Experienced Fairfax VA Employment Lawyer

Representative Cases

  • Discrimination
  • Harassment
  • Retaliation
  • Wage & Hour
  • Whistle Blower

Matthew Sutter on NBC

Matt on TV


What is Wage Theft?

Wage Theftis the nonpayment or under-payment of wages.

  • Employees are not paid minimum wage or overtime
  • Employees do not receive a final paycheck
  • Employees are not paid for time worked
  • Employers misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid paying minimum wage and overtime
  • Employers take illegal deductions from an employee’s paycheck

What are the federal laws prohibiting Job Discrimination?

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Equal Pay Act of 1963
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
  • Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
  • Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • Civil Rights Act of 1991

There are other federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination and retaliation and some state and local regulations may apply.


Can I sue for a Hostile Work Environment?

Verbal or physical conduct based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or retaliation, may amount to unlawful harassment. If the conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a hostile work environment; or if a supervisor’s harassing conduct results in a tangible change in an employee’s employment status or benefits (demotion, termination, failure to promote, etc.), there may be a right to sue.


My boss says I’m a contractor. Does that mean I cannot get overtime pay?

Even "contractors" can be entitled to overtime pay. How your boss labels you may not matter under federal law. Accordingly to the Department of Labor, the factors that a court will consider are: 1) The extent to which the work performed is an integral part of the employer’s business; 2) Whether the worker’s managerial skills affect his or her opportunity for profit and loss; 3) The relative investments in facilities and equipment by the worker and the employer; 4) The worker’s skill and initiative; 5) The permanency of the worker’s relationship with the employer; and 6) The nature and degree of control by the employer.


Does my employer have to pay me overtime and my “fringes” on government funded projects?

Yes. Recently a federal appeals court ruled that when the FLSA requires overtime be not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which the worker is employed, the ‘regular rate’ to be used for this calculus is the rate set forth under the Davis Bacon Act. See Jorge Amaya v. Power Design, Inc., 15-1691 (4th Cir. 2016)

Fairfax Va Employment Lawyer

Practices:

  • Discrimination
  • Overtime
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Wrongful Termination

This information is provided by a Fairfax VA employment lawyer. Our firm handles cases involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wage and hour law and EEOC claims. We assist those who have been harmed at work and seek compensation. We regularly represent employees who have suffered racial discrimination, sexual harassment and or have otherwise suffered unjustly at work. Case result summaries below are for informational purposes only, and good results in the past do not guarantee good results in the future.

Case Summaries

  • In 2020, judgment for overtime wages, unpaid wages, and liquidated damages in the amount of $14,312.72 and $19,752.50 in attorney’s fees on behalf of three Falls Church, VA house cleaners. Montoya et al v. Daisy Fresh Cleaning Company, Inc et al., 1:19-cv-01264-RDA-TCB (E.D. VA)
  • In 2020, settlement for $55,000 for a Sterling, VA office cleaner for pregnancy discrimination.
  • In 2020, settlement for $35,000 for a Vienna, VA cook for unpaid overtime.
  • In 2020, settlement for $45,000 for an Alexandria, VA cook for unpaid overtime and pregnancy discrimination.
  • In 2020, settlement for $12,000 for a Sterling, VA cook for unpaid overtime.
  • In 2020, settlement for $11,000 for a Centreville, VA cook for unpaid overtime.
  • In 2020, settlement for $5,000 for an Alexandria, VA landscaper for unpaid overtime.
  • In 2020, settlement for $5,000 for a Springfield, VA administrative worker who accepted a position with a new employer (which was pulled the day before she was supposed to start work) after turning in her two weeks’ notice.
  • In 2020, confidential settlement for a Springfield, VA home health care worker who was fired right before she had her baby. Mitchell v. Care Advantage Inc., 1:20-cv-00557-RDA-TCB (E.D. VA)
  • In 2020, settled a claim for $6,750 for unpaid overtime on behalf of two Temple Hills, MD day laborers.
  • In 2020, settled a claim for $20,000 for unpaid wages and overtime for an Alexandria, VA cook.
  • In 2020, settled a claim for a years’ worth of wages for a wrongfully terminated Ft. Belvoir, VA grocery store worker.
  • In 2020, settled a claim for unpaid overtime and wrongful termination for $45,000 on behalf of an Alexandria, VA cook.
  • In 2020, settled a claim for $55,000 on behalf of a $11.50 an hour Sterling, VA office cleaner who was denied the right to return to work after she had her baby.
  • In 2020, settled a claim for unpaid overtime on behalf of a Tyson's Corner, VA cook for $35,000.
  • In 2020, settled a claim for wrongful termination of behalf of a Fairfax, VA apartment complex worker for $40,000 who was fired after a back surgery.
  • In 2020, settled a sexual harassment claim for Loudoun County, VA government contractor for $53,400 plus three months short term disability payment and six months of unemployment benefits.
  • In 2020, settled claim for a Falls Church, VA house painter for $2,500 in unpaid wages.
  • In 2020, assisted with the prosecution of a federal False Claims Act (“FCA”) case against a Fairfax, VA health care agency for $263,280 in fraudulent billing and $81,464.73 in legal fees and costs. Nguyen v. Victoria Trans-Cultural Center, Inc. et al, 1:19-cv-00068-TSE-TCB (E.D. VA)
  • In 2020, settled a claim for unpaid overtime on behalf of two Fredericksburg, VA used car lot workers for $20,000.
  • In 2020, negotiated a settlement for a Springfield, VA hotel worker against two hotels who “shared” her labor but did not pay overtime for over $45,000.
  • In 2020, negotiated a settlement for four Loudoun, VA restaurant workers for unpaid overtime for $100,000.
  • In 2020, negotiated a settlement for two Arlington, VA restaurant workers for unpaid overtime for $67,500.
  • In 2020, negotiated a settlement agreement for three Loudoun, VA drywall installers for unpaid overtime for $47,500.
  • In 2020, negotiated a severance for a Frederick, MD electrical worker who became disabled after a foot injury, for $39,000 plus six months unemployment.
  • In 2020, confidential settlement for two Fairfax, VA air duct cleaners who were denied wages for travel time between jobs. Lopez Jiminez et al v. A-Plus Enviro-Services Inc. et al, 1:20-cv-00287 (E.D.VA)
  • In 2020, settled a claim for a wrongfully terminated Washington, DC apartment complex worker for $25,000.
  • In 2020, settled a claim of a wrongfully terminated Alexandria, VA baker for $6,500.
  • In 2020 settled a claim on for a wrongfully terminated Falls Church, VA security guard for $15,000.
  • In 2020, settled a claim on behalf of a wrongfully terminated Falls Church, VA banquet worker for $7,500.
  • In 2020 confidential settlement of two wrongful terminations on behalf of two Loudoun, VA teenagers who were fired after one of them became injured on the job and the other offered comfort and assistant to his injured co-worker. Aparcio Sorto et al v. Cubasi Bistro Corp et al, 1:20-cv-00246-TSE-IDD (E.D.VA)
  • In 2020, settled a claim of wrongful termination for two Arlington, VA health care workers who were each terminated for refusing sign a fraudulent medical form for a confidential sum. Sandra R. Penn and Yvonne Dorothy Matthews v. Volunteers of America Chesapeake, Inc., Case No. CL19000684-00 (Arlington County)
  • In 2020, judgment for unpaid wages on behalf of a Fairfax, VA dentist for $43,300 plus $6,035 in attorneys fees. Oliver Chu DMD v Ayman K Adeeb DDS, PC (Fairfax County)
  • In 2020, settled a claim of sexual harassment for $20,000 for an Arlington, VA part-time worker against a deli.
  • In 2020, settlement for $15,000 for an Alexandria, VA maintenance man who was terminated for public urination due to an undiagnosed disability.
  • In 2020, confidential settlement on behalf of a terminated Fairfax, VA apartment complex worker. Belcher v Mill Creek Residential Trust Resources, LLC, 1:19-cv-00249-TSE-MSN (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2020, settlement for Fredericksburg, VA temp who was subjected to anti-white racial remarks at a warehouse.
  • In 2020, settlement for Arlington, VA grocery clerk for $17,500 in unpaid overtime.
  • In 2020, negotiated severance of $15,00 for a terminated McLean, VA pharmaceutical sales representative.
  • In 2020, confidential settlement for unlawful termination and pregnancy discrimination on behalf of a Stafford, VA worker. Milam v. Aleut Facilities Support Services, LLC, 1:19-cv-01115-LMB-TCB (E.D.Va.)
  • In 2020, settlement for $25,000 for unpaid invoices for an unlicensed, Arlington, VA drywall contractor.
  • In 2020, confidential settlement for unpaid sales commissions on behalf of a Chesapeake, VA worker.
  • In 2020, settlement for $40,000 for an age discrimination lawsuit on behalf of Springfield, VA caterer against a national airline caterer.
  • In 2020, successfully obtained reinstatement and back pay for a terminated Fairfax, VA school bus attendant who was wrongfully fired against a local public-school system.
  • In 2020, settlement for $70,000 for a same sex harassment claim on behalf of two Fairfax, VA car lot workers against a local car dealership.
  • In 2020, settlement for $17,000 for a racially hostile work environment for a former employee of an Arlington, VA apartment complex.
  • In 2020, settlement for $71,475 for unpaid overtime on behalf of six Prince William, VA landscapers.
  • In 2020, settled a claim for $74,000 for a racially-motivated attack upon a Fairfax, VA tow lot attendant.
  • In 2020, settled a claim for unpaid overtime for $8,000 on behalf of a Sterling, VA dishwasher against a restaurant.
  • In 2020, judgment for $29,346.79 for unpaid wages, penalties and attorney’s fees for a Reston, VA software programmer. Maharjan v. Mittal, GV19018767-00 (Fairfax County General District Court).
  • In 2019, settled a claim for unpaid meal breaks on behalf of two Washington, D.C. event workers. Flores et al v. CE Rental, Inc., et al., Case No.: 1:19cv00053 (D.D.C.)
  • In 2019, settled a claim for $2,600 in unpaid wages for $10,400 for a Fairfax, VA receptionist.
  • In 2019, settled a claim of disability discrimination on behalf of a wrongfully terminated Herndon, VA construction worker for $11,500.
  • In 2019, settlement for $27,500 on behalf of a Washington DC hotel worker who was fired in retaliation for her complaint about disability discrimination.
  • In 2019, settlement for $26,000 on behalf of three Arlington, VA apartment cleaners for unpaid overtime wages.
  • In 2019, settlement for nearly $40,000 for unpaid overtime, penalties and legal fees for an Arlington, VA cook. Espana Estrada v. Barasso, Inc. et al., 1:19-cv-00144-AJT-JFA (E.D. Va. 2019).
  • In 2019, settlement for $28,000 in unpaid overtime wages, penalties and legal fees for a Woodbridge, VA maintenance worker.
  • In 2019, settlement for unpaid wages for a Falls Church, VA laundromat worker for $6,500.
  • In 2019, verdict for $20,959.00 for unpaid wages, compensatory damages and punitive damages an Arlington, VA dishwasher who was fired after he asked for his past-due paycheck. Hernandez v. Purple Ethiopian Restaurant and Lounge, LLC, et al., GV-18006133-00 (Arlington County General District Court)
  • In 2019, confidential settlement for unpaid overtime and wrongful termination for two Fredericksburg, VA car lot workers. Jalloh et al v. Regal Motors Inc. et al, 1:19-cv-00076-IDD (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2019 settlement for unpaid wages and overtime on behalf of a Falls Church, VA painter for $3,000.
  • In 2019 judgment on behalf of two Herndon, VA painters for $125,470 for unpaid overtime, penalties and other damages. Hernandez Caceres et al v. Sonny-N-Son's Painting, LLC et al., Case 1:18-cv-01427-MSN (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2019 judgment on behalf of four painters from Woodbridge, VA for $136,176.10 for unpaid overtime, penalties and other damages. Orellana et al v. Freeman et al, Case 1:18-cv-01186-CMH-JFA (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2019 settled a claim for unpaid overtime for $41,750 on behalf of a Woodbridge, VA concrete worker.
  • In 2019, settlement for two Fairfax, Va waiters who were cheated out of their tips for $45,000.
  • In 2019, confidential settlement for a wrongfully terminated Alexandria, Va deli worker who complained of racist conduct by her supervisors. Portillo v. IL Creations Inc., 1:17-cv-01083-RDM (D.D.C.)
  • In 2019, confidential settlement for a wrongfully terminated Reston, Va woman. Forness v. Masterpiece International Limited, LLC, 1:19-cv-00703-AJT-JFA (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2019, successfully appealed a denial of unemployment benefits for an Alexandria Va medical worker. Sarah N Laryea vs. Inova Health System et al., Fairfax County Circuit Court, CL-2019-0004116 (2019)
  • In 2019, confidential settlement for Fredericksburg, VA fast-food worker who was harassed because of her disability. Lewis v. MSAA NV PARTNERS LLC et al, 3:19-cv-00059-MHL (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2019, settlement for $10,000 for a Falls Church, VA nail tech after the owner of the nail salon told her the nail salon doesn’t hire blacks.
  • In 2019, settlement of $25,000 for a pregnant Leesburg, VA cook who was fired by a national sports franchise.
  • In 2019, $120,00 settlement on behalf of six Alexandria, VA landscapers for anti-Hispanic harassment and terminations.
  • In 2019, settled a claim for $20,000 for a Prince William Va construction worker for unpaid overtime.
  • In 2019, settled a claim for $70,000 for the groping for an Alexandria Va waitress.
  • In 2019, settlement of $25,000 for a pregnant Falls Church, VA cook who was fired by a Tysons Corner restaurant.
  • In 2019, confidential settlement for sexual harassment and unpaid overtime on behalf of an Alexandria Va sushi chef. Joo v. Best Meal LLC et al, 1:18-cv-01479-AJT-TCB (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2019, judgment for security deposit, costs of filing suit plus $2000 in legal fees on behalf of a Reston Va tenant against a landlord that unlawfully withheld a security deposit. Sanchez v. Avalon Bay Communities, Inc. GV 18028232-00 (Fairfax County General District Court)
  • In 2019, settlement for $13,500 for a Sterling, VA concrete worker who was laid-off and not re-hired shortly after he made a request for a reasonable accommodation.
  • In 2019, settlement for $65,000 for a Woodbridge VA daycare worker who was fired after she reported child abuse.
  • In 2019, settlement of $11,250 for an Arlington, VA retail worker who was fired after she had heart surgery.
  • In 2019, settlement of $8,000 for a pregnant Alexandria, VA daycare worker.
  • In 2019, confidential settlement for wrongful termination for a Portsmouth VA woman. Brown-Boulcher v. Kapusaba LLC et al, 1:18-cv-01428-AJT-MSN (E.D. VA. 2019)
  • In 2019 resolved a claim for unpaid wages and wrongful termination for an Arlington VA lawyer against a former employer for $130,000.
  • In 2019 resolved a claim for unpaid fringe benefits promised to an overseas contractor against a Reston based company for $13,400.46.
  • In 2019 successfully prosecuted a claim for unpaid overtime and liquidated damages for 100% of the value of the unpaid wages and damages for an Alexandria Va home health care worker. Defendants also paid all attorney fees incurred. Allie v. Esprit Home Healthcare, LLC et al, 1:19-cv-00108-LMB-JFA (E.D. Va. 2019)
  • In 2019 settled a claim of sex-based hostile work environment, battery and unpaid overtime for an undocumented Alexandria Va restaurant worker. Joo v. Best Meal LLC et al, 1:18-cv-01479-AJT-TCB (E.D. VA. 2019)
  • In 2019 settled a claim for $14,000 for a Washington DC security guard who witnessed anti-Muslim bias at the workplace.
  • In 2019 obtained a judgment in the amount of $47,603 for unpaid wages on behalf of six janitors. Gonzalez et al v. Naylor, 1:18-cv-01274-LMB-TCB (E.D VA. 2019).
  • In 2019 settled a claim for breach of independent contractor agreement for a Georgia retiree against a national food supplier for $100% of the value of the parties’ agreement.
  • In 2019 settled a claim for anti-Christian bias for an Alexandria VA deli worker against a national grocer for $17,500.
  • In 2019 settled a claim for unpaid overtime for an Alexandria VA worker against a dry cleaner for $20,000.
  • In 2019 settled a claim for wrongful termination claim for six month’s salary on behalf of an Arlington VA dental assistant who complained when her boss attempted to deduct her wages because of a billing dispute with an insurance company.
  • In 2019 settled a claim for a confidential sum for an Alexandria Va yoga instructor who was fired because of her illness.
  • In 2019 settled a claim for unpaid overtime on behalf of two warehouse workers for $52,000. Cartegena et al v. L&T Food Distributor, Inc. et al, 1:18-cv-01343-CMH-IDD (E.D. Va. 2019).
  • In 2018 obtained a judgment on behalf of four day-laborers for $147,554.15. Martinez-Cerna et al v. Nguyen et al, 1:18-cv-02149-TNM (D.D.C. 2018).
  • In 2018 settled a claim of discrimination for a warehouse worker and a father from Fairfax, Va who was terminated for missing work in order to care for his sick baby for $35,000.
  • In 2018 settled a claim of discrimination on behalf of a Fairfax Va manager against a national retailer for $25,000.
  • In 2018 settled a class action wage and hour case against a Fairfax Va home health care agency on behalf of home health care workers for $397,500.
  • In 2018 settled a claim of age discrimination on behalf of a Alexandria Va construction worker for $7,500.
  • In 2018 settled a claim of religious discrimination on behalf of a security guard for reinstatement, back pay and a confidential amount of compensatory damages. Hussain v. SOS Security of Virginia, LLC, 1:18-cv-01319-LMB-TCB (E.D. Va. 2018)
  • In 2018 settled a case of #metoo gender discrimination on behalf of four Fairfax VA retail workers for $145,000.
  • In 2018 settled a racial harassment case for a Prince William VA truck driver for $251,300.
  • In 2018 settled a claim of disability discrimination for a Maine professor against a national for-profit online university for $44,000. The professor was fired for requesting a larger computer monitor
  • In 2018 settled a claim of employment discrimination for a New York, NY job applicant who was not given a job interview on the basis of his age for $50,000.
  • In 2018 settled a wrongful termination claim for a Woodbridge VA driver who became injured at work for half a year’s salary. This was in addition to the $30,000 workers compensation award and the $9,000 she received from unemployment.
  • In 2018 settled an abuse of process claim for over $10,000 on behalf of an Arlington Va tech worker after she discovered her former employer had submitted false documents about her to the Unemployment Office. She also got all of her unemployment.
  • In 2018 settled a claim of hostile work environment and constructive discharge for a Fairfax Va secretary for two months of wages.
  • In 2018 settled a claim of retaliation and disability discrimination for a Prince William Va employee against a federal agency for over $100,000.
  • In 2018 settled claim of retaliation and racial discrimination for a Fairfax Va worker for a confidential sum. Black v. The City of Fairfax, 1:18-cv-00622-AJT-TCB (E.D. Va. 2018).
  • In 2018 settled a racial discrimination claim for an ex-felon from Alexandria, VA. for $20,000 against a multi-state catering company.
  • In 2018 settled an unpaid overtime claim for $21,500 for Fairfax Va resident. Vicente Santiago v. Wise Solutions LLC et al., 1:18-cv-00272-AJT-IDD (E.D.Va. 2018).
  • In 2018 settled a claim of retaliation for a Woodbridge Va. waitress for $5,500.
  • In 2018 settled a claim of racial discrimination for a confidential sum for an Alexandria Va worker. Plummer v. Kapusaba LLC, 1:18-cv-00231-TSE-JFA (E.D. Va. 2018).
  • In 2018 settled a retaliatory discharge claim for a Fairfax Va hairdresser for $10,000.
  • In 2018 obtained a confidential settlement for a class action lawsuit under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act regarding unsolicited text messages. Reyes v. Millicom Americas, LLC et al, 1:17-cv-00337-LO-JFA (E.D. Va. 2017).
  • In 2018 our client, a Stafford County Va HVAC tech was sued by his former employer for reimbursement of some training classes he took. Big mistake. We filed a counterclaim for unpaid overtime among other counts and they ended up paying us over $13,000.
  • In 2018, after nearly a year of litigation, resolved a claim for over $100,000 worth of unpaid severance on behalf of a Fairfax, Va executive.
  • In 2018 obtained a judgment for $55,923.50 for unpaid wages, penalties and attorney’s fees on behalf of two Prince William Va solar panel installers.
  • In 2018 settled a sexual harassment claim on behalf of a Prince William Va veterinarian tech for half a year’s salary.
  • In 2018 settled a class action lawsuit against a DC restaurant chain for unlawful meal deductions and uniform deductions for over five time the amounts owed. The defendants also paid all the legal fees.
  • In 2018 settled a wrongful termination claim behalf of an administrative assistant against a Fairfax Va doctor for $11,000.
  • In 2018 after the defendant employer stiffed two Arlington Va drywall installers, they sued for their wages in Small Claims court. Rather than pay them their wages, the defendant employer hired a lawyer who tried to dismiss their case on technical grounds. Sutter & Terpak, PLLC filed a new pleading on behalf of these drywall installers under the D.C. Wage Payment Act and settled their claims for four times the amounts they initially sued for in Small Claims court.
  • In 2018 settled claims for wages worth less than $2,000 on behalf of four undocumented Prince William Va construction workers for $4,000.
  • In 2018 settled a claim for unpaid overtime on behalf of a Reston Va lab worker for $47,500.
  • In 2018 settled a claim for a Herndon Va woman for unpaid overtime for $8,000 against a flower shop. The claims were barred by the statute of limitations, but the defendants paid based on her claims for extending the statute of limitations.
  • In 2018 settled a claim for full back pay and attorney’s fees against a Prince Georges County Md. worker who was terminated after he injured his leg.
  • In 2018 settled a claim for an Arlington, Va construction worker for $10,000 after he was assaulted at a construction site by a co-worker.
  • In 2018 settled a claim for unpaid overtime and other statutory damages for two bus boys for $35,000. Chicas et al v. Pho Deluxe Arlington Inc. et al., 1:18-cv-00039-CMH-TCBVAED (E.D. Va. 2018).
  • In 2018 resolved a race-based wrongful termination claim for an Alexandria Va medical worker for $40,000.
  • In 2018 resolved a race-based wrongful termination claim for an Alexandria Va medical worker for $9,000.
  • In 2018 resolved a race-based wrongful termination claim for an Alexandria Va medical worker for $18,000.
  • In 2018, settled wrongful termination claim of injured Fairfax Va retail store manager for $35,000 who was fired after falling off ladder.
  • In 2018 a verdict for four times the amount of unpaid overtime for a 7-Eleven employee in Washington D.C. Alam v. Khan et al, SC2017-2214 (D.C. Superior Court 2018).
  • In 2018 settled a wrongful termination claim for $34,000 for a Loudoun VA groundskeeper who was terminated after suffering a seizure at work.
  • In 2018, prevailed on a plaintiffs’ summary judgment motion for unpaid overtime for two Fairfax Va bartenders. The court ordered $46,964,94 in unpaid wages and damages and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs in the amount of $41,098.50. See Riggle et al v. The Revolution Darts and Billiards-Centreville, LLC et al, Case 1:17-cv-00792-CMH-IDD (E.D. Va. 2018)
  • In 2018 resolved a wrongful termination claim for two Alexandria Va deli workers who complained about unsanitary conditions and were terminated. Amer Boshra Sabet et al. v. The Fresh Market, Inc., Case 1:17-cv-01006-LO-MSN (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2018 resolved a claim for unpaid overtime for an Arlington, Va cook/dishwasher against a local restaurant for $20,000.
  • In 2018, after beating the defendant’s summary judgment motion, resolved a wrongful termination claim for a medical tech who was falsely accused of forging a doctor’s note. Jane Bailey v. Quest Diagnostics, Inc., Case No.: 1:17-cv-00625-TSE-JFA (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2018 resolved a claim for unpaid commissions for two Washington DC salesmen under DC wage payment laws against an international consulting firm. Travis Dennis, et al. v. IHS Markit Inc., Civil Action No. 1:17-cv-01658-TSC (D.D.C.)
  • In 2018, settled two claims of anti-Hispanic harassment and wrongful termination against a Loudoun manufacturer whose manager chastised Hispanics for not speaking English for $28,000. The manager was fired.
  • In 2018 settled a claim for an undocumented laundromat worker in Fairfax who was denied breaks and overtime pay for $13,000.
  • In 2018 settled a claim for an undocumented Loudoun house cleaner who was fired after she became injured cleaning an apartment for $10,000.
  • In 2018 settled a claim of wrongful termination for a cook at a Fairfax Va retirement home for $18,500.
  • In 2017 settled a class action complaint on behalf of Spanish-speaking service workers involving unfair arbitration agreements. Pablo Jacobo et al v. Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, LLC, 1:17-cv-00524-LO-MSN (E.D.Va. 2017)
  • In 2017, after discovering from the IRS that her payroll taxes had not been paid, negotiated a resolution where her former employer paid $17,500 for a Fairfax Va to a consultant. Client’s former employer remained also responsible for the unpaid taxes.
  • In 2017 settled a claim for unpaid commissions owed to an Alexandria, Va showroom worker for $7,500.
  • In 2017 settled a claim of retaliatory discharge for $30,000 on behalf of a Loudoun warehouse worker who had previously complained about sexual harassment.
  • In 2017 settled an employment law retaliation claim against a non-profit for a Human Resources professional in excess of $45,000. She complained about racist behavior and after she was subjected to an organization-wide reduction in force.
  • In 2017 settled an overtime claim for a Fairfax VA laundromat worker for $10,000. Our client’s wages were paid in full and she paid no legal fees. The defendants paid the legal fees.
  • In 2017 obtained a reversal of unemployment benefits on appeal in Fairfax County for a wrongfully accused medical technician. The court ruled that denying our client her unemployment benefit was “unreasonable, legally deficient, arbitrary and capricious.” The case was reported in Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
  • In 2017, obtained a judgment for $25,000.00 and $17,425.00 in legal fees for an Alexandria Va maintenance worker who was terminated for complaining about not getting overtime pay.
  • In 2017 settled a class action complaint on behalf of Spanish speaking service workers involving unfair arbitration agreements.
  • In 2017 resolved an invasion of privacy claim for an Alexandria retail worker whose confidential medical information was unlawfully disclosed by his manager. The manager was fired, and the worker received $40,000.
  • In 2017 resolved a FMLA claim for $20,000 for a janitor who was accused of quitting his job when in fact he was at home sick.
  • In 2017 negotiated a settlement for a quid pro quo sexual harassment claim for a constructively discharged Alexandria, Va secretary for a year’s worth of wages.
  • In 2017 negotiated a $30,000 settlement for unpaid overtime for two security guards.
  • In 2017 negotiated a settlement for twenty teacher aids for nonpayment of wages. Each claimant was paid in full and the defendants paid the legal fees.
  • In 2017, resolved a retaliation complaint for $50,000 for a Fairfax VA communications executive terminated shortly after reporting a coworker’s sexual harassment of a secretary.
  • In 2017 resolved an employment law case for nearly a year’s worth of wages for a fired Fairfax VA secretary.
  • In 2017 resolved an employment law claim for unpaid wages and false tax advisements for two construction workers for $23,000.
  • In 2017 resolved an employment law claim for unpaid wages and false tax advisements for a clerk at a dry cleaner for $17,500.
  • In 2017, obtained a judgment in excess of $250,000 against the owners of a restaurant for wage theft. Khaer et al v. Al Kawthar International LLC. et al., 1:16-cv-00652-JCC-MSN (EDVA).
  • In 2017 settled a sex harassment claim on behalf of an Annandale VA storage unit manager for $45,000.
  • In 2017 settled a claim of housing discrimination for an Alexandria VA woman for $30,000. She was denied an apartment on the ground floor which she required because of knee problems.
  • In 2017 settled a claim of unpaid overtime for a Fairfax VA secretary for $9,000 against a local used car dealership.
  • In 2016 settled a claim for unpaid wages for a foreign national against an embassy for $25,000. The case involved issues of sovereign immunity and diplomatic immunity.
  • In 2016, working with a team of civil rights lawyers, assisted in the prosecution and settlement of a case involving an Alexandria VA African-American subjected to racial discrimination and unjustly accused of shoplifting at a major department store. Berry v. Target Corporation et al., 1:16-cv-00897-TSE-MSN (EDVA).
  • In 2016 negotiated a religious and racial harassment claim for a Woodbridge, Va receptionist for nearly a year’s worth of wages after she protested unfair, yet favorable treatment by supervisors of her co-workers.
  • In 2016 negotiated a religious and racial harassment claim for a Woodbridge, Va receptionist for nearly a year’s worth of wages after she protested unfair, yet favorable treatment by supervisors of her co-workers.
  • In 2016 negotiated a sexual harassment and battery claim for a terminated Alexandria Va female call center worker for $40,000.
  • In 2016, $40,000 confidential severance agreement for a wage theft whistle blower in Falls Church VA who reported a company for failing to pay overtime.
  • In 2016, settled a six-figure employment law case for the wrongful termination of an epileptic terminated for missing work due to seizures and her employer’s failure to accommodate her disability.
  • In 2016, worked with a team of lawyers fighting unfair HOT lane violations in Alexandria Federal Court. The HOT lane law was later changed. Brown et al v. Transurban USA, Inc. et al, No. 1:2015cv00494(E.D. Va. 2016).
  • In 2016, obtained a six-figure settlement against bakery owner for wage theft. Andree et al v. Kamawi Inc. et al., 1:15-cv-01338-JFA (EDVA).
  • In 2016, obtained a court-approved settlement in excess of $120,000 for five housekeepers denied overtime and meal breaks in Washington, DC. Martinez et al v. Cinderella Services Inc. et al 1:16-cv-00391-AJT-MSN (EDVA).
  • In 2016, settled an employment law claim based on female against male harassment and wrongful termination for an Arlington VA retail store clerk against a Fortune 500 company for $85,000.
  • In 2016, after four years of investigation, resolved a reverse discrimination case for $80,000 on behalf of a Fairfax hospital worker forced to quit her job.
  • In 2016, negotiated an age discrimination settlement for a former hotel desk clerk for $65,000 against an Alexandria VA hotel.
  • In 2016 successfully negotiated a mechanic’s lien claim for an undocumented and unlicensed contractor.
  • In 2016 settled a claim of unpaid overtime for an Alexandria Va lot attendant for $15,000. The payments took over a year to come in and we collected every penny.
  • In 2015, resolved an employment case for nurse terminated by a federal agency allowing for reinstatement with back pay and legal fees.
  • In 2015, negotiated a confidential settlement for retail worker assaulted by a co-worker in Fairfax VA.
  • In 2015, settled a sexual harassment employment law case involving a federal agency for $100,000. The harasser was demoted and disciplined. The federal employee continued at her position and was protected from further reprisal.
  • In 2015, obtained a $10,000 settlement for a wrongfully terminated Vienna VA at-will employee and a convicted sex offender.
  • In 2015, settled a six-figure wrongful termination employment case for a Fairfax nurse terminated for reporting abuse of patients by nursing home staff.
  • In 2015, obtained a confidential settlement in excess of $140,000 against the owner of an interstate flooring company for overtime wages and penalties for four warehouse workers.
  • In 2015, negotiated a favorable severance agreement for a single father who was threatened with termination for missing work to care for his child.
  • In 2015 settled a claim for unpaid overtime wages for a Falls Church Va dishwasher of a Chinese restaurant for $12,000.
  • In 2015 resolved two complaints of sexual harassment on behalf of two undocumented Arlington, Va kitchen staff members against a celebrity chef for $32,000.
  • In 2015 our client, an H-1B visa holder from Manhattan, NY was threatened with a lawsuit for breaching a non-compete by his former employer in Reston, Va. His employer ended up paying our client $12,500 in order to avoid paying overtime penalties and was released from the non-compete.
  • In 2015 after her boss made comments about her hair, settled a claim of racial discrimination and hostile work environment for over $15,000 for a female African American from Alexandria, Va.
  • In 2015 settled a wrongful termination claim for a Prince William Va trash truck driver for $30,000 after he got fired after smashing his finger on a dumpster.
  • In 2015, resolved an employment case for nurse terminated by a federal agency allowing for reinstatement with back pay and legal fees.
  • In 2014 obtained a confidential settlement for a Prince William VA tire store clerk who was fired after he missed work for cancer treatment.
  • In 2014, obtained $10,000 on a sexual harassment employment claim for a victim who was terminated after failing a drug test in Arlington VA.
  • In 2014, successfully obtained a class wide settlement for female striking bus drivers in Arlington VA alleging unlawful harassment.
  • In 2014, obtained a confidential settlement in excess of $65,000 for five housekeepers who were denied overtime pay and meal breaks.
  • In 2014 settled a claim of unpaid overtime for $10,000 for a Fairfax, Va 7-Eleven store clerk.
  • In 2013, obtained a confidential settlement in excess of $80,000 for four housekeepers in Alexandria, Va who were denied overtime pay and meal breaks.
  • In 2013 resolved class wide claims of sexual harassment and gender discrimination for female employees of a large refuse company.
  • In 2013, after nearly a year of whistle blower litigation, negotiated a confidential settlement for $100,000 for unpaid commissions and back pay for a wrongfully terminated, nonprofit executive in Arlington VA who reported the company’s failure to pay overtime for laborers.
  • In 2013, obtained a settlement in excess of $100,000 for five undocumented warehouse workers who were denied overtime, meal breaks and water breaks.
  • In 2013, settled a claim of pregnancy discrimination against a college for $40,000 after an employee received a write-up for pumping breast milk.
  • In 2013, negotiated resolution providing nearly a year of severance pay for a teacher fired after she became too sick to work.
  • In 2013, obtained nearly a year of severance pay for a defense contractor terminated for behavior associated with an untreated mental illness.
  • In 2013 settled a claim for an Alexandria, Va marketing executive for $85,000 in past due salary and commissions.
  • In 2013 resolved a claim for unpaid wages for an Alexandria VA business development professional for $85,000.
  • In 2013 settled a claim for unpaid wages for a Prince William Va salesman against a local HVAC supplier.
  • In 2013 settled a claim for unpaid meal breaks for a Prince William, Va moon bounce operator for $6,000.
  • In 2013 settled a hostile work environment claim and claim for unpaid breaks for an undocumented, Arlington, Va transgendered house cleaner.
  • In 2013 settled a claim for overtime for a mis-classified baker. Angel Brizuela v. Serendipitous, Inc., et al., Case No.: 1:13-cv-01228-AJT-JFA (E.D.Va.)
  • In 2013 negotiated a severance for an Alexandria Va pregnant woman for four months’ salary against a local housing agency.
  • In 2013 negotiated a severance agreement for a terminated Fairfax Va employee for age discrimination against an overseas contractor.
  • In 2013 settled a claim of wrongful termination for $37,500 for an Alexandria, Va gift shop employee who was terminated after becoming too sick to work.
  • In 2012, obtained a confidential settlement, while the jury was deliberating punitive damages, for an African-American truck driver who was fired a few days after reporting racists acts by his supervisor. Joyce v. GDC Contractors Inc., 1:12-cv-00182-RLW (D.D.C. 2012)
  • In 2012 settled a claim for wrongful termination under the ADA for a disabled Falls Church VA woman against a private university for over $30,000.
  • In 2012, our Fairfax Va client, a pharmacist, came to us after had successfully sued a major drug store chain for $10,000 for unpaid wages. He won the case in court but the company wouldn’t pay! We coordinated efforts to cause the local sheriff’s department to visit numerous chains and collect the money from the cash registers on Christmas Eve.
  • In 2012 negotiated a severance for a terminated pregnant Woodbridge Va government contractor for $35,000 who was terminated for pretextual reasons.
  • In 2012 settled a claim of unpaid overtime for an Alexandria Va retail worker against a gourmet food provider.
  • In 2012 negotiated a settlement of overtime claims for a safety officer who was forced to drive a bus when the union drivers were on strike. Antony Phillips v. Forsythe Transportation Inc., Case No. 01:12cv1013-LMB/TCB.
  • In 2012 negotiated a settlement for a Washington D.C. desk clerk who became too disabled to work due to Multiple Sclerosis.
  • In 2012 negotiated a severance for an Alexandria, Va dental tech.
  • In 2012 negotiated a severance for over $20,000 for a pregnant secretary from Waldorf MD.
  • In 2012 settled a wrongful discharge claim for a Prince William Va bread truck driver for over $10,000 who was terminated after he complained about his back hurting.
  • In 2012 our out-of-state client was sued for breaching a non-compete in the City of Alexandria Circuit Court. The case settled. His employer ended up paying him $16,500 to settle his unpaid overtime claim.
  • In 2012 settled a claim for $30,000 for an Alexandria Va alcoholic who was fired despite his promises to enter into rehab.
  • In 2011 settled a claim of overtime for an Alexandria Va janitor.
  • In 2011, favorably settled a confidential business dispute for $950,000. The client paid no legal fees up front.
  • In 2011 settled a claim of wrongful termination for $41,250 for a Fairfax VA nurse who was terminated shortly after reporting patient abuse at a nursing home.
  • In 2011 settled a wrongful termination claim for $10,000 for a Prince William VA bread truck delivery driver who missed work due to a back injury. This settlement was in addition to his worker’s compensation award, so he got paid twice.
  • In 2011 a minority owner of a home cleaning business, was getting pushed out of this business by his partner and his $500 an hour lawyers, even though he was the one who did all the work. But his lawyers made a mistake in drafting the corporate documents, which technically, gave our client 50% ownership of the business. So, when they tried to sell the business, this mistake was made raised at the closing and they paid our client $130,000.00 to allow the sale to go through, about $100,000 more than the original offer.
  • In 2011 settled a claim of wrongful termination for a Fairfax Va secretary who complained of racial profiling in government contract hiring for $100,000.
  • In 2010 settled a claim of gender discrimination for an Alexandria Va hotel worker who was terminated after she complained about being called a “diva” by her boss.
  • In 2010, obtained a confidential six figure settlement in an employment law case for a Fairfax VA woman terminated from her position as a secretary for reporting her boss’s racist behavior.
  • In 2010 negotiated a severance for an Alexandria Va pregnant woman for six months’ salary against a national non-profit.
  • In 2010 negotiated a settlement of $40,000 of unpaid wages for a Fairfax Va bookkeeper and collected every penny after years of collection efforts. Never forget to pay the bookkeeper.
  • In 2009, obtained a confidential settlement on behalf of an Alexandria VA security guard terminated for praying. A-Ahmed v. U.S. Security Associates, Inc., 1:09-cv-00253-LMB-IDD. (EDVA)
  • In 2008, obtained a confidential settlement for a Fauquier County VA mechanic for age discrimination. Frazier v. AEROJET Corporation, 1:07-cv-00513-CMH-BRP (E.D. Va. 2008)
  • In 2008 confidential settlement for a mechanic who was teased for hearing loss and his age. Frazier v. Aerojet Corporation, Civil Action No. 1:07cv513 CMH/LO (E.D. Va.)
  • In 2007, with a team of lawyers obtained a judgment including punitive damages and penalties for securities fraud involving the sale of a restaurant to an immigrant family. Arias v. Jokers Wild, Inc., 73 Va. Cir. 281 (Fairfax Co. 2007).
  • As a law student, assisted in drafting the appeals for two Fairfax African-American trash truck drivers. On remand the case resulted in the largest racial discrimination verdict in Virginia history; over $5,000,000.00 for two drivers. White v. BFI Waste Servs., LLC, No. 1:02-cv-01832 (EDVA) see also Washington Post, “2 Trash Men Each Awarded 2.6 Million Dollars in Bias Suit” p. B1, B4 (December 22, 2004).
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