Fortis Employment law represents Maryland workers with discrimination, wrongful termination, and hostile work environment cases on full or partial contingency.
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Maryland Workplace Discrimination Lawyer
Discrimination
Discrimination at work occurs when your employer treats you unfairly based on protected characteristics (like race, sex, or disability) under federal and Maryland law.
300 days
statute of limitations
Up to $500k
case value
Required
EEOC/MCCR complaint
Fortis' Joseph Gibson is "among the most influential and respected" employment attorneys in Maryland.
influential and respected
Maryland Daily Record (2024) (Employment Law Powerlist)
What is the deadline to file a discrimination case?
In employment discrimination cases, statutes of limitation set strict deadlines for filing a claim with an appropriate government agency. Often, that's the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR).
As an employment lawyer, I ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time, help gather evidence, and maximize your chances of success, whether through agency resolution, settlement negotiations, or litigation.
Federal / Maryland
In Maryland, a workplace discrimination charge must be filed with the EEOC or MCCR within 300 days of the discriminatory act. However, race discrimination claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1981 may have a longer statute of limitations and do not require filing with an agency first.
Local
In Montgomery County and Prince George’s County, workplace discrimination claims must be filed with the respective local human rights agencies within one year of the discriminatory act.
You don't have to face discrimination alone
If you believe you've been treated unfairly at work due to your race, gender, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, or other protected characteristic, you may have a discrimination case. Workplace discrimination can affect your career, finances, and emotional well-being—but you don't have to face it alone.
At Fortis Employment Law, I help Maryland employees stand up to workplace discrimination and fight for justice. I am dedicated to protecting workers' rights and holding employers accountable. If you're searching for an employment lawyer to take on your discrimination case, I can help.
How do I prove a discrimination case?
Both federal and Maryland law prohibit discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, and other workplace decisions.
To win a workplace discrimination case, you'll need to establish three elements: (1) protected characteristic, (2) adverse action, and (3) causation.
1
Protected Characteristic
The discrimination must be based on a legally protected trait, such as race, gender, age (40+), disability, religion, pregnancy, or national origin (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FEPA).
2
Adverse Action
The employer must have taken a negative action against the employee, such as termination, demotion, pay reduction, harassment, or denial of promotion.
3
Causation
The employee must show that the protected characteristic was the reason for the adverse action, proven through direct statements, patterns of unfair treatment, or circumstantial evidence.
Joseph was more than understanding, sympathetic, and caring—he listened and actually heard me.
Kathi C.
Wrongful Termination
He's phenomenal. He gave me the information and confidence necessary to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Austin W.
Unpaid Wages
Joseph guided me with expertise and was willing to advocate for me in ways I was afraid to. Highly recommend!
Gaby R.
Wrongful Termination
My experience with him was amazing. I could not have asked for a better person to represent me.
Vayron M.
Discrimination
Federal
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in workplaces with 15 or more employees.
State
The Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act covers additional categories like marital status and genetic information.
Local
The Montgomery County Human Rights Law provides broader protections than federal and state law, covering sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income.
How does an employment discrimination lawyer help?
Facing workplace discrimination can be overwhelming, but an experienced employment lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. From evaluating your case to representing you in court, an attorney ensures you take the right steps to seek justice and compensation.
If you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, working with an employment lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success. Contact Fortis Employment Law today to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.
Filing Complaints
Discrimination claims often require filing a complaint with the EEOC, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR), or a local agency. A lawyer ensures your complaint is properly drafted, meets filing deadlines, and includes strong legal arguments to support your case.
Negotiating Settlements
Many employment discrimination cases are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching court. An employment lawyer advocates on your behalf, negotiating with your employer to secure compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
Questions about workplace discrimination
How do I know if I have a discrimination case?
If your employer treated you unfairly due to race, gender, age, disability, or another protected characteristic, you may have a claim. An employment lawyer can assess your situation and help determine if you have a strong case.
How long do I have to file a workplace discrimination claim?
In Maryland, most claims must be filed with the EEOC or MCCR within 300 days of the discriminatory act, but deadlines vary based on the type of claim.
What compensation can I receive in a discrimination case?
You may be entitled to back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, attorney’s fees, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Do I need an employment lawyer to file a workplace discrimination claim?
While not required, having a lawyer increases your chances of success by ensuring deadlines are met, evidence is gathered properly, and negotiations or litigation are handled effectively.