Washington DC Employment Litigation Lawyer

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent employees who have experienced unfair treatment, contract violations, or workplace retaliation. Employment disputes can leave you feeling powerless—especially when your job, reputation, and income are on the line. Our team understands how deeply personal these situations can be, and we work hard to help clients get the clarity and outcome they need to move forward.

Employment Litigation Lawyer Washington DC

Employment litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes between employees and employers through legal action. These cases often involve violations of federal or state employment laws and can affect workers at every level—from hourly staff to corporate professionals. Whether you’re dealing with wrongful termination, unpaid wages, or harassment, the legal process helps hold employers accountable when internal complaints go ignored.

Our Washington DC employment litigation lawyer handles claims involving a variety of issues, including:

• Discrimination based on age, race, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation
• Sexual harassment or a hostile work environment
• Retaliation for reporting illegal activity or requesting accommodations
• Breach of employment contracts or severance agreements

Employees often come to us after trying to resolve concerns through HR, only to face denial, delay, or punishment. In many cases, the employer may have violated specific protections under laws such as the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

We help clients assess what happened, review documentation such as emails or performance reviews, and take action through legal channels when necessary. Whether a case ends in court or through a negotiated settlement, our goal is to help the client regain control of their situation.

The outcomes of these cases often include:

• Compensation for lost wages and emotional distress
• Reinstatement to a previous role or a corrected employment record
• Penalties imposed on the employer for unlawful practices

No matter the specific issue, employees deserve a workplace that respects their rights and honors the law.

Why Our Firm Is Trusted With Workplace Claims

At Cohen & Cohen, we bring years of litigation experience to the table, which allows us to handle employment disputes with both precision and determination. We’ve represented clients in cases involving wrongful dismissal, retaliation after whistleblowing, and discriminatory hiring or promotion practices. Our approach focuses on gathering facts, building strong legal arguments, and representing our clients with clarity and strength.

In one case, our client was terminated shortly after filing a report about unsafe conditions in the workplace. We helped show the link between their protected action and the employer’s response, resulting in a favorable settlement. In another case, we helped an employee recover compensation after their contract was violated and performance bonuses were withheld.

Our team is committed to helping employees stand up for their rights and find fair solutions.

Talk With a Legal Team That Will Listen

If you’re facing unfair treatment or legal violations at work, now is the time to act. A Washington DC employment litigation lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can review your situation and help you understand your options. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to support your next steps.

Types of Employment Litigation Cases We Handle

Workplace issues are more than just job concerns—they affect your reputation, livelihood, and well-being. At Cohen & Cohen, we represent employees in a wide range of employment litigation cases, from contract disputes to harassment and wrongful termination. We understand that taking legal action against an employer is not easy, and we’re here to make sure your concerns are taken seriously. Our team works to help you move forward with clarity and support when your rights have been violated.

Discrimination Based on Protected Characteristics

Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms and is often subtle. Whether it’s being passed over for a promotion, denied equal pay, or terminated due to a protected trait, we help clients prove discriminatory actions that go against federal and state laws.

We represent employees who’ve experienced discrimination based on:

• Race, color, or national origin
• Gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation
• Age (40 and older)
• Disability or pregnancy
• Religion or beliefs

These cases require a strong factual foundation, including comparisons to how others were treated and any communications that may suggest bias. We help our clients gather evidence and move forward with confidence.

Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment

Employees are entitled to work in an environment free from harassment and intimidation. Harassment claims may involve unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate jokes, or other conduct that creates a hostile atmosphere. In some cases, harassment is linked to retaliation after a report is made.

We assist with claims involving:

• Quid pro quo arrangements involving job benefits
• Ongoing verbal abuse, threats, or inappropriate comments
• Failure by employers to investigate or respond to complaints

We review internal complaint reports, emails, and witness statements to show how the conduct affected the employee’s ability to work and whether the employer failed to act properly.

Wrongful Termination and Retaliation

Being fired unfairly or in response to a lawful complaint is one of the most difficult challenges an employee can face. Whether it’s related to whistleblowing, requesting medical leave, or speaking up about discrimination, retaliation is illegal under both federal and DC laws.

We represent clients in cases involving:

• Termination after reporting harassment or safety issues
• Discipline or demotion after using family or medical leave
• Blacklisting or reputational damage following a complaint

We help clients show that their performance was not the issue and that the employer’s real motivation was unlawful retaliation.

Breach of Employment Agreements

Employers must honor the terms of written contracts, including compensation, severance, and job responsibilities. When they fail to meet those terms, we step in to enforce the agreement or recover damages on behalf of the employee.

Common contract-related cases include:

• Failure to pay agreed bonuses or commissions
• Violation of non-compete clauses or confidentiality agreements
• Disputes over severance terms or job classification

Our legal team carefully reviews contracts and correspondence to determine where the employer failed to meet their obligations.

Speak With a Legal Team Focused on Employee Rights

If your workplace rights have been violated, it’s important to act. A Washington DC employment litigation lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help you understand the legal steps available. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to stand with you and fight for the resolution you deserve.

7 Steps Our Lawyer May Follow During a Case

Workplace issues can escalate quickly—what starts as unfair treatment may turn into job loss, financial hardship, or ongoing retaliation. When informal resolution fails, legal action may be necessary. At Cohen & Cohen, we walk our clients through each step of the litigation process so they know what to expect. Employment cases involve multiple phases, each designed to uncover facts, build your position, and pursue a resolution. Taking action early and staying informed throughout the process can make a major difference in the outcome.

Case Evaluation and Legal Review

Before filing a lawsuit, we review all documentation related to your situation. This includes emails, contracts, performance reviews, internal complaints, and any disciplinary records. We also gather your account of events to build a timeline and identify violations of employment law. Whether the issue involves discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, or a breach of contract, this early phase helps us determine the strength of your claim and the best way to move forward.

Filing an Administrative Complaint

In many cases involving discrimination or harassment, you must first file a charge with an administrative agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a local agency like the DC Office of Human Rights. This is a formal step required by law before proceeding with a lawsuit. We prepare the filing, represent you during the process, and monitor any employer responses or agency decisions.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once your claim is active, we begin gathering detailed evidence. This may include obtaining employment records, text messages, internal policies, and witness statements. If your case involves financial harm, we’ll collect pay stubs, bonus records, and any lost income documentation. During this phase, we also track employer conduct to see if ongoing retaliation or violations occur.

This step helps us:

• Clarify facts and timelines
• Identify inconsistencies in the employer’s version of events
• Build a case strategy tailored to your goals

Filing a Complaint in Court

If administrative options don’t lead to a fair outcome, we file a civil lawsuit. The complaint outlines your claims, the legal basis for them, and the damages you’re seeking. Once filed, the employer has a set amount of time to respond. The court then sets a schedule for how the case will proceed.

Discovery Phase

This formal process allows both sides to exchange information. It includes written questions (interrogatories), document requests, and depositions. We use discovery to get a full picture of the employer’s actions, including internal communications, HR notes, and relevant policies. This often reveals whether the company followed proper procedures—or failed to do so.

Negotiation or Mediation

Many cases settle before trial. Employers may agree to mediation or private negotiations to avoid public proceedings. We present the evidence, highlight risks for the other side, and work toward a resolution that includes compensation or other remedies. If a settlement is not fair or in your best interest, we continue preparing for trial.

Trial and Judgment

If a case proceeds to trial, we represent you in court and present all evidence to a judge or jury. This may include witness testimony, documentation, and legal arguments. At the end, a decision is made on liability and any compensation owed.

Talk With a Legal Team That Knows the Process

If you’re dealing with workplace misconduct or unfair treatment, timing matters. A Washington DC employment litigation lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can guide you through each phase and help you pursue a result that protects your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to help you move forward.