Do you offer a free consultation for startups?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure.

What legal services do you offer for startups and entrepreneurs?

We offer corporate formation, contract drafting, outside general counsel, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and investor agreement support for startups in Louisiana and nationally.

Do you handle divorce and child custody cases in Louisiana?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm provides compassionate family law representation including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption throughout Louisiana.

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The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. Contact us at (504) 475-0975 to get started.

Where is The Rhodes Law Firm located?

The firm is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves clients statewide and nationally.

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Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a consultation at therhodeslawfirm.com.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency that enforces federal employment discrimination laws, including Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA. Before filing a federal employment discrimination lawsuit, employees generally must first file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC and receive a right-to-sue letter.

How long do I have to file an EEOC charge in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you have 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file an EEOC charge (Louisiana has a state fair employment agency — the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights — which extends the federal 180-day deadline to 300 days). This deadline is strictly enforced. Missing it typically bars your federal discrimination claim permanently.

What happens after I file an EEOC charge?

After filing, the EEOC notifies your employer. The EEOC may: (1) dismiss the charge; (2) investigate and attempt mediation; (3) conduct a full investigation and issue a determination; or (4) file suit itself in exceptional public interest cases. If the EEOC does not resolve the matter, it issues a right-to-sue letter, which allows you to file a private lawsuit in federal court within 90 days.

What is EEOC mediation?

EEOC mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral mediator helps the parties resolve the dispute without a full investigation or litigation. If mediation is successful, the employer typically agrees to pay some amount of monetary relief and/or change its practices. Mediation is usually the fastest path to resolution.

What is a right-to-sue letter?

A right-to-sue letter (Notice of Right to Sue) is issued by the EEOC authorizing you to file a Title VII, ADA, or ADEA lawsuit in federal court. You must file your lawsuit within 90 days of receiving the letter. You can request a right-to-sue letter before the EEOC completes its investigation after 180 days.

Do I need a lawyer to file an EEOC charge?

You do not need a lawyer to file an EEOC charge — you can file on your own (pro se). However, having an attorney significantly improves the strength and comprehensiveness of your charge, helps you avoid common mistakes that damage your claim, and positions you better for mediation and subsequent litigation.

What information does an EEOC charge need to include?

An EEOC charge must include: your name and contact information; the employer's name and address; the approximate dates of the discriminatory acts; the basis of discrimination (race, sex, disability, etc.); and a brief description of what happened. Your attorney can draft a comprehensive charge that preserves all viable theories.

Can I file both an EEOC charge and a state claim?

Yes. Filing an EEOC charge preserves your federal claims. You can simultaneously file a complaint with the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR) under the Louisiana Human Rights Act. State court claims under the LHRA do not require EEOC exhaustion and may proceed on a separate track.

What is the difference between an EEOC charge and a lawsuit?

An EEOC charge is an administrative complaint filed with the EEOC — it is not a lawsuit. It initiates the EEOC's administrative process. A lawsuit is a legal action filed in court seeking damages and other relief. In most cases, you must complete the EEOC process and receive a right-to-sue letter before filing a federal employment discrimination lawsuit.

How long does the EEOC process take?

EEOC investigations typically take 6 months to 2+ years depending on the complexity of the case, the EEOC office's backlog, and whether mediation is attempted. You can request a right-to-sue letter and proceed to federal court after 180 days if the EEOC has not resolved your case. An experienced attorney can help you navigate timing strategically.

Employment Law

EEOC Claims Lawyer — Louisiana

Filing · Investigation · Mediation · Right-to-Sue · Federal Litigation

In Louisiana, employees have 300 days from a discriminatory act to file a charge with the EEOC. After filing, the EEOC notifies the employer, may offer mediation, and conducts an investigation. If unresolved, the EEOC issues a right-to-sue letter — you then have 90 days to file a federal lawsuit. The EEOC charge is a required prerequisite before suing under Title VII, ADA, or ADEA. Missing the 300-day deadline typically bars your federal claim forever.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Employment Law — EEOC Claims · Last Updated: September 25, 2026

Serving: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

The EEOC Process: Step by Step

File the EEOC Charge (Within 300 Days)

Submit a charge of discrimination to the EEOC within 300 days of the discriminatory act. Your attorney can draft a comprehensive charge that preserves all viable legal theories.

EEOC Notifies Employer

The EEOC notifies the employer of the charge and requests a 'Position Statement' response. Your attorney can review this document and prepare a rebuttal.

Mediation (Optional But Recommended)

Both parties may agree to EEOC mediation — a confidential process that can resolve the case quickly without a full investigation. Many cases settle at this stage.

EEOC Investigation

If mediation is not pursued or fails, the EEOC investigates the charge by reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, and issuing data requests. This can take months to years.

EEOC Determination

The EEOC issues a Determination — either finding reasonable cause or dismissing the charge. A cause finding may lead to conciliation efforts.

Right-to-Sue Letter

Once the EEOC process concludes (or upon request after 180 days), the EEOC issues a Notice of Right to Sue. You have 90 days to file your federal lawsuit.

Get Expert EEOC Guidance Before the Deadline

The 300-day EEOC filing deadline is strictly enforced. Jonathan M. Rhodes guides Louisiana employees through every step of the EEOC process. Free consultation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Related Employment Law Resources

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Types of discrimination claims.

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Fired for an illegal reason.

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Retaliated for filing an EEOC charge.

How Long to File an EEOC Claim?

Critical deadlines.

Employment Law Hub

All employment law services.

EEOC Claims in Louisiana — FAQ

Protect Your Workplace Rights

The EEOC deadline will not wait. Free consultation — serving New Orleans, Metairie, and Southeast Louisiana.

Schedule a Free Consultation (504) 475-0975