Dallas Employment Lawyer Blog

Your Rights as a Tipped Employee

November 17, 2025 | Robert J. Wiley

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Harjeen Zibari

Most of us will have worked a service industry job at one point. While in undergrad, I waited tables at several different restaurants to save money for law school. Waitressing taught me some really important things: how to carry a tray of champagne glasses without dropping it (I learned that the hard way), that you’ll probably get in trouble for honestly telling customers that you think certain dishes are disgusting (I’m scared of frogs in real life, what would make you think I’d want to eat frog legs?!), and that tips are the lifeblood of a lot of Americans.

This Blog will discuss some important considerations for employees who receive tips.

When the Company Carves the Turkey—and the Payroll: Your Rights After a Layoff in Texas

November 13, 2025 | Ellen Johnston

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Ellie Johnston

As Thanksgiving approaches, most people are thinking about carving turkeys, not careers. But for many workers in Texas, the end of the year brings a less welcome tradition: company “restructuring.” Each November, employers roll out layoffs, citing budget cuts, reorganizations, or “changing business needs.”

If you’ve been told your position is being eliminated, you may feel blindsided, confused, and unsure what happens next. The good news? Even in Texas—a state known for at-will employment—you still have important rights when it comes to layoffs, severance, and unemployment. Understanding them can help you protect yourself, your finances, and your future.

From ‘Bullying’ to Protected Class: Making Your Workplace Complaint Count

November 6, 2025 | Cassidy Monska

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Cassidy Monska

If you’re experiencing discrimination or harassment at work, your first instinct may be to tell someone, but how you report it can make a significant difference in how your complaint is handled and whether you’re protected under the law.

Why Reporting Is Essential

Mental Disability Discrimination vs. Emotional Distress

November 3, 2025 | Austin Campbell

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Austin Campbell

In this blog, I address the confusion a number of potential clients have had between the concept of it being unlawful to discriminate against them due to a mental health disability, and the experience of mental anguish or emotional distress caused by their workplace. Specifically, a workplace exacerbating or even creating a mental health disability is not the same thing as being subjected to disability discrimination. Can those two things be related? Very possibly, and they often are. But they are not one-to-one.

First of all, the Americans with Disabilities Act as currently amended – along with various states’ laws – prohibit employers from discriminating against employees (1) because of their disability, (2) because of their past history of having a disability, (3) because they appear to have a disability, or (4) because of their association with another person with disability. And “disability” here is much broader than most people think. It is not just missing a limb or being unable to walk. Rather, a disability protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act is any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. “Major life activities” can include many things, from driving or speaking to concentrating or sleeping.

Injury vs. Disability: What Counts Under the ADA?

October 31, 2025 | Riley Carter

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Riley Carter

When employees experience health challenges, one of the first questions they often ask is whether their condition qualifies them for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Not every medical issue rises to the level of a “disability” under the law and understanding the difference between an injury and a disability can be critical in determining your rights.

What the ADA Protects

Can I Record Conversations at Work?

October 29, 2025 | justia.admin

Rachel Bethel
Trial Attorney

You’re in an awful work environment. Your boss is making retaliatory remarks. Or maybe a coworker is sexually harassing your friend. You would like to know if you can legally record conversations at work.

I’ve had a number of potential clients ask me this question at their consultation with our firm. The answer is more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no.” As with many legal questions, the details matter. Recording conversations without understanding the law can have serious risks.

Free Speech in the Private Workplace: What Employees Should Know

October 27, 2025 | justia.admin

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Harjeen Zibari

When Americans think of “free speech,” they often think of the First Amendment. And it’s true-the First Amendment is one of our most cherished constitutional rights. But when it comes to your job, especially in a workplace that is privately owned and not part of the government, your rights may not be what you think they are.

Here’s what every employee should understand about free speech in the workplace.

When the Workplace Turns Spooky: Retaliation and Disability Discrimination in Texas

October 24, 2025 | Robert J. Wiley

Dallas Employment Trail Lawyer Ellie Johnston

October is here—pumpkins on porches, costumes in the stores, and a chill in the air. But for many Texas employees, the real scare isn’t haunted houses or ghost stories. It’s the fear of speaking up at work. When employees exercise their rights—whether requesting a disability accommodation or reporting unfair treatment—they too often face retaliation. And that’s more frightening than anything you’ll find in a corn maze.

In this post, we’ll look at how disability rights and workplace retaliation intersect, what protections the law gives Texas employees, and what steps you can take if your employer crosses the line.

Should I Do My Own Research?

October 22, 2025 | Cassidy Monska

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Cassidy Monska

In today’s digital age, information is everywhere. A quick Google search can yield thousands of results on any legal topic – from wrongful termination to workplace discrimination. Social media platforms are flooded with advice, personal stories, and even legal opinions. And yes, even AI tools like ChatGPT can provide insights on employment law. But when it comes to protecting your rights and navigating the legal system, one question remains: Should you do your own research, or should you rely on a lawyer? The answer is not as simple as “don’t Google it.” Research can be helpful, even empowering. But it is not a substitute for legal counsel. Here’s why.

The Internet Isn’t a Lawyer

When FMLA Isn’t an Option: Your Guide to Taking Leave in Texas

October 20, 2025 | Deontae Wherry

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Deontae Wherry

You have just learned that a loved one needs serious medical care—or maybe you are facing a health crisis of your own. You go to HR, hoping to take time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), only to hear:

“You’re not eligible.”