Employment Law: An Overview
Employment law is a specialized legal field that protects the rights of workers in the workplace. Employment lawyers represent employees who have experienced unlawful treatment by their employers, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage theft, and retaliation. These attorneys help workers understand their rights under federal and Tennessee state law, and they fight to secure compensation and justice for those who have been mistreated.
Core Practice Areas
Employment lawyers typically handle the following types of cases:
Discrimination: Claims based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or pregnancy under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and Tennessee Human Rights Act.
Harassment: Sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims.
Wrongful Termination: Cases where an employee was fired for illegal reasons, such as retaliation for reporting misconduct.
Wage and Hour Disputes: Unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, and misclassification of employees.
Retaliation: Claims where employers punish workers for exercising their legal rights or reporting violations.
Top 3 Employment Lawyers in Nashville, TN
1. Employment and Consumer Law Group
Best For: Employees facing discrimination, harassment, wage theft, and whistleblower retaliation cases.
Philosophy: A plaintiff-focused firm dedicated exclusively to protecting employee and consumer rights. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients facing workplace injustice.
Services:
Discrimination and harassment claims
Wrongful termination
Wage theft and unpaid overtime
Retaliation and whistleblower cases
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) disputes
Location: 1720 West End Ave, Suite 402, Nashville, TN 37203
Contact: (615) 258-7134 | eclaw.com
Pricing: Free initial consultation. Contingency fee basis (no fee unless you win).
2. Bigelow Legal, PLLC
Best For: Employees seeking personalized, face-to-face consultations and experienced trial representation for discrimination and harassment claims.
Philosophy: A plaintiffs-only employment law firm founded on the principle of fighting discrimination, bullies, and bigotry. Attorney Robb Bigelow is a Vanderbilt Law graduate and former federal court law clerk with over 20 years of experience.
Services:
Racial and national origin discrimination
Sexual harassment
Wrongful termination
Hostile work environment
Unpaid wages and overtime
Denial of medical or maternity leave
Location: 4235 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 217, Nashville, TN 37215 (Green Hills area)
Contact: (615) 800-6966 | bigelowlegal.com
Pricing: Initial consultation fee of $75. Contingency fee arrangements available for cases taken.
3. The Higgins Firm, PLLC
Best For: Employees who need comprehensive legal services across employment law, workers’ compensation, and personal injury matters.
Philosophy: A full-service law firm established in 1995 that represents injured victims and employees. The firm is broken into specialized litigation divisions to capitalize on each attorney’s strengths.
Services:
Age discrimination
Wage and hour claims
Whistleblower cases
Sexual harassment
FMLA violations
Overtime pay disputes
Location: 525 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210 (SoBro district, downtown Nashville)
Contact: (615) 353-0930 | thehigginsfirm.com
- Pricing: Free initial consultation. Contingency fee basis (no upfront costs).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I know if I have a valid employment law claim?
If you believe you were treated unfairly at work due to a protected characteristic (race, gender, age, disability, religion), were fired for reporting illegal activity, or were not paid properly for your work, you may have a valid claim. Most Nashville employment lawyers offer free consultations to evaluate your situation and explain your legal options.
2. What is the statute of limitations for filing an employment law claim in Tennessee?
The timeline varies by claim type. For discrimination claims under Title VII, you generally have 300 days to file a charge with the EEOC. For wage and hour claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), you typically have two years (or three years for willful violations). Consulting an attorney promptly is essential to preserve your rights.
3. What does it mean when a lawyer works on a contingency fee basis?
A contingency fee arrangement means you pay no upfront legal fees. The attorney only gets paid if you win your case or receive a settlement. The fee is typically a percentage of the recovery, usually ranging from 33% to 40% depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.
4. Can I be fired for filing a complaint about workplace harassment or discrimination?
No. Retaliation for reporting harassment, discrimination, or other illegal workplace conduct is unlawful under federal and Tennessee law. If you are fired, demoted, or otherwise punished for making a complaint, you may have an additional legal claim against your employer.
5. What evidence should I gather if I believe I have an employment law claim?
Document everything you can, including emails, text messages, performance reviews, witness names, dates and details of incidents, and any communications with HR. Keep copies of your employment contract, employee handbook, and pay stubs. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.