Joyce Smithey & Reuben Wolfson Honored in Business Today as 2023’s Top Maryland Employment Lawyers
Two of Smithey Law Group’s employment lawyers were spotlighted in Business Today’s November 2023 article, “Top 10 Influential Plaintiff-side Labor & Employment Lawyers in Maryland 2023.”
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Smithey Law Group Honored in Best Law Firms® for 2024
Best Lawyers®, the oldest and most respected Purely Peer Review® research and accolades company in the legal profession, today announced the release of the 14th edition of the United States Best Law Firms® rankings with Smithey Law Group as a honoree.
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Joyce Smithey Honored on the 2023 Employment Law Power List
The Power List showcases Maryland’s power players who are leading key organizations, creating change, impacting the community and engaging others to succeed. The Power List is selected by The Daily Record’s editorial team, with input from knowledgeable members of the community.
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Cannabis and the Workplace Symposium
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights presented the “Cannabis and the Workplace” symposium, where guest speaker, Joyce Smithey, and other industry professionals discussed the implications of the decriminalization of cannabis and the impact on employment.
View the Symposium’s Flyer and Agenda
Smithey Law Group
“Smithey Law Group is a preeminent plaintiff’s firm. They understand the intricacies of employment law and they’re zealous advocates for their clients.”
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Reuben Wolfson
“Reuben is very reasonable and is a good advocate for clients.”
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Joyce Smithey
“Joyce is the best employment lawyer in the region. She is an expert in all aspects of employment law, federally and in Maryland. Joyce is a preeminent professional. She’s super knowledgeable, easy to work with in difficult cases and everything she files is well written.”
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The Daily Record’s 2023 Top 100 Women in Maryland announced
The Daily Record has announced the 2023 Maryland’s Top 100 Women honorees recognizing high-achieving Maryland women, including Joyce Smithey, who are making an impact through their leadership, community service and mentoring.
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Can employees be fired over online posts? Attorneys say yes
Joyce Smithey answers the employment question, “Can employees be fired over online posts?” She gives her insight and expert opinion through her response and helps clarify specific details around the topic of unemployment.
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2023 Maryland Super Lawyers List
Super Lawyers recognized Joyce Smithey & Ellen B. Flynn as part of the Top 100 & Top 50 lawyers in Maryland via a patented multiphase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation.
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Women of Excellence 2022: Leaders Across Eight Industries in Greater Baltimore
Baltimore Business Journal among the Women to Watch 2022. The BBJ selected two women of note in each industry that they deemed Women to Watch. Honored to be named one of the two in the law profession.
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Confusion Over Vaccine Mandates Bedevils Employers
The back-and-forth on mandates has only complicated an issue that has bedeviled and befuddled employers since COVID-19 vaccines were made available early last year.
Maryland employment lawyers say vaccine mandates are fraught with pitfalls and should be implemented carefully.
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Lawyer Limelight: Joyce Smithey
Labor and employment attorney Joyce Smithey didn’t know what type of practice she wanted as a student at Boston University School of Law. She considers herself lucky for finding her passion for employment law as a young lawyer – a sentiment that is surely echoed by her many employee-side clients over the years. An early victory as a litigator revealed the intense commitment required for success in such complex cases.
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Attorney Joyce Smithey Offers Insights to Avoid Debt and Hardship from Wrongful Termination
“The law does care very much in those cases,” said Joyce Smithey, Managing Partner at Smithey Law Group. “If you have a worker’s comp injury and you get fired right on the heels of that in retaliation, that’s an exception. Whistleblowers can’t be terminated for blowing the whistle on illegality or refusing to participate in an illegal scheme. That would be an exception as well.”
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8 Employment Law Changes You Should Note in 2022
For instance, The National Labor Relations Act protects employees’ rights to discuss conditions of employment, such as safety and pay. However, you can’t complain about something in the workplace that doesn’t violate a law, Smithey warned. As the NLRB puts it, “personal gripes” are not protected. Read the article here
Up and Coming Lawyers of 2021
Reuben Wolfson, 38
Smithey Law Group LLC, Annapolis
410-881-8190; smitheylaw.com
Alma mater: University of Miami School of Law Legal specialty: Labor and Employment The firm says: Reuben is a partner at Smithey Law Group LLC handling all phases of employment law from meeting with prospective clients through the litigation process in administrative agencies, state, and federal court. Reuben’s practice focuses on discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour law issues. He also counsels employers and employees on employment contracts and restrictive covenants. Reuben is a member of the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association and sits on its Bench Bar Committee. Prior to joining Smithey Law Group LLC, Reuben was a member of the Labor and Employment law practice group at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC in Annapolis.
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Joyce Smithey and Smithey Law Group Named Industry Leaders by Chambers and Partners USA
Smithey Law Group is ranked in Band 1 for departments in Maryland; the guide ranks Joyce in Band 1 for lawyers in the state. Band 1 is the highest ranking an attorney or firm can earn in the Chambers and Partners USA guide, and more than 21,000 lawyers and 1,500 firms are ranked in the guide.
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13 Things Your Boss Can’t Legally Do
Non-compete agreements are popular nowadays, says Joyce Smithey, founder and partner of Smithey Law Group LLC in Annapolis, Maryland. These agreements generally stipulate employees can’t work for a competitor for a certain period of time after leaving a company.
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Upcoming Event With Panelist Joyce Smithey from Smithey Law.
With the lifting of mask mandates and lifting of restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are able to reopen, but also face a variety of questions and issues. How should my businesses manage and approach these changes? What kind of liabilities might there be for my customers and employees in these areas? What might the future hold in terms of vaccines and continued recovery?
Register Now
Help Desk: How to protect your company from unintentional bias in hiring
While businesses in many industries begin facing the many nuances of welcoming employees back to the workplace, many are also scrambling to quickly find and hire high-quality employees in a unique environment — one of unprecedented calls for social justice and attention to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Ellen B. Flynn is the founder of Flynn Law Group, LLC and serves as an of counsel attorney with Smithey Law Group, LLC, an employment and labor law firm in Annapolis.
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No, Businesses Aren’t Violating Your Rights When They Ask If You’re Vaccinated
Joyce Smithey, founder and partner at the employment and labor law firm Smithey Law Group, said HIPAA, generally, applies to healthcare plans and healthcare providers — not grocery or other stores.
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Smithey Law In U.S News Article
“Schools with employment law clinics can give an extremely helpful introduction to handling employment matters, which will stand out on a resume both for the experience and the commitment to the area of law,” Joyce Smithey, the founding partner of Smithey Law Group in Maryland, wrote in an email. Click here to read the Article with attorney Joyce Smithey.
Smithey Law Group LLC, in the News
How COVID-19 and the New Administration Impact Employment Law Practice in Maryland
Join the MSBA for the new livestream presentation of How COVID 19 and the New Administration Impact the Practice of Employment Law in Maryland on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 8:30 a.m.! Attorney Ellen B. Flynn will be addressing how COVID-19 and the new administration impact employment law practice in Maryland. Click here for the event.
Can Employers Really Require Vaccines?
Direct Connection with the host Jeff Salkin addresses the issue of required vaccinations for returning to work. Click here to watch the interview with attorney Joyce Smithey.
Vaccines Can Be Required to Return to Work With Few Exceptions
As people prepare to return to the office, many question if their employer can require them to get the vaccine. Watch the interview with Joyce Smithey on NBC News4 Washington, with reporter Susan Hogan.
Maryland’s Top 100 Women
Covid Liability Concerns For Non Profit Employers In Maryland Event
Friday, April 30th 2021. 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM Via Zoom. See event here
Can employers force workers to get COVID vaccines?
Joyce Smithey, principal with the Smithey Law Group in Annapolis, expects to see employers pursue the business necessity path in their pushes to get workers vaccinated. Read the article here
Employee sues Collins Aerospace for discrimination, retaliation at Annapolis facility
Read the Capital Gazette article here
Read the Daily Record article here
3 Challenges For Holiday Hiring In 2020
Given the ambiguities of federal law, Joyce Smithey of Smithey Law Group LLC recommends paying close attention to state and local statutes, which sometimes provide stronger protections for political speech in the workplace. Read the article here
Smithey Law Group and Flynn Law Group Announce Formally Affiliation:
Ellen Flynn and Joyce Smithey are excited to announce a formal affiliation between Flynn Law Group, LLC and Smithey Law Group, LLC that will provide them with a new platform for mutual growth and client success in the employment law and medical malpractice arenas. Read the article here
Interview with Joyce Smithey:
Rule Allows you to Make Changes to Benefits View the video here
NBC Washington:
Some Employees say they don’t feel safe returning to work View the video here
Brian Ross Investigates:
Small Business May Never Reopen View the video here
Interview with the Jim Bohannon Podcast
Joyce Smithey did an interview with the Jim Bohannon podcast: How The Coronavirus is affecting people’s jobs. Listen to the podcast here
U.S. Women’s Soccer $67M Discrimination Lawsuit
Joyce Smithey was interviewed in regards to U.S. Women’s Soccer $67M Discrimination Lawsuit. View the video here
Joyce Smithey Quoted in Law.com Article Regarding Coronovirus
Coronavirus Presses Employers to Balance Workers’ Privacy Rights, Public Safety. Read the article here
NBC Washington Interview
In the Wake of the Coronavirus, Employees Consider Telecommuting. View the video here
Virginia This Morning
Joyce was interviewed about Sexual Harassment in the workplace. View the video here
Newsmax Broadcasting
Joyce is providing information about Coronavirus in the Workplace. View the video here
Staples Worklife Magazine
Joyce was quoted in this article in Staples Worklife Magazine, regarding Employees with Invisible Disabilities. Read the complete article here
America Tonight Interview
Joyce Smithey recently gave an interview on America Tonight. Listen to the podcast here.
Three attorneys selected to Super Lawyers
Joyce Smithey, Catherine Manofsky, and Michael Berman have been selected to the Super Lawyers list for 2020. Congratulations!
Smithey Law Group Names Two New Partners
Reuben Wolfson and Mike Berman have been named as partners to Smithey Law Group. Articles about this good news have been featured in the Daily Record, Baltimore City Biz List, DC City Biz List, and Eye On Annapolis. Congratulations!
Maryland law still unclear on medical cannabis use by employees
Ms. Smithey was recently interviewed by The Daily Record on Maryland Law as it pertains to medical cannabis use. The article can be found here.
Marijuana Decriminalization Sparks Confusion in MD Workplaces
The rapidly changing landscape of marijuana decriminalization has caused “mass confusion” and legal issues in Maryland workplaces, requiring employers and employees to be aware of ongoing developments, lawyers said Friday at a panel discussion at the Maryland State Bar Association’s Legal Summit and Annual Meeting. Read the complete article here
Former State Worker Denied FMLA Seeks Job Back
A Maryland state employee who was denied his request to take care of his sick mother is fighting to get his job back. Read the complete article here
Delivery Drivers at Pat’s Select Pizzerias Claim They Were Illegally Underpaid
“A Newark-area man is part of a group of pizza delivery drivers pursuing a class-action lawsuit against a local chain they say is cheating a largely immigrant workforce out of proper pay.” Read the complete article here.
A Year After #MeToo, Execs Say They’re Shaping Up
“Sexual harassment in the workplace isn’t just unpleasant for about half the workforce. It costs a company money in terms of lower morale and decreased engagement, which in turn can ramp down productivity, according to a survey from the Society of Human Resource Management.” Read the complete article here.
Rifkin Weiner alumna opens own employment law practice
“A longtime labor and employment law attorney has opened her own firm in Annapolis after more than a decade at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC.” Read the complete article here.
Smithey Law Group Listed in Baltimore Business Journal “Companies On The Move”
“Smithey Law Group LLC, a law practice focusing exclusively on employment law, has opened in West Annapolis. Led by partner and founder Joyce Smithey, the practice covers issues related to wages, discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse, contract and severance negotiations, equal pay, medical leave and more.” Read the complete article here.
Smithey Law Group Listed in Washington Business Journal “Companies On The Move”
“Smithey Law Group LLC, a law practice focusing exclusively on employment law, has opened in West Annapolis. Led by partner and founder Joyce Smithey, the practice covers issues related to wages, discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse, contract and severance negotiations, equal pay, medical leave and more.” Read the complete article here.
Pat’s Select Pizza Facing Wage and Hour Suit Filed by Delivery Drivers, Cook
“A lawsuit has been filed against the companies and individuals who operate Pat’s Select Pizza/Grill locations across Maryland and Pennsylvania accusing the defendants of unlawful pay practices.” Read the complete article here.
Capital Gazette – Anne Arundel businesses debate new overtime rule
“Joyce Smithey, a labor and employment lawyer in Annapolis, said she’s already receiving calls from employers and employees since the executive action went into effect … as to how it affects them.” Read the complete article here.
FenderBender – Overtime Pay: Who Gets It?
Joyce Smithey quoted in article “Overtime Pay: Who Gets It? Read the article here.
New York Times – Experts Question Casinos’ Plan to Prevent Sexual Harassment
Joyce Smithey quoted in The Associate Press article “Experts Question Casinos’ Plan to Prevent Sexual Harassment” which was published in US News. (USNews.com – 3/9/2018) Read the article here.
USNews – Sexual Misconduct Often Part of the Job in Hospitality Work
Joyce Smithey quoted in “Sexual Misconduct Often Part of the Job in Hospitality Work” (USNews.com – 12/10/2017) Read the article here.
Baltimore SmartCEO – 2016 Centers of Influence Awards Honoree
“Joyce E. Smithey named by Baltimore SmartCEO as one of the 2016 Centers of Influence Awards Honorees.” She is being honored at the 2016 Baltimore Centers of Influence Awards event. Read the article here.
BREACH OF EMPLOYMENT LAWSUIT
“Former Head of Christian-College Group Sues Over His Abrupt Dismissal” (By Goldie Blumenstyk – The Chronicle of Higher Education-2/13/2014) Read the article here.
“An Argument to Turn to Jesus Before the Bar” (New York Times -2/28/2014) Read the article here.
FIREFIGHTER CLAIMS GENDER BIAS
“Former firefighter sues Sykesville department” (By Brett Lake-Carroll County Times – 5-23-2013) Read the article here.
“Woman Firefighter Sues Her Employer” (WBAL – 5/23/2013) Read the article here.
“Fired Md. Firefighter Claims Gender Bias” (StarDem.com – 5/24/2013) Read the article here.
“Sykesville fire company files response to discrimination lawsuit” (Carroll County Times – 5/29/2013) Read the article here.
FORMER ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY ALLEGES POLITICAL FIRING
“Former Frederick Co. worker alleges political firing” (Daily Record- 1/10/2014) Read the article here.
“County settled wrongful termination lawsuit” (Daily Record- 1/10/2014) Read the article here.
“Frederick County attorney rehired after settlement agreement ” (Daily Record- 7/15/2015) Read the article here.
AGE DISCRIMINATION
Joyce Smithey quoted in The Baltimore Sun about Judge’s ruling that Balto. Co. pension system discriminates based on age:“To the extent that employers are going to be creating early-retirement plans, they’re going to be looking very closely at this opinion to make sure they do it correctly.” Read the article here.
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL LAWSUIT
“Annapolis Area Christian School Facing Harassment, Retaliation Lawsuit” Read the article here.
“Christian School Superintendent Sued” Read the article here.
FIREFIGHTERS ALLEGE MISCONDUCT
Odenton fire lawsuit is settled. Read the article here.
“County Settles Sex Abuse Lawsuit” (The Capital 5/24/2009) please click here.
“Odenton fire lawsuit is settled’ (Balt. Sun 12/20/2009)
“Two former volunteer firefighters allege misconduct by ex-president Please click here.
TEACHER ACCUSES GILMAN SCHOOL
Teacher Accuses Gilman School of running good “ol” boy network in court. Read the article here.
QUOTES IN THE MEDIA
Joyce Smithey quoted in the Washington Post on 10/30/2009 about Washington D.C. school’s layoff of teachers:“…if the evidence shows that the chancellor hired employees in bad faith, then the question is whether she did so with the goal of forcing a layoff of older employees. If that’s the case, then any admission about advanced knowledge of budget troubles could be damaging.” Please click here.
CLIENT’S BOOK PUBLISHED
Silent Blue Tears, a former client’s book about her suit against the police force she had been a part of for twenty years. Find the book here
INTERVIEWS
Ms. Smithey interviewed on NPR’s All Things Considered Regarding the Fight for Understanding for People with Invisible Disabilities. Read the article here
WEBINAR
It Didn’t Happen at Work, Can They Fire Me Anyway? 2020 *Class by Webinar* Find Out More About The Webinar.