Employment Discrimination

For over 40 years, Deborah Gordon has represented employees throughout Michigan across all industries and at every career level whose rights in the workplace were violated.

Fighting for Justice on Behalf of People Who Experience Workplace Discrimination

State and federal laws prohibit discrimination in employment, education, and public accommodations. Employment discrimination occurs when an employer discriminates against an employee or job applicant unfairly because of a protected characteristic, rather than their skills, qualifications, or job performance. These protected characteristics are defined by state and federal law and include:

• Race, National Origin, and Ethnicity: Covers traits associated with race, including hair texture and hairstyles.
• Religion/Creed: Protects sincerely held religious beliefs.
• Sex, Gender Identity, & Sexual Orientation: Includes protections against discrimination based on being transgender or gay, as well as pregnancy status.
• Age: Federal law specifically protects individuals age 40 or older; Michigan state law does not require an age threshold.
• Disability: Covers physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities. Employers are required to accommodate a disability if it does not create an undue burden.
• Marital Status: Protects based on being single, married, or in a civil union.
• Retaliation: It is illegal to discriminate against anyone for reporting discrimination or participating in a lawsuit; illegal retaliation is covered here.

Discrimination can take many forms and can happen at any stage of employment, including hiring, promotions, pay, training opportunities, disciplinary actions, layoffs, or termination. It can also include harassment, retaliation for reporting misconduct, or unequal treatment in workplace policies or conditions.

Deborah Gordon Law has earned a reputation for success built on the exceptional results we deliver for employees who were discriminated against in the workplace. Known throughout Michigan for handling complex, contentious, and high-stakes cases, Deborah Gordon Law takes on major corporations, powerful institutions, and the defense firms hired to protect them. Our seasoned team of plaintiff’s attorneys has a deep understanding of employment law, trial advocacy, and the tactics employers use to try to avoid liability.