Minneapolis Employment Law Firm

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LGBTQ Workplace Discrimination Attorney in Minnesota

At Schaefer Halleen, we take pride in advocating for clients who have been treated unjustly in the workplace. A long-time ally to the LGBTQ community, our firm is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation to help our LGBTQ clients triumph when affected by illegal conduct by corporate or government entities.

The employment law attorneys at Schaefer Halleen have helped numerous clients fight discrimination in the workplace. Whether you’re being targeted for your sexual orientation or gender identity, we will be fierce advocates for you. Our clients are sometimes unsure if their negative experiences at work constitute discrimination. We are always happy to hear your story and provide our professional guidance. You deserve to feel welcome in your workplace.

Our staff and attorneys have worked closely with OutFront MN to enhance a deeper understanding of the complexities and concerns faced by LGBTQ individuals in the workplace. Schaefer Halleen has also had the pleasure of working with and supporting Gender Justice, a non-profit that “addresses the causes and consequences of gender inequality, both locally and nationally.” When it comes to employment discrimination, Schaefer Halleen is the definitive resource for members of the LGBTQ community.

  • LGBTQ Workplace Discrimination

    LGBTQ Workplace Discrimination

Pro Bono Legal Clinic for Transgender Employees

In a unique partnership with RECLAIM!, OutFront Minnesota, QUORUM, and Gender Justice, the Schaefer Halleen Trans Legal Clinic will be an ongoing (monthly) opportunity for members of the trans community to seek free consultations with discrimination attorneys. The clinic will begin with a brief presentation explaining your rights as a transgender employee, followed by private and confidential one-on-one consultations with an attorney on a first come, first served basis.

If you don’t have time to wait, you may complete an intake with a legal assistant and an attorney will contact you separately. There is no cost for the consultation provided at the clinic. Please join us on the 3rd Saturday of each month at RECLAIM! (771 Raymond Ave., St. Paul) from 12pm-3pm. This is a drop-in clinic, no appointment is necessary.

For questions, comments, or feedback, please contact translegalclinic@schaeferhalleen.com.

LGBTQ+ Discrimination Case Results

Client:  Transgender College Professor
Problem: Denied tenure amidst many negative comments about accommodation requests and other subjective impressions revealing discomfort with client’s status as a transgender professor.
Approach: In letter protesting tenure denial decision, stressed client’s tremendous accomplishments as non-tenured professor, popularity with vast bulk of student population, and clear evidence of bias which infected decisions.   Proposed robust transition package as professor no longer wanted to continue career in that environment.
Solution: After extensive and unproductive initial direct negotiations with outside counsel, college agreed to mediation and matter was resolved at mediation for severance approaching two years of compensation and other terms which allowed client to transition to other employment opportunities without tenure denial on record.

Client: Openly Gay Executive
Problem: Client faced imminent termination for baseless reasons after strong 20-year career.
Approach: Developed evidence that President/CEO of organization had made statements reflecting sexual orientation bias. Presented this evidence in detailed proposal letter, along with client’s well-established exceptional past reviews and pretextual reasons for potential termination, before termination decision had been communicated to client. The client had also received both homophobic comments and hate mail at the workplace, the evidence of which was also presented.
Solution: In direct negotiations with Senior in-House counsel, was able to secure severance package which provided well in excess of one year of transition compensation, accelerated vesting of past options, and favorable reference letter.

Client: Openly Gay Male at Advertising Agency
Problem: Manager in office party had made disparaging comments regarding Gay Pride celebration and had made frequent comments directly to client regarding his “effeminate” manner, among other disparaging statements. Client was denied training and advancement opportunities provided to others, and was ultimately terminated in RIF affecting only two other employees, after being passed over for promotions for four years.
Approach: When pre-litigation negotiations failed, prosecuted case with local advocacy organization, through extensive discovery (including depositions). Summary judgment denied and case was positioned for one-week trial.
Solution: Before pre-trial submissions were filed, were able to secure significant compensation, well over 10X what had been offered client pre-litigation.

Why us?

We are a law firm who fights for employee rights. We are committed to eradicating employment discrimination in all forms, including sex, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and all of the covered protected classes. In our view, however, the trans community is the most marginalized and is subjected to the most overt discrimination of any other protected group. The legal system needs to listen and respond to this community. And we at Schaefer Halleen have the experience and desire to help the trans community be heard and access justice. Because trans employees are confronted with all sorts of expressed and implicit bias in the workplace, they need strong advocates knowledgeable about their rights.

Why now?

With all the progress that the LGBTQ community has experienced in recent years, and with general awareness of sexual harassment on the rise, this is a critical time in our culture. And in the legal realm, courts are considering important cases that affect the LGBTQ community. Still, the trans community is often excluded or considered a lower priority. But employment discrimination persists. And the need is there.

What has Schaefer Halleen done to prepare for this work?

While we have represented trans clients in the past, we know we have a lot to learn to become trans competent. In preparation for launching the Trans Legal Clinic, we have reached out to leaders in the local trans community, we have sought training in trans competency and trans issues. We have held a listening session for the trans community to help us understand what work we need to do to create a safe environment for interaction with legal services, and to understand the legal needs of the local community. We hope to establish an ongoing listening and learning approach to serving the trans community. And we are committed to sharing our expertise and knowledge in advocating for trans employees in the area of employment discrimination.

Minneapolis LGBTQ Workplace Discrimination Attorneys

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FAQs About LGBTQ+ Workplace Discrimination

What is LGBTQ discrimination?

LGBTQ discrimination occurs when a member of the LGBTQ community experiences a hostile or unfair work environment. They may have been passed up for a promotion based on their LGBTQ status, or they may face outward hate and harassment from coworkers or supervisors. Discrimination may be so severe that an employee is actually terminated due to their LGBTQ status. All these types of discrimination are illegal.

Does the EEOC protect LGBTQ workers in Minneapolis?

Yes, you can file an LGBTQ discrimination claim with the EEOC. All private sector and public employees are protected by the EEOC; it enforces sections of the law that cover both types of employees. An employment discrimination attorney in Minneapolis can help you file a claim with the EEOC.

What issues do LGBTQ workers face in Minneapolis?

LGBTQ employees face more workplace harassment and discrimination than their straight, cisgender counterparts. They may be ostracized, belittled, and harassed based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. They may also be discriminated against by their employer. Employers are required to provide a safe workplace for all employees and must take claims of LGBTQ discrimination seriously.

May an employer discriminate against transgender persons?

No, the Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee because they are transgender or the employer believes them to be transgender. In addition, a 2020 Supreme Court ruling states that all LGBT employees, including transgender employees, are federally protected from employment discrimination.

What do I do if I am being discriminated against because I am in the LGBTQ community?

If you’re being discriminated at work because you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you should contact a local workplace discrimination attorney to discuss your options.  Your options are likely to include pursuing a legal claim in court, filing a complaint with a government enforcement agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, and/or demanding corrective action from your current or former employer.

Recent Posts on LGBTQ Workplace Discrimination

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Over the last few years, state laws allowing discrimination against LGBTQ people have sprouted up like toxic mushrooms after a foul storm.  Legislatures in all but three states have at least consider...

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Federal Laws that Prohibit Employment Discrimination

Federal employment discrimination laws, and related retaliation laws, date back to the post-Civil War Reconstruction period. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was the first federal law to prohibit ra...

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EEOC Releases New Resources About Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Workplace Rights

We’ve found that many people facing discrimination in the workplace read about and research their rights before determining if they want to speak with an attorney. In addition to the Schaefer Hallee...

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LGBTQ and Religious Freedom in the Workplace

  Just over a year ago, on June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision making it unequivocally clear that under federal law employers cannot discriminate based on the sexual orie...

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Filed Under: Bert Black, Gender Discrimination, LGBTQ Discrimination

Schaefer Halleen, LLC

Schaefer Halleen, LLC is located at:
412 S 4th St
Suite 1050
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-294-2600
Fax: 612-294-2640
Email: info@schaeferhalleen.com
www.schaeferhalleen.com

Google Rating
4.5
Based on 47 reviews
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
4.5
Leann Barrick
Leann Barrick
05:00 25 Jan 23
I highly recommend this law firm. Peter took his time to explain how the legal practice would work so I knew what to expect and Jenelle showed compassion when listening to my needs. Peter resolved the settlement fast and I think you find out you'll be happy with this firm as well.
Smook Music
Smook Music
16:34 27 Dec 22
Jeff Hilligoss
Jeff Hilligoss
15:03 05 Dec 22
Larry Schaefer and the professionals at Schaefer Halleen are the team you want in your court for employment law matters. Consummate professionals, their expert, clear-eyed advice and counsel has been invaluable to me over the course of my career. And they are a delight to work with!
Tom Emison
Tom Emison
14:53 22 Nov 22
Tim Christensen is simply amazing; evenings, weekends, whatever it took to serve me. thank you Tim!
Mark Copeland
Mark Copeland
22:46 17 Nov 22
Tim was fantastic and really paid attention to detail. I recommend him and the firm to anyone who has employment legal issues.Mark Copeland
c verdick
c verdick
13:47 15 Nov 22
Peter and Makenzie were great to work with. Highly recommend.
Keely Hooper
Keely Hooper
17:48 02 May 22
Caroline Allen
Caroline Allen
10:56 03 Feb 22
I worked with Larry on a severance negotiation and was incredibly pleased with the work he did. He gave great advice and helped me end the negotiation in a very favorable spot.
Kit White
Kit White
18:22 07 Jun 21
I would highly recommend working with this firm if you're dealing with a legal case. They are so responsive, kind and compassionate. Darren made me feel heard and fought for me throughout the entirety of my case. It was not an easy experience, as legal cases tend to bring up a lot of emotions and trauma, but this firm will fight for you and make you feel heard. Highly, highly recommend.
Marcia
Marcia
14:18 02 Jun 21
I highly recommend Peter Christian and Shaefer Halleen. Clear communication and planning were key to our success. The team I worked with was empathetic and sensitive to my situation, and always helped me understand the overall legal process and what to expect during our case.
Amy A Houchins-Post
Amy A Houchins-Post
14:00 10 Mar 21
Lia
Lia
22:13 26 Feb 21
Peter and Lauren are patient and understanding. They considered my case from every angle possible. They also took the time to educate me a bit on how the law works. Very impressed!
Julie Koritz
Julie Koritz
01:27 25 Feb 21
Peter and Jacob did a great job getting me a settlement. I am very fortunate to have worked with them.
DeAijha Oliver
DeAijha Oliver
05:22 30 Dec 20
Henry V
Henry V
15:56 25 Sep 20
I worked with Larry Schaefer and Lauren D'Cruz. They enthusiastically took up my case. They showed creativity, good judgment and deep knowledge of the law in formulating the theory of the case. They also struck a fine balance between zealous advocacy and risk management. They were very responsive and provided timely status updates throughout our engagement. They took genuine interest in me as a person. I would recommend Schaefer Halleen to my family and friends without reservation.
Constance Lewis
Constance Lewis
15:46 10 Aug 20
I had the opportunity to work with Peter Christian. He was amazing to work with. He believed in my case from the moment we spoke and was diligent in working for me. He kept me in the loop on every aspect of my case, he allowed me to have input before decisions were made and fought for me from the very beginning to the end. He was prompt and followed through on everything he said he would. Peter was very professional, and timely. I truly appreciate the time and dedication to my case. Thank you Peter for taking the chance with my case and fighting for me. With Peter's expertise, my case was settled with a positive and favorable outcome. You were a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend your services. Thank you again!
B Bowlby
B Bowlby
15:46 24 Apr 20
I cannot recommend Schaefer Halleen highly enough. I had a particularly hard employment issue and I found the people at S.H. to be excellent to work with. They are all very professional, very intelligent, handled me and my situation with care and always kept me up to date on where my case was at. In the rare instance when I contacted them by either phone or email I received a near immediate response.I was always made to feel that I was important and I always felt I was being given advice I could trust. At the end of the day my case was settled in a very timely manor and I am very pleased with how it turned out.Finally, the lawyers and staff at S.H. are some of the most experienced people in their industry and I was very impressed with their past accomplishments. I knew I could trust S.H. to handle my case after the very first meeting. If you need employment law help, Schaefer Halleen, LLC is the one and only firm I would recommend.
Roland Awasome
Roland Awasome
13:32 02 Apr 20
I am a professional and worked with many attorneys in the past. Peter is hands down the best out there. I can’t recommend him enough .
Laura H
Laura H
14:10 21 Feb 20
I am so thankful I found the Schaefer Hallen team to help me through one of the most difficult times in my life. Lauren always took the time to listen and was respectful and professional. Her attention to detail is impeccable, and she helped organize all my random thoughts and emails to help strengthen my case. Larry and Lauren kept me informed throughout the whole process and always made me feel like I was in control. With their expertise, my case was settled efficiently and with a positive outcome.
Mevhibe Atay
Mevhibe Atay
20:03 19 Feb 20
I had a great experience with the firm. My attorney Darren Sharp was very efficient, knowledgeable and kept me informed at every step. Very trustworthy and professional.
Ioannis Karampelas
Ioannis Karampelas
15:45 12 Sep 19
Extremely professional and humane treatment towards me as a person in severe trouble, perplexed by conditions generated totally out of my control. This law firm is outstanding.
Katy Eagle
Katy Eagle
16:54 16 May 19
Overall, the firm is great! Lauren D'Cruz is organized, thoughtful, and very pleasant to work with. I have enjoyed my interactions with everyone at Schaefer Halleen over the years. I highly recommend the firm and Ms. D'Cruz.
M. Malik
M. Malik
20:11 05 Apr 19
It is with great pleasure that I write this for Mr Schaefer and his capable people comprised of talent and empathy. I had a fear of Attorneys (due to my own weakness, no disrespect to the legal profession), but I felt pleasantly surprised after my visit to his firm located in the heart of Minneapolis - my home city that I am passionate about. Larry's office emblomized everything that I look for. The attorneys, the administrative staff, the decor, it all felt "happy" and "inter-connected". I had thought my case was too too hard to understand by others, however due to Larry's brilliance and savvy, it became evident to me that he understood it very well. He had a clear line of action and a resolve to seek justice with ethics. That was all that I desired. I hope Larry's office continues to serve the disability community, that it prospers, grows, and makes Minneapolis the best city in the world.
Sameh Said
Sameh Said
16:21 04 Apr 19
I am very thankful to Larry for helping me through a very difficult time of my life. My former employer discriminated against me and treated me very badly and I was forced to resign to end my struggle with this employer. I did not know what to do or who I can find to help me getting through this and restore my reputation and my employment. I met with several layers prior to my meeting with Larry and I can tell the difference immediately when I engaged with him. Larry told me what will happen in the first meeting and despite my process took several months, he was able to predict the successful outcome just through listening to me in that very first meeting. He has complete understanding of all employment related issues, he is focused and dedicated to help his clients getting back on track. His strategic thinking and the steps he made were the key to success. He also has a wonderful team that are just the right team to help. Quick response and timely feedback about what is going on with the case so you are always in the loop with the next step. Now I moved on to a new and a better employer and I feel I am beginning a new and a good chapter in my life, and I feel I can't thank Larry or his wonderful team enough for what they did to me and how they supported me to get through probably the worst chapter in my life.Thank you Larry
Rebecca Thavis
Rebecca Thavis
17:14 02 Apr 19
Larry truly went above and beyond. In each step of the case, he made sure I was aware of what was happening and the next steps. He called frequently, and followed my choices, making sure that I felt in control. I never felt like a victim, or less- he helped inspire me to fight for what I needed and deserved. If I had to go through it again, no questions asked, I would want Larry by my side every step of the way. His team is well organized, efficient, kind and discrete. I am forever grateful that Schaefer Halleen represented me, and I highly suggest them for any and all people who need empowering representation.
Joanne Simons
Joanne Simons
21:30 26 Mar 19
Excellent experience, outstanding staff, expedient, caring, respectful.
Jessie Lecy
Jessie Lecy
00:22 18 Mar 19
The humanness and genuine care for their clients separates this firm from others and makes it best in class.
John Styliaras
John Styliaras
23:55 17 Mar 19
Larry and his team at Schaefer Halleen helped bring to resolution issues at the workplace in an amicable manner. When I first approached Larry, I was not even sure what steps to take, what to do, did not even know if I needed a lawyer, or why I needed a lawyer. All I knew was that friends and colleagues told me to reach out to a lawyer. And when I asked around, his name and his firm's name kept on being mentioned by many. And the reputation was well deserved.Larry patiently and deliberately listened to my story, and then explained to me exactly why I needed a lawyer, and how he could help me. Immediately he laid out the plan about how to proceed. Instantly I was put at ease. Throughout a very long process, he provided me advice and guidance and was always willing to talk to me on the phone, whenever there were either updates, or I had questions and concerns.I am absolutely certain that I would had not been able to reach the resolution without Larry's and his team's steadfast guidance, advice, and impressive work. I recommend Larry and his firm unconditionally - the very best in the field.John C. Styliaras MD,MS
Ricardo Vidal Gonzalez
Ricardo Vidal Gonzalez
18:49 12 Dec 18
I highly recommend the Schaefer Halleen law firm. Larry Schaefer was always available to answer any questions and his team was very professional. They work hard to get results and take the time to listen to the client’s goals.
annette miller
annette miller
00:40 07 Nov 18
I found the team to be professional, respectful and very well versed in employment law. I would recommend them to anyone looking for advice or expertise in this area.
Lynn Hassan Jones
Lynn Hassan Jones
14:18 31 Oct 18
I am a physician who recently hired Schaefer and Halleen to represent me in an employment discrimination case, my Atty was Jean Boler ESQ.They provided top-tier legal services to me for my case 2017 through my settlement in 1st qtr of 2018.This was excellent legal representation, specifically - very responsive, very prompt, extremely detailed and never off-putting.Absolutely would recommend without reservation!
Doc MoSho
Doc MoSho
19:40 02 Jul 18
They were attentive and responsive and dod a great job of diffusing the tension in a situation that could have been quite adversarial. They also did an excellent job of level setting before the process proceeded to far in an unrealistic direction. Great work.
the Dodger
the Dodger
14:28 04 Jun 18
Joyce Jenkins
Joyce Jenkins
19:03 02 Jun 18
Larry has been a great resource for several years. His response time, quality of response and follow up are excellent. He has been flexible enough to answer an impromptu calI and get a response back within an hour. I recall talking to Larry early one morning when there was 8" of snow and most businesses were closed. He was the only one in the office to keep my appointment.I have recommended Larry to more than a dozen of my friends and colleagues and I feel very comfortable recommending him to anyone.Derek Jenkins
John
John
23:57 01 Jun 18
An honest lawyer? YES! Larry was fantastic and I can’t thank him enough for his unbiased advice and support.
Ravi Balwada
Ravi Balwada
21:00 01 Jun 18
Larry is amazing. Very professional, takes the time to listen, is very knowledgeable and respected and if he says he can get you justice - you can count on it.
John Wichmann
John Wichmann
20:19 01 Jun 18
Larry and his team did an amazing job! They completed a task very smoothly and successfully that others said couldn't be done. I would hire him again in a heart beat.
Anne Dament
Anne Dament
18:52 01 Jun 18
Larry Schaefer is an incredible leader with an outstanding team of experts. They listen and care about their clients and work very hard on your behalf, educating you on your rights and guiding you through the process along the way. Everyone on the team is helpful and kind. 5 stars.
Bea Abdallah
Bea Abdallah
18:01 01 Jun 18
I strongly recommend this firm — so much so I once referred a colleague who they also helped. The firm is focused on their client’s specific issues, and unlike other attorneys I’ve worked with, they keep ongoing communication with you as the case advances. I am impressed with the professionalism and strong leadership from the staff, and deeply grateful for their good work.
Joanna Ramirez
Joanna Ramirez
16:54 01 Jun 18
I am grateful to Larry and his team. They did an excellent job of educating me about the legal process and keeping me updated on the status of my case. They had first hand knowledge about employment law in that they worked to get some of the legislation established.
Brett Rizk
Brett Rizk
12:26 13 Feb 17
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