Civil Rights and Employment Law

Protecting Workers’ and Volunteers’ Rights in a Complex Legal Landscape

Employment law governs the relationship between individuals and the organizations they serve, whether that be as paid employees or volunteers. These relationships are shaped by a complex mix of state and federal laws that define when employment decisions are lawful, when they cross the line, and what remedies are available when rights are violated. Understanding where the law offers flexibility—and where it imposes strict limits—is critical for both employees and organizations.

At the state level, employment law in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland reflects a balance between employer discretion and employee protection. Many employment relationships operate under the at-will employment doctrine, which allows termination for almost any reason. At the same time, certain areas are far more heavily regulated. Restrictions on non-compete agreements, employment contracts, and the classification of workers and volunteers are governed by detailed and evolving legal standards. Overly broad or unlawful non-compete provisions, in particular, can unfairly limit a person’s ability to earn a living and are frequently subject to legal challenge.

Federal employment law adds another critical layer of protection, especially for federal government employees. Anti-discrimination statutes and regulations, as well as Constitutional civil rights protections, strictly prohibit adverse employment actions based on race and other protected characteristics, and they provide robust procedural safeguards for federal workers facing discipline or termination. Successfully charting a course for claims in this area requires deep familiarity with federal statutes, agency procedures, and appellate review standards.

The Law Office of Jospeh P. Evans brings substantial experience across both state and federal employment law. Joseph Putnam Evans, the Managing Attorney, has represented clients in state-level employment matters involving contracts, volunteer status, and challenges to unlawful or overly-restrictive non-compete agreements. We also offer especially deep expertise in federal employment and civil rights law, informed by the great many adverse employment and civil rights appeals that Mr. Evans handled when a clerk at the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and by his private-practice work vindicating the rights of federal employees wrongfully terminated due to racial discrimination.

Employment disputes can have lasting consequences for a person’s livelihood, reputation, and future opportunities. We provide knowledgeable, strategic counsel designed to protect our clients’ rights, challenge unlawful practices, and pursue fair and just outcomes under both state and federal law.