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So You Think Your Employer May Have Unlawfully Discriminated Against or Fired You – What to Do Next

Author(s): Hilary Rosenthal | March 17, 2026 | Working for Justice Blog

You may have watched workplace harassment, discrimination, and retaliation trainings as part of your office’s requirements, but what happens when you think you might actually be experiencing workplace discrimination, unequal treatment, or retaliation yourself? Every year, thousands of employees, executives, and professionals contact firms like Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, recognized nationally for employment discrimination and[…]

You may have watched workplace harassment, discrimination, and retaliation trainings as part of your office’s requirements, but what happens when you think you might actually be experiencing workplace discrimination, unequal treatment, or retaliation yourself? Every year, thousands of employees, executives, and professionals contact firms like Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, recognized nationally for employment discrimination and […]

Fraud against Autistic Individuals, Their Loved Ones, and Beyond

Author(s): Myla McLeod, John McKnight and Ting Cheung | December 29, 2025 | Whistleblower Law

Government watchdogs and prosecutors have intensified scrutiny of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), one of the primary therapies for autistic children, youth and adults. ABA seeks to help people build new skills and manage behavioral challenges commonly seen in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by enacting changes based on the psychological principles of behaviorism. Sessions are often[…]

Government watchdogs and prosecutors have intensified scrutiny of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), one of the primary therapies for autistic children, youth and adults. ABA seeks to help people build new skills and manage behavioral challenges commonly seen in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by enacting changes based on the psychological principles of behaviorism. Sessions are often […]

AI Bias in Hiring: Algorithmic Recruiting and Your Rights

In Brief Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to screen resumes, evaluate candidates, and make hiring recommendations, but algorithmic systems can perpetuate or amplify existing biases. Employers that rely on flawed AI tools may unintentionally discriminate against applicants based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. As regulators increase scrutiny of algorithmic hiring[…]

In Brief Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to screen resumes, evaluate candidates, and make hiring recommendations, but algorithmic systems can perpetuate or amplify existing biases. Employers that rely on flawed AI tools may unintentionally discriminate against applicants based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. As regulators increase scrutiny of algorithmic hiring […]

When Your Experience Is Part of Something Bigger: A Guide to Understanding Class Actions

In Brief Class actions allow individuals who have suffered similar harm to join together in a single lawsuit, making it possible to challenge misconduct that might otherwise go unaddressed. These cases help level the playing field by allowing large groups of affected individuals to pursue accountability and compensation collectively. Understanding how class actions work can[…]

In Brief Class actions allow individuals who have suffered similar harm to join together in a single lawsuit, making it possible to challenge misconduct that might otherwise go unaddressed. These cases help level the playing field by allowing large groups of affected individuals to pursue accountability and compensation collectively. Understanding how class actions work can […]

Three Ways State & Local Governments Can Protect Workers Right Now

In Brief State and local governments can play a critical role in protecting workers’ rights, particularly when federal labor protections face uncertainty or reduced enforcement. By strengthening local labor standards, expanding enforcement mechanisms, and increasing worker protections, governments can help safeguard employees from wage theft, discrimination, and retaliation. The first time you share your experience[…]

In Brief State and local governments can play a critical role in protecting workers’ rights, particularly when federal labor protections face uncertainty or reduced enforcement. By strengthening local labor standards, expanding enforcement mechanisms, and increasing worker protections, governments can help safeguard employees from wage theft, discrimination, and retaliation. The first time you share your experience […]

Nonbinary Clients and the Law: Best Practices

Author(s): and | June 13, 2025 | LGBTQ+

In Brief Legal systems and institutions are increasingly adapting to better serve nonbinary individuals, but significant challenges remain. Attorneys, employers, courts, and policymakers must ensure that legal processes recognize and respect gender diversity. The article explores practical considerations and best practices for promoting equal treatment and meaningful access to justice for nonbinary individuals. “He” used[…]

In Brief Legal systems and institutions are increasingly adapting to better serve nonbinary individuals, but significant challenges remain. Attorneys, employers, courts, and policymakers must ensure that legal processes recognize and respect gender diversity. The article explores practical considerations and best practices for promoting equal treatment and meaningful access to justice for nonbinary individuals. “He” used […]

Maryland’s Child Victims Act Explained: FAQs and What This Means for Survivors

In Brief Maryland's Child Victims Act marks a significant expansion of survivors' rights to bring civil claims for childhood sexual abuse, including claims previously barred by statutes of limitations. By acknowledging that survivors often cannot come forward until years after abuse occurs, the law creates new pathways to accountability — and increases institutional liability for[…]

In Brief Maryland’s Child Victims Act marks a significant expansion of survivors’ rights to bring civil claims for childhood sexual abuse, including claims previously barred by statutes of limitations. By acknowledging that survivors often cannot come forward until years after abuse occurs, the law creates new pathways to accountability — and increases institutional liability for […]

Trump Tariffs Should Lead to Increased False Claims Act Customs Fraud Enforcement

Author(s): Shaun Rosenthal | March 20, 2025 | Customs Fraud

In Brief Trump-era tariffs have increased incentives for importers to cheat on customs duties. The False Claims Act (FCA) allows whistleblowers to report fraud—misclassifying goods, undervaluing imports, falsifying origins, double invoicing, or failing to mark products—and recover 15–30% of government recoveries. High-profile cases, like International Vitamin Corporation’s $23M settlement, show the stakes and the government’s[…]

In Brief Trump-era tariffs have increased incentives for importers to cheat on customs duties. The False Claims Act (FCA) allows whistleblowers to report fraud—misclassifying goods, undervaluing imports, falsifying origins, double invoicing, or failing to mark products—and recover 15–30% of government recoveries. High-profile cases, like International Vitamin Corporation’s $23M settlement, show the stakes and the government’s […]

Fraud in Startup Wonderland

Author(s): Ting Cheung and John McKnight | February 25, 2025 | Whistleblower Law

In Brief The Forbes 30 Under 30 list celebrates young entrepreneurs, but some honorees have faced serious legal consequences for fraud. From misrepresenting financials to defrauding investors, these cases highlight the risks of a “grow at all costs” culture in startups. Federal regulators—including the DOJ, SEC, HHS, and FBI—intervene when fraud affects investors, customers, or[…]

In Brief The Forbes 30 Under 30 list celebrates young entrepreneurs, but some honorees have faced serious legal consequences for fraud. From misrepresenting financials to defrauding investors, these cases highlight the risks of a “grow at all costs” culture in startups. Federal regulators—including the DOJ, SEC, HHS, and FBI—intervene when fraud affects investors, customers, or […]

Challenging the Feres Doctrine: Sexual Assault in the Military

Author(s): Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, LLP | February 25, 2025 | Sexual Violence, Title IX, and Victims’ Rights

In Brief The Feres Doctrine has long shielded the federal government from lawsuits by military personnel for service-related injuries — a barrier that has proven especially harmful for survivors of sexual assault. As awareness of military sexual misconduct grows, legislative and litigation efforts to reform or eliminate this doctrine are intensifying, raising fundamental questions about[…]

In Brief The Feres Doctrine has long shielded the federal government from lawsuits by military personnel for service-related injuries — a barrier that has proven especially harmful for survivors of sexual assault. As awareness of military sexual misconduct grows, legislative and litigation efforts to reform or eliminate this doctrine are intensifying, raising fundamental questions about […]

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Navigating the Mutual Fund Maze, Part 1: What Is a Mutual Fund?

In Brief Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in diversified portfolios of stocks, bonds, or other assets. While they are widely used in retirement accounts and personal investing, many individuals do not fully understand how they operate, what risks they carry, or how fees and management decisions affect performance.   For many investors,

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