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.

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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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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What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources

Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is in the workplace. Employers are implementing artificial intelligence in human resources (“HR”) departments worldwide to help find applicants, implement training, and communicate with staff.  Using artificial intelligence in HR without adequately vetting the AI may bring...

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Can I Be Fired for Filing a Complaint?

If your employer engages in discriminatory behavior, you have a right to complain. You also have a right to protection from workplace retaliation. Your employer cannot fire you for filing a discrimination or harassment complaint.  As simple as this statement...

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Equal Pay Act: Maryland Guide for Both Employers and Employees

For some time, workers have sought equal pay for equal work. However, despite advancements in anti-discrimination laws, the female-to-male earnings ratio is 83%. This means that a female employee earns only about 83 cents for every dollar a male worker...

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EEOC Guidance Updates About COVID-19 Testing

On July 12, 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its guidance on COVID-19 testing and other issues related to COVID-19 and the workplace. These updates also covered the extent of necessary reasonable accommodations under prior guidance and parameters...

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Getting to Know Mandatory Employee Vaccines

Whether you are an employer wondering whether you can mandate that your employees receive a COVID-19 shot or you are an employee wondering if you have to take it, mandatory employee vaccines are a big topic. Workplaces are grappling with...

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