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.

What laws prohibit workplace discrimination in Louisiana?

Federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the ADA, the ADEA) and Louisiana's Human Rights Act (La. R.S. 51:2231 et seq.) prohibit employment discrimination. Title VII covers race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The ADA covers disability. The ADEA covers age (40+). The LHRA largely mirrors federal law and applies to employers with 20+ employees.

What is disparate treatment discrimination?

Disparate treatment is the most direct form of discrimination — an employer intentionally treats an employee differently because of a protected characteristic. Example: a qualified Black applicant is passed over for promotion in favor of a less-qualified white applicant. The employee must show they were treated differently than similarly situated employees outside their protected class.

What is disparate impact discrimination?

Disparate impact discrimination occurs when a facially neutral employment policy disproportionately harms a protected group without business justification. Example: a minimum height requirement that excludes significantly more women than men without being necessary for the job. No discriminatory intent is required — the statistical disparity itself can establish the claim.

Can I sue for race discrimination in Louisiana?

Yes. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Louisiana Human Rights Act prohibit race discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion, pay, and terms and conditions of employment. You must file an EEOC charge within 300 days of the discriminatory act before suing in federal court under Title VII. The LHRA claim can be filed directly in state court.

What is gender discrimination at work?

Gender (sex) discrimination includes: paying women less than men for equal work; passing over women for promotion; treating pregnant employees adversely (Pregnancy Discrimination Act); sexual harassment; and gender stereotyping. Title VII prohibits sex discrimination. The Equal Pay Act specifically addresses pay disparities between men and women performing substantially equal work.

What is disability discrimination under the ADA?

The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities — meaning those who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Discrimination includes: refusing to hire, firing, failing to accommodate, or harassing an employee because of a disability or perceived disability.

What is age discrimination in employment?

The ADEA protects employees and applicants age 40 and older from discrimination based on age. Common examples: being passed over for promotion in favor of younger, less-experienced employees; being targeted in layoffs because of age; and receiving negative performance reviews after years of strong performance.

What is religious discrimination at work?

Title VII requires employers to reasonably accommodate employees' sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. Religious discrimination includes: failing to accommodate religious practices, harassing employees because of religion, or penalizing employees for religious observance (attending services, religious dress, prayer times).

How do I prove workplace discrimination?

Direct evidence (an employer explicitly stating discriminatory intent) is rare. Most cases rely on circumstantial evidence: similarly situated employees treated more favorably; the employer's stated reason being pretextual; statistical evidence of disparate treatment; comments reflecting bias; and suspicious timing between protected activity and adverse action.

What damages are available in a discrimination case?

Damages include back pay, front pay, compensatory damages (emotional distress), punitive damages (for malicious or reckless violations), and attorney's fees. Title VII damages caps: $50,000 (15–100 employees), $100,000 (101–200), $200,000 (201–500), $300,000 (500+). The ADEA has no compensatory damages cap but limits recovery to back pay and liquidated damages.

Employment Law

Employment Discrimination Lawyer — Louisiana

Race · Gender · Disability · Age · Religion · Title VII · ADA · ADEA

Federal law (Title VII, ADA, ADEA) and Louisiana's Human Rights Act prohibit workplace discrimination based on race, color, gender, disability, age (40+), religion, and national origin. If you were fired, demoted, denied promotion, or harassed because of a protected characteristic, you likely have a discrimination claim. In Louisiana, you must file an EEOC charge within 300 days. Damages include back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Employment Law — Discrimination · Last Updated: September 26, 2026

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

Types of Workplace Discrimination We Handle

Race Discrimination

Title VII / Louisiana HRA

Adverse employment actions motivated by race, color, or ethnicity. Includes both intentional discrimination and policies with racially disparate impact.

Gender & Sex Discrimination

Title VII / Equal Pay Act

Unequal pay, disparate promotion, pregnancy discrimination, and adverse treatment based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

Disability Discrimination

ADA / Louisiana HRA

Termination, demotion, or failure to accommodate employees with physical or mental disabilities — or perceived disabilities.

Age Discrimination

ADEA (age 40+)

Targeting older employees in layoffs, promotions, or performance management; replacing older workers with younger, less-qualified employees.

Religious Discrimination

Title VII

Failure to accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs; harassment because of religion; penalizing religious observance.

National Origin Discrimination

Title VII

Adverse treatment based on an employee's country of origin, accent, ethnicity, or immigrant status.

Speak With an Employment Discrimination Lawyer

Jonathan M. Rhodes provides confidential consultations for Louisiana employees facing workplace discrimination. Free initial consultation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Related Employment Law Resources

Wrongful Termination

Fired because of discrimination.

Workplace Retaliation

Retaliated for reporting discrimination.

EEOC Claims

Filing your discrimination charge.

Sexual Harassment Law

Sex-based harassment claims.

Disability Accommodation

ADA rights at work.

Employment Law Hub

All employment services.

Workplace Discrimination in Louisiana — FAQ

Protect Your Workplace Rights

The 300-day EEOC deadline applies from the date of the discriminatory act. Act now.

Schedule a Free Consultation (504) 475-0975