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.

Toxic Workplace Behaviors and Discrimination Employers Should Watch Out For

Employers and employees alike are under more pressure than ever. Accordingly, more and more workers are experiencing toxic workplaces and developing burnout. In fact, more than two-thirds of American workers think that burnout has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite...

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How to Make a Strong Legal Sexual Harassment Case in Maryland

Being the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace can be devastating and difficult to talk about. We’re sorry if you have experienced poor treatment at work, and we want you to remember that you have legal rights you can...

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How Should Employers Accommodate Pregnant Employees?

Building a family can be an exciting adventure. However, not all aspects of pregnancy come with excitement and joy. One comprehensive study from 2019 estimated that over 20% of pregnant people are scared to tell their bosses that they’re pregnant,...

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What You Should Know About Workplace Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity

Discriminating against someone based on their gender or sex has been prohibited by federal law for decades. However, in 2020, the United States Supreme Court held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 offered individuals protection from...

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How Are Wrongful Termination Settlement Values Calculated?

If your employer terminated you for unlawful reasons, you have a right to seek remedies. Unfortunately, initiating a legal dispute between you and an employer can be exhausting no matter how strong your case is. The toll litigation can take...

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Three Steps to Do in Implementing New Anti-sexual Harassment Training

Business leaders want a workplace that is efficient and focused, yet collegial and welcoming. Getting the right balance between these two office culture goals can have a big impact on a company’s all-around success. A significant step to achieving that...

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Discrimination: How Can I Recognize Ageism in the Workplace?

Ageism in the workplace is a form of illegal discrimination that is prohibited under both federal and state law. More specifically, ageism laws prohibit discrimination against people aged 40 or older. An employer may favor an older worker over a...

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Do Employers Have the Power to Shorten Discrimination Claim Deadlines?

Everyone loves getting a new job. A new position comes with a terrific feeling of accomplishment. However, new jobs often require you to complete lots of paperwork. Employers frequently ask new hires to accept or agree to certain employment processes...

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Signs You Should Know That Show You Were Wrongfully Terminated

If you’ve recently lost your job, we know this is a hard time for you. Maybe you saw it coming, or maybe the termination came out of nowhere. Either way, it’s important to know your rights in these situations. When...

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Best Practices in Investigating Sexual Harassment Allegations

Sexual harassment persists today in the workplace despite many positive changes in both employment laws and workplace culture. When your business is faced with a sexual harassment allegation, handling an investigation requires skill. Using best practices in investigating sexual harassment...

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