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
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.
Target Settles Background Check Lawsuit
April 9, 2018 – Last Thursday, Target Corporation agree to settle a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of African American and Latino job applicants who sought employment with the company since 2006. The suit alleged that Target’s use of criminal background checks during the application process disproportionately impacted these job applicants nationwide.
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
Wanta Cited in Article on Marijuana Testing in the Workplace
June 22, 2018 – Firm partner Shawn Wanta was quoted in the July 2018 issue of Twin Cities Business in an article concerning marijuana testing in the workplace entitled “To Test or Not to Test.”
Wanta Cited in Southwest Journal Article on Tip Pooling
June 1, 2018 – This week, firm partner Shawn Wanta was cited in the Southwest Journal concerning the recent tip pooling class action settlement against Minneapolis-based Surly Brewing Company.
Baillon, Jozwiak, Thome and Nelson Schaffer Present at 2018 ELI
May 23, 2018 – This week, four of our attorneys presented at the 2018 Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute (ELI) held at the RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. Frances Baillon, Chris Jozwiak, Joni Thome and Kaarin Nelson Schaffer joined other leaders in employment law to discuss some of the most important legal issues confronting practitioners and their clients.