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Virginia Employment Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: I have been terminated by Long & Foster and am the procuring cause for an upcoming commission they wont pay unless I

sign with another Agency. They terminated me Aug. 14, my license is now inacative.

James H. Wilson Jr.
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James H. Wilson Jr.
answered on Sep 5, 2023

Licensed real estate salespersons are typically independent contractors who act as agents on behalf of a licensed real estate broker. A broker may be entitled to a commission when it is the procuring cause of a sale of real estate. Commissions from the sale of real estate are paid to licensed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: im curious if it's discrimination to ban a single mothers child from a public transit bus when she is the driver?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 25, 2023

Banning a single mother's child from a public transit bus solely because she is the driver could potentially be considered discriminatory, as it might be seen as targeting her based on her parental status. Discrimination laws can vary, but many jurisdictions, including Virginia, have laws... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: Can I sue my job for wrongful termination

I was injured on the job and I was fired because of it.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 27, 2023

In Virginia, as in many other states, workers' compensation laws generally protect employees from being fired solely because they filed a workers' compensation claim or were injured on the job. Terminating an employee for exercising their rights under workers' compensation laws may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for Virginia on
Q: Can you be fired from your job for an allergy to dogs?

I was hired to work for a cleaning company. I was 'let go' on my first day because I couldn't/wouldn't enter a house with 6 large dogs inside due to my allergy to them. End of day I told my boss I really enjoy my work but couldn't deal with the dogs because of my allergy.... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 7, 2023

In general, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including allergies, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the ADA may not apply to all employers, depending on the size of the company. It is recommended to consult with an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: If you get into an argument with a supervisor and the next day they write you up/discipline you is that retaliation
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 7, 2023

It is not “retaliation” in the context of a legal cause of action for retaliation.

You only have a legal cause of action for retaliation when your employer takes an adverse employment action toward you because of your exercise of or participating in another employee’s exercise of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: I live in Virginia, and my work doesn’t provide me with a break when I work 4,6 or 8 hour shifts. Is this legal?

I am a part time worker.

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on May 31, 2023

Unfortunately, there are no federal laws that require employers to offer break time based on the length of shift you work.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: If my employer had me sign an NDA/NON-COMPETE after a law was passed that it is unlawful to require signatures ..

from low wage employees and at the time of signature, I was low-wage, but upon termination a year later i wasn't, can it be enforced? and, if the Non Compete states the following... is that a 5yr employment contract?

7. Term. The time period during which information shall be exchanged... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 28, 2023

You are seeking specific legal advice on a forum that offers general legal opinions and explanations about the legal process. More information will be needed for an opinion. This is an employment law/contracts question, as you know. You need to consult an attorney in your local area that practices... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: Why would an employment attorney ask to connect on LinkedIn when I have no connection with them?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 21, 2023

He may think you have knowledge of a particular case he is working on, or he may be mistaking you Fort someone else.

I occasionally am successful locating witnesses on LinkedIn because it is typical to list your employment history.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: can something be done about an employer doing everything in their power to try make you quit?

being treated different doubling work load they give 2 people threatening his job for everything when he expresses how he's being singled out they just tell him he will be missed wanting him to quit.

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Mar 15, 2023

The answer to this question will depend on why you are being singled out. While Virginia is an at-will employment state, meaning the employer or employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, employees cannot be harassed or discriminated against due to a protected class... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Contracts for Virginia on
Q: Am I legally allowed to sign this affidavit in order to get my partner benefits through my new employer?

I have recently started a new job, and my employer offers to extend benefits to Domestic Partners of employees. I have been living with my partner for over three years now, and we were just about set to sign all necessary enrollment paperwork. Before doing so, I must sign an "Affidavit of... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Dec 22, 2022

You should check with a Virginia contract attorney to be sure of this, but generally, the answer to this question will depend on whether the affidavit defines the word "principal" anywhere. If the word "principal" is capitalized in your affidavit, this likely means it is a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: Can a company whose contract says that I have both a 30-day and a 90-day commitment enforce the 90-day commitment?

I signed a contract with a company saying that I agreed to a term of 30 days with them, however, they said this was a misprint. Right below it says that I must provide written notice before terminating my 90-day commitment period. I have initialed both but am wondering, is the 90-day enforceable if... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Dec 16, 2022

More information is needed to answer this question, and a review of the agreement you signed will likely be necessary. You should contact a Virginia contract or employment attorney to discuss the specific language in the agreement you signed and how these two terms work together.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Employment Law, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for Virginia on
Q: Does the potential for a wrongful death suit exist?

A relation of mine worked as a garbage man. He was called in on his day off. He was run over by the garbage truck. His internal organs, pelvis, and head were all shattered. He survived. Days after being released from the hospital he died in his sleep. Can his immediate family file suit for wrongful... View More

Jan F Hoen
Jan F Hoen
answered on Dec 5, 2022

More facts are needed about the circumstances of the accident but, in general, the employer has immunity from liability for a work injury. Given the severity of his injuries, unless it can be proven by a medical expert that the death resulted from negligent treatment and he otherwise would have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Health Care Law for Virginia on
Q: I just had heart surgery and my employer of 15 years seems to be trying to find a way to fire me. Should I lawyer up?

My employer quite suddenly has begun writing me up for perceived performance opportunities that seem fabricated after never receiving developmental feedback like this. I’m worried it is because I had health problems and needed open heart surgery. It could also be my tenure with the company. It... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Sep 13, 2022

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employees cannot be discriminated against or targeted for termination based on a disability or need for an accommodation based on a disability. If you think your employer is targeting you for termination based on your past surgery and/or ongoing related... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: we need an immigration lawyer that expedite my mom and sister case from Afghanistan

we have submitted the case to USCIS and form I-130 has been submitted, questions were asked and all related document asked submitted. they have travelled to third country as well, we want a lawyer who can expedite the case so that they can inter US ASAP.

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Aug 14, 2022

Such cases cannot ever be expedited even with assistance of a licensed attorney as each case is accepted and placed on a waiting track as they are processed.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: Are employers able to suspend employees who curse on there day off while in work place

We have an employee who came into shop on their day off and got told his rent went up so said a few curse words and district manager heard them and suspended the employee for 3 days without pay. Just wondering if employer is able to suspend an employee on their day off for cursing

Thomas H. Roberts
Thomas H. Roberts
answered on Aug 6, 2022

If this is a private (not government) employer, without a written contract covering this matter, they can do anything that does not violate the public policy of Virginia as articulated in the laws or constitution of Virginia. YES

The response above is a general statement of law and is NOT...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: Is notice or explanation required for an employer to withhold money from your paycheck?
Thomas H. Roberts
Thomas H. Roberts
answered on Aug 6, 2022

Here's the law in VA:

C. No employer shall withhold any part of the wages or salaries of any employee except for payroll, wage or withholding taxes or in accordance with law, without the written and signed authorization of the employee. On each regular pay date, each employer, other...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Government Contracts for Virginia on
Q: A company is refusing to pay me over $9000 that I earned as an independent contractor. What are my options?

The company is a subcontractor under a Prime Contractor who provides medical disability exams for Veterans Affairs. The company claims that the Prime didn't pay them for those particular services, and therefore they are not obligated to pay me for those services either. They haven't... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Jun 7, 2022

Yes, you have a few options: 1) send them a demand letter threatening a lawsuit if they don't pay you; or 2) pass on the letter and simply fie a lawsuit. Before doing either, I'd check to confirm that your agreement does not have any language in that conditions your payment on payment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Education Law and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: My spouse has been accused (verbal and In Writing) of “forcing subordinates” to falsify documents (student grades).

Additionally, her employer (for profit college) has been accused of violating Virginia Board of Nursing practices. The institution is being represented, and tell my spouse “not to worry, they represent her too”…I am afraid she will be made scapegoat. Do I need an employment or defamation attorney?

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on May 11, 2022

You may need both, but it depends on the allegations in the complaint and if she's a named party. If not, and she simply wants to sue for the defamation, then you only need a defamation lawyer. I don't think the company's lawyer could properly represent her as well. I'm sure... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: can you sue a company for not giving you your cost of living raise
Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Apr 26, 2022

Yes. Wage laws are generally only triggered if an individual's pay falls below the applicable minimum wage, or if they are not properly paid overtime for their hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Virginia on
Q: I accepted a job offer and resigned but now I received another that I like more. I need both background checks to clear

I know they will but I am nervous during the employee verification my current employer will say something to both companies, is that allowed or could i sue them if they did that

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Feb 16, 2022

There aren't many laws or rules surrounding what former employers can disclose to prospective employers during the application process. The one exception to this rule is if you can prove your former employer said something to the prospective employer that is both false and unfavorable about... View More

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