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.
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?
Federal and state child labor laws are intended to protect the health and well-being of minors by limiting the types of jobs and hours of work that minors can do. Employers must follow state and federal child labor laws. Violations can lead to fines and possible criminal charges. The following is an introduction to child labor laws. For more information and legal help, talk to a local employment and labor attorney. Federal Child Labor Laws and Enforcement According to the U.S. Department …
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. …
What Is the Statute of Limitations To Challenge Paternity?
Challenging paternity involves court proceedings to dispute or establish parental rights and obligations. Either parent or the child can file an action in family law court to establish or challenge paternity. However, most states have a time limit for bringing a paternity claim. For most states, you can challenge paternity until the child reaches age 18. The statute of limitations for challenging paternity varies by state and can depend on various factors. If you have questions about …
How Long Do I Have To File My Discrimination Claim?
Federal and state laws only give you a limited amount of time to file a discrimination claim against your employer. Filing your complaint past the deadline will means it will be dismissed. The deadline to file a discrimination claims depends on state law. It can range from 180 days to five years. Contact a local employment law attorney to find out how long you have to file your discrimination claim. Understanding Discrimination Claims It is illegal for employers to discriminate against …
How Long Do I Have To Sue for a Civil Rights Violation?
Civil rights violations can happen in employment, healthcare, housing, education, voting, policing, or when traveling across the country. While federal and state civil rights laws let you fight back, civil rights claims have a limited timeframe to take legal action. The statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction and the type of claim. To make sure you file your claim in time, talk to a local civil rights lawyer for legal advice. What Are Civil Rights? The U.S. Constitution, its amendments, …
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination is getting fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or violating an employment contract. If your employer wrongfully terminated you, you can file a claim to protect your employee rights. However, statutes of limitations only give you a certain amount of time to a wrongful termination claim. The time limits vary by state, but filing too late will mean you lose out on your legal rights. Contact an experienced attorney to find out how long you have to …
How Long Do I Have To File My Breach of Contract Lawsuit?
If someone breaks a contract with you, it can cost you time, money, and opportunities. And you may have a legal cause of action to recover compensation. However, there is a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, to file a breach of contract claim. Statutes of limitations vary by state. The time limit can be longer or shorter, depending on your situation. Contact a local contract lawyer for legal advice about how long you have to file a breach of contract case. Understanding Breach of …
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Property Damage?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the time limit to file a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, the court can dismiss your case and bar you from seeking compensation. Statutes of limitation for property damage claims vary by jurisdiction, and there are exceptions that can give you more or less time to recover damages. Contact a local personal injury attorney to find out the statute of limitations for your property damage claim. Understanding Property Damage Claims When someone causes …
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