Third-Party Workplace Investigation
When an internal complaint is lodged, employers are legally obligated to conduct a workplace investigation to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. There is no doubt that a workplace investigation can take a toll on employees and the work environment. Even once an investigation is completed, distrust and frustration may remain. An impartial workplace investigation conducted by a third party serves as an essential tool for organizations dealing with internal accusations of discrimination or sexual harassment. Third-party investigators …
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Identity and Inclusivity: Issues for Transgender Employees
In this episode, Laura Noble speaks with Dr. Jami Taylor, professor of political science and public administration at the University of Toledo, regarding the current state of anti-discrimination legal protections for transgender employees in the United States. Discrimination Against Transgender Employees in the Workplace According to the National Center for Transgender Equality: Forms of discrimination and harassment include things like refusing to hire a transgender person, violating privacy rights, and sexual or physical violence on the job. Bostock v. Clayton …
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Retaliation Initiative Announced by Federal Agencies
On November 17, 2021, the federal government announced a renewed focus on combating workplace retaliation. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) are beginning an initiative designed to educate and protect workers against employer retaliation. While these organizations have always had anti-retaliation as a key part of their missions, top government leaders noted that there has been a statistical increase in the amount of retaliatory behavior from employers in …
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Katie Abernethy Speaks to Fox 9 Regarding Equal Pay Act Claim
Last night, partner Katie Abernethy appeared on Fox 9 News in Minneapolis, MN regarding her recent argument in front of the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals against an employer based out of Minneapolis. In her argument, Katie represented Tracy Sempowich in an Equal Pay Act claim. Kelcey Carlson: A Minneapolis-based medical device company will have to a former employee in court over equal pay issues. A former regional sales manager sued the company because a male counterpart had a …
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Equal Pay Act Upheld in 4th Circuit Decision
Last Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled in favor of Equal Pay Act claims made by The Noble Law’s client Tracy Sempowich, represented by partner Katie Abernethy. A lower court had ruled that Sempowich’s claims were not valid, because even though her salary was lower than a male coworker, she had earned more commission than him and had a higher total compensation. Joined by the EEOC, Katie argued that this was a misreading of the …
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Stand Up for Workers PAC
As part of her efforts to catalyze positive changes in employment law and society, managing partner Laura Noble serves on the board of directors of Stand Up for Workers, a political action committee focused on defending and expanding the basic rights of the American worker. The group strives to elect representatives who support legislation regarding those rights, from fair wages to equitable and dignified treatment in the workplace. One of the key components of the group’s work is to ensure that workers have access to …
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Employment Law: “No Vaccine Required” Job Postings
On November 17, 2021, employment attorney and partner at The Noble Law Katie Abernethy was interviewed on WRAL News to discuss the meaning of a growing trend in online employment listings – a “no vaccine required” component. If you are facing an employment law matter, head to our consultation page to learn more about your options. Gerald Owens, WRAL: If you search job postings on Indeed, you’ll find some companies advertising their open positions as a “no vaccine required” job. …
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Leadership and Legal Services: Running an Employment Law Firm
This month, Laura Noble and executive coach, Karen Tax, explore what what leadership looks like in an employment law firm. When she passed the North Carolina Bar exam in 2008, Laura Noble had no intention of starting her own employment law firm. Having left the workforce to raise three children, Laura returned to a job market that was unwilling to employ her. Seven years as a full-time mother did not serve her legal career’s cohesive narrative, creating what other firms …
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Katie Abernethy Argues Equal Pay Act in 4th Circuit
Last week, The Noble Law’s Partner, Katie Abernethy, argued in federal court on behalf of Tracy Sempowich, a regional sales manager for Tactile Systems Technology. She made the case before the Fourth Circuit United States Court of Appeals, arguing that lower court used an incorrect test when it rejected Ms. Sempowich’s Equal Pay Act claim. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also appeared on behalf of Ms. Sempowich. Bloomberg Law’s Patrick Dorrian shined light on the argument in his article …
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The Noble Law Now Assists with Title IX
Gender discrimination and sexual harassment can and do exist outside of the workplace. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that simply states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” The Noble Law’s New York office is proud to provide representation for those in New York State who believe they need legal assistance in …
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