Help, Mama lost her job! Seeking Lawyer referrals & advice
This economy is not the greatest time to lose a job. Well, no time is a good time to lose a job. An urbanMama recently emailed us, seeking suggestions on her predicament:
I am a working mama, or at least I was until today when I returned to work from maternity leave and was told that my position was being eliminated. I am looking for a lawyer who may be able to advise me on my rights and on how to negotiate a better severance. Do any of you know anyone? Thanks in advance.
I am so sorry.
I am a lawyer, but I do not focus in that area of law. But our firm does have employment attorneys who would be able to talk to you about your possible rights/options. You can call me and I can introduce you to someone or you can also ask for Jennifer Kampsula.
Here is my lawfirm's info.
www.kelrun.com
The general number is (503) 222-3531.
You can also email me at tmontalban@kelrun.com.
Posted by: Trina | June 03, 2009 at 09:14 AM
My husband was able to call the State Bar and they offer referrals that agree to a free 30 minute consultation if I remember correctly.
Good luck to you. That stinks!
Posted by: mom22 | June 03, 2009 at 09:18 AM
Something similar happened at my workplace, but they didn't wait untill the woman returned to work to tell her that her position was eliminated. I think she looked into it and found that it was borderline legal since she was still on maternity leave, and there are now new people working in her job equivalent. I would be interested to know how this goes, please keep us updated as it may help out others.
Posted by: Brice | June 03, 2009 at 02:34 PM
You might start with a nice letter, rather than with a lawyer. I was laid off seven years ago, when I was about six months pregnant with our first. I wrote a letter to the president of the company and asked nicely for more severance, detailing the hardship the sudden loss of my income would have on my family. They doubled their original severance offer. It might pay to appeal to people's better nature rather than start off with a threatening letter from a lawyer.
Posted by: Chris | June 03, 2009 at 04:13 PM
I also asked for a better severance from my former employer, and was turned down. (They *could* have given me more, but the cited their "longstanding policy" and said that if they did it for me, they'd be setting a precedent. Eh, I think that's BS). Anyway, to the point: I then asked for them to connect with a career coaching agency, and to pay for it. Which they did. You might think about that as part of your attempt at negotiation. I worked with Lee Hecht Harrison, and they were great. They only contract directly with employers, not with individuals (I think).
Good luck. What a sucky situation! I'm curious -- were you on leave under FMLA? Isn't that supposed to guarantee you your job or an equivelent upon return?
Posted by: Amy | June 03, 2009 at 08:39 PM
sorry, that should read "I then asked them connect ME with a career coaching agency."
Posted by: Amy | June 03, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Working as a temp up until the birth of my daughter, my longstanding temp position was moved to Seattle right at the end of my 8 week maternity leave. I was told repeatedly that I would come back to a job. Because I was a temporary employee I had no recourse. I have no advise but I agree with the previous poster...that stinks!
Posted by: C | June 03, 2009 at 09:12 PM
My fiance is a lawyer and is actually working on an employment case right now - he could absolutely help you!
Here is his info:
Travis Mayor
503- 288-8000
travis@mayorlaw.com
I am so sorry - hope this helps!
Posted by: Aryn | June 05, 2009 at 12:51 PM
I would call Dana Sullivan. She's super nice, she's a mom of two and has done employment law for a long time. http://www.baasemploymentlaw.com/
Posted by: Scarlett Lynsky | June 08, 2009 at 09:20 PM