Workplace Discrimination
If you’re being treated differently at work because of who you are — your race, your gender, your age, your religion, your disability, or something else you shouldn’t have to hide — we can help.
So I got discriminated because I’m...
What counts as workplace discrimination?
Workplace discrimination is when an employer treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic — like race, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, pregnancy, or sexual orientation. It can happen in hiring, pay, promotions, assignments, discipline, or firing. Both federal and state law protect employees from discrimination in the workplace.
Common situations we handle
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Race Discrimination
Being treated unfairly at work because of your race, color, or ethnicity
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Sex and Gender Discrimination
Being treated unfairly because of your sex, gender, or gender identity
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Pregnancy Discrimination
Being penalized at work for being pregnant, giving birth, or related conditions
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Age Discrimination
Being treated less favorably because of your age, usually 40 or older
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Disability Discrimination
Being treated unfairly for a disability, or denied a reasonable accommodation
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Religious Discrimination
Being treated unfairly for your religious beliefs, or denied accommodation for them
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Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Being treated unfairly because of who you are or who you love
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National Origin Discrimination
Being treated unfairly because of your country of origin, ancestry, or accent
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Caregiver Discrimination
Being penalized at work for caring for a child, parent, or family member
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Marital Status Discrimination
Being treated unfairly because you’re married, single, divorced, or widowed
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Military Service Discrimination
Being treated unfairly because of your military service or reservist obligations
Federal and state protections
Discrimination at work is prohibited under both federal and state law.
Federal
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and other federal statutes cover discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, and genetic information.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) covers additional protected characteristics beyond federal law, including marital status, sexual orientation, and public assistance status.
Learn moreIllinois
The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) covers additional protected characteristics including sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, arrest record, and military status.
Learn moreWhich law applies depends on your situation. Not sure? That’s what we figure out with you.
How discrimination shows up at work
So I got discriminated because I’m...
When discrimination is illegal
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Hiring decisions
When you’re not hired because of a protected characteristic, not your qualifications
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Pay and compensation
When you’re paid less than others doing the same work because of who you are
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Promotions and assignments
When you’re passed over or given worse assignments for a discriminatory reason
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Performance reviews
When your reviews are unfairly harsh because of a protected characteristic
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Discipline
When you’re written up or punished more harshly than others for the same thing
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Training & mentorship opportunities
When you’re denied the chances to grow that others are given
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Terms & conditions of employment
When your schedule, benefits, or working conditions are worse for a discriminatory reason
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Firing or layoff
When you’re let go because of who you are, not your work
What a discrimination case can recover, if your case is successful:
- Back pay for wages you lost
- Front pay for future wages
- Reinstatement to your job (if that’s what you want)
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Punitive damages against the employer (in serious cases)
- Attorney’s fees and costs
Every case is different. What you can recover depends on the facts, the law, and the employer’s conduct.
How we handle discrimination cases
Every case starts with a free call. We listen first. If you have a case, we tell you what it looks like — what’s likely to happen, how long it might take, what’s realistic. If you don’t have a case, we tell you that too and try to point you toward someone who can help.
On contingency, you pay nothing unless we win.
Attorneys who handle these cases
Meet the full team
Shawn Wanta
Founding Partner
Recognized among the nation’s Top 100 Civil Plaintiff and Top 10 Wage and Hour attorneys, a determined litigator fighting for workers in class and collective actions.
Admitted in MN · IL
Joni Thome
Founding Partner
Drawing on 25 years of representing professionals and managers, a steady advocate for employees facing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace.
Admitted in MN
Suzanne Heywood
Attorney
Driven by her own encounters with corporate unfairness, a tenacious champion focused on protecting the rights, livelihoods, and futures of hardworking professionals.
Admitted in IN · IL · MI
Luke Molvarec
Attorney
Forged by his background as a Marine, an unwavering defender fighting to level the playing field and secure meaningful financial recovery for unfairly treated workers.
Admitted in IL
Common questions about discrimination
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How do I know if what happened to me was actually discrimination?
Discrimination is when you’re treated worse because of a protected characteristic — your race, sex, age, religion, disability, and others. If you were qualified and still passed over, disciplined, or fired, and someone outside your group wasn’t, that’s worth looking into. We can help you figure out whether the law was broken.
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How long do I have to file a discrimination claim?
It depends on the law and the agency. Some deadlines are as short as 180 days from when the discrimination happened. Others are longer. Because the clock starts early and missing it can end your case, it’s worth talking to someone as soon as you can.
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Do I have to file with the EEOC before I can sue?
For most federal discrimination claims, yes — you generally have to file with the EEOC or your state agency first. State law claims sometimes work differently. We handle this step for you and make sure it’s done right and on time.
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What evidence do I need to prove discrimination?
Emails, texts, performance reviews, pay records, and notes about what was said and when all help. But you don’t need a perfect case to call us — a lot of discrimination is proven through patterns and circumstances, not a single smoking gun. Bring what you have.
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Can I be fired for reporting discrimination?
No — retaliation for reporting discrimination is illegal. If your employer punishes you for complaining, that’s a separate violation on top of the original discrimination, and it can strengthen your case.
From our insights
See more insights-
Can My Employer Fire Me for That? What Counts as Illegal Discrimination in Minnesota and Illinois
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What to Do in the First 48 Hours After You’re Discriminated Against at Work
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How Long Do You Have to File a Discrimination Claim? Deadlines You Can’t Afford to Miss
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Proving Discrimination Without a “Smoking Gun”: How Pattern and Circumstance Build a Case
Ready to find out where you stand?
Five fields, no story needed yet — that comes on the follow-up call. Most people hear back within five minutes if Nina is enabled, or the same business day if not.
Your submission is confidential. We do not contact your employer.
Common questions
How much is my discrimination case worth?
It depends on what you lost and how the employer behaved. Damages can include back pay, future pay, compensation for emotional distress, and in serious cases, punitive damages — plus your attorney’s fees. Every case is different, and we’ll give you an honest read on yours once we understand the facts.
What’s the difference between discrimination and harassment?
Discrimination is being treated worse in job decisions — pay, promotions, firing — because of who you are. Harassment is unwelcome conduct, like slurs or offensive behavior, that creates a hostile environment. They often happen together, and one situation can involve both.
Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination claim?
You can file with the EEOC on your own, but discrimination cases get complicated fast — deadlines, evidence, agency procedures, and employer defenses. A lawyer helps you avoid mistakes that can weaken or end your claim, and it costs you nothing upfront on contingency.
What if I signed something when I was hired or let go?
Signing an employment agreement, arbitration clause, or severance deal doesn’t always mean you’ve given up your rights. Some of these agreements aren’t enforceable, and some don’t cover discrimination claims at all. Don’t assume you’re out of options — let us look at what you signed.
Can I be discriminated against if I was never fired?
Yes. Discrimination isn’t only about losing your job. It can happen in pay, promotions, assignments, discipline, training, and everyday working conditions. If you’re being treated worse than others because of who you are, you may have a case even if you’re still employed.