Federal Employment Law

Federal Employment Law in Philadelphia

Representing Philadelphia-Area Employees in Wage, Retaliation & Collective Action Claims

When employers violate federal law, the consequences for workers range from unpaid wages to job loss after speaking up about wrongdoing. Goodley McCarthy LLC represents employees in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania in exactly these situations: minimum wage and overtime disputes under federal law, prevailing wage claims on government-funded projects, and whistleblower retaliation cases where an employer punished a worker for reporting illegal conduct.

Founded by James E. Goodley and Ryan P. McCarthy, we represent employees, not employers. Over more than a decade of handling wage, retaliation, and workplace rights matters, we’ve recovered significant amounts in wages and benefits for clients across the country, including large collective actions on behalf of hundreds of workers at once.

If you believe your employer has violated your federal rights, we’re available to review your situation. Call us at (215) 273-3491 to schedule a free consultation.

Federal Laws That Protect Philadelphia Employees

Several federal statutes govern what employers owe their workers and what they can’t do in response to complaints. Which law applies to your situation shapes everything about how a claim proceeds.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The Fair Labor Standards Act sets the federal floor for minimum wage and overtime pay and governs how workers must be classified. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime is one of the most common FLSA violations we see. When employers get this wrong, affected workers may be entitled to back pay, liquidated damages equal to the amount owed, and attorney’s fees.

WARN Act

The WARN Act requires employers with 100 or more full-time employees to provide at least 60 days’ written notice before a plant closing or mass layoff affecting 50 or more workers at a single site. Employees who don’t receive proper notice may be entitled to back pay and benefits for up to 60 days.

Davis-Bacon Act & Prevailing Wages

The Davis-Bacon Act requires contractors and subcontractors on federally funded construction projects to pay workers the locally prevailing wage and fringe benefits. These protections apply to union and non-union workers alike. Prevailing wage violations are a recurring issue in Philadelphia’s active construction sector.

FMLA, OSHA & Anti-Retaliation Protections

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees the right to take unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) protects workers who report unsafe conditions. Under both statutes, and under the FLSA and other federal laws, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who exercise their rights or report violations.

Filing a Federal Employment Claim in Philadelphia

Many federal employment claims, including discrimination claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, require employees to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before pursuing a lawsuit. The EEOC’s Philadelphia District Office covers Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and parts of New Jersey, Maryland, and Ohio, and handles federal-sector EEO hearings throughout the region.

Because Pennsylvania has its own state fair employment agency, workers here generally have 300 days from the discriminatory act to file an EEOC charge rather than the 180-day deadline that applies elsewhere. Federal civil claims arising in Philadelphia, including Title VII lawsuits, are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania at the James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse. These timelines matter. Missing a filing deadline can forfeit an otherwise valid claim.

Continue Reading Read Less

Schedule A Consultation Today

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Goodley McCarthy LLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Why Philadelphia Employees Work With Goodley McCarthy LLC

Federal employment claims can proceed as individual cases or as collective and class actions on behalf of dozens or hundreds of similarly situated workers. We handle both, and we give each the same level of attention. For employees whose claims involve union issues, we work directly with labor unions to coordinate strategy and support collective efforts to uphold labor standards.

James Goodley and Ryan McCarthy each have deep ties to the Mid-Atlantic region, which means real familiarity with local employers, industries, and the courts and agencies that handle these matters in and around Philadelphia. It also means genuine accountability to the communities we serve.

We don’t assume clients arrive knowing their rights. Part of our job is explaining clearly how federal law applies to a particular situation, what evidence matters, and what realistic outcomes look like. Open communication throughout the process isn’t something we promise at the outset and forget. It’s how we actually work.

Thousands of Class Members Served
When it comes to your legal representation, experience matters. Our track record of victories speaks volumes about our commitment to our clients. Let us navigate the legal complexities for you.
Over a Decade of Legal Experience

Our seasoned team specializes in class action employment litigation, providing top-tier representation to support your case. Our firm delivers dedicated legal counsel, fueled by years of collective experience, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes.
Meet with Us Virtually
Seamlessly connect with our legal experts from the comfort of your home or office. Your convenience is our priority, and we're dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support on your terms
Exclusively Dedicated to Employees
Devoted to championing the rights of employees, our firm focuses solely on providing legal support and representation for workers. We're here to stand by you and fight for fairness, in the workplace.

Practical Steps If You’re Facing a Federal Violation

If you’ve experienced a wage violation or faced retaliation after reporting illegal activity at work, the steps you take early can shape what’s possible later. We advise clients to document retaliatory actions as they happen: written records of demotions, terminations, schedule changes, or workplace harassment that followed a complaint carry real evidentiary weight. Statements from coworkers who witnessed relevant events can also strengthen a retaliation claim significantly.

Philadelphia’s workforce spans healthcare, education, manufacturing, and construction, and wage and hour disputes arise frequently across all of these sectors. Pennsylvania state law often runs parallel to federal protections and sometimes provides additional remedies, meaning a single set of facts can give rise to claims under both. We evaluate the full picture before recommending a course of action.

$1.4 Million FLSA & New York Labor Law Settlement

We obtained a $1.4 million class and collective action settlement on behalf of more than 200 employees who alleged they weren’t properly compensated for all overtime hours worked. The claims were brought under both the Fair Labor Standards Act and the New York Labor Law. Results in past cases don’t guarantee the same outcome in yours, but they reflect the kind of work we do and our commitment to pursuing recovery for workers whose wages were taken from them.

Talk to a Federal Employment Lawyer in Philadelphia

If you believe your employer has violated your rights under federal law, don’t wait on a filing deadline. We offer free consultations and virtual meetings for clients throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding region.

Call Goodley McCarthy LLC at (215) 273-3491 to speak with our team about your situation.

Our Results

$126,353.87

Int'l Painters & Allied Trades Indus. Pension Fund v. Madison Coatings Co., Inc., No. 17-1559, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 188759 (D. Md. 2019)
Int'l Painters & Allied Trades Indus. Pension Fund v. Madison Coatings Co., Inc., No. 17-1559, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 188759 (D. Md. 2019) (summary judgment in favor of union benefits funds and against the employer for $126,353.87 in benefit fund contributions and other damages).
$225,000

Bd. of Trs., Roofers Union Local 30 Combined Health & Welfare Fund v. Hughes Urethane Constr. Co., No. 19-1820, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 204654 (E.D. Pa. 2020)
Bd. of Trs., Roofers Union Local 30 Combined Health & Welfare Fund v. Hughes Urethane Constr. Co., No. 19-1820, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 204654 (E.D. Pa. 2020) (summary judgment for union benefit funds and against the employer resulting in $225,000 judgment in favor of the funds).
Judgment Dismissal

Juisti v. City of Chester, No. 18-2317, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 160595 (E.D. Pa. 2019)
Juisti v. City of Chester, No. 18-2317, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 160595 (E.D. Pa. 2019) (summary judgment dismissal of breach of duty of fair representation suit brought against a labor union).

All Results

Your Legal Advocates in Philadelphia Contact Us at (215) 273-3491 Today

Schedule Your Appointment

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Goodley McCarthy LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

“Thank you James Goodley, for taking on my case”
“Truly amazing and I am grateful for all the hard work you've put into my case and for giving me a fresh beginning.”

- Former Client
“Thanks to Ryan's efforts, my case was resolved successfully!”
“Ryan McCarthy was exceptional in resolving my FMLA case involving salary-exempt status and overtime laws in the IT field. He was responsive, professional, and fought diligently to secure a fair outcome.”

- James
“I would highly recommend!!”
“Ryan McCarthy obtained a great settlement for me in a case of unpaid wages and tips against my employers. He was always available to answer any questions or concerns. I would highly recommend!!”

- Mirella
“Very professional and knowledgeable.”
“5 stars. Goodley McCarthy LLC did great with a case for unpaid wages at a popular restaurant in DC. Let them know what’s going on, and they will handle the rest. Very professional and knowledgeable. Thank you to the team; also very helpful.”

- Josmary K.
“Fought for what we were owed!”
“Goodley and McCarthy did an amazing job, getting my husband and me what we were owed for unpaid wages. I would recommend them to anyone.”

- Tara H.
“Great Legal Service and Experienced Lawyers”
“Great legal service and experienced lawyers, especially James Goodley.”

- Daisy R.
“Very knowledgeable and responsive.”
“Used Goodley McCarthy LLC for a case against a former employer. They were very knowledgeable and negotiated a settlement without a long trial. Very responsive to questions and kept everyone updated. Highly recommend and will use them if needed.”

- Chad
“Reached a Settlement Quickly and Efficiently”
“
James represented me in a civil case involving my employer. Due to his experience and knowledge we were able to reach a settlement quickly and efficiently. I would highly recommend James to other prospective clients.
”

- Jesse S.

View All Reviews