Consult an Employment Law Attorney in Alton

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Employment Law Services in Alton: When to Consult a Lawyer?

Employment law governs the rights and responsibilities of employers, employees, and labor organizations. It enco...

Employment Law Services in Alton: When to Consult a Lawyer?

Employment law governs the rights and responsibilities of employers, employees, and labor organizations. It encompasses a broad range of workplace issues, including hiring practices, workplace policies, discrimination, and wage disputes. For individuals and businesses in Alton, understanding employment law is essential to fostering a compliant and productive work environment.

This guide provides an overview of employment law, when to seek legal assistance, and the key services available to address workplace challenges effectively.

What Is Employment Law?

Employment law regulates the relationship between employers and employees, ensuring fairness and protecting rights. Key aspects include:

  • Workplace Discrimination: Preventing unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.
  • Wage and Hour Laws: Ensuring employees are paid fairly, including overtime and minimum wage compliance.
  • Employment Contracts: Drafting, reviewing, and enforcing agreements related to employment terms.
  • Workplace Safety: Adhering to regulations that ensure a safe working environment.
  • Termination and Severance: Addressing issues of wrongful termination, layoffs, and severance agreements.

When Should You Consult an Employment Lawyer?

Consulting an employment lawyer is crucial in various scenarios, including:

  • Discrimination or Harassment Claims: Addressing cases of bias, harassment, or hostile work environments.
  • Wage and Hour Disputes: Resolving issues related to unpaid wages, overtime, or misclassification.
  • Drafting Employment Policies: Developing handbooks, policies, or contracts that align with legal standards.
  • Termination or Retaliation: Responding to claims of wrongful termination or retaliatory actions.
  • Labor Union Issues: Navigating disputes or negotiations involving labor unions or collective bargaining agreements.

Why You Need an Employment Lawyer in Alton

Employment law is complex and varies by jurisdiction, making it essential to work with an experienced lawyer in Alton. Legal professionals provide the expertise needed to navigate workplace disputes, protect rights, and ensure compliance.

Key reasons to work with an employment lawyer include:

  • Protecting Employee Rights: Advocating for fair treatment and addressing workplace violations.
  • Ensuring Employer Compliance: Helping businesses adhere to labor laws and avoid penalties.
  • Dispute Resolution: Negotiating settlements or representing clients in court or administrative proceedings.
  • Strategic Advice: Offering guidance on employment-related decisions to mitigate legal risks.

Key Employment Law Services Offered in Alton

Workplace Discrimination and Harassment

Discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics violates both state and federal laws. Lawyers can:

  • Represent employees in filing complaints with the EEOC or other agencies.
  • Defend employers against claims of discrimination or harassment.
  • Develop and implement anti-discrimination policies and training.

Wage and Hour Compliance

Ensuring employees are paid fairly and in compliance with labor laws is critical. Attorneys can:

  • Address disputes related to unpaid wages, overtime, or employee classification.
  • Audit payroll practices to identify and correct compliance issues.
  • Represent clients in wage and hour investigations or lawsuits.

Employment Contracts and Agreements

Clear and enforceable agreements help prevent disputes. Lawyers can:

  • Draft and review employment contracts, non-compete clauses, and confidentiality agreements.
  • Advise on severance packages and negotiate terms.
  • Resolve disputes over contract breaches or enforcement.

Workplace Safety and OSHA Compliance

Adhering to workplace safety standards protects both employees and employers. Attorneys can:

  • Provide guidance on OSHA regulations and compliance.
  • Represent businesses in OSHA investigations or enforcement actions.
  • Assist employees in filing complaints related to unsafe working conditions.

Wrongful Termination and Retaliation

Termination disputes can be legally and emotionally complex. Lawyers can:

  • Represent employees in claims of wrongful termination or retaliation.
  • Advise employers on lawful termination practices and defend against claims.
  • Mediate disputes to achieve amicable resolutions.

Common Employment Law Scenarios in Alton

Addressing Workplace Discrimination

Legal representation ensures fairness and accountability in cases of bias or unequal treatment.

Resolving Wage and Hour Disputes

Timely legal action protects employees’ rights and ensures employers maintain compliance.

Drafting Comprehensive Employment Policies

Strong policies prevent misunderstandings and align workplace practices with legal requirements.

How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost in Alton?

The cost of hiring an employment lawyer in Alton depends on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s expertise. Common pricing structures include:

  • Hourly Rates: Typically ranging from $250 to $700 per hour.
  • Flat Fees: For specific tasks like drafting contracts, fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: Monthly retainers for ongoing legal support often start at $3,000.

Discussing fees during your initial consultation ensures transparency and helps you budget for legal services.

When Necessary, Consult an Employment Lawyer

Workplace challenges can have significant financial and emotional impacts. Ask yourself:

  • Have I experienced or been accused of discrimination or harassment?
  • Do I need assistance resolving a wage dispute or contract issue?
  • Am I confident my business complies with employment laws in Alton?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, consulting an employment lawyer in Alton can provide clarity and solutions.

Conclusion

Employment law is essential for protecting the rights of employees and ensuring compliance for employers. Whether you’re addressing workplace disputes, drafting policies, or ensuring fair treatment, working with an experienced lawyer in Alton ensures your needs are met and your rights are upheld.

Take the first step toward resolving your employment law issue. Consult a knowledgeable employment lawyer in Alton to address your legal needs and support your success.

Sarah Burns is a partner in the Complex Litigation Department at Simmons Hanly Conroy. She has substantial legal experience handling prescription opioid litigation, consumer safety cases, mass tort multidistrict litigations and other complex business torts. Over the past 14 years with the firm, sh...

Sarah Burns is a partner in the Complex Litigation Department at Simmons Hanly Conroy. She has substantial legal experience handling prescription opioid litigation, consumer safety cases, mass tort multidistrict litigations and other complex business torts. Over the past 14 years with the firm, she has secured billions of dollars in settlements on her clients' behalf.

Sarah brings an in-depth understanding of the law and how it applies to her clients' unique circumstances. Her clients are regular, everyday people, businesses or municipalities who've been harmed by larger, multinational corporations.

"I'm good at reading the terms of a legal agreement and translating what it means for our clients and the firm in language they can understand," Sarah explained.

A Utility Player Who Can Do It All

Around the firm, Sarah's work has garnered her a reputation as equal parts secret weapon, role model and leader. Her greatest strength is as a utility player who can do it all.

At any given time, Sarah can have 1-on-1 meetings with county officials, take liability depositions, or work on settlement negotiations. She knows how to motivate a team of smart and savvy lawyers to hit their trial deadlines.

"I make sure all the details line up, that my client is happy, that the facts match the law, and that everything happens the way it's supposed to," Sarah said.

Her cases regularly take on some of the largest companies in the world. Not only is Sarah adept at overcoming the stall tactics big defense law firms deploy against smaller plaintiffs, she leverages the firm's resources to put her clients on an equal playing field. Her responsibilities include pre-filing investigations, transitioning those investigations into viable cases, managing those cases through the discovery process, into preparing cases for trial, trial, and the appeal process.

Sarah's current caseload includes representing county and municipal governments against the pharmaceutical companies responsible for the aggressive and fraudulent marketing of prescription opioid painkillers that led to the opioid epidemic. Her opioid litigation work is helping to right a significant nationwide wrong and will make a direct difference in the lives of thousands.

Fighting the Opioid Epidemic

Sarah serves as a senior member of the Opioid Litigation Team, led by Partner Jayne Conroy. The team includes attorneys, paralegals and staff dedicated to helping counties and municipal governments enforce their legal rights against pharmaceutical companies responsible for the opioid crisis.

Sarah serves as a key member on multiple teams litigating opioid cases at the state and federal levels. Her work has secured two plaintiffs' verdicts and more than $27 billion in cumulative settlements for counties, states and tribal nations across the country.

The goal of this litigation is to hold the entire opioid industry - from manufacturers and distributors to the retail pharmacies - accountable for their role in perpetuating the opioid epidemic in our local communities.

Currently, she oversees casework for more than 280 cases filed on behalf of government entities in New York, Illinois, Missouri, Georgia, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Ohio, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, Indiana and North Carolina.

New York State Opioid Trial

Most recently, Sarah served on the trial team that led the New York State consolidated opioid litigation on behalf of Suffolk County. This was the first-filed New York governmental opioid case in 2016 and among the first filed in the nation.

The first bellwether trial reached a finale in December 2021 with a plaintiffs' verdict against opioid manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals, its subsidiaries and distributor Anda Manufacturing. The New York opioid trial involved 800 exhibits, over 9,000 filings and 7 months of trial, making it the longest trial in New York Supreme Court history.

In addition to the plaintiffs' verdict, the trial secured more than $1.7 billion in settlements, including:

$1.18 billion in combined settlements from the three biggest U.S. drug distributors - McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation

$50 million settlement from Endo Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries

$230 million settlement from Johnson & Johnson along with its agreement to stop making opioids

$200 million settlement from former opioid manufacturer Allergan on the eve of closing arguments

These settlements provided recoveries for Suffolk and Nassau counties, the State of New York and numerous other New York counties that Sarah represents.

In high-profile cases like this, it's easy to give credit to the trial team - but these cases don't get to trial without years of grueling work behind the scenes. From the very beginning, Sarah served as an invaluable part of the Suffolk County legal team, working up the plaintiffs' case and keeping all parts moving in the years leading up to the trial itself.

Sarah handled a variety of duties integral to the success of the case - from the request for proposal stage and preparing the complaint to working 1-on-1 with the Chief Deputy County Attorney and with the special master on discovery, in addition to managing the countless other intricacies that need to align perfectly for the case to successfully make it to the jury.

National Prescription Opiate MDL

In addition to her work on the New York State opioid litigation, Sarah also helps lead the firm's cases involved in the National Prescription Opiate Multidistrict Litigation (MDL).

For the MDL, Sarah was on the Johnson & Johnson liability team early on. Her primary responsibilities included working up the case, going through discovery, taking depositions, developing liability themes, and working with scores of attorneys to coordinate messaging across firms.

Currently, Sarah runs the MDL's Publix liability team that seeks to establish liability specifically for the grocery store chain's pharmacy.

In July 2021, Sarah and the opioid litigation team helped reach a $26 billion settlement with the three big opioid distributors - McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation - and Johnson & Johnson as part of the federal opioid litigation.

As a key member of the legal team supporting the firm's opioid cases, Sarah wrote the complaints, filed them and guided the litigation through the legal process, including settlement negotiations.

All 280 of the firm's opioid clients elected to participate in the global settlement agreement. Sarah was part of the national team's coordinated effort to secure a high level of participation in the settlement, communicating with clients and co-counsel across the country.

State-Coordinated Actions in Opioid Litigation

In addition to the New York State coordinated action, Sarah also oversees the firm's state court-coordinated actions in Connecticut, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Each of these cases includes counties and cities and, in Pennsylvania, a union.

Litigating the Volkswagen Emission Scandal

In addition to her continuing results in opioid mass tort litigation, Sarah's legal track record includes other high-profile cases in product liability mass torts and class actions, including the Volkswagen "Clean Diesel" Multidistrict Litigation (MDL).

Partner Jayne Conroy served on leadership in the VW litigation, and Sarah was an integral member of her legal team. She handled the consumer protection cases the firm filed against Volkswagen, regarding the automaker's highly publicized emission scandal. She also focused on the marketplace unfair competition claims brought by competing dealerships.

The VW litigation has secured nearly $16 billion in global settlements for vehicle owners, including many Missouri and Illinois residents, as well as competitor dealers impacted by VW's emission scandal.

Fighting on Behalf of Farmers

In August 2014, Sarah filed one of the first GMO corn lawsuits against Syngenta on behalf of an Illinois-based grain exporter, Trans Coastal Supply Company, Inc., which was forced to declare bankruptcy after it lost $41 million because its exports to China were contaminated with Agrisure Viptera corn seed.

After years of hard-fought legal work by Sarah and the mass tort team, a significant confidential settlement was recently reached on behalf of Trans Coastal on the eve of trial. Sarah worked the case through filing and was prepared to serve as second chair in the trial.

The lawsuit is part of the federal multidistrict litigation, Syngenta AG MIR 162 Corn Litigation MDL 2591, that farmers, exporters and other companies have filed against the international biotechnology seed company Syngenta for misleading them about the status of Viptera's approval in China.

The Syngenta Corn MDL secured a monumental $1.5 billion global class action settlement on behalf of farmers, grain elevators and distributors who were injured by the premature launch of Syngenta Seed Corp.'s genetically modified corn seed Agrisure Viptera.

Her Legal Background

Sarah earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law, where she graduated with honors. She graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia with a bachelor's in biochemistry.

Sarah is licensed to practice in Missouri; the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri; the U.S. Patent Bar; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; and the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Litigation.

In addition, she is admitted pro hac vice in courts around the country.

Beyond the Courtroom

Sarah's strong sense of justice extends far beyond the courtroom. When she sees an injustice, she is the type of person who takes action to right the wrongs she sees. It's this quality that makes her such a strong legal advocate for her clients and a powerful resource for the firm.

In addition to her litigation work, Sarah has a track record of giving back to the St. Louis-area community through volunteer work. She often volunteers for SHC Employee Foundation events, such as the firm's holiday adopt-a-family event.

Previously, Sarah served as the coordinator for the Alton Blessings in a Backpack program. She led the effort to bring the program to the Alton, Illinois school district, which resulted in 200 underprivileged children receiving free lunches during the weekends and holiday breaks for multiple years.

In her free time, Sarah loves to garden and spend time with her daughters and pets.

Representative Case List

  • In re: Volkswagen "Clean Diesel" MDL 15-MD-2672-CRB (JSC)
  • In re: Syngenta AG MIR162 Corn Litigation MDL 14-MD-2591-JWL (JPO)
  • In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation (NPOL), MDL 2804 (Master docket number: 1:17-MD-2804)
  • In re: Opioid Litigation, 400000/2017
  • See, e.g., City of Waterbury v. Purdue Pharma L.P, et al., HHDCV176088121S
  • People of State of Illinois v. Purdue, et al.; 17-L013180
  • Delaware County, Pennsylvania v. Purdue Pharma L.P., et al, No. 2017-008095

Attorney Cody Favilla works at Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC, representing victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. He focuses his practice on discovering and exposing what asbestos companies knew about the dangers of asbestos ...

Attorney Cody Favilla works at Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC, representing victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. He focuses his practice on discovering and exposing what asbestos companies knew about the dangers of asbestos exposure and their failure to protect their employees. Since joining the firm in 2006, he has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients and their families.

Cody earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University. He completed his undergraduate degree in sociology at Colorado’s Fort Lewis College and was a juvenile probation officer for the State of Colorado before moving to Illinois in 2001. As an asbestos attorney, Cody handles all aspects of his clients’ cases.

“My clients come from all walks of life, but they all have been exposed and gotten sick through no fault of their own,” Cody said. “I shed light on what caused their asbestos exposures and how that contact should have been avoided.”

Cody is admitted to the U. S. Supreme Court and to the bar in Illinois, Missouri, California and Hawaii. He volunteers for the Alton Sierra Club and does pro bono work for the Southern District of Illinois concerning prisoners’ rights litigation. He has also served as a past Trustee and Mayor Pro Tem for the Village of Elsah in Illinois.

The American Association for Justice has awarded Cody with its New Lawyer’s Division Excellence Award for his significant contributions to the AAJ, the trial bar and his clients.

“My clients are hardworking, honest people who were misled by the asbestos companies about the dangers of asbestos exposure,” Cody said. “Thanks to my excellent team and the resources of the firm, I’m able to help my clients hold those companies accountable for their negligence.”

Attorney Casey Cira is an associate at Simmons Hanly Conroy where she focuses her practice on helping victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Located in the Alton, Illinois office, Casey works with a team of attorneys to give clients a voice against corporations who prioritize...

Attorney Casey Cira is an associate at Simmons Hanly Conroy where she focuses her practice on helping victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Located in the Alton, Illinois office, Casey works with a team of attorneys to give clients a voice against corporations who prioritized profits over individuals' health and safety.

Casey is involved in all stages of a client's case, from the initial interview to taking depositions and conducting investigations. Her favorite part about working on cases is finding the evidence to support a client's case and secure the justice they deserve.

"My commitment to our clients' cases is my number one priority," Casey said. "The legal world can be a tough landscape to navigate, and I want to ensure my clients are informed of the process every step of the way."

Casey has over 18 years of experience practicing law. Before joining the firm, she worked for a St. Louis law firm in real estate and commercial litigation.

Graduating from St. Louis University School of Law, Casey received her J.D. in 2004 and was in the top-25 percent of her class. She graduated cum laude from St. Louis University with a B.A. degree in history, with a minor in political science. She has been a member of the Missouri Bar Association since 2004, Illinois Bar Association since 2005, and Nebraska Bar Association since 2015. In her career as an attorney, she has experience with civil litigation, medical malpractice, personal injury cases, real estate litigation and title disputes. She has worked for both the prosecution and defense.

Casey comes from a family of law enforcement. Her father was a former undercover narcotics detective and a lifelong civil servant in law enforcement. She credits her family with teaching her to take nothing in life for granted. Casey also truly understands what it means for an individual to receive a terminal cancer diagnosis and their loved ones after losing her husband to kidney cancer following a three-year fight for his life.

"I am thankful for all the opportunities I had growing up and as an attorney," Casey said. "I became a lawyer to help people and to serve in the pursuit of justice. I am fortunate that working at Simmons Hanly Conroy allows me to do both."

Stephen Jones has spent much of his career in the litigation arena, seeking compensation for victims of medical and financial injuries. Many of his cases involved helping individuals and families in crisis situations, particularly those suffering from Mesothelioma and other lung diseases resulting f...
Stephen Jones has spent much of his career in the litigation arena, seeking compensation for victims of medical and financial injuries. Many of his cases involved helping individuals and families in crisis situations, particularly those suffering from Mesothelioma and other lung diseases resulting from exposure to asbestos, and seniors who had been victimized by financial injury and lost their life savings. This, together with watching his grandmother struggle with congestive heart failure, inspired Stephen to found Stephen Jones & Associates. The firm is dedicated to helping families plan for the future, protect themselves against the high cost of healthcare, and cope with crisis situations. Stephen now focuses exclusively on the specialized fields of Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning and Veterans Benefits.

Discusing your needs and concerns with Stephen is a bit like sitting down with an old friend or a member of your family. He takes the time to listen closely to you and gain a thorough understanding of your unique situation. Unlike some large law firms, where you might not know who is actually working on your case, Stephen handles his cases personally and enjoys working with his clients one on one. He brings more to the table than a mastery of Elder Law and related practice areas; he brings compassion and commitment as well.

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The cost of a lawyer consultation in Alton starts from 50 USD and can increase depending on the complexity of the issue and the form of the response.

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First, clearly and concisely formulate your question and try to ask it. If it is not too complex and can be answered quickly, lawyers often provide responses for free. However, the lawyer reserves the right to determine the consultation fee.

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What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

An attorney can handle cases in criminal proceedings. The field of activity for a lawyer is more limited compared to that of an attorney. Lawyers primarily specialize in civil cases, such as labor disputes, debt recovery, contract preparation, housing and land disputes, etc. 

 

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When should you consult a lawyer? People typically decide to consult a lawyer when they are facing complex difficulties. Professional legal help in Alton is often sought when a case is already in court or another institution and things are not going as expected. Or even worse, the case has already been lost. Therefore, we advise not to delay seeking help and to solve the problem early on.

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