Why Choose Us?
- 1. 5-Star Ratings by Clients
- 2. Avvo Rating of "Excellent"
- 3. Relied On By Houston News
Houston Employment Lawyer | Top-Rated
We are top-rated Houston employment lawyers. At our law firm, we fight for our clients. We listen to you and help you get what you deserve. With our team, you have the best representation for employment matters.
That’s because we help our clients get paid for all types of damages.
We make a living fighting for our clients. Working on a contingency fee basis, we don’t get paid anything unless we win. Moreover, we won’t back down against your current or former employer either.
Let us fight for you. Like all of our other clients, you will be pleased you did. You can see what some of our clients say about us on this page below.
Top-Rated Houston Employment Law Firm
Long story short: every single client review we have gives us 5 out of 5 stars. Not many of them or most of them: Every single one.
See our Reviews on Google.
Houston Employment Lawyer Services
Some of the claims we handle:
- Wrongful Termination and Discharge
- Overtime Disputes
- Race Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment
- Retaliation – where an employer targets an employee for reporting misconduct or reporting that their boss has engaged in discriminatory conduct
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – discrimination, retaliation, and failure to provide reasonable accommodations
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – refusal to provide medical leave, interference with medical leave, and retaliation
- Workers’ Compensation – workplace injury and related discrimination and retaliation
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – failure to pay overtime wages and minimum wage
- Gender Discrimination
- Pregnancy Discrimination
- Age Discrimination
- Religious Discrimination
- Hostile Work Environment
- Non-compete and Non-disclosure Agreements
If you are experiencing any of these issues, call Clayton Craighead, #1 Houston Employment Lawyer.
When Should I Hire a Houston Employment Lawyer If I am the Employee?
Employers can commit many unlawful actions that wrongfully place employees at a disadvantage. You should contact a Houston Employment Attorney in any of the following situations:
- Your employer harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against you
- You faced illegal termination from employment.
- The company forced you to sign an agreement waiving your rights
- The employer has violated state or federal laws created to protected employees.
- Your employer has not given the benefits that you are entitled to under your employment contract.
Make sure to contact a Houston Employment Lawyer as soon as you know of an issue. Don’t wait to contact an attorney. Any delay gives your employer time to build their defense.
When they do, it makes your case more difficult and prevents you from recovering damages.
Talking to Us is Easy
- Enter your details into the “Contact Us” form.
- An attorney will call you back.
- We will let you know if we can help.
- You owe us nothing unless we recover money for you.
OR
An Employment Lawyer Houston Workers Trust
At The Craighead Law Firm, our Houston employment lawyers are aggressive advocates for employees who want to hold their employers accountable.
With a trusted Houston employment lawyer, workers have an advocate to fight for them before agencies such as the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Texas Workforce Commission.
Furthermore, Clayton Craighead is the employment attorney Houston workers trust. That’s because he devotes his practice to fighting for workers’ rights.
Often, employees feel stuck in desperate situations. That’s why we fight for them and provide highly-rated legal representation.
When you need an employment law firm to be your advocate, contact the aggressive and experienced legal team at The Craighead Law Firm.
Employment Attorney Houston: Our Practice Areas
Overtime, Unpaid Wages, and FLSA
Overtime Law and Unpaid Wages
When your employer owes due wages, you can pursue unpaid overtime. However, unpaid wages include failure to pay minimum wage, failure to pay overtime, and wage theft. Each of these claims takes on different forms.
Houston-based employees have a path to pursue a claim when working with an employment lawyer. We work with you to identify the most appropriate strategy to pursue your best interests.
For instance, when you work 50 hours at a construction job but are only paid for 35 hours, this is an example of wage theft. On the other hand, a minimum wage violation could occur when a subcontractor’s team is paid a daily rate instead of an hourly minimum wage.
Additionally, if you work over 40 hours in a week as a non-exempt employee, your company should pay time and a half for each hour worked beyond the 40-hour limit.
These claims and others arise in a variety of ways. For example, if your employer misclassifies your job or asks you to work off the clock, you might be entitled to unpaid wages.
Contact our employment attorneys today to schedule a consultation.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful Termination and Your Houston Employment Lawyer
In Texas, the State follows a doctrine of at-will employment. For employees, this means termination at will for any reason or no reason whatsoever. However, there are legal restrictions to at-will employment. Federal law and state law provide employees with protection against wrongful termination.
- Americans with Disabilities Act. This act prohibits the termination of an employee based on their disability.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employee termination based on race, skin color, sex, religion, or national origin.
Additionally, your employer cannot fire you if it violates your contract, whether this is a collective bargaining agreement or an employment agreement.
Frequently, contracts specify particular employment terms or offer guidance regarding the company’s policies regarding termination. This contract binds the employer to follow the terms outlined in the document.
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated from your position, contact the Houston employment attorneys at The Craighead Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
Sexual Harassment Cases
Sexual Harassment in Texas
Our Houston employment attorneys understand the emotional toll that sexual harassment puts someone through. This behavior is prohibited per the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Texas Labor Code. Any employee can be a victim of sexual harassment, with behaviors including:
- Lewd gestures
- Inappropriate comments
- Touching and groping
- Assault
- Rape
Often, these cases involve someone in a position of authority, such as a supervisor or manager. However, it is also prevalent among coworkers, clients, and customers. Quid pro quo harassment, for example, occurs when someone with power in the work environment intimates that employment is conditional upon submission to their sexual advances.
When a restaurant manager suggests that a waitress sleep with them to gain a better shift, this constitutes quid pro quo harassment. With a Houston employment lawyer, you have an advocate to fight on your behalf and hold these abusers accountable.
Hostile Work Environments
Hostile Work Environments
While sexual harassment is often the foundation of hostile work environment cases, it is not the only means of creation. Any protected class characteristic can be the basis for a hostile work environment, including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, race, religion, disability, age, military service, or national origin.
A typical example is racist remarks and gestures that escalate into threatening behavior. When a supervisor calls someone of Middle Eastern descent a terrorist, it may be the basis for a claim of hostile work environment harassment. Similarly, if coworkers target you because you are in a wheelchair and mock your ability to work, this constitutes disability discrimination and can escalate to a hostile work environment case.
In these situations, you must take immediate action. No one deserves bullying, harassment, or ridicule because they are part of a protected class. Contact our Houston employment attorneys today to schedule a consultation.
These cases sometimes result in heightened retaliation from the employer, so you must have an advocate on your side. Our experienced Houston employment lawyer is ready and able to guide you through this process.
Employer Retaliation
Retaliation Cases with a Houston Employment Lawyer
Typically, retaliation occurs in the work environment when an employer takes action against an employee who engages in a protected activity. Per Texas law and Federal law, employees have protection against retaliation, and you have the right to hold your employer accountable.
As your advocate, our Houston employment lawyer helps workers file claims against an employer when they retaliate because you:
- Make a complaint about discrimination
- Involve HR or participate in an investigation of discrimination
- Report workplace safety violations
- File a wage and hour claim against your employer
- Engage in other protected activities or conduct
For instance, when the ADA covers an employer, it is illegal for them to retaliate against an employee who requests reasonable accommodations for a disability. The adverse actions that employers take against employees come in many forms. They often include being passed over for a promotion, termination, or failure to pay a bonus.
Leave & Benefits
FMLA Cases in Houston
When workers need time off for family or medical reasons, they should be able to take it. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of leave for certain reasons each year. Furthermore, the law allows you to take these 12 weeks off at once or in smaller blocks.
If the FMLA covers your employer, you can take leave to deal with severe medical conditions, care for a loved one, or go through the adoption or birth of a child. The FMLA also offers protected leave to employees with a spouse, child, or parent who engages in qualifying military activities. However, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for FMLA leave.
Our Houston employment lawyer is ready to advocate for you when you believe you are due FMLA benefits denied by your employer. Together, we can hold your employer accountable for their actions.
Workplace Safety Violations
Workplace Safety, OSHA, and Employment Law
Houston is rife with dangerous workplaces. When your employer does not maintain a safe environment, you have the right to hold them accountable. Our Houston employment lawyer represents workers who suffer from workplace safety violations.
Various laws support employees’ right to have a healthy, safe work environment, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. This federal law protects workers against dangerous environments.
Various laws support employees’ right to have a healthy, safe work environment, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. This federal law protects workers against dangerous environments.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigates safety violations and employer retaliation related to these claims. At The Craighead Law Firm, our Houston employment attorneys represent workers throughout the administrative process.
As a government agency, OSHA must remain neutral, favoring neither employees nor employers. They interpret and execute the law. That’s why you must have an advocate who understands the process.
With our employment lawyer, Houston workers have someone to help draft OSHA complaints. Moreover, they have experienced representation throughout their interactions with the organization.
If you are subject to a dangerous work environment or have experienced retaliation for voicing your concerns, it is vital that you contact our employment law firm immediately. We can discuss your case at your consultation and develop a thorough strategy to ensure you are heard and protected.
Contract Review
Contract Review
As a Houston employment law firm, we understand how complex contracts can be. Your contract is a crucial way to ensure you have protection. Typically, they are also enforceable under employment law, labor law, and contract law.
Likely, your contract has unique terms and conditions. Our Houston employment lawyer is available to review contracts. We strive to ensure you have the protection you need as an employee.
What Constitutes an Employment Contract?
Your employment contract is a binding agreement with your employer. It covers a broad spectrum of terms and conditions that govern this relationship. Additionally, they can be implied, written, or oral. Moreover, one or both parties may have the power to modify it.
Often, your employment contract includes the following factors.
- Duties imposed on the employee and employer
- Terms of the relationship
- Terms and means for the termination of employment
- Non-compete agreements following termination or when the employee quits
- Benefits you receive as an employee
When to Hire a Houston Employment Lawyer for Contract Review
Contracts are complex yet essential documents. They have a substantial impact on your life. At our Houston employment law firm, we help employees review and evaluate contracts. Moreover, we strive to ensure that the contract terms benefit our clients.
Often, employees are at a disadvantage during contract reviews. This is because your employer has a team of attorneys focused on checking contracts. Still, it’s crucial to review employment documents before you sign.
With our employment lawyers, Houston workers have advocates who help ensure their contract benefits them. Schedule a consultation today!
What Others Are Saying:
Areas of Service
The Craighead Law Firm, PLLC is a Houston Employment Law Firm located in Houston, Texas. The Craighead Law Firm represents clients throughout Houston and the State of Texas, including in Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Galveston counties.
How Can a Houston Employment Lawyer Help You?
If you have been wronged by your employer or are a victim of wage theft, you may be entitled to compensation. The Craighead Law Firm handles cases ranging from wrongful termination to wage theft and loss of overtime pay. If you are a victim of wrongful discharge, retaliation, sexual harassment, unpaid wages, or other unlawful circumstances that have caused you damages or loss in wages, call an Employment Law Firm that Houstonians can depend on.
Houston Employment Lawyer FAQ
Should I report violations to my employer?
Yes, it is important that you report harassment or any other workplace violations to your employer before you file a claim against them. Reporting issues internally is an important first step in the majority of employment law claims.
Moreover, when you report a violation, it provides essential documentation for any legal claim you pursue. If there is a Human Resources Department at your workplace, begin by reporting issues there. However, it is also important to remember that it’s not just what you say in a report but how you say it.
When to Report Violations to Your Employer
As a local employment lawyer, Houston workers depend on our firm to provide legal advice throughout the process. Our team is ready to provide early legal assistance to ensure reports protect your job and your future relationship with the company.
What if my employer retaliates against me?
Facing Retaliation? Hire a Houston Employment Lawyer
Often, workers tolerate unfair treatment or misdeeds because they fear retaliation from their employers. It is important to understand that Texas and federal laws prohibit retaliation against employees who exercise their rights to report violations.
If you feel that you have been the victim of retaliation in the workplace, contact the Houston employment lawyer at our law firm today. We can schedule a case evaluation to help you understand your options.
Should I report the retaliation?
You should absolutely report retaliation that occurs in the workplace. Often, this seems counterintuitive to people because they reported a different violation, which led to some form of punishment.
However, the retaliation is a separate violation of your rights and Texas employment law. When you report retaliation, it puts your employer on notice and establishes necessary documentation of their wrongdoing. At our employment law firm, we offer confidential consultations to employees who feel their employer is retaliating against them. Call us today.
Who is liable for employment lawsuits?
Liability and Employment Law
If you experience violations, harassment, or discrimination in the workplace, our Houston employment lawyer can help you file a claim against liable parties. Often, people wonder who is liable in these cases – the person who performed the violation or the employer?
In some cases, these are the same person. However, when the two are separate, your employer is liable for the discriminatory conduct of its employees. Per Texas employment law, the default rule is that employment is at-will. However, there are state and federal statutes that place limitations on this doctrine prohibiting discrimination of protected classes.
The anti-discrimination provisions under Title VII apply to any employer with 15 or more employees engaged in interstate commerce. Under Title VII, an individual supervisor or employee cannot be sued in their individual capacity. However, employees have the ability to sue the company they work for. In short, the employer is liable, not the employee.
What are my rights in the workplace?
What are my rights in the workplace?
As an employee, you have several rights when it comes to your treatment in the workplace:
- Right to privacy
- Fair compensation
- Safety
- Freedom from harassment and discrimination
- Freedom from retaliation
- Fair wages for work performed
Should I hire a Houston employment lawyer when my employer violates my workplace rights?
When to Hire a Houston Employment Lawyer
If you suspect that your employer has violated your workplace rights, it’s important to consult an experienced Houston employment lawyer. At your initial consultation, we can discuss how federal laws protect you from any suspected violations.
What questions should I ask a Houston employment lawyer?
Questions to Ask a Houston Employment Lawyer
If you find yourself in need of a Houston employment lawyer, it’s important to know what questions you should ask at your initial case evaluation. Here are a few quick questions that we can cover.
What are my rights as a worker?
This is an essential question to ask when you want to gain the insight of an employment attorney in Houston. Employees are protected by both state and federal laws.
Additionally, sometimes employees have a written contract that establishes their rights and responsibilities as an employee that might enlarge the protections provided under state and federal laws. If you have an employment contract, be sure to bring it with you so that your attorney can review it.
With federal and Texas laws, employees have a broad spectrum of protections in an array of situations. When you aren’t familiar with them, it can be hard to navigate. Your employment attorney will help you understand your rights in your specific situation.
What are my options moving forward?
This depends greatly on your specific situation and the violation you report to your Houston employment lawyer. Moreover, it depends on whether you are still employed. There are numerous options available in every situation. Some involve communication with your employer, which your attorney can help with.
When communication fails, there are still a number of avenues to pursue in order to hold your employer accountable.
How long will the legal process take?
With any litigation, the inevitable answer is “it depends.” This is because there are many variables at play when it comes to workplace disputes.
- How do the two sides see the events differently?
- Where are the settlement discussions?
- What’s the timeline for the court to process the claim?
Each step of the legal process is part of a “decision tree,” and this means there are different considerations to make. With an experienced employment lawyer, Houston workers have the guidance they need no matter what gets thrown at them.
What do your services cost?
At your confidential case evaluation, we are happy to discuss attorney fees and any other charges that may be associated with your claim. But generally speaking, we enter “contingency” fee agreements whereby we take a percentage of what we recover on your behalf.
We strive to establish a strong lawyer-client relationship, and a fee arrangement that works for both sides is an essential aspect of this.
What does a Houston employment lawyer do?
Your Houston Employment Lawyer, Your Advocate
As an employment lawyer, Clayton Craighead assists and advises employees on the state and federal employment laws that protect them against actions by their employers, supervisors, etc. It is our job to help workers hold their employers accountable to ensure that Houston employees are treated in a fair and consistent manner. Moreover, we ensure that employers are in compliance with all applicable laws.
Additionally, a Houston employment attorney is able to draft and/or review contracts and handbooks, assist with wage issues, and represent employees at the EEOC.
10 Employment Laws Everyone Should Know
10 Employment Laws Everyone Should Know
Whether you are new to the workforce or have decades of experience, it’s essential that you understand your rights as an employee. When you stay informed regarding workplace laws that impact your treatment and safety, it protects you and your team from wrongful treatment in the office.
As a Houston employment lawyer, our legal team is here to help you understand your rights. Moreover, we are here to be your advocates against employers who seek to violate those rights. Below is a list of laws we believe all workers should be aware of.
FLSA – The Fair Labor Standards Act
The FLSA was established in 1938 to address the dangerous working conditions of American factories. However, it has since evolved into a series of amendments that…
- Set limits on the hours in a workweek.
- Establish guidelines for overtime wages.
- Protect children with child labor regulations.
- Set a national minimum wage.
HIPPA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Introduced in 1996, HIPPA has grown rapidly over the years. As your Houston employment lawyer, Clayton Craghead wants you to understand that this act protects you and any of your dependents from the release of personal medical records. Moreover, it protects you from workplace discrimination rooted in your medical history.
ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA was passed in 1990 to combat discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Primarily, it focused on equal opportunity. However, it established a foundation for workers to demand “reasonable accommodations” in order to perform their work properly.
FMLA – Family and Medical Leave Act
Established in 1993, the FMLA entitles workers to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical reasons with continuous protection and healthcare coverage. Medical reasons in this instance include personal medical conditions, bonding with your new child, pregnancy, and an immediate family member impacted by a severe health condition.
Unfortunately, this does not cover all forms of employment. If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact the Houston employment lawyer workers trust.
The Civil Rights Act
Enacted in 1964, this law abolished segregation in public space in addition to making discrimination based on gender, religion, or race illegal. The Civil Rights Act was a launching point for many other anti-discrimination laws. This includes the 1972 amendment to Title VII that created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
PDA – Pregnancy Discrimination Act
If you ever feel concerned that your rights as a worker are violated, our Houston employment lawyer is here to help. As skilled attorneys, we have extensive knowledge of federal and state laws that regulate employment in Texas. More importantly, we are dedicated advocates who fight to protect your rights and best interests.
ADEA – Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Enacted 3 years after the Civil Rights Act, ADEA prohibits discrimination in aspects of work based on age. This includes promotions, hirings, and firings. If you believe that you are a victim of age discrimination at work, contact a Houston employment lawyer for a confidential consultation to discuss your options.
NLRA – National Labor Relations Act
While the NLRA was originally enacted to help employees form unions and collectively bargain, it protects workers’ right to discuss working conditions without fear of retaliation. This includes discussing salary and wages and even protects non-union employees.
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Act
Signed into law in 1970, OSHA introduced safety standards for employees. Since then, it has dramatically reduced the number of workplace accidents that occur across the United States. OSHA requires employers to meet specific safety guidelines in addition to providing training on best practices in order to maximize employee safety.
If you sustain an injury at work or believe your employer doesn’t adhere to regulations, it is essential that you understand OSHA standards. Moreover, with our employment attorneys, Houston workers have an advocate to protect their rights and their safety.
EPA – Equal Pay Act
As its name suggests, the EPA, which is an amendment to the FLSA enacted in 1963, abolishes wage disparity based on sex. This act entitles women and men to equal pay for equal work. However, it is difficult to prove this form of discrimination when salary transparency is not a common practice.
If you ever feel concerned that your rights as a worker are violated, our Houston employment lawyers are here to help. As skilled attorneys, we have extensive knowledge of federal and state laws that regulate employment in Texas. More importantly, we are dedicated advocates who fight to protect your rights and best interests.
When your employer violates these rights, you also have the right to hold them accountable. Seek the assistance of a Houston employment lawyer today, and schedule a consultation with our firm.
Confidential Consultations with a Houston Employment Lawyer
As a Houston employment law firm, we want you to understand our process. Working with our employment law firm, Houston employees have an opportunity to find an advocate for issues in their work environment. Much like working with a personal injury lawyer or DWI lawyer, we find ways to advocate for your best interests.
The Craighead Law Firm offers confidential consultations and case evaluations to Houston employees looking to right a wrong. Whether you faced wrongful termination or employment law violations, our legal team can help you. Scheduling a consultation is the first step, and we want you to know what to expect.
Additionally, our law office represents employees in a wide range of employment law issues. From wage and hour disputes to employment discrimination, we have the experience you need to fight for your rights.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Many of our clients have never met with a Houston employment lawyer before. Therefore, our goal is to make them as comfortable as possible. Ideally, a consultation with an employment law firm is an opportunity for both you and the lawyer.
Here are some common questions we receive prior to our consultation in Houston, Texas. We want you to understand our process and ensure that we are here to advocate for you and your rights.
Will I Speak to a Houston Employment Lawyer Right Away?
Oftentimes, clients don’t expect to meet with an attorney right away. At The Craighead Law Firm, you always consult with an employment attorney during your initial consultation.
With our Houston employment lawyer, workers have someone who will listen to your case and evaluate the situation. Likewise, you have the chance to evaluate our law firm. Litigation and lawsuits are complex processes.
We want to earn your trust before we dive into the process.
What Should I Bring?
While there is no requirement for you to bring anything, some documents are helpful. For example, an overtime violation requires certain levels of proof in regard to time spent working. Similarly, a wrongful termination case may require an examination of emails.
What to Bring
We trust that you understand the facts of your experience and will share it with us. We do not require documents upfront because the initial consultation focuses on you and your story. When you decide to retain the Firm, we will discuss the documents necessary to proceed with your case.
How Should I Prepare for the Consultation?
To make your initial consultation a positive experience, you don’t need to prepare anything. During this consultation, our lawyer will want to hear your story. Afterward, they will ask questions about certain details pertaining to the case.
How to Prepare
If you want to prepare, you may wish to make notes and review documents relevant to your case. Should you have any pertinent questions, write them down. This helps you remember them and cover every detail.
Does a Consultation Mean I Have to Retain Your Firm?
The purpose of the consultation is for everyone to better understand the situation. We discuss potential strategies and ideas for your case. However, you do not have to retain our firm.
Sometimes, people decide that the legal process is not the way they want to resolve an employment dispute. Often, people schedule a consultation to confirm what they already know.
Decide How to Move Forward
The decision to retain an attorney is yours alone. However, in situations where you have an employment issue our legal team can help with, our attorneys may discuss fees and the retainer process. And just so you know, nearly every case we handle is on a contingency basis.
Schedule an Evaluation with a Houston Employment Lawyer
At The Craighead Law Firm, our employment lawyers advocate for the rights of employees. We have extensive experience in a broad range of employment disputes.
Moreover, legal representation through employment law attorneys helps people level the playing field with their employer. Whether you are the victim of wage theft or an EEOC violation, you might be entitled to compensation. Schedule a confidential consultation with our attorneys and let us show you how we can help you win.