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.

How much does a family law attorney cost in New Orleans?

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.

How do I contact The Rhodes Law Firm?

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

Can my employer fire me for any reason in Louisiana?

Louisiana is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees for any reason or no reason — but NOT for an illegal reason. Illegal reasons include discrimination based on race, gender, disability, age, religion, or national origin; retaliation for reporting harassment or safety violations; and termination in violation of a contract. If your firing violated federal or state law, you may have a wrongful termination claim.

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

In Louisiana, you have 300 days from the discriminatory act to file a charge with the EEOC (because Louisiana has a state fair employment agency, the EEOC deadline extends from 180 to 300 days). Missing this deadline typically bars your federal discrimination claim permanently. Contact an employment attorney immediately if you believe you've experienced workplace discrimination.

What damages are available in an employment discrimination case?

Damages available include back pay (lost wages from termination to judgment), front pay (future lost earnings), compensatory damages (emotional distress, pain and suffering), punitive damages (in cases of egregious conduct), and attorney's fees and costs. Damages caps apply under Title VII depending on employer size. There are no caps on ADEA back pay or FLSA wage claims.

Do I need to file an EEOC charge before suing my employer?

Yes — for most federal employment discrimination claims (Title VII, ADA, ADEA), you must first file a charge with the EEOC and receive a right-to-sue letter before filing in federal court. This is a prerequisite, not optional. The EEOC process can take months to years. An experienced employment attorney can guide you through it efficiently.

What qualifies as workplace retaliation?

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes an adverse employment action (termination, demotion, reduced hours, negative performance reviews, hostile treatment) against an employee because the employee engaged in protected activity — such as reporting discrimination, filing an EEOC charge, testifying in an investigation, or reporting safety violations to OSHA.

Can I be fired while on FMLA leave?

You cannot be fired FOR taking FMLA leave — that would be FMLA interference or retaliation, both illegal under 29 U.S.C. § 2615. However, you can be fired while on FMLA leave for legitimate, non-leave-related reasons (e.g., a legitimate layoff affecting your position). Timing matters: termination during or immediately after FMLA leave raises a strong inference of retaliation.

Do I have to go through HR before contacting a lawyer?

No. You have the right to consult an employment attorney at any time. In fact, consulting an attorney before filing an HR complaint can be strategically important — it helps you preserve evidence, understand your rights, and avoid common mistakes. Many employees unknowingly harm their legal claims by signing documents or making statements to HR without legal guidance.

Can my employer cut my hours in retaliation for a complaint?

Yes, reducing hours can constitute illegal retaliation if done because you engaged in protected activity (filed a complaint, reported harassment, participated in an investigation). Any materially adverse employment action taken in response to protected activity potentially qualifies as retaliation under federal and Louisiana law.

What should I do if I'm being harassed at work?

Document everything — dates, times, witnesses, what was said or done, and any written communications. Report the harassment using your employer's complaint procedures (this also creates a record). Do not resign if possible — resigning can complicate your legal claims. Consult an employment attorney promptly. If the harassment involves discrimination, you may need to file an EEOC charge within 300 days.

Practice Area

Employment Law Attorney — Louisiana

Jonathan M. Rhodes is a Louisiana employment attorney representing employees in wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, retaliation, EEOC charges, sexual harassment, FMLA violations, and wage theft claims. Serving New Orleans (Orleans Parish), Metairie (Jefferson Parish), and St. Charles Parish. Free initial consultation. Call (504) 475-0975.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Practice Areas

Employment Law Services

Wrongful Termination

Fired without legal justification? Louisiana employees have rights. We represent workers terminated in violation of federal and state law.

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Workplace Discrimination

Race, gender, disability, age, religion — discrimination at work violates federal law. We fight for employees across Louisiana.

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Workplace Retaliation

Retaliated against for reporting harassment, discrimination, or safety violations? That's illegal. We hold employers accountable.

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EEOC Claims

Expert guidance through the EEOC charge process — from filing to right-to-sue letter to federal court litigation.

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Sexual Harassment

Hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment claims. Confidential consultations. Aggressive representation.

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Disability Accommodations

ADA reasonable accommodation requests denied? Employer failed the interactive process? We protect your rights.

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FMLA Claims

FMLA interference, retaliation, and denial of leave claims. You cannot be fired for taking protected medical leave.

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Wage & Hour Claims

Unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, misclassification, and wage theft under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

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Louisiana Employment Law

Protecting Employees' Rights in the Workplace

Louisiana is an at-will employment state — but that does not mean employers can do whatever they want. Federal law (Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, the FMLA, and the Fair Labor Standards Act) and Louisiana's Human Rights Act create powerful protections for employees facing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage theft.

Jonathan M. Rhodes is an experienced Louisiana litigator who represents employees and professionals in complex workplace disputes. With a background in litigation, civil rights, and employment law, Jonathan brings the same rigorous advocacy to employment cases that he brings to federal civil rights litigation.

Employment law cases have strict deadlines — particularly the EEOC filing deadline of 300 days from the discriminatory act. If you believe your workplace rights have been violated, do not wait.

Wrongful termination — fired for an illegal reason
Race, gender, disability, age & religious discrimination
Sexual harassment and hostile work environment
Retaliation for protected complaints
FMLA interference and leave retaliation
Unpaid overtime and wage theft under FLSA
EEOC charge filing and right-to-sue representation

Key Takeaways for Louisiana Employees

300-Day EEOC Deadline

Louisiana's deadline to file an EEOC charge is 300 days from the discriminatory act. Miss it and your claim is gone.

At-Will Doesn't Mean Anything Goes

You can still be wrongfully terminated for illegal reasons — discrimination, retaliation, or contract violation.

Documentation Is Critical

Start a private log immediately: dates, times, witnesses, and what was said or done.

Don't Sign Anything Without Counsel

Severance agreements often waive legal claims. Have an attorney review before signing.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Employment Law, Civil Rights, Litigation · Last Updated: September 25, 2026

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

Employment Law Knowledge Center

Questions Employees Ask

Was I Wrongfully Terminated?

Analyze the facts of your termination.

Do I Have a Discrimination Claim?

Understand the elements of a discrimination case.

What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Know your rights against employer retaliation.

How Long to File an EEOC Claim?

Critical deadlines you must not miss.

What Is a Hostile Work Environment?

The legal standard explained.

Can I Be Fired While on FMLA?

FMLA protection and its limits.

Louisiana Employment Law Guide (2026)

4,000+ word comprehensive guide.

Employment Lawyer New Orleans

Orleans Parish employment representation.

Employment Lawyer Metairie

Jefferson Parish employment representation.

Service Areas

Employment Attorney by Location

Employment Lawyer New Orleans

Orleans Parish

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Employment Lawyer Metairie

Jefferson Parish

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Employment Lawyer Jefferson Parish

All of Jefferson Parish

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Employment Lawyer St. Charles Parish

Destrehan · Luling · Hahnville

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Authoritative Employment Law Resources

EEOC — Filing a Charge of Discrimination ↗U.S. DOL — FMLA: Family and Medical Leave Act ↗U.S. DOL — Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Wage & Hour Division ↗ADA.gov — Americans with Disabilities Act Title I (Employment) ↗Louisiana Human Rights Act — La. R.S. 51:2231 et seq. ↗NLRB — National Labor Relations Board: Employee Rights ↗OSHA — Whistleblower Protection Programs ↗Cornell LII — Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ↗

Employment Law — Frequently Asked Questions

Protect Your Workplace Rights

Free initial consultation. Employment law cases have strict deadlines — do not wait.

Schedule a Free Consultation (504) 475-0975