District of Columbia Employment Lawyers

Employment law are those laws approved in District of Columbia that apply to employers, employees and independent contractors. These laws apply to every aspect of workplace endeavors, such as hiring policies, wage disputes, and firing of employees. District of Columbia's employment laws set forth particular mandates that need to be understood by both employers and employees.

At-Will and Contract Employment

Most job relationships in District of Columbia are on the basis of "at will" employment, but in other cases there may be an employment contract with a set term. "At will" employment implies that either the employee or the employer may end the relationship at any time, so long as the reason for the termination is not illegal. In instances involving an employment contract, District of Columbia employment law will be used to decide the validity of the clauses contained in the agreement.

The Law of Discrimination in District of Columbia

The laws of District of Columbia in general prohibit discrimination. These laws apply to all stages of employment, ranging from the hiring process to the termination procedure. The law in District of Columbia defines certain categories, or classes, against which it is illegal to discriminate. These classes may include race, gender, age, national origin, disability and religion. Determining what forms of employer actions are considered discrimination can be subject to dispute. There are many lawyers in District of Columbia who specialize in employment discrimination.

Interesting Facts About District of Columbia

Washington, D.C., or the District of Columbia ("D.C."), is a federal district controlled by the U.S. federal government. It is the nation's capital and not part of any U.S. state. Congress approved the creation of D.C. in 1790. All three branches of the federal government have their centers in the District, and the area is full of historical museums and U.S. monuments.

The District of Columbia has powers of self-governance, as it has an elected mayor and a city council. The Home Rule Act of 1973 allows the District to operate a municipal government. However, the U.S. Congress ultimately has authority over the city and is empowered to overturn local laws as necessary. Residents of D.C. are subject to federal taxation, although they have no voting representative in the U.S. Congress.

Washington D.C.'s court system revolves around the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Most claims are filed through the Superior Court, which oversees local criminal and civil cases. There is also a U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which only presides over federal cases. D.C. maintains a Metropolitan Police Department, and several federal enforcement agencies operate there as well.

Lawyers in Washington D.C. understand the complex interaction of federal and state rules that govern the region. Washington, D.C. attorneys are members of the District of Columbia Bar Association, created in 1972. Legal claims may be directed to a D.C. lawyer, who can provide counseling and other services.