We are an employment and consumer protection law firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Recognized for our expertise and results, our consumer and employment attorneys are specialists, Super Lawyers and leaders in the legal community. We are dedicated advocates and work tirelessly to secure justice and striking outcomes for our clients.
Employment Law
Online Ads Screen Out Older Workers, Lawsuit Alleges
July 12, 2018 – More and more employers are using social media to target job applicants, in part due to the tools social media providers offer for targeted advertising. However, a recent lawsuit filed against some of the largest companies in the U.S. alleges that these companies are unlawfully targeting by age and excluding older workers.
Pregnancy Discrimination Widespread in Corporate America
June 19, 2018 – Despite efforts by some companies to accommodate the needs of their pregnant employees, pregnancy discrimination and related retaliation in corporate American persists. A recent New York Times article reported that many of the country’s largest companies continue to penalize pregnant employees.
Minnesota Medical Marijuana Law Tested in BTJW Case Against Costco
May 3, 2018 – The Minnesota Cannabis Registry Program allows Chris Sonterre to lawfully treat his PTSD with medical marijuana. Yet, Costco denied him employment after he tested positive for cannabis during a pre-employment drug test. Sonterre has now sued Costco alleging the company discriminated against him and others for their participation in the registry and because of their disabilities.
Class Actions
Pest Control Independent Contractor Investigation
We are seeking to speak with individuals who are considered pest control independent contractors for pest control companies. It is our understanding that these individuals may in fact be employees, not “independent contractors” and, therefore, misclassified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Wanta Authors Law Review Article on Class Action Fees
May 1, 2018 – Last month, firm partner Shawn Wanta was published in the Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s Law Review. In his article, “How Do Lawyers Get Paid by a Class of Plaintiffs When There is No Fee Shifting Statute?,” Wanta examined how courts are given broad discretion under FRCP Rule 23(h) to determine reasonable attorney fee awards in class action litigation.
Settlement Reached in Coyle v. Flowers Foods and Holsum Bakery
April 17, 2018 – After more than two years of hard-fought litigation, the parties have reached a settlement in the Arizona wage and hour class action lawsuit of Coyle v. Flowers Foods, Inc., and Holsum Bakery, Inc. This case is one of six independent contractor misclassification lawsuits filed against Flowers Food across the country.
Firm News
Judge Sends BTJW Case to Trial on All Claims
August 2, 2018 – This week, attorneys Kaarin Nelson Schaffer and Dustin Massie received a sweeping order in favor of their client from a Ramsey County judge. The case includes claims of age and gender discrimination, retaliation and tortious interference with an employment contract and is now set for trial later this year.
Seven BTJW Attorneys Named 2018 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars; Three Named to Top Lists
July 6, 2018 – Baillon Thome Jozwiak & Wanta LLP is pleased to announce that seven attorneys were named to the lists of 2018 Minnesota Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Frances Baillon and Chris Jozwiak were named Top 100 Super Lawyers, and Joni Thome was named among the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers. Shawn Wanta made the list of Rising Stars in class actions. Kaarin Nelson Schaffer, Dustin Massie and Matt Nolan were named Rising Stars in employment litigation.
Massie Named 2018 Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer
June 26, 2018 – Baillon Thome Jozwiak & Wanta LLP is pleased to announce that attorney Dustin Massie has been named to the list of “2018 Up & Coming Attorneys” by Minnesota Lawyer. The award honors those who have distinguished themselves through leadership, professional accomplishment and service to the community and the profession.