Discrimination & Harassment
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Help
Federal law prohibits covered employers from making employment decisions based on protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 and over), and disability. Unwelcome sexual conduct or a hostile workplace may also raise legal concerns.
- Serving Tuscaloosa workers
- Since 2004
- Legal experience
- 25+ years
- Employees throughout the state
- Alabama
- Case review
- Free
Discrimination & Harassment
What counts as workplace discrimination
Employment decisions involving legally protected characteristics may violate federal or state law. Protected characteristics include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 and over), and disability.
Whether a law applies can depend on factors such as the size of the employer. Treatment that is unfair but unrelated to a protected characteristic generally is not discrimination under these laws.
Who We Help
You may have a claim if…
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth a free conversation. You don’t need to know the law — that’s our job.
- You’re treated differently because of your race, gender, age, or disability
- You’re facing sexual harassment or a hostile work environment
- Unequal pay
- Denied a job or promotion
- Punished for reporting concerns
- You were fired or disciplined after complaining, reporting a problem, or taking leave
How We Help
Discrimination and harassment we review
Employment decisions involving legally protected characteristics may violate federal or state law. Unwelcome sexual conduct or a hostile workplace may raise legal concerns.
Workplace Discrimination
Employment decisions involving legally protected characteristics may violate federal or state law. Understand whether your circumstances may support a claim.
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual conduct or a hostile workplace may raise legal concerns. Discuss your circumstances and possible next steps.
Employer Retaliation
Demoted, disciplined, or terminated after reporting certain workplace violations or participating in protected activity? Learn what protections may apply.
Wrongful or Unlawful Termination
Fired under questionable circumstances? Certain terminations may violate employment laws, even though Alabama generally follows at-will employment principles.
Why Hardin & Hughes
Why workers choose Hardin & Hughes
Focused experience on the side of employees — not corporations.
Decades of Legal Experience
More than 25 years of legal practice.
Employment Litigation Experience
Experience representing employees in individual and collective workplace claims.
Alabama-Based Representation
A Tuscaloosa attorney serving employees throughout Alabama.
Practical Legal Guidance
Focused on evaluating facts, explaining legal options, and helping clients make informed decisions.
How It Works
Three steps from question to action
- Step 1
Contact Our Office
Submit the short form or call to request a free case review.
- Step 2
Share the Basic Facts
The firm evaluates your inquiry to determine whether it may be able to assist.
- Step 3
Understand Your Options
If the firm can help, you’ll receive information about potential next steps and representation.
Straight Answers
Worried about taking action?
These are the concerns we hear most from workers. Here’s the honest answer to each.
- What qualifies as workplace discrimination?
- Federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit covered employers from making employment decisions based on protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 and over), and disability. Whether a law applies can depend on factors such as the size of the employer. Treatment that is unfair but unrelated to a protected characteristic generally is not discrimination under these laws.
- Can my employer retaliate against me for reporting misconduct?
- Many employment laws prohibit retaliation against employees who engage in protected activity, such as complaining about unpaid wages, reporting discrimination or harassment, participating in an investigation, or requesting protected leave. Not every complaint is legally protected, and the details matter. If you were demoted, disciplined, or fired after raising a concern, an attorney can help assess whether retaliation protections may apply.
- Is it illegal for my employer to fire me without warning?
- Not necessarily. Under at-will employment, employers in Alabama generally are not required to give a warning or a reason before ending employment. A termination may be unlawful, however, if it was based on a legally protected characteristic, was retaliation for protected activity, or violated an employment contract or another specific law.
- How much does an employment lawyer cost?
- The initial case review is free and comes with no obligation. If the firm is able to help with your matter, the terms of any representation, including fees, are discussed separately and agreed to before representation begins.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different — contact us to discuss yours.
Facing discrimination or harassment at work?
Tell us about your issue and we’ll let you know how we can help — free.
- Experience
- 25+ years practicing
- Education
- BA, JD — University of Alabama School of Law
Founding Partner
David A. Hughes
David Hughes focuses his practice on employment law, including wage and overtime claims, workplace discrimination, retaliation, and class and collective actions. During more than 25 years of practice, he has represented thousands of employees in workplace disputes.
Employment practice
Workplace issues the firm handles include wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and leave and vacation disputes.
Experience & background
After graduating from The University of Alabama in 1991 and The University of Alabama School of Law in 1994, David began his career at Smith, Spires, and Peddy in Birmingham. He later served as in-house counsel at Healthsouth Corporation, specializing in acquisitions and contract law.
In 2001, David returned to Tuscaloosa as a partner at Watson, deGraffenried, Hardin, & Tyra before co-founding Hardin & Hughes in 2004 with Chuck Hardin.
Professional credentials
- Member of the Alabama State Bar since 1994
- Admitted to practice in the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama Federal Courts
- Also admitted to the Northern District of Illinois and District of Colorado Federal Courts
If you believe your employer has violated your rights, contact David A. Hughes today for a consultation.
Free Case Review
Review possible discrimination or harassment
Get the legal support you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help protect your workplace rights.
- 1490 Northbank Parkway, Suite 234, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
- attorneys@hardinhughes.com
- 205-344-6690
- Office hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday – Sunday: Closed
FAQ
Discrimination and harassment questions
How do I know if my employer broke the law?
Unfair treatment is not always unlawful. Alabama generally follows at-will employment principles, which means an employer can usually end employment for any lawful reason, or for no stated reason. Federal and state laws do prohibit certain conduct, such as failing to pay required wages or overtime, making decisions based on legally protected characteristics, or retaliating against protected activity. Whether your situation crosses that line depends on the specific facts, which is what a case review helps evaluate.
How long do I have to file an employment claim?
It depends on the type of claim. Some claims, such as discrimination charges that must first be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, can have deadlines as short as 180 days from the event. Other claims, such as federal wage claims, have different time limits. Because deadlines vary and missing one can affect your rights, it is best to seek legal guidance promptly.
What should I do if I believe I was wrongfully terminated?
Write down what happened while it is fresh, including dates and the people involved, and keep copies of documents you are entitled to have, such as pay records, schedules, performance reviews, and any termination notice. Do not take confidential company information. Because some employment claims have short filing deadlines, consider requesting a case review promptly.
Does David Hughes represent employees throughout Alabama?
David Hughes is based in Tuscaloosa and represents employees throughout Alabama. He is admitted to practice in Alabama and in all three of Alabama’s federal district courts. Whether the firm can take on a particular matter depends on its facts.