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Attorney for Sexually Harassed Employees

Dream Team Together Again: Attorneys Lawrence P. Schaefer and Jean Boler

Schaefer Halleen attorneys Jean Boler and Lawrence P. Schaefer were instrumental in the precedent-setting Eveleth Mining Case which became the inspiration for the movie North Country starring Charlize Theron.

Schaefer Halleen attorney Jean Boler first gained notoriety as part of the legal team that prosecuted and won the first ever sexual harassment certified class action lawsuit: Jenson v. Eveleth Mines. If Jenson v. Eveleth Mines doesn’t quite ring a bell, then the movie North Country might. Along with noted employment lawyer Lawrence P. Schaefer, Jean worked on the legal team that settled the landmark Jenson v. Eveleth Mines case in 1999, upon which the award winning movie North Country was based. Jenson v. Eveleth Mines was the first class-action certified sexual harassment lawsuit in the nation; it set the tone for workplace reforms and brought light to a subject that had previously been neglected. The case produced over 22,000 hours of work and more than a dozen trials-but most importantly, gave women and men in the workplace the empowerment to report workplace misconduct.

Empowerment is a consistent theme in Boler’s prolific career. In Seattle, she stood out for her ability to turn conflict into an avenue for improvement, and build a foundation of practice on equality and fairness. June 8, 2015, was proclaimed “Jean Boler day” by the Mayor and Seattle City Council in honor of Boler’s service to the City of Seattle. She was recognized for, among other things, eliminating gender pay disparities in the Law Department and guiding the City through implementation of the DOJ Settlement Agreement regarding police use of force and accountability.

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Learn more about our Sexual Harassment practice >

Case Results: Sexually Harassed Employees

The Client: SVP at advertising subsidiary of Fortune 100 Company

Problem: President of subsidiary (to whom client reported directly) hadovertly pursued client sexually for months, and when she rebuffed these advances, arranged for client’s position to be eliminated and her to be converted to contractor status.    After a year, President had secured approval to terminate contracting relationship.

Our Approach: Alert executive leadership to sexually harassing conduct and adverse consequences immediately, and file and appropriate agency charge alleging quid pro quo harassment.  Invited mediation and made proposal for same.

The Solution: Negotiated settlement in mediation providing client with over eighteen months of compensation, binding non-disparagement, and full payment of all fees and costs incurred.

Sexual Harassment Attorneys in Minneapolis

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According to Schaefer Halleen President and Owner, Lawrence P. Schaefer, “It’s great to have our Eveleth Mines team back together. Jean is in a class of her own as an advocate.  We are delighted our clients will be able to experience Jean’s deep commitment to and expertise in advocating for employees dealing with problems in the workplace.”

Even so, the issues of fairness and equality addressed in Jenson v. Eveleth Mines stayed with Boler. When the opportunity to move to Minnesota and join the Schaefer Halleen team opened up, Boler gladly accepted. Said Boler: “I’m looking forward to working with Larry Schaefer again. He has a great passion for his client’s interests and loves trying cases—a rare combination.”

In Minnesota, Boler will be focusing entirely on sexual harassment and discrimination cases. Her addition to Schaefer Halleen represents the unification of the Jenson v. Eveleth Mines legal dream team. Boler is returning on a mission to change the landscape of workplace sexual harassment in Minnesota.  Boler added, “As we saw in the Eveleth Mines ten year saga, the courts are a very inefficient way to achieve justice for victims of discrimination and often result in painful experiences that rival what brought the litigant to seek justice in the courts to begin with.  “I’m looking forward to focusing on advancing employee rights again, and particularly women’s rights in the workplace,” she concluded.

Current Status of Workplace Sexual Harassment

In the 20 years since Jenson v. Eveleth Mines, much has changed in the area of women’s rights. Boler states:

“While women have made great strides in higher education in the last twenty years, surpassing men in undergraduate and advanced degrees, their political and workplace power remains second tier. Subtle discrimination and stereotyping have replaced overt barriers, but they are just as real.”

Reports from the Chicago Tribune state that less than 1/3 of sexual harassment cases go to trial, due in part to individuals settling out of court or not feeling their cases have a chance to win. Furthermore, a recent Huffington post article found that 70% of women did not report workplace sexual harassment, and of the 29% that did report, only 15% felt it was handled fairly. These numbers don’t even begin to address the unreported issue of men being sexually harassed in the workplace. Boler states:

“Failure to report harassment forecloses a legal remedy, leaving the majority of harassment unaddressed.”

The need for fair legal representation and ability to voice concerns is huge- especially in a more diversified workplace. Boundaries between and work and personal life are blurred by digital and social media, creating more challenges for employees in navigating appropriate behavior and identifying violations of workplace policies.

Why Minnesota Should Care

In 2013 Minnesota took a seminal step towards equality when Governor Mark Dayton signed the marriage equality bill into law. With this as a foundation, Minnesota has been a hot spot for issues of equality and fairness. In the few short years since 2013, Minnesotans have become more vocal on social issues, have stood up to call for equality, and have taken the lead on being known as a state that cares about fairness in workplace, home and community.

What Our Clients Say

  • I valued Darren's professionalism and strong attention to detail. He really listened to me and was extremely considerate.

    A.R., ,
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  • Never once did I ever feel like I was all alone in my case or predicament. My lawyer and staff made me feel like I was fully supported and that the firm and staff was fully supportive of me. They were very honest and up front with me at all times, along with a very positive outlook on all the options available to me. Everyone was very helpful and showed concern. They would listen and in some cases would dig deeper into the conversation or communication to further understand just exactly wh...

    G.D., ,
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  • My takeaways from working with Jean: Professional combined with integrity, prompt communication to keep matters moving, and I could trust my legal counsel.

    L.F., ,
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  • Larry Schaefer was able to secure a significant severance for me after I was terminated from my Director-level position following two separate complaints of sex discrimination, after years of strong performance. He not only secured me significant compensation, but was able to have my termination reversed and re-characterized as a resignation (with a reference letter!) that made my ultimate transition to other similar employment much more possible.

    Past Client, ,
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  • As a Senior Human Resource Executive with a national employer with a significant local presence, I never thought that I’d need a lawyer to help me address sexual harassment and discrimination issues. When this occurred, I so glad that Larry Schaefer and Bert Black were available, and could advocate for me in a way that not only fully exposed the horrible sexually-motivated treatment I suffered, but did so in a way that convinced my former employer to make this right and provide me with tra...

    Past Client, ,
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  • I was shocked when a leading executive at a company I had devoted years to as an Executive Assistant began coming on to me in ways that made clear that I couldn’t keep my job if I didn’t acquiesce. Larry Schaefer not only got this conduct to stop, but was able to secure lasting change in my work environment, the removal of this executive, and the resumption of a career I valued so much.

    Past Client, ,
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  • Larry Scaefer and Peter Christian know employment law. I would not hesitate to refer or recommend them. Schaefer Halleen was an aggressive and zealous advocate for my co-plaintiff’s and my case. Both Peter Christian and Larry Schaefer were determined and aggressive to the correct wrongs that had been done plus protect my reputation.

    After winning summary judgment, a fourth mediation followed and a favorable outcome advanced with an agreeable settlement. Throughout my case, Schaefer...

    R.B., ,
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Recent Posts on Sexual Harassment

Identifying Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

  State and federal laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace, and what qualifies as sexual harassment is broad. According to the EEOC, sexual harassment includes “unwelcome sexual advan...

January 5, 2021

What is the Difference Between Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault? What About Sexual Misconduct?

As a result of the #MeToo movement, an increasing number of people are reporting sexual misconduct. However, what is the difference between sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and sexual assault?  ...

April 7, 2020

BREAKING: Former Female Director Alleges Sexual Harassment Led to Her Termination

MINNEAPOLIS, August 8, 2019—Stacey Stein has sued her former employer, Fang Consulting, for retaliation under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.  Stein – who served as the Director of Business Dev...

August 8, 2019

What is Quid pro Quo Sexual Harassment?

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a person in power offers a job benefit in exchange for sexual favors. Such harassment can be blatant or subtle and may happen at the end of a consensual relationshi...

April 15, 2019
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Filed Under: All Blog Posts, For Executives, Jean Boler, LGBTQ Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Women Professionals

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
www.schaeferhalleen.com

Google Rating
4.7
Based on 31 reviews
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
4.7
DeAijha Perry
DeAijha Perry
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 M
M M
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
Suzanne Simpson
Suzanne Simpson
14:43 15 Mar 19
Lawrence is exceptional. He prepared me for the process, explained the possible outcomes and provided next step direction throughout. My experience was settled efficiently, and with a very positive outcome. I’m so glad I found Schafer Haleen, LLC.I highly recommend their services.Suzanne
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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Recent Blog Posts

  • COVID-19 and Severance Payments January 19, 2021
  • Identifying Sexual Harassment in the Workplace January 5, 2021
  • How Do I Win a Wrongful Termination Case in MN? December 22, 2020
  • Discrimination and Harassment Based on Race, Color, Religion, and National Origin December 8, 2020
  • Whistleblower Protection for Minnesota Healthcare Workers November 24, 2020

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