While gender equality in the workplace has made significant inroads, it is fair to say that, as a society, we have a long way to go. Study after study shows that women still earn less to their male counterparts, and that women are less likely to be hired or considered for certain roles in the workplace.
Sometimes employers wrongly make employment decisions based on their belief that women have certain defined roles within society, and in the workplace specifically. As a result, some employers make hiring decisions – illegally – based on their wrongly held beliefs that women, despite being capable and qualified, should not be selected for so-called masculine or physical jobs. Moreover, some employers discriminate by making only the female employees do what they consider “women’s work” – such as making the coffee or cleaning the break room.
Anti-discrimination laws are in place at both the Federal and State level that make sex discrimination (also known as gender discrimination), unlawful. At the Federal level, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it unlawful for any employer who employs 15 or more persons to discriminate based on sex. In Oregon, it is unlawful for employers with one or more employees to discriminate in the workplace based on sex (see ORS 659A.030).
It should be noted that Federal and State laws prohibiting sex discrimination also apply to men. Therefore, a male employee who is fired, demoted, or denied a promotion or benefits because of his gender may have a valid claim for sex discrimination.
“Equal Pay for Equal Work” laws have been on the books at both the Federal and State level for decades. In short, under these laws when individuals of both sexes undertake work that requires the same amount of skill, responsibility, and effort, and that work is performed under similar working conditions, the law requires that those individuals be paid equally. Despite those laws, wage discrimination in the workplace still exists.
Another example of employers wrongly making decisions based on gender based biases is the decision not hire women with preschool-age children based on the belief that mothers with young children should not be working outside the home.
If you’ve been fired or have experienced other adverse employment actions because of your sex, including wage discrimination, you may have the right to file a legal claim against your employer. Oregon law bans employment discrimination on the basis of sex. The Portland sex discrimination lawyers at Gilroy & Napoli will fight for you. Please fill out the contact form on this page today, or call us at (503) 620-9887, and let us review the details of your case.
We are proud to represent victims of sex discrimination throughout Oregon and the greater Portland Metro area including Clackamas County, Multnomah County, Washington County, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Tigard.
I used John Gilroy with Gilroy & Napoli to represent me in a very complex and multi-faceted case. I travelled from Hawaii to deal with my case and made a point to interview several different firms. I felt instantly comfortable with John and his staff and never felt judged or looked down upon. Since I live across the Pacific Ocean and am not in state to deal with this legal matter, finding the right lawyer and firm was essential. My requirements were the following: knowledge of the law, loads of experience, amicable connections, excellent communication, likability, cost and ability to think outside the box. John Gilroy far exceeded my expectations on all accounts. His resume, experience and knowledge of the legal system are outstanding and his contacts and connections saved me both time and money. The amount I saved from his thinking outside of the box and directing me clearly on what to do covered more than his fees; I ended up saving money by using Gilroy and Napoli. He's also a very nice guy. This may not seem important; however, having a lawyer who has a good reputation among his peers and colleagues is necessary. Many lawyers will reference that they know everyone in the system, but he genuinely does. His professional history outlines it and my experience proves it. I highly recommend John Gilroy and Gilroy & Napoli.”
Needing a criminal attorney is a very scary and humbling thing. The best decision I made in this process was choosing John Gilroy to represent me”
Things are very different from the laws in our home state. My wife found Jeff and John through Google and it was the best find ever. Jeff met with us and explained how the laws are administered, what to expect worst case and what he thought would be the outcome; (we came out better than expected). More importantly, he promised no surprises: and he delivered. The entire office was extremely professional, instilling the confidence we needed in a time when calm and reason are called for. Jeff Napoli is by far the most competent attorney I have witnessed and he knows the law. Jeff is very highly respected in the Washington County legal environment and for good reason. Thank you Jeff and thanks to the entire office.”
To anyone reading this take the time and make the call. It will change your life. Before talking to Mr. Napoli, I felt like I was all alone with no one in my corner. The staff at Gilroy & Napoli are so attentive to specific needs, I never felt alone. The strong and powerful feeling you need to fight your battle is there. Please call them. Let them hear your story. Don't be afraid. It was by far one of the most important calls I have ever made and will never ever be more thankful for their hard work.”
From the beginning John was straightforward, knowledgeable, and concerning. John helped me understand the process, and through his knowledge and experience was able to help me make complicated decisions. Considering that a measure 11 conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years 10 months in prison, the fact that John was able negotiate a significantly less sentence and a class of felony that would be expungeable was a good outcome considering the above mentioned possibility. After my release I sought John's representation again to have the felony expunged from my record, and again he delivered. Thank you John, I cannot say that enough!”
I was scared and trembling. I didn't even know the difference between and misdemeanor and a felony, but I knew our family needed immediate legal help. I was greeted by the calm, kind and friendly voice of John Gilroy. He gave me information, advice and answered all my questions. I soon found that John was a family man who wanted nothing but the best for us. He took charge, worked hard and kept us informed every step of the way. John is well known and respected and he knows what needs to be done and how to do it.Of course you never want to make the call to an attorney, but if you have to, make it to a friend...Gilroy and Napoli.”
Gilroy Napoli Short LLP is a full-service law firm providing exceptional legal representation to clients in Oregon and the greater Portland metro area.
