Atlanta Sex Discrimination Attorneys
Holding employers, businesses, and individuals accountable for discrimination in Georgia
At its heart, sex discrimination is about one person in power belittling another for being different. Every day, people are denied opportunities because of their genetics, their gender, and their sexual orientation. If you are being discriminated against on the basis of sex, you have legal options.
Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP advocates for folks who are facing sex discrimination in their workplaces. Our team of Atlanta employment attorneys puts 175+ years of collective experience behind every discrimination case we take. If you are treated as “less than” at your job, and denied equal pay, opportunities, perks, or other benefits simply because of who you are, we want to help. Contact us in Atlanta today so we can get started.
This was my first time having to seek legal counsel on an employment issue so I was a bit nervous about the process. I was referred to Ed Buckley by a friend I respect and trust, and one that has over 20 years of experience in law. Mr. Buckley made the process much less intimidating for me. Many thanks to Mr. Buckley and team for helping me. I'd definitely hire them again. – Google review
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How can we help?
- How can your Atlanta sex discrimination lawyers help?
- What is sex discrimination?
- Is sexual harassment a form of discrimination?
- Who can be a victim of sex discrimination in Atlanta?
- What laws protect employees from sex discrimination?
- What are my options if I was a victim of sex discrimination in Atlanta?
- Do you have a sex discrimination attorney near me?
How can your Atlanta sex discrimination lawyers help?
Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP advocates for employees in Atlanta and across Georgia who have been subjected to discriminatory practices because of their sex, their gender or gender identity, or their sexual orientation. We are the lawyers who helped enshrine protections for LGBTQ+ individuals under federal law. We have taken on corporations, national and global companies, individuals, and government agencies on behalf of folks facing discrimination.
When you work with us, you work with a team which is not afraid to fight for you in state or federal courts. Your case is personal to us, and you always have an attorney on your side. Our size and our resources mean that you have the full power of the firm behind you at every step. There is always someone to answer your questions, to hear your story, and to advocate for your rights.
You also have the benefit of our reputation as litigators. Bad actors know we will not and do not back down, no matter how powerful they are. Our capabilities in trial are well-known, and this can make folks more willing to come to the table in good faith and with a more just offer.
What is sex discrimination?
Sex discrimination is like art: it’s broad, it’s varied, and you know it when you see it or experience it. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines sex discrimination as “ treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of that person's sex, including the person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy.” In other words, your sex cannot play a role in any aspect of your employment, including:
- Hiring
- Transfers
- Promotions
- Pay
- Disciplinary action
- Suspensions
- Discharges
But what does this mean? We know, for example, that working women earn 83.7% of what men earn, and that race and age can widen this pay gap considerably. So in some cases, sex discrimination is about unequal pay for equal work.
We also know that this is not the only type of sex discrimination. Other common examples include:
- Pregnant people being denied promotions or positions because an employer feels that they cannot (or will not) devote as much time or effort to the job.
- Older women being forced into early retirement while their male counterparts are allowed to stay, or even given promotions.
- People being denied an opportunity for a position because their employers believe they lack the physical strength or emotional capabilities to do the job, based on sex.
- Employment applications which include illegal descriptors about sex and/or gender – AKA, restaurants which only hire a specific sex or gender as their servers.
- Purposely misgendering folks or using a “dead name.”
- Coworkers or employers making rude, offensive, or threatening comments about employees based on sex.
- Policies which disadvantage some employees because of their sex or because of preconceived notions about them based on sex.
- Being sexually assaulted or being forced into a sexual relationship in exchange for a job or promotion.
Under the law, these practices are illegal. If you have experienced any of these scenarios, or if you are being denied equality and equity in some other way, we can help.
Is sexual harassment a form of discrimination?
Yes, it is. Harassing someone – physically or emotionally – based on sex is illegal. Sexual harassment is not just limited to inappropriate or sexual touching, however. Offensive comments and behaviors are also a form of harassment. So that boss who keeps referring to you as “little lady” or makes comments about your intelligence? That’s harassment. The client who keeps making sexual innuendos during meetings? That’s harassment. The coworker who tells all those “jokes” in front of you even though they’re offensive in nature? That’s harassment.
And all of it is a form of sex discrimination.
Who can be a victim of sex discrimination in Atlanta?
Anyone can be a victim of sex discrimination in Atlanta. Statistically, women and LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to report acts of discrimination, but anyone can be a victim.
Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP represents all people of all sex and genders. Typically, we represent employees who are facing sex or gender discrimination from their employers or other people in positions of authority. Our Atlanta employment lawyers are largely focused on sex discrimination in the workplace. However, if you have experienced discrimination outside of work, you still have options. There are state and federal laws in place which protect your civil rights, and you could have a claim for compensation for your losses and emotional distress under these laws.
What laws protect employees from sex discrimination?
There are a number of federal laws that prohibit sex discrimination on the job. They include:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which says you cannot be treated differently because of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. This includes the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978.
- The Equal Pay Act of 1993, which requires employers to pay equal wages (including benefits and perks) for equal work.
- The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which resets the statute of limitations for filing an equal pay lawsuit with each new discriminatory paycheck.
Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP is fighting for you, every single day. We’re fighting in the courts and, when it’s needed, in the Georgia General Assembly. We are on your side, and we can help you seek legal remedies through the court.
What are my options if I was a victim of sex discrimination in Atlanta?
Sex discrimination at work can be debilitating, but we recommend that you move fast or you can be time-barred from seeking recourse and compensation. Contact our Atlanta sex discrimination attorneys as soon as possible so we can help you.
Do you have a sex discrimination attorney near me?
Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP is based in Atlanta; our office is at 600 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 3900. We offer phone and video consultations by appointment, and proudly serve clients throughout Georgia, including those in Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, and Savannah.
Atlanta sex discrimination lawyers who don’t give up
Sex discrimination takes many forms, and all of them are illegal. At Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP, we are your advocates when your civil rights are being denied. Our Atlanta employment lawyers represent workers throughout Georgia. To request a consultation, please call or contact us today.