About John Devendorf, Esq.
John Devendorf is a graduate of UCLA and holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a Distinguished Scholar, recipient of the ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award, and a participant in the Immigrant Workers’ Rights Clinic and special delegation to Haiti.
A licensed attorney for more than a decade, John transitioned to a career as a legal content writer and editor after an externship with the IRS, a judicial clerkship, and practicing at a civil litigation firm in Princeton, New Jersey. John now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys writing, international travel, and escape rooms.
Articles written by John Devendorf, Esq.
Drug Screening in the Era of Legalized Marijuana
Many states have legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use, and workplace drug testing laws are evolving. A few states that have legalized cannabis place limits on testing employees and applicants or protect employees from discrimination based on their legal use. However, most states in this position allow employers to test for marijuana use. If you have a question about employment-related drug testing or have concerns about how the employer handled your workplace drug test …
What Are My Rights If I Am Pregnant at Work?
Federal laws provide protections and accommodations for employees during pregnancy. This article will explain your rights as a pregnant employee and how to address pregnancy discrimination. For legal advice concerning your employee rights during pregnancy, reach out to an experienced employment lawyer. Legal Protections for Pregnant Employees Federal and state laws protect pregnant employees from discrimination. Federal pregnancy anti-discrimination laws are enforced by the U.S. Equal …
How Unions Can Help in a Workplace Investigation
During questioning in a workplace investigation, workers may feel like their employer is targeting them for firing or discipline. Even if the worker didn't do anything wrong, an investigation interview is uncomfortable. Union workers have the right to ask for a union representative during questioning. Understanding your union protections during an investigation can help protect your employee rights. For up-to-date information about union protections during an internal investigation, talk to a …
Workplace Safety Violations: How OSHA Protects Your Rights
When you show up to work, you should not have to worry about safety or health risks. Federal laws require your employer to provide a safe workplace and take action to resolve any health concerns. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a vital role in ensuring workplace safety and protecting worker rights. This is an overview of worker safety protections under OSHA and how workers can enforce their legal rights. For more information about how OSHA protects your …
The Americans With Disabilities Act in the Workplace
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities against discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and public services. Employers generally must offer reasonable accommodations to disabled workers so they can perform essential job functions. Workers experiencing discrimination or retaliation can file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a lawsuit against their employer for disability discrimination. Some states have …
Collective Bargaining: Understanding the Basics
Collective bargaining is when labor union members negotiate as a group with their employer for a labor contract. Federal labor laws require employers to negotiate with unions in good faith to come to an agreement on working terms and conditions. Union workers should understand the collective bargaining process and how federal law protects their rights. This article covers the basics of collective bargaining. For more information about collective bargaining and legal help, talk to a labor …
Unions and Labor Law: Your Right To Organize in the Workplace
Individual workers don't have much negotiating power with a large company. But when those individual employees work together, their collective bargaining power improves. Unions allow workers to negotiate better working conditions, higher salaries, and benefits. Federal law protects workers' right to organize in the workplace. Some states have additional labor protections. The following is an overview of union organizing and labor law. To understand the right to organize workers in your …
Child Labor Laws: Where Can Teens Legally Work?
Teens can work where they meet the minimum age requirements under state and federal child labor laws. The Department of Labor's Fair Labor Standards Act sets the minimum age for work at 14 years old, and there are hour restrictions for teens under 16. States set minimum wage laws and work permit requirements. Common jobs for teen workers include newspaper delivery, food service, office clerical work, retail positions, and grocery bagging. There are additional restrictions for hazardous …
Can I Be Fired for Being Pregnant or Needing Leave?
Federal and state laws protect pregnant workers against unlawful termination, retaliation, or losing their jobs for taking pregnancy leave or having pregnancy-related conditions. If your employer acts against you when you become pregnant or refuses to provide accommodations, you have legal recourse. Contact an employment law attorney to understand your legal rights against pregnancy discrimination. Legal Protections for Pregnant Employees While U.S. federal law does not require employers to …
What Are My Rights as an Independent Contractor or Freelancer?
Independent contractors and freelancers enjoy greater independence from employers than employees, but they also lose out on many of the legal protections employees have. For example, while employees have recourse to state agencies that enforce employee rights, independent contractors typically have fewer options to turn to state agencies and often need to rely on contracts and legal action. As an independent contractor, it is important to know your rights to protect your financial interests. …
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