Cook Craig & Francuzenko PLLC

Lawyer for Workplace Retaliation in Fairfax VA

January 27, 2025

What exactly is workplace retaliation and what should you do if it happens to you? Well, the first thing you need to do is contact an attorney. Workplace retaliation may be illegal and if you have been a victim, you may have a case against your employer. A lawyer for workplace retaliation in Fairfax VA can help you understand your rights and ensure they are protected. What is Workplace Retaliation? Retaliation occurs when an employee is punished for engaging in a legally protected activity. The key here is “protected activity.” Retaliation for non-protected activity is legal! Knowing the difference is critical and can be a gray area. What is retaliation? It can include any negative job action like demotion, salary reduction, discipline, shift reassignment, or even firing. But it can also occur in more subtle ways that are hard to prove. For example, a change in job shift might not be an issue for many employees, but it would be a significant hindrance for a parent with young children and a less flexible schedule. Any action from an employer that would deter a reasonable person from making a complaint constitutes illegal retaliation. What Incites Retaliation? Federal and state laws protect

Are Non-Competes Legal in Virginia?

January 13, 2025

If you live or work in Virginia and have signed a non-compete, or been asked to sign one, you need to fully understand what it means. Non-competes may be enforceable in Virginia, but the agreement has to meet certain requirements. Here’s what you should know about non-competes in Virginia. What is a Noncompete Agreement? This agreement or clause is a contractual promise between two parties, usually the employee and employer. These agreements are sometimes called “restrictive covenants” as well. A noncompete agreement serves the purpose of guaranteeing that the former employee will not engage in certain acts, behaviors, or new employment that competes with the former employer’s business. Why are Noncompete Agreements Used in Virginia? Noncompete agreements are intended to ensure that employees won’t leverage information such as trade secrets, ideas, or business practices to start their own business or gain new employment. You can even be subject to a noncompete agreement if you don’t have access to trade secrets. Are Non-Competes Legal in Virginia? If you work in Virginia and signed a non-complete agreement, or a contract with a non-complete clause, it may be enforceable. To be enforceable, non-competes in Virginia have to be considered valid. These agreements are

REAL ID in Virginia- Do I Need It?

January 6, 2025

What exactly is REAL ID and do I need one as a resident of Virginia? Beginning on May 7, 2025, the federal REAL ID Act will be enforced. This act passed in Congress in 2005 to set identification standards such as driver’s licenses and Identification (ID) cards. So, what is a REAL ID and who needs one? The REAL ID Act establishes minimum standards for the issuance and production of licenses. Under the act, federal agencies may not accept certain non-compliant licenses or identification cards for official purposes. For example: Accessing certain federal facilities Boarding federally regulated commercial aircrafts Entering nuclear power plants The big one for most people is of course flying. Starting May 7, 2025, you will not be able to fly on a commercial airplane without a REAL ID or passport. A REAL ID is an upgraded version of your driver’s license or ID card. It has a star in the upper right-hand corner. While REAL ID is optional, without it you won’t be able to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities or military bases. REAL ID is optional in Virginia so you may not need one if you have another federally accepted ID,

Disability Discrimination Attorney Near Me | Fairfax, Virginia

December 16, 2024

Searching for a disability discrimination attorney near me? If you have been discriminated against due to a disability, you should speak to an attorney immediately. It is against the law for employers to discriminate against disabled employees or refuse to provide reasonable accommodations. If you believe that you have been a victim of disability discrimination, Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko can help you. What is Disability Discrimination in the Workplace? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee because of a disability. ADA laws apply to workplaces with 15 or more employees. Additionally, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 applies to federal employees and applicants. It offers many of the same protections as the ADA. The Virginians with Disabilities Act provides some coverage for smaller employers. Essentially, this means that a person with a disability shouldn’t be fired, or not hired for a job just because of the disability. However, disability law is quite complex, so if you believe that you have been the victim of disability discrimination, you need to speak to attorney as soon as possible. What is Considered a Disability? In order to be protected under the ADA, a person must have a legally

How to Hire a Lawyer Near Me in Fairfax, Virginia

December 9, 2024

Hiring a lawyer is a big step in legal proceedings. You want to choose the right lawyer for your case. While this decision can seem daunting, there are some things that you should look for to make this easier. When Do I Need a Lawyer? You might hire an attorney for any number of reasons, and not all of them are bad. While divorce, personal injury, and criminal attorneys are needed often, you might also need an attorney to launch a new business or draft a will. Maybe you lost your job or are having trouble at work. Understanding what you need from your attorney will make it easier to find the right one for you. What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need? Many lawyers specialize in one area of law, such as real estate, civil rights, employment, or contract law. Some law firms, like Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko have attorneys in several practice areas to better cater to your needs. To find a lawyer with the right experience, you can: Ask family, friends, and co-workers for recommendations Check your state and local bar associations Consult lawyer referral services offered by your union or community group Conduct a Google search