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
Qui Tam Whistleblower: Is your employer defrauding the government?
January 10, 2019 – Each year, the United States recovers billions of dollars lost to fraud and false claims made against the federal government. These recoveries are made possible in large part because of qui tam whistleblowers—employees and private citizens who make the report and expose the fraud.
401(k) Fees Too High? Your Employer May Not Be Doing Its Due Diligence
November 9, 2018 – For many of us, employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plans are the cornerstone of our financial security in retirement. However, excessive fees can eat into our hard-earned savings and leave us questioning whether our employer is managing the plan properly and operating in our best interest.
EEOC Reports Increased Sex Harassment Charges, Lawsuits in FY 2018
October 11, 2018 – Last week, the EEOC released its preliminary findings on sexual harassment claims for fiscal year 2018, reporting a 12% jump in charges filed with the agency compared with 2017, as well as a staggering 50% increase in lawsuits filed on behalf of employees by the agency.
Class Actions
Flowers Foods Distributors in Maine Win Class Certification
February 8, 2019 – Last month, distributors of bakery products for Flowers Foods, Inc., and its Maine subsidiary LePage Bakeries, won class certification in their ongoing wage and hour case against the company. The decision affects more than 100 distributors in Maine and is one of several cases across the country in which distributor-drivers are challenging their misclassification as independent contractors.
Homeowner? Class Investigation for Failed Interest Payments by Mortgage Lenders
November 2, 2018 – We are seeking to speak with homeowners whose mortgage lenders have failed to pay money into their escrow accounts. Mortgage lenders in several states, including Minnesota, must comply with laws that require them to pay interest on money held in escrow accounts.
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).
Firm News
Navarro, Massie Discuss Medical Cannabis and Workplace Rights; Thome Presents on Employment Investigations
February 12, 2019 – Last week, firm attorneys Cassie Navarro and Dustin Massie spoke to members of the MLBA about the legal rights of employees who have been prescribed medical cannabis. Separately, Joni Thome presented to Minnesota employment law practitioners on conducting effective workplace investigations.
Employee Protections for Medical Cannabis? Massie Talks to Nevada Morning Radio
February 4, 2019 – Last week, Dustin Massie spoke to Michael Castner of KXNT 840 AM Radio in Las Vegas, Nevada, about laws concerning medical cannabis in the workplace.
Nelson Schaffer Article Published in Nevada’s NJA Advocate
January 22, 2019 – Kaarin Nelson Schaffer's article on litigating employment cases was published in the January/February 2019 issue of the Nevada Justice Association's Advocate magazine.