Employment Lawyers for Rhode Island

Hello - I have been an attorney for nearly 38 years and specialize in employment law. It would be helpful to know what policies concern you, but be aware that federal and state law, and usually county and city as well, override any policies that are incorrect. Meanwhile, keep in mind that if you are an "at will" employee you have few, if any rights (other than certain ones protected by law); that sometimes employers don't keep up with updating their polices; and that HR is not your friend. If you feel your rights are not being respected, you may want to book a 30 or 60 minute consultation with a WA State Employment attorney. If you feel you have been or are being discriminated against because of a protected class status, you can also file discrimination complaints with the WA State Human Rights Commission and/or the EEOC. If you are not getting the wages you should be receiving, you can file a wage complaint with the state; you will be protected from retaliation for doing so. If you feel your working conditions are unsafe, you can file a complaint with the WA State equivalent of OSHA, and/or with OSHA (federal). Best wishes, Merry

It depends on the terms of the non-compete and the size of your employer. Without seeing the agreement and knowing the size of your employer, I can't offer more advice.

While having a criminal conviction may negatively impact your eligibility for a license, it depends on the specifics of your case. Licensing boards typically evaluate the nature of the offense, how much time has passed since the conviction, and whether the offense is substantially related to the duties of the profession. A non-violent offense from several years ago may not be a barrier to licensure, especially if there is evidence of rehabilitation, there is no subsequent criminal history, and the crime is not substantially related to the purpose of the license. Many jurisdictions have adopted laws or policies aimed at reducing the impact of old or unrelated convictions on occupational licensing decisions. Boards often conduct individualized assessments and may consider factors such as your conduct since the offense, completion of sentencing terms, letters of recommendation, and your overall fitness to practice in the profession. A North Carolina-licensed attorney may be best suited to answer the specifics with regards to your license in North Carolina. If you are concerned about how your record might affect your application, it may be wise to review your criminal history, gather supporting documentation showing rehabilitation, and consult an attorney familiar with occupational licensing in your state. In some cases, I recommend pursuing an expungement or record sealing may also improve your chances in the future.

The short answer is: likely yes. A contract is such that there has to be a "meeting of the minds" as to the terms of contract. Understanding that you were under some pressure from your employer to sign, there is likely a provision that says you read and comprehended the contract overcoming the argument that you did not understand. There are sometimes options to avoid the arbitration clauses, but they are state and contract specific. If the time comes when you think the arbitration clause is going to be trigger, speak with a local employment lawyer to figure out how to pull that trigger. Good luck.

While it's legally possible to hire employees without a written employment contract in most states, there are important considerations to keep in mind: 1. At-will employment: Most employment relationships in the U.S. are presumed to be "at-will," meaning either party can terminate the relationship with or without cause or notice. 2. State-specific requirements: Some states, like New York, require written notification of certain employment terms at the time of hiring. 3. Legal protections: A written contract can provide clarity and protection for both the employer and employee, defining terms such as job responsibilities, compensation, and grounds for termination. 4. Industry standards: For certain positions, especially high-level executives, written contracts are more common and often expected. 5. Compliance risks: Without a written contract, you may face challenges in proving compliance with labor laws or defending against potential claims. Given the complexities of employment law and the potential risks involved, it would be prudent to have a thorough legal review of your hiring practices. As an experienced employment law attorney, I could: 1. Assess your specific situation and industry requirements 2. Advise on the pros and cons of using written contracts for your business 3. Develop compliant hiring procedures and documentation 4. Ensure you're meeting all state and federal employment law requirements Would you like to discuss how we can create a legally sound hiring process that protects your business while remaining flexible for your needs?