Employment Law

The Law Office of James Burr Shields represents individuals and businesses in the following types of matters:

• Litigating employment disputes in both federal and state courts, including cases stemming from allegations of unlawful employment discrimination (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act [ADEA], Americans With Disabilities Act [ADA], Family and Medical Leave Act [FMLA], the Equal Pay Act, Arizona Civil Rights Act, etc.), wrongful termination in violation of public policy (retaliation), wrongful denial of wages, breach of contract, religious discrimination, wrongful discharge, pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment

• Reviewing and drafting non-competition agreements, as well as litigating cases concerning non-competition agreements

• Handling administrative charges of discrimination before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and similar state agencies

• Negotiating and drafting employment agreements

• Representing public employees in post-termination and other disciplinary proceedings;

• Reviewing, negotiating, and drafting separation agreements

• Filing and pursuing claims under an employer’s benefits programs, including claims for long-term disability (Employee Retirement Income Security Act or “ERISA”)

• Providing representation at mediation and conciliation sessions, including those before the EEOC

• Handling claims of retaliation under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

• Generally advising employees and employers of their legal rights and responsibilities