When your rights as an employee are violated, it can negatively impact your finances, career path, professional reputation, and emotional well-being. Our experienced employment law attorneys at The Noble Law protect the interests of clients facing contract disputes, workplace harassment, job discrimination, and other challenges.
With an office in Mount Pleasant (Greater Charleston Area) and a comprehensive understanding of employment-related laws in South Carolina, we are ready and able to help. Reach out today for a consultation.
Types of Employment Law Cases We Handle in South Carolina
The Noble Law handles a wide range of employment law matters, including:
Workplace & Sexual Harassment
Workplace harassment is unwelcome conduct based on race, color, pregnancy, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability. It is a form of employment discrimination that can take many forms, from verbal insults to physical assault.
Sexual harassment is unwanted comments, propositions, communication, and contact of a sexual nature. It can be incredibly demoralizing, and often makes employees feel unprotected or unsafe on the job.
We represent clients who have experienced harassment or discrimination in the workplace. You don’t have to endure this unacceptable treatment to keep your job. The law in SC is on your side, and so are we.
Pay, Overtime, and Leave Disputes
Our team can clarify your rights regarding vacation time, maternity leave, bonuses, and other matters, and represent you in any legal action necessary to get the compensation and benefits that are rightfully due to you.
Under the FLSA, employees are entitled to compensation for every hour of employment. Certain “non-exempt” employees receive overtime for working more than 40 hours per week. Missed payments or underpaying are considered wage theft.
Further, if you have an employment contract outlining the compensation or other benefits due, we can assist you to assert those rights.
Discriminatory Wrongful Termination Cases
South Carolina is an employment at-will state which means employees can be terminated any time, for any reason or no reason at all. There are, of course significant exceptions to that rule, such as when the reason isn (1) discriminatory on the basis on the categories of race, color, pregnancy, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability or (2) retaliatory for reporting said discrimination
You cannot be fired for discriminatory reasons, or for exercising your right to file a discrimination harassment complaint.
If you suspect your termination was illegal, we can assess your case to determine if your employer broke the law. If so, we will assist you in exploring your legal options, fight to restore your job, and / or even sue for damages.
Retaliation & Whistleblower Claims
Certain South Carolina and Federal laws protect employees who report abuse, theft, fraud, and other illegal activities in certain circumstances. In fact, employers are expected to encourage whistleblowers—though, unfortunately, that is not always the case.
If you were demoted, fired, or harassed because you spoke out, we will assess your situation to confirm that:
- You engaged in a protected activity under a state or federal law (examples: reporting fraud or safety violations, etc.).
- Your employer took adverse action against you (examples: termination, demotion, cut in pay, etc.).
- That adverse action was motivated by retaliation (examples: termination occurred days after protected activity or disciplinary document mentions the protected activity, etc.).
Retaliation cases can be difficult to prove in states that don’t require grounds for termination, but with careful investigation of all the facts, it can be done.
This overview of common employment law claims is far from complete. Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation in depth. We’re committed to providing guidance and resources for employees and employers across South Carolina.
Overview of Federal, State, and Local Employment Laws
Work should be a safe place where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Several key laws are in place to protect employees from unlawful discrimination and harassment and other harmful treatment.
South Carolina Human Affairs Law
The South Carolina Human Affairs Law applies to employers with 15 or more employees, and prohibits discrimination based on protected classes including: race, religion, color, sex, age (over 40), and disability.
South Carolina Code of Laws: Title 41 – Labor and Employment
Title 41 of the South Carolina Code of Laws encompasses 44 separate chapters pertaining to employment in South Carolina. These statutes cover everything from wage, hour, and benefits guidelines, to attendance and leave policies, state-specific health and safety programs, and unemployment compensation.
Fair Labor Standards Act
The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulates wage, pay, record-keeping, and child labor standards affecting part-time and full-time private and public sector workers across the nation. This is the law that sets the minimum wage in South Carolina.
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA)
Under OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates and enforces safety and health standards across most private-sector industries in the U.S. Employers must comply with OSHA guidelines to provide a safe workplace that is free of known hazards, or face civil penalties for violations.
Federal Equal Opportunity (EEO) Laws
EEO laws comprise multiple federal statutes prohibiting job discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. These laws, which are enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), serve as fundamental protections for you, the American worker.
Why Do I Need an Employment Lawyer?
Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and other unlawful actions can be devastating for employees. But many victims hold back from seeking justice because they worry about retaliation or fear they won’t be believed.
In some cases, employees are simply unaware of their rights. Without the guidance of an attorney, they may continue to be victimized by unfair wage practices, discrimination, and other unethical and unlawful treatment.
The Noble Law employment lawyers educate clients on these protections and explain their legal options so they can make informed decisions about their situation. If you decide to move forward with a claim with representation by our firm, we oversee every aspect of your case to help mitigate any further stress or disruption to your life.
How Our Charleston Employment Law Attorneys Help You
The Noble Law employment law attorneys in Charleston understand it’s hard to leave work “at the office” when you experience workplace trauma. No one should be exposed to a hostile work environment. Discrimination and harassment are personal attacks—and they should never be dismissed.
Clients who choose The Noble Law have confidence and peace of mind knowing that compassionate and skilled attorneys are advocating for them every step of the way. We believe experience, authenticity, and personal attention are the keys to superior representation, and we always operate according to these core values.
Call or connect online to schedule a phone, video, or in-person consultation today. The Noble Law is proud to serve clients in and around Charleston and throughout South Carolina.