Author: Joyce Smithey

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Articles written by Joyce Smithey

Joyce Smithey, a seasoned employment and labor law attorney, has over 22 years of experience representing both employers and employees in Maryland and D.C. Her practice, rooted in a deep understanding of employment law, spans administrative hearings to federal litigation. Joyce's approach is comprehensive, focusing on protecting client interests while ensuring legal compliance. A Harvard graduate, her career began in Fortune 500 companies, transitioning to law after a degree from Boston University School of Law. Joyce's expertise is recognized by numerous awards, including Maryland’s Top 100 Women. At Smithey Law Group LLC, which she founded in 2018, Joyce continues to champion employment rights, drawing on her rich background in law and business.

What Is the Fair Labor Standards Act?

If you want to make sure your employer is treating you properly, one of the first places you should look is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). FLSA sets the minimum wage and hour requirements for many employers across the...

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What Does the Maryland Commission for Civil Rights Do in Employment Discrimination Cases?

We hope you never encounter discrimination in your workplace, but if you do, the government can enforce your rights against a discriminatory employer. You have the option of filing an employment discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission...

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Average Settlement Amounts for a Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

Employers have a lot of discretion regarding handling their employees and who to keep in or welcome to their workforce. But an employer’s choices cannot be discriminatory. Employment discrimination on the basis of factors such as race, sex, religion, ancestry,...

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Can You Be Fired for Taking a Leave of Absence?

Taking care of yourself and your household is not always about the money you bring home from work. Sometimes you need time off to tend to important personal or family matters. If you need this type of break and want...

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How to Explain Wrongful Termination on a Resume or Job Application

A 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...

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Can My Employer Take My Tips from My Paycheck?

If you work in the service industry, you know that your tips can be your bread and butter. And if you don’t know already, your employer generally has no right to keep your tips. Are you looking at your pay...

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How to Deal with Employee Stock Disputes upon Termination

In addition to a regular paycheck, an employer might use several incentives to attract and keep talented individuals in its workforce. A popular method of compensating employees for their hard work is to give stock options in the employer’s business....

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What to Do If Your Employer Won’t Reimburse Business Expenses

The transactional relationship between you and an employer should be a simple exchange: Your employer needs to compensate you each time you perform work for it. But what happens when your work obligations incur costs or require you to spend...

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Can Sexual Harassment Happen Outside of the Workplace?

Do not let the name “workplace sexual harassment” throw you off. Unlawful workplace sexual harassment does not have to occur in your office or at your worksite for you to have the right to seek legal relief. Regardless of what...

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What Employers Should Know About Ban the Box in Maryland

As an employer in Maryland, you need to keep up to date on your local, state, and federal obligations toward employees, workers, and job applicants. A relatively new law you need to be aware of is the Ban the Box...

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