Gender Discrimination Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale
Fighting for Employees in South Florida Since 1982
Despite the fact that employers are required under the law to treat and pay men and women equally for the same job with the same responsibilities, sadly, that does not always occur. Indeed, to this day, many women continue to be victims of gender discrimination in the workplace, often being denied promotions and paid lower salaries than male counterparts.
If you believe you are being discriminated against because of your gender, The Amlong Firm will help you fight back. We understand the struggles women face in the workplace and we will help you seek justice. As the first state coordinator of the Florida chapters of the National Organization for Women (NOW), attorney Karen Coolman Amlong has been an advocate for women's rights for decades. Quite simply, we possess experience and knowledge that few employment law firms can match.
Reach out to a Fort Lauderdale gender discrimination lawyer at (954) 953-5490 to discuss your case and options today.
What is Gender Discrimination?
Gender discrimination is comprised of various direct and indirect actions or omissions in the workplace that treat you unfavorably simply because of your sex. This type of discrimination can occur when applying for a position or during the course of your employment. Although it can be applied to anyone, women have been the predominate victims of gender discrimination in the workplace.
Gender discrimination is prohibited by federal law under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law protects you from this type of discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, pay raises, job classifications, benefits, and more.
Gender discrimination can range from the overt to the more subtle. It is about an employer who is hostile and intimidating to you because of your gender even if the content of what is being said is not sexual.
Examples of gender discrimination can include:
- The "glass ceiling" — stereotypes and expectations of what women can and should be doing versus what men can and should be doing. Men are assumed to be competent. Women have to prove their competence over and over again and their mistakes are often remembered long after a man’s has been forgotten.
- Research shows that women are often expected to conform to various stereotyped roles, including a "mother" (who nurtures), "Ms. Efficiency" (who organizes everything for everybody) and a "mascot" (who waits on the sidelines and cheers the guys on). Women who conform to stereotypes often are rewarded. Those who don't often are punished. When a male manager demands higher performance or stands up for himself, he's being "assertive." When a female manager does the same thing, she's being a "bitch."
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At The Amlong Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Very knowledgeable and worth your time. My case was on the easier side, but definitely would refer anyone to Karen or the firm in general.Adryan C.
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“You answered all questions in a professional manner that brought me on board.”Marc J. (Race Discrimination)
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“For 20+ years I was the CEO of a nonprofit organization which forced retirement on me in a sudden and abrupt manner. I turned to Ms. Amlong hoping not only to get a fair settlement, but also to retain my dignity and reputation.”Former Client (Age Discrimination)
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Bill and Karen Amlong are the best employment lawyers that I know. I have referred them several employment related cases and they always get the job done. If you have an employment law question you should call The Amlong Firm.Sam C.
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“During one of the hardest times in my life, she was a beacon of trust and strength. I recommend her in the strongest terms.”Tannen C. (Gender Discrimination)
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“Ms. Amlong took the time to fully understand all the complexities involved and provide an analysis, from a legal perspective, as to what was happening, provide realistic expectations as to what could be done and an estimate timeline to resolution.”Former Client (Gender and National Origin Discrimination)
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“The institution that I work at had falsely accused me of violating a communication policy and tried to make an example of me to other employees. I would have lost my job had it not been for Karen. Karen was patient and professional in her communication.”Danny (Job Rescue)
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“Her strategy and control of the process resulted in a fair settlement without having to go through a trial by jury.”Jane (Age Discrimination)
Violations of the Equal Pay Act – Another Form of Gender Discrimination
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA) prohibits sex-based wage discrimination. Your employer must pay men and women working under similar conditions equally. While the Equal Pay Act has been the law of the land for over half a century, gender discrimination of unequal wages is still widespread. If your employer is not paying you and your male coworkers the same wages for the same work done, your employer could be held responsible to pay you for unpaid wages, unpaid overtime compensation, and additional liquidated damages. You may have a right to file a claim to collect those wages and damages from your employer.
The EPA has a straightforward purpose to bridge the pay gap between men and women. However, the law is complex involving several exceptions to which you must be aware. For example, exceptions include wages not based on sex but subject to differentials such as pay based on a seniority or merit system or earnings calculated on production quantity or quality output.
The best way to put an end to gender discrimination is to hold employers responsible for their illegal actions in the workplace. The EPA is governed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Your case starts with filing an EEOC claim within a limited time frame. The EEOC will determine whether the facts of your case merit a lawsuit. You will need significant evidence. Our experienced trial lawyers can help by investigating the facts of your case to get the proof you need in a timely manner.
