Can someone recommend a good Employment Attorney in Minneapolis? I believe I have a strong case on the basis of age discrimination and will seek legal counsel ASAP. Not sure if you had experience in this area or if you know someone who may be able to help me here, but any tips on how to find a solid employment lawyer focusing on workers in Minneapolis would be very much appreciated.
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Hello Anonymous79218 - I am the original poster - Your post helps me put things in a perspective, will definitely sit on this and try to pursue it with a calm head. Thanks again!
My husband was an over 50 senior exec at another big local employer and tried to go this route five years ago when he was terminated along with a lot of other people in the midst of the recession. He felt he had a case, but after consulting with a partner at one of the firms mentioned here he decided against it. Employers are very good at defending themselves against such claims. In my husband's case, shortly after he was let go he received a document from his former employer, about two hundred pages long, listing every role that was eliminated, the person's age and location (but not name), from cafeteria workers to senior VPs. My take was that this was their way of protecting themselves against claims of age discrimination. Aside from the time and emotional and financial costs involved (and attorneys want money up front, it's not like a personal injury case), the big risk you run if you pursue a claim like this is that you may poison yourself in the job marketplace. Suddenly losing a job is like any other loss, you're in shock right now. It's OK to grieve. Give yourself some time to carefully assess your situation, consider all your options and develop a plan before you charge ahead. I know it's hard, but try not to panic. As bad as things seem right now it will get better. We've been through it, It does suck, but you will come out the other side OK.
Hello All - I am the original poster - thanks for the advice and all the information provided. To sum it up, here is what I have collected so far and will be reaching out to the attorneys: Lori Peterson, Phillip Troubough, Lawyer Referral Services, Nicohls & Kaster, Halunen & Associates. Thanks Again.
Even if you have a case, you'll need to do a cost benefit analysis. Can you withstand months, even years of litigation? Do you have a perfect employment file? Do you have independent income?
Nichols Kaster - google/look up Jim (James) Kaster. THE Best.
http://www.nka.com/lawyer/james-h-kaster/
Lori Peterson- Best Discrimination attorney in the state by far. She also likes High profile cases.
John Fabian.
Mansfield & Tannick, Minneapolis, Mn. Phillip Troubough.
Look around you. No one works for Target after age 50. Target can use the layoffs to get rid of longevity. Target has been doing this for over 10 years now.
There is a magic number in HR: Age + years of service. Once you reach this # they get rid of you.
Anyone who contacts Halunen & Associates deserves what they get. An ambulance chaser of the worst kind. If you really want to pursue it, go with Nichols & Kaster--much more reputable.
Call the Hennepin county bar association's Lawyer Referral Services. For about $30 they recommend 3 attorneys that you meet with about your case.
Keep in mind, even if you have emails, phone conversations etc, the question will come down to "why did you not act on this prior to the layoffs?" Not saying you were not discriminated against, that's just what a@@hole lawyers do! Just keep in mind, Minnesota is an "at will" employment state, unless discrimination can be proven. ALL of you got royally screwed by Target. Good luck to you!
Ditto on Halunen and Associates. Also, I would recommend them for anyone who wants their severance package/contract reviewed prior to signing it.
Nicohls & Kaster to start with...i'll post another name later.
Halunen & Associates
if you believe you have proof and can make a good case, seek a lawyer that is high profile and has been in the media. you should make it just as much about media coverage as it is about your legal rights. this will put pressure on tgt...and most likely cause them to settle out of court..which means a guaranteed win for you, faster process, and less expense for you....goood luck!
If your legal case is so strong as you claim, see if a non-profit org will take it, there is a few of them operating in the city, they have attorneys specializing in employment law and will be able to tell you if you have a case. I'll try to find names for one or two orgs and will post it here later today
if an attorney is willing to take on your case 'pro bono' then that will tell you if you really have a case....they don't get paid unless you get paid.
Thanks Anonymous78884 - I knew what was coming and I am well prepared. I need a good attorney to help me navigate the process, it's a slam dunk case for me as I have emails, recorded phone conversations etc.
don't waste your money on attorneys....rest assured TGT lawyered up before the laid off anyone and reviewed the entire game plan and poked holes in it to ensure they were not legally exposed. lawyers will just line their own pockets with your severance pay.
Good luck making that case, unless you were documenting way before the layoffs occurred. It appears the layoffs ran the gamut from newbies to veterans, and so this will not be a piece that will help you, and most likely would hurt you/your case.
I am a former team member who was documenting ADA issues before leaving, but now have a good job in a better org in the Twin Cities area.