Female researchers for the U.S. Antarctic Program have reported that they are routinely subjected to sexual harassment and assault. Further, they report that their superiors back in the U.S. have done little to investigate their claims, put a stop to the misconduct,...
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Congratulations to Linda Hitt Thatcher – Named to The Daily Record’s 2023 Employment Law Power List
Thatcher Law Firm is proud to announce that Linda Hitt Thatcher has been named to The Daily Record's 2023 Employment Law Power List. This honor is bestowed upon the top 25 employment attorneys in Maryland, based on peer recognition of excellence. The Power List...
Free Speech vs. Hate Speech: When Can You Get Fired for Expressing your Opinion?
In the last few weeks many employees, including high-level executives, have been terminated for sharing their own opinions, reposting memes, articles, and Xes (formerly known as Tweets), through social media or other means. Is this a violation of First Amendment...
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) To Screen Job Applicants? You Might Be Unlawfully Discriminating.
Many employers have streamlined the hiring process by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) or some form of automation. Without applying best practices, an employer’s reliance on AI can lead to discriminatory practices. There is convincing evidence that resume...
Can MarylandSaves’ Filing Fee be Waived?
MarylandSaves is a state-sponsored retirement savings plan which is available to the employees of participating Maryland businesses. This initiative was created to promote active saving habits for Maryland residents, and to provide a cost-effective retirement option...
Congratulations to our Managing Partner, Linda Hitt Thatcher, Esq., on her selection to Washingtonian’s Top Lawyers Hall of Fame!
Linda has consistently been named a “Top Employment Lawyer.” This honor is a special milestone in Linda’s career and a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to her clients. Thatcher Law Firm is proud to have Linda leading our firm. She exemplifies our...
A Jury Awarded $450K to Man Who Sued Former Employer Over Unwanted Birthday Celebration
For most, birthdays are a time of celebration, reflection, and cake. Many employers get into the act, using employees’ birthdates to mark the occasion with an office gathering. For one Kentucky man, an unwelcome office-birthday celebration led to a series of...
Denny’s Faces Class Action on Behalf of 8,400 Servers
A three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that the diner chain failed to pay proper wages to servers. At issue were tasks that did not relate directly to their positions as servers. The lead plaintiff, Lindsay Rafferty, is a former...
Feds Sue Business Who Paid in Oil-Soaked Pennies
It sounded more like an urban myth than a true story. An owner of an auto repair shop in Peachtree City, Georgia, left a pile of 91,500 oil-soaked pennies on the driveway of a former employee who quit. Miles Walker claimed that he initially cut a $915 paycheck, but it...
Non-disclosure Agreements Protect Businesses
During the first 2020 primary debate, Michael Bloomberg was slammed for his company’s use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to cover up the company's unfair treatment of three women executives. The assertion put Bloomberg's promising candidacy on the defensive, and...