Work is where almost all of us spend our productive lives, and so it is vitally important that the workplace provide fair treatment to all. Unfortunately, too often the workplace is hardly fair. Indeed, workplace law is traditionally built around the concept of employee-at-will — where employees can be fired for any reason or no reason, at any time, under any circumstance, and where there is no requirement for even good faith dealing.
As a result, discrimination and harassment from supervisors and even co-workers are all too common. So too are situations when employees are not paid the overtime wages, holiday or vacation pay, or even the basic wages and minimum wages due them. Only by fighting for your rights in these matters can you actually gain what is due you — fair treatment and all the wages due you for your work. But, these kinds of cases can be incredibly complicated and having a knowledgeable attorney at your side is crucial in most cases.
For those employers who value their employees and who want to treat them fairly, the road they need to take is just as difficult. Not only must they depart from their competitors who are lowering their short-term operational costs by cheating their own employees, they also need to face the every day competition of running their businesses in difficult economic times. To compensate, fair-minded employers have to be even more efficient while also open to new decision-making routines that can undo established company practices. Effective personnel planning that includes a system of checks and balances and which allow for multiple lines of communication about personnel matters are crucial for such employers to survive in the long-term.
Because fees in unemployment cases are capped at ten percent of the benefit amount by statute, most attorneys do not take unemployment cases. As one of the supervising attorneys at the Madison unemployment clinic and author of a blog on Wisconsin unemployment law, I have expertise that allows me to provide cost-effective representation in these kinds of cases. Those who live in Wisconsin should contact the Madison unemployment clinic first.
Before moving to Wisconsin, I worked in Massachusetts for a year and a half as an administrative law judge for unemployment appeals and then for four years as a hearing officer for the Massachusetts labor commission. During that time, I heard more than 400 unemployment cases and presided over dozens of unfair labor practice proceedings as well as representation petitions.
At present, I have a small solo practice and volunteer in numerous ways, including serving as the supervising attorney for the Unemployment Compensation Appeals Clinic in Madison, Wisconsin and helping out with Madison Area Job Transition.
As a solo practitioner, I have successfully represented employees and employers in cases involving workplace race or gender discrimination, just cause for a discharge or discipline, disability or age discrimination, workplace harassment, bargaining for a new collective bargaining agreement, and unemployment cases involving concealment allegations, quits for good cause, discharges for misconduct and substantial fault, drug and alcohol testing (including the science of hair testing) as well as other matters.
Here is a partial list of the unemployment cases:
My focus in any litigation is making sure your concerns remain at the center of the case and that you are as protected as possible from the fallout of a case. Litigation is never easy and often too long. With my experience and knowledge, I advise on what actually is happening at any given stage of a case and explain what is likely to happen next. In this way, you have both a sword and a shield with you.
Finally, as a solo practitioner I know there are numerous situations where help should be called upon. Winning a case too often hinges on which side can marshal the greatest legal resources in its support. Accordingly, I have often turned to other lawyers for assistance and support in cases, including Sharon McLaughlin of Rose Law S.C., MacGillis Wiemer, LLC, Marilyn Townsend Law Office, Mahadev Law Group, LLC, Law Office of Syovata Edari, and House Law Office.
To learn more about me and what I can do for you (there is usually a small fee for any case evaluation), call me at 608-352-0138 or send me an e-mail message.
The information here represents my thoughts on the law, various legal issues, and my experience as a lawyer. It is not intended as legal advice. I invite you to contact me for a free consultation about your particular situation. But, keep in mind that I cannot offer legal advice without an agreed upon legal representation agreement. Sending an e-mail message to me or calling me by phone does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Any testimonials or endorsements contained here in this site do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. The results in each case were dependent on the facts of each individual case, and the results in any case will vary based on the facts and law relevant to that particular case. Furthermore, not only is each case different, but what that case might mean will vary on the legal jurisdiction for that case. I am a member of the Massachusetts and Wisconsin state bars and limit my practice to those states.
The links provided on this website are provided for general informational purposes only and such links are not comprehensive to the individual needs of any user. Many of the links are to websites operated by parties not affiliated with attorney Victor Forberger. The links on this website are not intended to be referrals or endorsements of the linked entities. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation before acting or relying on any information that you obtain from this website or any of the linked websites.
Wisconsin Unemployment Blog -- unemployment news, developments, and guidance
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53DF DDE9 9922 3EAC 25BC 6BD3 7F0F 5944 794E E6C0
