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.
Can I File a Discrimination Lawsuit If I'm Not a US Citizen?
America is a country of immigrants. Unfortunately, noncitizens regularly face discrimination because of personal characteristics such as ancestry, accent, or immigration status. Employers cannot discriminate against applicants or employees just because they suspect they are not citizens. If an employer treats you differently based on your citizenship status, you can file a discrimination lawsuit. If you are a noncitizen worker in the U.S., contact a discrimination lawyer to understand your …
What Are the Penalties for Employers Who Discriminate?
Employers can face civil penalties and financial liability for discriminatory practices. Federal or state agencies that investigate workplace discrimination claims can fine employers for civil rights violations. Victims of discrimination can file a civil lawsuit against their employer to recover compensation and damages. Employers must have fair workplace practices for workers and job applicants. There are financial and legal consequences for failing to put a stop to workplace discrimination. …
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Discrimination Lawsuit?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the time limit for filing a complaint or lawsuit. Statutes of limitations exist for most types of civil lawsuits, including discrimination claims. If you wait too long to file your claim, the court will dismiss it. For most federal discrimination claims, you have 180 days to file a claim. However, you could have up to 300 days, depending on your state laws. There are several reasons why discrimination claims have a statute of limitations. A time limit …
How To File a Discrimination Complaint With the EEOC
Employees who have experienced workplace discrimination can file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC handles federal employment discrimination claims. This article covers the EEOC complaint process, including reporting, mediation, and what you can do if the EEOC cannot resolve your case. In addition to the EEOC, some state labor law agencies handle state discrimination claims. For legal advice and to get help with the complaint …
Can I Sue for Discrimination If I Am a Freelancer or Independent Contractor?
Freelancers and independent contractors do not have the same workplace discrimination protections as employees. Federal anti-discrimination laws apply to employees but not to independent contractors. Given this difference, some employers misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid labor law protections. Employees who are misclassified as independent contractors can sue their employers for discrimination. To find out about your rights as an independent contractor, talk to a local …
Transgender Rights Against Discrimination
When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) that employers could not discriminate against workers based on their gender identity, it was a milestone in equal treatment under the law. But transgender rights are still under attack in the United States in many areas of life, such as housing, healthcare, and education. Laws and enforcement are changing all the time. To understand and defend your civil rights, talk to a local discrimination lawyer. Federal Protections for …
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Protections
In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to marriage is not limited by a person’s sexual orientation. In 2020, the Court ruled that sexual orientation and gender identity are included in Title VII's prohibition of sex discrimination in employment. Despite progress in areas like marriage and employment, protections for LGBTQ+ Americans do not exist in all areas of life due to the lack of federal law and a legal patchwork across the country. This leaves millions of …
Gun Laws and Regulations: A Legal Overview
As interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the individual right to possess firearms. At the same time, the Court has found that the Second Amendment is not absolute and can be subject to reasonable firearm regulations, though the legal standards for evaluating what is reasonable in gun regulations have changed over time. State and federal laws regulate the sale, transfer, and ownership of firearms. Gun laws can also regulate where and how …
What Is Required by Due Process?
Due process is the legal tool that requires the government to follow rules and procedures to ensure fair hearings. The Fifth Amendment provides that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. Due process extends to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment and requires formal notice and the right to legal representation in a public hearing before a neutral judge. Procedural safeguards include reasonable notice, an opportunity to defend, the submission of …
How To Get Legal Help for a Civil Rights Issue
The U.S. Constitution and its amendments, as well as federal and state laws, guarantee a wide range of civil rights to people in the United States. Unfortunately, civil rights violations happen all the time, perpetrated by government or private entities. When someone violates your civil rights, you need to take action to defend your rights. A civil rights attorney can help protect your rights and seek justice. Your civil rights legal options can depend on where you live. Contact a local civil …
Find top lawyers with confidence
The Super Lawyers patented selection process is peer influenced and research driven, selecting the top 5% of attorneys to the Super Lawyers lists each year. We know lawyers and make it easy to connect with them.
Find a lawyer near you