How to File a Discrimination Complaint With the PHRC The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is the state agency responsible for enforcing the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). Filing a complaint with the PHRC is an alternative — or supplement — to filing with the EEOC, and it provides access to Pennsylvania-specific remedies including uncapped compensatory damages. This guide explains […]

How to Prove Age Discrimination in the Workplace Age discrimination affects employees 40 and older who are passed over for promotions, pushed out through early retirement packages, or replaced by younger workers. Proving age discrimination requires showing that your age was a motivating factor in the adverse employment action — and employers rarely admit this directly. This guide explains the […]

How to Report Wage Theft to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor If your employer in Pennsylvania failed to pay you wages you earned — unpaid hours, withheld final paychecks, illegal deductions, or denied overtime — you can file a wage complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. This guide covers the filing process, what the department investigates, and […]

How to Negotiate a Better Severance Package Most employees accept the first severance offer their employer presents without realizing it is negotiable. Employers expect negotiation — the initial offer is almost always below what they are willing to pay. An employment lawyer who understands the value of your potential legal claims can negotiate a significantly better package. This guide covers […]

How to File a Workplace Retaliation Claim If your employer punished you for reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, requesting leave, or engaging in any other legally protected activity, you have the right to file a retaliation claim. Retaliation is the most commonly filed charge with the EEOC — because employers frequently punish employees who exercise their rights. This guide covers […]

How to Calculate Unpaid Overtime in Pennsylvania If your employer has not paid you overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek, you may be owed significant back wages plus additional damages. Understanding how overtime is calculated helps you estimate the value of your claim and recognize violations that may not be immediately obvious. This guide covers the calculation […]

How to Request a Disability Accommodation at Work If you have a disability or medical condition that affects your ability to perform your job, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation from your employer under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). The request triggers an “interactive process” where you and your […]

How to Gather Evidence for a Wrongful Termination Case If you were fired illegally in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, the strength of your case depends on the evidence you collect and preserve. Employers rarely admit to discriminatory or retaliatory motives — your employment lawyer builds the case through documentation, witness testimony, and circumstantial evidence that exposes the real reason behind […]

How to Review a Severance Agreement Before Signing If your employer offered you a severance package after termination or layoff, do not sign it until you — or an employment lawyer — have reviewed every provision. Severance agreements are designed by the employer’s legal team to protect the company, not you. The payment you receive is consideration for waiving your […]

How to Document Workplace Harassment Proper documentation is the foundation of a strong harassment claim. Employers will challenge your account, question your memory, and argue that the conduct was not as severe as you describe. Contemporaneous, detailed records created at or near the time of each incident are your most powerful weapon. This guide explains exactly what to document, how […]