Legal Bliss(mas).

Lawyering is tough right? Deadlines, demanding partners, judges too busy to rule quickly on motions, not to mention the ever present stress of litigation battles. It’s a wonder anyone does this work.

Over the past six months I have been vexed by various of these difficulties. It has been draining, to say the least.

But today I received a settlement check for a client, confirmation of another client’s settlement agreement, and was able to give affirmation to a third lovely client that their important decision made sense. I am beaming with joy.

I forwarded the check with a hearty Merry Christmas! The second settlement agreement will be signed today and paid soon. The client who got only my honest agreement gave me a hug and a consultation fee, and said I was the bomb.

Even if nothing else happens today, it’s been a good one. Maybe the best thing for me to do right now, at noon, is head into the weekend on a high note.

It’s tough, true. But sometimes it is good to be a lawyer. Very good.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Litigators gotta litigate

2014 saw my litigation practice suffer a bit. 2012 and 2013 were banner years, but last year it seemed that nobody was angry or cheated enough to sue. Or they just weren't interested in talking to a lawyer about it. This year? Much different.


Since January I have filed 4 unpaid overtime cases in federal court, and one, a mortgage loan officer case, is teed up to go. Mortgage loan officers are NOT exempt from minimum wage or overtime coverage.


Also in the just-about-to-be-filed pipeline is a clear failure-to-notify FMLA case. It amazes me how often the employers in these cases are health care providers. There is another FMLA case right behind this one, but its major claim is failure to reinstate. Either way, back wages, liquidated damages and attorney's fees are all available.


I haven't seen this much action in years and am grateful for my tax dollars being used to support a dispute resolution system for people who have few resources and little power.


If employers make employees angry enough or treat them unfairly long enough, then those employees will act. Employment laws passed by Congresses not so deeply in corporate pockets serve these underpaid or mistreated workers well.


Don't take it anymore. Call a lawyer.


Update:


Favorably settled the mortgage loan officer overtime case and both FMLA cases this year.  Still two more in play and I am looking for more. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.