Severance Agreements: What Employers Don’t Tell You Before You Sign

Severance Agreements: What Employers Don’t Tell You Before You Sign

Episode Summary: In this episode of Justice at Work, host Lisa Mosbey is joined by Parisis Fillippatos to delve into the intricacies of severance agreements. They discuss what typically leads to an employee being presented with a severance agreement and the importance of understanding the terms before signing. Gerry explains the power dynamics involved, highlighting that while severance agreements often come with a general release of claims, they also provide an opportunity for negotiation. The conversation covers common pitfalls in these agreements, such as non-compete clauses and mandatory arbitration provisions, and emphasizes the importance of consulting with an employment attorney. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the negotiation process and learn how to protect their rights effectively when faced with a severance agreement. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:55 – Reasons for Severance Agreements 01:20 – Industry Standards for Severance 02:18 – Importance of Negotiation 03:04 – General Release Clauses 04:03 – Waiving Rights and Claims 05:02 – Pressure and Deadlines 06:25 – Risks in Severance Agreements 07:42 – Employer Tactics and Consequences 08:35 – Negotiating Terms 10:05 – Process for Reviewing Agreements 11:37 – Power in Negotiation 13:03 – Factors to Consider Before Signing About the Show: Justice at Work is a podcast dedicated to empowering employees by unraveling the complexities of workplace rights and protections. Hosted by Lisa Mosbey and featuring legal experts like Parisis Fillippatos, the show provides in-depth discussions on topics such as discrimination, harassment, and severance agreements. Each episode aims to equip listeners with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate legal challenges in the workplace. Whether you're facing unfair treatment or simply want to understand your rights better, Justice at Work offers valuable insights and practical advice for employees seeking justice and fairness.

Microaggressions and Subtle Bias: When Everyday Slights Create a Legally Actionable Environment

Episode Summary:  Exploring how micro-aggressions manifest at work, their legal implications, and strategies for addressing them, offering actionable insights for those navigating workplace discrimination. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome to Justice at Work, Employee Rights and Protections in the Workplace. Welcome to… 04:09 – Is it something where, you know, you've asked your coworker to stop and they… 08:35 – Or two of those actions, one of the two of those discriminatory conduct is… 13:25 – Is sort of fearful of their job, being terminated, they'll say, look, this is… 18:16 – Understand your rights, visit filippatoslaw.com, the schedule of consultation and don't forget to like,… About the Show: *Justice at Work* offers insights on employee rights, workplace protections, and legal strategies to combat discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Join us as we empower individuals with knowledge to navigate workplace challenges.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling in High-Finance: Gender and Pay Discrimination on Wall Street

Episode Summary: Exploring gender discrimination in high finance, attorney Parisis Filippatos discusses the historical roots of gender bias, the challenges faced by women in pay disparity, and the complexities of proving discrimination in the workplace. Highlighting a landmark case against Morgan Stanley, he emphasizes the importance of standing up against injustice and seeking legal counsel for fair treatment. This episode sheds light on the legal battles to achieve workplace equality, offering insight for anyone facing similar challenges. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome to Justice at Work, employee rights and protections in the workplace. Welcome to… 04:45 – A whole bunch of of mechanisms were installed in agreement through a court order… 09:14 – And so the typical typical areas that companies give us as excuses for women… 15:05 – And there are stages along the weighing litigation where you can resolve cases and… 19:50 – For justice at work thank you Jerry thanks Leon take care thanks for watching… About the Show: *Justice at Work* is a podcast by Filippatos PLLC, dedicated to advocating for employee rights and protections in the workplace. Each episode delves into legal insights and real-life stories to empower individuals facing discrimination, harassment, or injustice at work.

Equal Pay Isn’t Optional — Understanding Wage Discrimination

Episode Summary: In this episode, Attorney Erica T. Healy Kagan discusses the evolving legal protections for transgender employees and the importance of inclusion in the workplace. She explains how federal, state, and local laws—like those in New York—protect against discrimination based on gender identity and expression. From pronoun usage to restroom access, Erica outlines practical steps employers can take to create a more equitable environment while ensuring every employee feels safe and respected at work.   Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Why National Transgender Awareness Month is the perfect time to talk about fairness and inclusion at work. 01:15 – Erica explains why workplaces must value both similarities and differences among employees. 03:00 – How the Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court ruling protects transgender employees from discrimination. 05:00 – How state and local laws expand protections, including rules against misgendering or refusing to use chosen pronouns. 07:00 – Simple workplace updates—like gender-neutral bathrooms, inclusive forms, and pronouns in email signatures—that promote respect and comfort. 10:00 – How employers can approach conversations around transition with sensitivity and openness. 12:30 – The legal line between honest mistakes and intentional misconduct—and what can make it unlawful. 14:45 – What employees should do if they face harassment or discrimination, including documentation and seeking counsel. 16:30 – Understanding what constitutes retaliation under the law and how to protect yourself after filing a complaint. 18:30 – Erica’s advice for both employees and employers: communication, respect, and awareness lead to a stronger, fairer workplace.   About the Show: Justice at Work: Real Talk from Filippatos PLLC explores employee rights, workplace protections, and the laws that shape fair employment practices. Each episode features attorneys from Filippatos PLLC sharing real-world insights to help workers understand their legal rights and stand up against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Federal Layoffs and Employee Rights in Today's Climate

Episode Summary: A comprehensive discussion on the unique characteristics of federal employment, focusing on workforce stability, reduction in force (RIF) procedures, and employee rights. The episode covers critical differences between federal and private sector employment, legal protections during layoffs, union representation challenges, and the current landscape of federal workforce changes.   Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Differences between federal and private sector workforce 05:30 - Understanding Reduction in Force (RIF) and employee rights 12:45 - Legal challenges and whistleblower protections 18:20 - Union representation in federal agencies 22:15 - Timeline for filing discrimination claims 25:30 - Current trends in federal workforce changes   About The Show: This podcast delivers expert insights into employment law, workplace rights, and legal considerations for both federal and private sector employees. Each episode provides valuable information to help workers understand and protect their rights in an ever-changing employment landscape.