at all, as long as it’s not an illegal one. However, you may have a wrongful termination claim if your termination was based on discrimination, retaliation for exercising a protected right (like reporting harassment or filing a workers’ compensation claim), a breach of an employment contract, or a violation of public policy. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly as strict time limits apply.
For most discrimination claims under federal law (e.g., Title VII, ADEA, ADA), you generally have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Florida law (Florida Civil Rights Act) may extend this period, typically to 365 days, depending on the specific circumstances and whether it’s cross-filed with the EEOC. Other claims, such as breach of contract or wage and hour claims, may have different statutes of limitations. It is vital to act quickly.
The FMLA is a federal law that allows eligible employees of covered employers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, such as the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform their job. Your health insurance benefits must generally continue during FMLA leave.
It is highly recommended that you have an experienced employment law attorney review any severance agreement before you sign it. Severance agreements often include provisions where you waive your right to sue the employer, and an attorney can help you understand the terms, negotiate for better compensation or benefits, and ensure your rights are protected.
I have only positive words to describe working with him. I will continue trusting our working relationship with a solid base that will support us for the year to come!