Stephanie R.
Leach, PLLC
Just as our world has become increasingly sophisticated, complicated, and complex, so has the practice of law. Many years ago, a lawyer could competently serve clients in a wide range of legal matters. Today, however, it is critical for a client to hire an attorney with the particular knowledge and skill to fit the client's situation.
At Stephanie R. Leach, PLLC, we have concentrated in the field of employment law for over a decade, enabling us to provide high quality service to our clients in a wide range of employment-related matters. From our office in Central Phoenix, we proudly represent employees and employers throughout Arizona and Florida.
As an employer, you are well aware of the expense and risk involved in hiring, managing and terminating employees. Often small to medium-sized businesses are unable to employ large law firms and in-house counsel to handle their employment law issues.
We provide the experience of the larger firms with the personal service and reasonable prices of a smaller firm. Our attorneys have worked in the federal court system, the appellate courts, and for large law firms. We are also business owners and understand the demands facing small businesses.
Whether you are facing an imminent legal crisis, or seeking guidance through sensitive employment matters, we can help you resolve those issues. We defend businesses against employment lawsuits involving harassment and discrimination, wage and hour disputes, wrongful termination, whistleblower and retaliation claims, employment contracts and more.
We also assist employers with workplace investigations, training, and day-to-day employment matters, such as establishing workplace policies, drafting employee handbooks, hiring and termination issues, and audits.
If you are an employer based in Arizona or Florida with questions or in need of representation, please contact us if you are interested in obtaining more information regarding our firm.
Harassment
is the physical or verbal mistreatment of person because of race, gender, age, disability, religion or national origin. Depending upon the severity, this treatment may create a "hostile work environment".
Discrimination
is any adverse action taken against an employee because of the employee's race, gender, age, disability, religion or national origin. Discriminatory actions can include the withholding of a promotion or raise, unfair or untenable working conditions, denial of family and medical leave or wrongful termination.
Disability
Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees and job applicants with disabilities. Qualified individuals with disabilities may not be denied employment or advancement because of their disabilities. Also, employers must provide reasonable accommodations to allow disabled individuals to perform their job duties.
Medical or Military Leave
Denial of leave to care for yourself or a close relative, or leave for military purposes, or if you were subject to an adverse employment action as a result of requesting such leave may be a violation of federal or state law.
Retaliation
A whistleblower is a worker who has reported suspected unlawful activity by his or her employer. Unlawful retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for making the report.
Wage and Hour Disputes
If you have been denied pay for hours worked, underpaid for your time worked, or misclassified as a salaried or exempt employee or independent contractor, you may have a claim for compensation.
Employment AgreementsIt is often critical for employers and employees to enter into a variety of contracts regarding the terms and conditions of employment, including non-compete agreements, compensation, confidential information, and eligibility for severance upon termination. We negotiate, draft, review and enforce a wide range of employment agreements such as severance agreements, confidentiality agreements, or non-compete/non-solicitation agreements.
We have handled employment law cases through administrative proceedings, mediation, arbitration, litigation, and appeals. We pride ourselves on our prompt and responsive communication with our clients, and we always keep you informed about the progress of your case.
If you are an employee with a potential claim, please tell us about your case.
Most employment matters, including the filing or defense of a claim, are time-sensitive. Depending on the circumstances and nature of the claim, different deadlines apply to different employment law claims. Therefore, if you are facing an employment-related matter such as sexual harassment, discrimination or a dispute regarding a severance or non-compete agreement, call an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible. You want someone on your side to protect your interests. Our firm will be happy to evaluate your case and give you sound advice and guidance.