A phone can turn into a recording device with one tap. In Maryland, however, capturing a private conversation without permission can create consequences far more serious than an awkward discovery. Under the Maryland two-party consent rule, everyone participating in a...
Read MoreSometimes, businesses, organizations, and agencies engage in practices that violate employment laws. And if you are on the receiving end of unlawful employer actions, you might be asking, “Can You Get Fired for Suing Your Employer?” Essentially, the answer is...
Read MoreIn Maryland, job security can change in an instant—whether you’re working for a government agency in Annapolis, a hospital in Prince George’s County, or a startup in Baltimore. If you’ve recently been laid off or suspect it’s coming soon, you...
Read MoreA hostile work environment claim is a workplace discrimination claim under both Maryland and federal law. The complainant must prove (i) discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, pregnancy, age, or disability, and (ii) the...
Read MoreThe most fundamental part of all jobs is showing up to work every day. It is a basic responsibility that no one can dodge. That said, life happens. Family members get sick, last-minute problems come up, and personal crises occur....
Read MoreAn Argument to Turn to Jesus Before the Bar Serving Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Anne Arundel and Howard Counties “An Argument to Turn to Jesus Before the Bar” (New York Times -2/28/2014) When Kim S. Phipps was...
Read MoreA wrongful termination can sting long after the initial shock, especially if you have to rehash the matter while seeking new employment. If you are wondering how to address a wrongful termination on a resume, on a job application, or...
Read MoreJoyce E. Smithey appeared on Maryland Public Television’s Direct Connection with host Jeff Salkin on Monday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Maryland’s two-party consent recording law. The broadcast follows a recent public debate after U.S. Representative Andy Harris...
Read MoreIf you are pregnant or a new parent, you deserve rest to recover from childbirth and care for your new child. Maternity leave can provide this rest, but is your job safe while you are away? Can you be fired...
Read MoreHair should not determine whether someone gets hired, promoted, disciplined, or treated differently at work. Maryland’s CROWN Act makes that principle part of state anti-discrimination law. For employees asking, “But what is the CROWN Act exactly?” think of it as...
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