Author Archives: The Noble Law Firm
What’s the Difference Between Harassment & Discrimination in the Workplace?
When you’re dealing with unfair or hostile treatment at work, it can be difficult to know whether what you’re experiencing is considered harassment or discrimination. These terms are often used interchangeably, but under employment law, they describe two distinct forms of unlawful conduct. Understanding the difference can help you decide how to report or document what’s happening and when to seek legal help. Wat Is Workplace Harassment? Harassment occurs when you are subjected to unwelcome conduct in the workplace because of a protected characteristic such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. … Read More »
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Severance Agreements: How to Protect Your Interests
When your employment ends—whether through resignation, layoff, or another circumstance—you may be handed a stack of documents. Among them will be your severance agreement. It is very common to have questions about your package, such as: Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. At The Noble Law, we are here to guide you through these questions with a deep understanding of the emotional weight and financial consequences behind each decision. We work closely with you to help negotiate a fair …
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Steps to Take if You Believe You Were Wrongfully Terminated
If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, the decisions you make during the days and weeks to come will play a large role in shaping your potential legal claim—and your professional future. The wrongful termination lawyers at The Noble Law stand up for employees who find themselves without a job, without a legitimate reason. We provide the legal guidance people facing such uncertain circumstances need to move forward and pursue justice with confidence and dignity. Since 2009, our advocates have acted as …
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What is the Difference Between FMLA & Paid Family Leave?
A serious medical condition, whether it is you who is sick or a family member who requires your care, can significantly impact your ability to work. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs can help you through this time, but they have important differences you should know about. At The Noble Law, we understand the tremendous difficulty of balancing a career with the demands that arise during a medical crisis. Our attorneys are …
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Is a Mandatory Retirement Age Discriminatory?
A mandatory retirement age can be discriminatory, depending on the context and applicable laws. Under federal law, particularly the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), most employers cannot force employees to retire based on age alone. However, there are exceptions in certain occupations—such as airline pilots, some public safety roles, and high-level executives with specific pension benefits—where mandatory retirement is permitted. In general, these retirement policies must be narrowly tailored and legally justified to avoid violating age discrimination protections. The …
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Navigating Uncertainty: Duke University’s Buyouts and How The Noble Law Can Support Affected Employees
Understanding Duke University’s Recent Measures In response to anticipated federal funding cuts, Duke University has initiated a series of cost-reduction strategies, including offering voluntary buyouts to eligible employees. The university aims to reduce its budget by approximately $350 million, representing about 10% of its expenses. The voluntary separation incentive program (VSIP) is designed to encourage employees to voluntarily end their employment in exchange for financial incentives and continued health care coverage for a specified period. Eligibility for this program is …
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What is a Protected Class in the Workplace?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of protected classes, specifically, race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Over time, additional laws expanded these protections. Such laws include the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) of 1978, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008. Supreme Court decisions have also impacted how protected classes are defined. …
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Is My Employer Required to Pay My Salary During My FMLA Leave?
No, your employer is not required to pay your salary during FMLA leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), passed in 1993, was designed to provide employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. However, not all employees are protected by the FMLA. There are certain requirements that both the employee and the employer must meet in order for the FMLA to apply. While this federal law offers crucial protections, it does not obligate employers to …
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What is a Hostile Work Environment?
A hostile work environment occurs when an employee experiences harassment or discrimination based on a legally protected characteristic that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating and abusive workplace. To be legally actionable, hostile or unwelcome behavior must occur because of the employee’s protected characteristics. Protected characteristics, classes, and categories under federal and State laws include sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, and pregnancy. The behavior must also be so …
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Attorney Laura Noble has Achieved the AV Preeminent® Rating – the Highest Possible Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®.
Laura Noble, a lawyer based in Charlotte, NC whose primary area of practice is Employment Law, has earned the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® Charlotte, NC January 9, 2025 – Martindale-Hubbell® has confirmed that attorney Laura Noble still maintains the AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest possible rating for both ethical standards and legal ability, even after first achieving this rating in . For more than 130 years, lawyers have relied on the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® rating while searching for their own expert attorneys. Now anyone can make use of this trusted rating by looking up …
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