
Gender Discrimination Lawyer
Federal and Texas employment law requires all individuals to receive equal treatment in employment, without regard to sex or gender.
If you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, know that the law prohibits such treatment and provides recourse for victims.
Learn how the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson fights for workers' rights in the greater Allen, Plano, and Frisco, TX, area...
Why We Should Work for You What Sets the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson Apart
A Lawyer for Nearly Four Decades
Dan A. Atkerson began practicing law in 1984, when he was admitted to the State Bar of Texas. He brings this considerable courtroom knowledge to every employment law case.We've Worked with a Diverse Range of Clients
Mr. Atkerson has represented a diverse array of clients, including employees of Fortune 500 companies. Our law firm can handle all kinds of harassment and employment discrimination claims.We Take Cases on a Contingency Fee Basis
Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will only pay for a lawyer's services if you successfully settle or receive compensation in your employment discrimination case.Patient, Sympathetic Legal Representation
Our law firm listens to every client who comes to us. We will never rush you off the phone. Your story about the discrimination you faced at work is important to us. You will have our undivided attention."Dan is very personable, professional and represents his clients well. He goes above and beyond for his client and is results-driven. I highly recommend him. He answers and returns phone calls and is an advocate for anyone he represents. He is knowledgeable and you can rest-assured that he will fight for you." Mary
You Are Not Alone
What Is Gender Discrimination?
Gender discrimination is the unequal treatment of an individual or group on the basis of their gender. Common examples of gender discrimination include:
- Different pay for equal work
- Different benefit packages for equal work
- Discrepancies in hiring and firing practices or promotions
- Sexual harassment
- Employment decisions based on pregnancy, childbirth, or maternity leave
Women are more often the targets of gender and sex discrimination than men. The discrimination does not have to be overt to be unlawful. An employer may not have explicit discriminatory policies, yet still may have a workplace culture in which gender and sex discrimination is the norm.
Contact the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson Our Law Firm Is Here to Help
If you are the victim of sex or gender identity discrimination and live in the Allen, Plano, or Frisco, TX, area, our law firm is here to help. Dan A. Atkerson is committed to combating workplace discrimination and wrongful termination. He has a record of diligent and successful employment law representation that spans almost four decades.
For more information about combating sex discrimination, contact our law firm online or call the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson at:
(214) 383-3606

Legal Protections from Gender Discrimination Federal Statutes and Texas State Laws

The Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is another federal labor law that aimed to abolish the gender wage gap. The Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from paying preferential wages to workers of one gender while paying lower wages to workers of the opposite sex doing the same job. This helped ensure that workers receive equal pay for equal work.

The Texas Labor Code Chapter 21
In addition to federal wage laws noted above, the Texas Labor Code Chapter 21 prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of an employee's race, disability, religion, sex, national origin, and age. Texas Labor Code Chapter 21 also outlaws discrimination because of or based on pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal statute that outlaws gender discrimination by employers. Contained within Title VII is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. It prohibits employers from making decisions based on pregnancy or from treating pregnant women differently than other employees with medical conditions.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 is an amendment to the Civil Rights Act. It extends the time a person can file an equal pay lawsuit. Previously, employees had 180 days to file a claim over an unequal paycheck. Thanks to the amendment, a new 180-day statute of limitations begins with every paycheck affected by the discriminatory act.
"You were truly a blessing in my time of need." Five Star Client Reviews for Our Law Firm
This guy is top notch. Absolute professional. I work with attorneys often in my field, and have two on retainer to help support 2500 employees. I've seen a lot and have never met an attorney like Dan. He was effective and informative and I will always use him now.
View on GoogleI was recently represented by Dan A. Atkerson and it was the best decision I've made! He kept me informed through the whole process. Dan answered any question I had, big or small. He was very responsive to my emails, texts, and phone calls. Dan won my case and I'm so grateful that he represented me! Thank you so much, Dan. You were truly a blessing in my time of need.
View on GoogleEqual Work and Unequal Pay Gender Discrimination Over Wages and Benefits
Gender Wage Gap
Despite progress in gender equality at the workplace, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that women only make 82 cents to every dollar a man makes. Sometimes this is due a lack of promotion and management opportunities for women. Other times women are paid less for the same job than their male counterparts.
Different Benefits
Sex discrimination can also affect job benefits that women receive. One example involves employer-sponsored health insurance. A woman's husband may not be covered by their benefits, with the assumption that her spouse has his own benefits. By contrast, a male co-worker's wife may be covered under the same company's insurance.
Other Inequities
Sex discrimination could affect your commissions, particularly if you are in sales and are assigned to a more challenging territory than your male counterparts at work. Gender-based discrimination can even affect vacation time, clothing allowances, company-sponsored mobile or internet services, and work-from-home arrangements.
The Wage Gap Is Hard to Ignore
Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Combating a Toxic Work Culture
Quid Pro Quo
"Quid pro quo" is a Latin phrase that means "a favor for a favor." Quid pro quo sexual harassment means that a promotion or continued employment is contingent on accepting a co-worker's sexual advances. Bosses and supervisors often abuse their power through this form of direct harassment. Our law firm will hold co-workers accountable for their unwanted advances or propositions.
Hostile Working Environment
A more common form of sexual harassment, a hostile working environment refers to co-workers engaging in behaviors that interfere with your job performance. This may include crude comments that target your gender, or subtle acts of intimidation that are veiled forms of discrimination. A skilled lawyer can identify different kinds of actions that contribute to a toxic workplace.
Get the Support You Need to Fight Discrimination Schedule a Consultation at Our Law Firm
Have you experienced discrimination or wrongful termination due to your gender? If so, you may have an actionable case against your employer. This includes seeking damages for lost wages, promotions, and benefits in addition to compensation for your pain, suffering, and mental anguish. If you live in the Allen, Plano, or Frisco, TX, area and want to speak with a skilled employment law attorney about your case, contact our law firm online or call the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson at:
(214) 383-3606
Maternity and Pregnancy Discrimination Our Law Firm Supports Working Mothers
Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination
Employers can discriminate against women in numerous ways throughout their pregnancy. Some common examples include demotion, pay cuts, unrequested reduction in work hours, job reassignment, and creating a hostile work environment.Reasonable Accommodations During Pregnancy
Women are entitled to reasonable accommodations to account for their health and the health of their unborn child. This includes being assigned less strenuous work duties. Our law firm can help if an employer does not comply with accommodation requests.Right to Maternity Leave
Acts of gender discrimination could involve restrictions on paid or unpaid leave. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows mothers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical reasons, which includes childbirth and maternity leave.Protection from Termination and Retaliation
Employers cannot fire or layoff an employee because she is pregnant or took time off to give birth and look after her child. Our law firm will stand with you and hold companies that discriminate against pregnant women accountable.Gender Discrimination Undermines More than Just Work Life The Stress Can Affect the Health of You and Your Child, Too
"I would recommend him to anyone!" Our Law Firm Puts the Rights of Workers First
Mr. Atkerson made the process easy, and it went by fast. He responds to your emails and return your calls the same day. He kept me informed through the entire process, and was very professional yet friendly as well. I would refer him to everyone.
View on GoogleIt was a pleasure having Dan represent us. His attentiveness and swift action made our legal process much more enjoyable. I would recommend him to anyone!
View on GoogleWrongful Termination and Gender Discrimination
Being Fired Due to Your Sex
Texas is an at-will state, which means that an employee can technically be fired for any reason. However, it is unlawful to fire an employee based on their sex or other aspects of their identity. It is also illegal to retaliate against workers who take maternity or medical leave. Looking at the circumstances of your case, a workplace lawyer can determine if you were wrongfully fired because of your gender and build a solid case on your behalf.
Compensation and Recovery
In these kinds of employment law cases, our law firm will seek to recover financial losses associated with losing your job. This includes lost wages, lost employment benefits, and the emotional pain and suffering you experienced. If your employer defamed you in addition to firing you, the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson can also help restore your reputation so you can continue pursuing your career without further professional adversity.