A major law firm has been accused of engaging in unlawful age discrimination by two former information technology (IT) workers in a new lawsuit filed in Illinois federal court. The suit alleges that they were forced out of their positions in favor of younger workers despite the ability and willingness to continue in their roles. They are seeking justice for the harm done to their careers as a result of losing their jobs, as well as lost wages and other compensation.
What Happened in This Case?
The two IT workers allege that their employer, the white shoe law firm ArentFox Schiff, dismissed them from their positions due to their age. They claim they had significant expertise and were willing to proceed in their jobs, but were fired in favor of younger, less experienced workers. The suit cites the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, which is the federal law that prohibits age discrimination.
What is Age Discrimination?
Age discrimination is a form of discrimination against older workers, especially against those who are close to retirement age. It involves workers being deprived of opportunities for raises and promotions, being cut out of projects, or being forced out of their jobs due to their advanced age. Aging workers may also struggle to find new work if they lose their jobs, given that they must often compete with younger workers for those same positions.
Why Did the Firm Engage in Age Discrimination?
While it is not currently clear why the firm would have engaged in age discrimination, the fact that they were replaced with younger workers hints at the potential motive. Younger, less experienced workers are often willing to work for less pay than their more experienced peers, and are less likely to suffer from issues like chronic illness or injury that may prevent them from working effectively. Some companies also sometimes force out older workers who are close to retirement to prevent them from collecting retirement benefits they might otherwise be entitled to.
What Should You Do if This Happens to You?
If you are an older worker and have been the victim of potential age discrimination, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling employment law issues. They can help you explore your legal options and create a plan that best suits your needs. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work on your behalf.
Steven Mitchell Sack, the Employee’s Lawyer, is a New York employment lawyer with more than 44 years’ experience handling the many aspects of employment law. His new book, “Fired!: Protect Your Rights & FIGHT BACK If You’re Terminated, Laid Off, Downsized, Restructured, Forced to Resign or Quit,” is available in hardback, and contains valuable advice on dealing with employment and labor law issues. To purchase the book, feel free to contact Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or visit the website at legalstratpub.com. To inquire about a legal matter, please feel free to contact attorney Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or stevensackatty@hotmail.com.
