Best Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers in Springfield mo
Michael P. Mergen
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Mike Mergen graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southwest Missouri State University in May, 1985, with emphasis in Pre-Law. In 1988, he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri School of Law, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class, and was an Editor of The Journal of Dispute Resolution. He was number one in his class in the Labor Law area. He began his legal career in Kansas City, Missouri and then relocated his law practice to Springfield in May, 1991, when he joined the Hall, Ansley law firm.
Mike has devoted his entire legal career to helping people who have suffered an injury at work. In the last twenty-six years, he has successfully represented thousands of injured workers. He has tried hundreds of workers’ compensation trials. He has been the Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, and has spoken at numerous continuing legal education seminars on the topic of workers’ compensation.
He also is licensed to practice in Kansas and actively represents the interests of injured Kansas workers. He received the Equal Access to Justice Award for outstanding service to the clients of Legal Aid of Southern Missouri.
He has served on the Board of Directors of Kids’ Chance, which provides financial scholarships for children of permanently or catastrophically injured or deceased workers to complete their education. He is a graduate of Leadership Springfield, sponsored by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Personal: Mike is married, with two grown daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys golf and his grandchildren.
Mike Mergen recently accepted peer nomination to join the Workers’ Injury and Law Group (WILG), a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to representing the interests of millions of workers and their families who each year require expert legal assistance to obtain medical care and relief under State workers’ compensation programs. WILG is a network of advocates for workers’ rights with members in all 50 states and is an important national voice for workers in need of quality legal representation.
Derek Smith
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Derek Smith has practiced sexual harassment and discrimination law for over 25 years. He has obtained the largest emotional distress jury verdict ever to be sustained on appeal in the entire United States for an employment law case. Derek Smith has also secured a settlement in excess of $15,000,000 on behalf of a client.
Attorney Derek Smith is an experienced labor & employment law litigator who has particular experience in the areas of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, civil rights litigation, employment law, and civil litigation. Attorney Smith received his J.D. in 1994 from the Penn State Dickinson School of Law, his B.A. in 1991 from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., and studied at the Université de Droit, d’Économie, et des Sciences d’Aix-Marseille in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Attorney Derek T. Smith is admitted to the state bars of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and California. Derek Smith is admitted to the Federal Courts in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and California. Derek Smith is also proud to be admitted to The Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C.
Attorney Smith is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (“NELA”), National Employment Lawyers Association of New York (“NELA/NY”), New York State Trial Lawyers (“NYSTLA”) and practices in the New York, Florida, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles offices.
Attorney Smith is also a Judge in the annual Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition as well as a Judge in the Charles W. Froessel Intramural Moot Court Competition.
Attorney Smith has personally litigated and resolved numerous high profile cases against multi-billion dollar corporations and has attained some of the largest employment law verdicts in workplace discrimination and sexual harassment, with his clients receiving millions in damages in these cases.
Derek T. Smith is fluent in English and French.
Raymond B. Lampert
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Practice Areas
Employment Law
Business Law
Estate Planning
Bar Admissions
Missouri, 2005
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, 2005
Education
J.D. – University of Missouri School of Law, 2005
B.A. – Drury University, 2002
Honors: cum laude
Honors: with Honors
Major: Philosophy
Professional Associations
Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, Member, 2005 – Present
Current Employment Position
Sole Practitioner
Brian K. Asberry
Employment Lawyer/Pregnancy DiscriminationLawyer
Brian K. Asberry joined the firm in 1990 following graduation from law school and became a partner in 1996. He obtained his undergraduate degree from The School of the Ozarks and his law degree from the University of Missouri. In law school, he was a member of the Journal of Dispute Resolution and Phi Alpha Delta.
Mr. Asberry’s practice is divided between commercial litigation and general corporate work, emphasizing commercial litigation in state, federal and bankruptcy courts; creditors’ rights; condemnation law; mediation and arbitration; and general business and corporate work. He serves as outside general counsel for several financial institutions, commercial real estate companies and manufacturing concerns.
Mr. Asberry has served as an adjunct professor at Webster University, Drury University and the American Institute of Banking. In addition, Mr. Asberry is frequently invited to present lectures and seminars on a wide range of topics for the legal community and area businesses.
Mr. Asberry has been appointed to the United States Bankruptcy Court for Western District of Missouri Attorney Advisory Group for a three year term beginning July 1, 2021. That group is composed of the bankruptcy court judges, representatives of the United States Trustee’s office, and practicing attorneys to provide input to the court regarding local rules, forms and practice issues.
The Power of Advocacy: Why a Top Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer is Your Ally in Springfield
Springfield, a city steeped in history and brimming with opportunity, should be a place where expecting mothers can thrive. Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination can cast a long shadow, jeopardizing a woman’s career and well-being. This comprehensive guide explores the significant advantages of retaining a top pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Springfield, empowering you to navigate this challenge with confidence and secure the fair treatment you deserve.
Understanding the Landscape: The Prevalence of Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination, a blatant violation of federal and state laws, occurs when an employer treats a woman less favorably due to her pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This illegal practice can manifest in various ways, impacting your employment opportunities, work environment, and overall well-being.
National Statistics: The National Partnership for Women & Families reports that 1 in 4 pregnant women will experience pregnancy discrimination. [Source: National Partnership for Women & Families – Pregnancy Discrimination.
Examples of Discrimination:
- Denial of employment or promotion opportunities
- Unwanted comments or harassment related to pregnancy
- Unreasonable scheduling practices that disrupt prenatal care
- Reduction in hours or pressure to take unpaid leave due to pregnancy
- Refusal to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related needs, such as bathroom breaks or modified work schedules
- Termination of employment specifically due to pregnancy
The Legal Landscape: Protecting Your Rights in Illinois
Illinois offers robust legal protections for pregnant employees. Key laws safeguarding your rights include:
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA): A federal law prohibiting employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating based on pregnancy.
- Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA): This state law offers broader protections than the PDA, applying to employers with one or more employees. It prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.
Empowering Yourself: Knowledge is Power
Understanding your rights is the first step in addressing pregnancy discrimination. Here are some key points to remember:
- Pregnancy is a Protected Class: Federal and state laws recognize pregnancy as a protected class, just like race, gender, or religion. Discriminating based on pregnancy is illegal.
- Right to Reasonable Accommodations: Employers are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related needs unless it causes undue hardship to the business.
- Confidentiality of Medical Information: Your employer must maintain the confidentiality of your medical information, including details about your pregnancy and related medical conditions.
- Retaliation is Prohibited: If you complain about pregnancy discrimination or request accommodations, it’s illegal for your employer to retaliate against you.
Why a Top Lawyer is Your Best Ally
While the legal framework protects your rights, facing pregnancy discrimination can be emotionally draining and legally complex. Here’s why retaining a top pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Springfield offers significant advantages:
- Understanding Legal Intricacies: Pregnancy discrimination laws involve complex procedures and potential exceptions. A skilled lawyer with a deep understanding of Illinois employment law can navigate these complexities and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
- Building a Compelling Case: An experienced lawyer can meticulously analyze evidence, identify clear violations of your rights, and build a strong case on your behalf. This includes collecting witness statements, documenting discriminatory behaviors, and gathering medical records when necessary.
- Expert Negotiation: Many cases can be resolved through skilled negotiation with your employer. A lawyer can advocate for a fair resolution, which may include reinstatement, back pay, or policy changes to prevent future discrimination.
- Effective Representation in Court: If necessary, a top lawyer will represent you effectively in court, presenting your case persuasively and ensuring your voice is heard.
- Emotional Support and Guidance: Facing discrimination during pregnancy can be stressful. A lawyer can offer invaluable emotional support and ongoing guidance throughout your legal journey.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Support
- Ask for Recommendations: Network with friends, family, or colleagues who may have faced pregnancy discrimination in Springfield and inquire about their lawyers.
- Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA): Contact the ISBA for referrals to qualified lawyers specializing in employment law and pregnancy discrimination.