Belleville Sex Discrimination Lawyers
Demanding Justice for Employees in Illinois
Sex discrimination is not a “misunderstanding,” a “difference in personalities,” or something an employee should feel pressured to “tough out.” Illinois and federal law are crystal clear: employers cannot make decisions based on an employee’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. When employers in Belleville ignore these laws, workers deserve a legal representative who will take their concerns seriously, challenge unlawful conduct directly, and fight to protect their rights. That’s the kind of legal service you can find at Sedey Harper Westhoff.
Reasons why workers in Belleville turn to our firm for sex discrimination cases include the following and more:
- We approach sex discrimination allegations with respect and an openness to understand that everyone deserves when dealing with such a difficult issue at work.
- We have a thorough understanding of both federal protections (including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act) and Illinois laws, such as the Illinois Human Rights Act.
- We treat each case with urgency, thoroughness, and a willingness to confront employers and their counsel when they attempt to downplay or deny discriminatory conduct.
Together, these strengths help give employees the confidence to speak up, assert their rights, and pursue justice even when an employer hopes the issue will quietly fade away.
If you believe you’ve been treated differently at work because of your sex or gender, call our Belleville sex discrimination lawyers at (314) 819-0963 and schedule a consultation.
What Is Sex Discrimination?
Sex discrimination occurs when an employer makes decisions or engages in conduct based on an employee’s sex, gender identity, pregnancy status, perceived gender, or sexual orientation. In Belleville, these protections apply across hiring, firing, pay, promotions, job assignments, discipline, evaluations, and workplace conditions. Importantly, sex discrimination also includes harassment and hostility, even if the employer never takes an overt or direct job-related action against the worker.
Sex discrimination in workplaces often looks like:
- Denying promotions or better assignments because the worker is a woman, LGBTQ+, or not conforming to gender stereotypes.
- Paying male employees more than female or nonbinary employees for the same work or comparable work.
- Pressuring pregnant employees to take leave they do not need or limiting their duties unnecessarily.
- Misgendering employees or refusing to respect their gender identity.
- Allowing sexual harassment or gender-based hostility to go unaddressed.
- Applying discipline more harshly to one sex than another.
Whether the discrimination is subtle or blatant, repeated or isolated, it can be illegal, and legal action may be justified.
What You Can Do After Experiencing Sex Discrimination
- We advise you about whether you have a case and how strong it is.
- We help you negotiate for severance or a better severance package.
- We file charges for you with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- We prosecute your case in state and federal court for a just result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.
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