Pennsylvania Employment Lawyer
Wrongfully Terminated? We Can Help.Unemployment Appealed? Learn More.Wrongful Termination & Employment Law Practice Areas
MKO Employment Law LLC offers employment lawyer consultations and focuses on Employment Law, Discrimination, and Wrongful Termination issues.
MKO Practice Areas
Employment Law Ready✔™
Age Discrimination and Higher Compensated Employees
Disability Discrimination and Medical Issues in the Workplace
EEOC/PHRC Filing, Charges, Mediations, and Litigation
FMLA Overview, focus on: FMLA Interference, FMLA Retaliation, FMLA Wrongful Termination
Gender / Orientation Discrimination including Sexual Harassment and Pregnancy
Misclassification, Overtime / Unpaid Wages & Retaliation, and Overemployment Fraud
Professional Exit Strategies, Severance Agreements, and Separation Packages
Retaliation in the Workplace and Hostile Work Environment
Ultimate Guide to Winning Your Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Appeal
Unemployment Compensation Board of Review Appeal: Appealing a Referee Decision
Unemployment Referee Hearings and Unemployment Appeal Hearings
Wrongful Termination and Constructive Termination / Constructive Discharge
Workers’ Comp Retaliation and Whistleblowing Retaliation
Your Legal Consultation Can Easily Be Scheduled with an Attorney in Seconds
📲412-301-2700
“Providing you a path forward in your life, career, and recovering the compensation you deserve.™”
MKO is a “boutique firm” which means that we focus on a niche area and offer highly specialized services to clients who are looking for the personal touch within our area of expertise: Employment Law. Boutique law firms are not a general practice or one-stop legal shop, and that’s a good thing. You need one good attorney who knows the ins and outs of the area of law that’s relevant to your case. Look for a law firm that primarily practices the area of law that you need. If that’s all they do, chances are, they do it very well. We see each legal dispute as an opportunity to find a fair and equitable resolution without destroying your reputation, resume, job prospects, income, and if avoidable, not subjecting you, your family, friends, and former coworkers to unnecessary, highly invasive, time consuming, stressful, and ultimately public litigation. MKO, “Providing you a path forward in your life, career, and recovering the compensation you deserve.™” Confidentiality is key, for everyone. Are you a victim? MKO’s employment lawyers are always available for the clients. You can contact us anytime for a case assessment and evaluation.
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MKO Employment Law LLC’s Practice Areas Explanation
Employment law is a vast and continuously developing field that can often be challenging for employees to understand. However, MKO Employment Lawyers, a Pittsburgh-based law firm, specializes in various practice areas, dedicated to helping employees navigate through the complexities of employment law. Below are 12 of the practice areas offered by the law firm and a brief summary of each:
- Age Discrimination and Higher Compensated Employees: This practice area deals with cases of discrimination against employees based on their age or salary. Age discrimination is a significant issue in the workplace that can negatively affect the career of an employee. Age discrimination cases can involve unequal pay, promotion based on age, or employers discriminating against higher-paid employees.
- Disability Discrimination and Medical Issues (ADA/PHRA): Our attorneys have a deep understanding of disability and medical accommodations and focus on ensuring that employers provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). This includes advocating for employees who have been discriminated against due to their disability and ensuring that employers comply with the law. In addition to our focus on reasonable accommodations, we also represent employees who have been subjected to other forms of disability discrimination, such as being denied a job, a promotion, or reasonable working conditions due to their disability. We work tirelessly to help employees succeed in the workplace, and we are dedicated to protecting their rights under the ADA and PHRA.
- Criminal Records or Criminal History for Failure to Hire: This practice area deals with cases where an employer discriminates against an employee or job applicant based on their criminal history. Job seekers with a criminal history should not be unfairly discriminated against in the hiring process.
- EEOC/PHRC: Filing, Charges, Mediations, and Litigation: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) investigate complaints of employment discrimination. At our law firm, we understand the complexity of the EEOC process here is a breakdown of the three key stages of the EEOC process: 1. Filing Charges: The first step in the EEOC process is to file a charge with the agency. This charge details the allegations of discrimination and identifies the employer in question. The EEOC will then investigate the charge, which may involve gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing documents. 2. Mediation: If the EEOC determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that discrimination has occurred, they may offer mediation as a way to resolve the matter. Mediation is a process in which the parties meet with a neutral mediator to discuss the issues and try to reach a settlement. Our attorneys work closely with our clients to prepare for mediation and advocate for their interests during the process. 3. EEOC Litigation: If mediation is unsuccessful or not offered, the EEOC will issue a “right-to-sue” letter, which allows the complainant to file a lawsuit against their employer.
- FMLA Interference, FMLA Retaliation, and FMLA Termination: FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain medical and family-related reasons. Unfortunately, some employers may interfere with or retaliate against employees who exercise their FMLA rights. This interference can take many forms, including denying an employee’s FMLA request, discouraging an employee from taking FMLA leave, or pressuring an employee to return to work early. Retaliation can involve any negative action taken against an employee for exercising their FMLA rights, such as demotion, pay reduction, or termination.
- Gender / Orientation Discrimination including Sexual Harassment, and Pregnancy: This practice area deals with cases of gender-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, pay discrimination, and discrimination against pregnant employees. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for gender equality in the workplace, ensuring that women receive fair pay, are not subjected to sexual harassment, and are not discriminated against based on pregnancy or motherhood.
- Misclassification, Overtime/Unpaid Wages & Retaliation, and Overemployment Fraud: This practice area involves cases where an employer misclassifies an employee as exempt from overtime pay, fails to pay overtime or wages owed, or retaliates against an employee who asserts their rights. It also covers cases of overemployment fraud, where an employee intentional takes multiple jobs to double or triple dip compensation.Our attorneys are dedicated to helping employees receive fair compensation for their work and protecting their legal rights, ensuring that employers are held accountable for their actions.
- Professional Exit Strategies, Severance Agreements, and Separation Packages: When an employee is leaving a job, it is important to negotiate a fair severance agreement that protects their rights. This practice area helps employees negotiate their exit and protect their legal rights. Our attorneys work to ensure that employees receive fair severance packages, are not taken advantage of during the exit process, and that they leave on confidential terms with their former employer.
- Retaliation and Hostile Work Environment: This practice area deals with cases where an employee is retaliated against for asserting their legal rights or are working in a hostile work environment. Our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that employees are not retaliated against for standing up for their rights. We work to create a safer and more equitable workplace for our clients by holding employers accountable for their actions and ensuring that employees receive the protections they are entitled to.
- Unemployment Referee Hearings and Unemployment Appeal Hearings: This practice area involves representing clients in unemployment hearings and appeals, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive the benefits they are entitled to. Our attorneys work to ensure that clients receive the unemployment benefits they deserve and are not unfairly denied these benefits. We can help you navigate the complex appeals process and ensure that your rights are protected at every step.
- Unemployment Compensation Board of Review Appeal: Appealing a Referee Decision: This practice area involves representing clients in appeals to the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review after a referee decision has been made. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating the appeals process and can provide legal assistance to help you receive the unemployment benefits you deserve.
- Wrongful Termination, Constructive Termination/Discharge: : This practice area covers cases where an employee is wrongfully terminated or where an employer creates such a hostile work environment that the employee is forced to resign. Our attorneys work tirelessly to protect the rights of employees who have been wrongfully terminated or forced to resign due to a hostile work environment. We understand that losing your job can be a traumatic experience, and we will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you were fired for speaking out against discrimination, or because of false accusations made by your employer, our attorneys can help you fight back and protect your legal rights.
- Workers’ Comp Retaliation, Whistleblowing Retaliation: This practice area deals with cases where an employee is retaliated against for filing a workers’ compensation claim or whistleblowing on illegal or unethical behavior in the workplace. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees who have been retaliated against for asserting their legal rights. We believe that all employees have the right to work in a safe and ethical environment, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected. If you have been retaliated against for filing a workers’ compensation claim or whistleblowing, our attorneys can help you fight back and seek the compensation you deserve.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Employer Attorney
MKO Employment Law LLC is a premier employment law firm based in Pittsburgh, PA, offering specialized legal services in all areas of employment law, from discrimination, harassment, exit strategies, retaliation, and wrongful termination to wage and hour disputes. The employment lawyers are committed to providing personalized attention and high-quality representation to employees, with a proven track record of success in fighting for their clients’ rights. With a reputation for excellence, they have become a trusted name in the Pittsburgh area. Whether through negotiation or litigation, they work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients, holding employers accountable for their actions. Learn More: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Employer Attorney
Ten Reasons You Want MKO As Your Employment Counsel
1. Focused Employment Law Practice
MKO is a “boutique law firm” which means that we concentrate on this niche area and offer highly focused employment law services to clients who are looking for the personal touch. Boutique law firms are not a one-stop legal shop, and that’s a good thing. While a long roster of diverse legal services may look impressive on paper, it’s fairly pointless in practice. You need one good attorney who knows the ins and outs of the area of law that’s relevant to your case. Look for a law firm that only practices in the area of law that you need. If that’s all they do, chances are, they do it very well.
2. Technology Driven & Experts in the Cloud
We provide immediate legal consultations, operate a paperless law firm, use advanced cloud storage, digital signatures, electronic forms, and can review your documents using screen share technology instantaneously. MKO is technologically savvy, nimble, flexible, and efficient.
We are not confined to our office, chained to a desktop computer, or burdened with IT maintenance. Thanks to the smart use of technology we can focus on providing our clients with the best representation possible. By streamlining our practice we can focus on what our clients hire us to do – advocate on their behalf and work diligently toward a desired result.
3. Legal Advice Instantly From The Comfort of Home
MKO can provide superior legal services through adaptive use of new technology and provide the majority of legal assistance while you are comfortably working from your home. It just also happens it's better, easier, and faster for our clients - they really appreciate it. We seamlessly and interactively collaborate with you in a relaxed environment where you have all of your files in your immediate control. We find this is the absolute best way to provide legal advice to our clients on complex legal issues, hands down.
The old style of coming into our office with binders of disjointed and unsearchable paperwork, of which we to organize and figure out on the fly, is incredibly wasteful, time-consuming, inefficient, and not highly productive. Because of our integration with technology, we are ready to work with you on highly intricate matters on a moments notice, no matter where you (or we) are.
4. Discreet When Necessary
While many cases require that we go to court to seek justice, there are a substantial number of disputes that need to be handled discreetly. We see each legal dispute as an opportunity to find a fair and equitable resolution without destroying your reputation, resume, job prospects, income, and if avoidable, not subjecting you, your family, friends, and former coworkers to unnecessary, highly invasive, time consuming, stressful, and ultimately public litigation. MKO, “Providing you a path forward in your life, career, and recovering the compensation you deserve.™”
Confidentiality is key, for everyone.
5. Experience, Professional, & Integrity
Through representing and managing thousands of employment situations, rest assured there is help or a path forward for your situation. For example, Partner Christi Wallace has personally represented over 1000 clients and has managed hundreds more for associates that worked for her in just her first 10 years!
6. Highly Responsive Attorneys
We always get the question, "If I choose to have you represent me, will it be difficult for me to get in touch with you?"
Absolutely not, we even make ourselves available to clients beyond our normal business hours! Further, when you call us your attorney answers, not a secretary who puts you on hold for 20 minutes, then tells you that you can leave a voicemail for your attorney. Besides the MKO office phone number, our clients can contact their attorney via mobile, SMS & texting, business email, and an urgent emergency email. For example, we can often respond to a text message in just a few minutes. Experience a better, faster, and more efficient way to work with an attorney. MKO believes that clients can and should depend on the fact that we’ll respond quickly.
7. Attorneys Available 74+ Hours Per Week
Employment Attorneys are available at least 74 hours per week by phone, email, and text messaging. Don't be fooled by marketing, many law firms are using non-attorney 3rd party answering services and advertising "Phones Answered 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week." We pick up our own phones, respond to our own emails and text messages, and use real attorneys, 74+ hours per week.
M-F 7am-7pm
Sat/Sun 8am-3pm
8. Practical Advice From Seasoned Professionals
MKO strongly believes that every situation is distinctly unique and therefore we must endeavor to find the right solution for that particular issue. Because we are a boutique employment law firm, we strive to find unique and innovation solutions for our clients in every circumstance. We take action when necessary, put together deals when possible, and work with our clients so we can be creative and find smart solutions instead of needless litigation. We want to protect your interests now and in the future.
9. Contingency Representation
Contingency Legal Representation is where you do not have to pay your lawyer up front. This is fantastic if you are offered this option. Lawyers and litigation costs are incredibly expensive if you pay hourly. With contingency representation, you are not faced with large legal bills and expenses that are daunting and causes slow downs while waiting for a retainer to be replenished. Further, when you're offering to pay anyone up front and hourly, it seems they'll take almost any case - so long as they are getting paid. Funny how that works. Here's how we help:
- People can afford an attorney. – Without the benefit of contingency, it would be very difficult for a person who was recently separated from their job to afford an employment lawyer.
- MKO only gets paid if there is a recovery. – We put our money where our mouth is, if we don't get a recovery, you don't owe legal fees and costs.
- Contingency representation says something about your case. – Considering MKO only will get paid if there is a recovery, you can assume we like to cases that we believe have merit.
- Helps people can move on with their lives – Instead of racking up debt to pay for legal help, our contingency representation lets you move on with your life as we deal with the legal stuff. This is exactly what MKO stands for, “Providing you a path forward in your life, career, and recovering the compensation you deserve.™"
10. Keeping Costs Low To Focus On Your Case
Our clients understand that their representation is are far more important than an expensive address. Some law firms might be battling an extremely burdensome and large cost overhead. In other words, to survive, they may need to be a "factory firm" or "volume practice" that needs to process a vast amount of cases to be able to afford their superfluous costs, expenses, and overhead. We aggressively keep costs down so we can focus on you.
Don't want to be treated like an account number, a settlement figure, or a wheel that needs to be turned to keep the law firm getting paid? We keep our costs low and use this financial freedom for our clients best interests.
Legal Consultations
Hours Open Every Week
Clients & Cases Managed
Consultation Questions To Ask Your Employment Discrimination Lawyer
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=What does an employment discrimination lawyer do?
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=Do I need an employment lawyer?
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=Can a discrimination attorney really help my case, even if I still work there?
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=When should I hire an employment discrimination law firm?
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=Is discrimination really that common?
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=How do you hire a discrimination attorney?
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=How do I know when I need an employment lawyer?
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=When should I address discrimination at the office?
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=What is my discrimination case worth?
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=Do I have a discrimination case?
I trusted Mr. Kraemer with a rather difficult period of time for my family, and we came out on top. He is trustworthy and honest, incredibly helpful, and understanding. Five stars aren’t enough! Him and his staff are well experienced, and won’t let up until the truth is known and justice is served. Michael, it’s been a pleasure. I hope I never need your services again! If I do, I will not hesitate to give you a call.
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Halfway to legal help. If you don't get paid, neither do we. All you need to do is call MKO!
Michael Kraemer was the only lawyer who took my case and would be the only lawyer I’d rely on. He kept me informed and was very intellectual on the whole subject that my case was revolved around. I give Mr. Kraemer a 10 out of 10 and I would refer him and his associates to anyone who wants a well defined lawyer.
Wrongful Termination
We help people fired, or soon to be fired, when they have been treated unfairly, illegally, or unjustly.
Employment Discrimination
Race, religion, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), orientation, disability.
Professional Exit Strategies
Remove yourself from a toxic workplace or help with a job loss. Lawyers give you an exit strategy.
Medical Accommodations
Employees needing physical or mental health/wellness accommodations are protected.
Disability Discrimination
Many health conditions can be considered disabilities and are legally protected including retaliation.
EEOC or PHRC Agencies
Aggressive lawyering in the state and federal agencies can mean quick, quiet, and lucrative resolutions.
Age Discrimination
For those over 40 years old (but older is preferred) that experience bias based on your age.
Sexual Harassment
A range of actions from mild transgressions to sexual abuse or sexual assault. A highly serious offense.
All Practice Areas
- Age Discrimination
- Disability Discrimination
- Discrimination
- COVID-19
- EEOC Filing, Charges, & Litigation
- Employment Contracts
- Employment Litigation
- Equal Pay
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- FMLA Violations
- Furlough & Failure To Rehire
- Gender/Sex Discrimination
- Harassment
- Higher Compensated Employees
- Independent Contractor Misclassification
- Litigation
- Military Service Discrimination (USERRA)
- Minimum Wage Violations
- Non-Competition Agreements
- Overtime Pay
- Pregnancy Discrimination
- Professional Exit Strategies
- Race Discrimination
- Religious Discrimination
- Retaliation
- Sexual Harassment
- Unemployment Appeal Hearings
- Unpaid Wages, Commissions, and Bonuses
- Whistleblowing
- Wrongful Termination
Employment Law Ready✔ ™
MKO Employment Law LLC Practice Areas
Employment Law Ready✔™
Age Discrimination and Higher Compensated Employees
Disability Discrimination and Medical Issues in the Workplace
EEOC/PHRC Filing, Charges, Mediations, and Litigation
FMLA Interference, FMLA Retaliation, and FMLA Termination
Gender / Orientation Discrimination including Sexual Harassment and Pregnancy
Misclassification, Overtime / Unpaid Wages & Retaliation, and Overemployment Fraud
Professional Exit Strategies, Severance Agreements, and Separation Packages
Retaliation and Hostile Work Environment
Unemployment Compensation Board of Review Appeal: Appealing a Referee Decision
Unemployment Referee Hearings and Unemployment Appeal Hearings
Wrongful Termination and Constructive Termination / Discharge
*Any testimonial, statement, endorsement, numerical figure, image/video, rating, or review (that may be from many years of practice with many people) does not constitute a guarantee, suggestion, promise, influence, or prediction about anything relating to your representation, selection of law firm or attorney, ability to practice, a consumer reliance of any kind, or any legal matter. Results vary. MKO is not in any way a successor entity to any other law firm.