Philadelphia Employment Lawyers

Strategic employment law representation for employees and employers throughout Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Free, confidential case reviews.

At The Gold Law Firm P.C., our Philadelphia employment lawyers represent both employees and employers in complex workplace disputes. Whether facing discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or seeking guidance in an employment matter, our attorneys provide practical, risk-focused legal counsel grounded in decades of employment law experience.

Why Philadelphia Employees and Employers Trust The Gold Law Firm P.C. 

For more than 40 years, The Gold Law Firm P.C. has represented employees and employers across Philadelphia from our Center City office at 1835 Market Street. Workers in Philadelphia are protected by three overlapping layers of law: federal statutes such as Title VII, the ADA and the ADEA; the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act; and the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, which is enforced by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and applies to smaller employers than state law does. Knowing which law applies, and where and when to file, can decide a case. Charges generally must be filed with the EEOC or the Philadelphia Commission within 300 days, and with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission within 180 days. Our attorneys, including Martindale-Hubbell “AV” Preeminent-rated principal Sidney L. Gold, handle cases in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and our record includes a $50 million nationwide class action settlement for discriminatory hiring practices. Because we represent both sides of the workplace, we understand how Philadelphia employers investigate and defend complaints, and we use that insight to protect your job and your rights.

Why Choose The Gold Law Firm P.C.?

For more than 40 years, The Gold Law Firm P.C. has represented employees and employers in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Representing both sides of the workplace lets us anticipate challenges in an employment dispute, evaluate risk, and build strategies informed by how claims are investigated, defended and litigated.

• Private and public sector clients: Our attorneys represent public-sector employees and employers, including individuals and entities involved in employment disputes with municipal governments, public school districts, and other government agencies.
• Trial and appellate experience: The Gold Law Firm P.C. has a strong record in employment discrimination and retaliation litigation. In LaFiandra v. Accenture LLP, No. 23-3050 (3d Cir. 2024), the Third Circuit reversed summary judgment, allowing disability retaliation and age discrimination claims to proceed. The firm has also secured employment jury verdicts, including a unanimous federal verdict in a sexual harassment case against the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

• Proven results: including a $50 million nationwide class action settlement, $38 Million: Trade secret and intellectual property lawsuit involving former employees and alleged misappropriation, and a $9.5 million retirement benefits class action. See all verdicts and settlements. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Our Attorneys Are Top-Rated and Experienced

• Sidney L. Gold, Esq., Principal Shareholder, is a Martindale-Hubbell “AV” Preeminent attorney with over 40 years of experience in complex discrimination, civil rights and business disputes. He advises public and private entities on compliance with Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA and the FMLA, and has been interviewed by newscasters for his industry experience (see his video interviews).
• Brian C. Farrell, Esq., Partner, is an experienced litigator whose work includes landmark litigation involving disability discrimination and workplace protections.
• Jamie L. Ford, Esq., Partner, represents employees and employers in whistleblower, retaliation and sexual harassment claims. 

Our Work Is Recognized 

The Gold Law Firm P.C. and our attorneys are consistently recognized as Best Law Firm in America, Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, America’s Top 100 Attorneys, and more.

The Gold Law Firm P.C. Is Local to Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York

Our employment lawyers represent employees and employers in Philadelphia and across the region from four offices. Our main office is at 1835 Market Street, Suite 515, in Center City Philadelphia, and each state has its own laws and agencies that shape a case.

• Philadelphia and Pennsylvania: We handle claims under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, as well as federal law. Our Philadelphia office is open for consultations, and we also meet by appointment at 101 Lindenwood Drive, Suite 225, in Malvern, PA.
• New Jersey: We represent New Jersey workers and employers under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA). Our South Jersey office is at 2500 McClellan Avenue, Suite 420, in Pennsauken, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia (by appointment).
• New York: We represent clients under the New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights Law from our office at 305 Broadway, 7th Floor, in Manhattan (by appointment).

 

Whether your workplace is in Philadelphia, South Jersey or New York, call 215-569-1999 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. See all of our areas we serve.

Our Employment Law Practice Areas

We represent workers throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey in a wide range of employment law matters, including but not limited to the following:

• Workplace Discrimination: Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, gender or sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy. If you believe your employer made decisions based on who you are rather than your work, we can help determine whether the conduct violates the law. 
  
  

• Employment law protections can apply to employees working remotely as well as those working in a traditional office. Remote workers may experience workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other unlawful employment practices while working from home. If you believe your rights have been violated, our attorneys can help you understand your options. Learn more about our representation of remote workers facing employment law issues.

• Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment: Sexual harassment includes unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or ongoing conduct that makes it difficult to do your job. A hostile work environment can exist even without physical contact if the behavior is severe or repeated. We help you protect your job, document what happened, and take legal action when internal complaints do not stop the misconduct.

• Wrongful Termination: Firing you for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or exercising your legal rights, is a violation. If your termination followed a complaint, medical leave, or other protected activity, your employer may have violated the law. We can help you evaluate your termination, seek lost wages, and other damages.

• Wage and Hour Violations: Violations occur when employees are not properly paid for all the time worked. If your employer failed to pay overtime, required off-the-clock work, or misclassified your position, you may be entitled to back pay and additional compensation. We help you recover unpaid wages and hold employers accountable for illegal pay practices.

• Retaliation: Reporting illegal or unethical behavior should not cost you your job. Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes you for reporting misconduct, discrimination, harassment, or wage violations. This can include termination, discipline, demotion, or other negative treatment after you speak up. We help protect your rights and pursue claims when your employer acts against you for doing the right thing.

• Contract and Severance Negotiation: Employment and severance agreements can affect your income, job mobility, and future opportunities. If you are asked to sign a contract or severance agreement, it is important to understand how the terms may limit your rights. We review, negotiate, and draft employment contracts and severance packages that are fair and enforceable.

What to Expect When You Hire The Gold Law Firm P.C.

When you hire The Gold Law Firm P.C., an experienced Philadelphia employment lawyer takes over the legal work of your case. That includes protecting your evidence, advising you on what to say and do at work, dealing with your employer and its lawyers, and pursuing every remedy available under federal, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia law. You won’t have to face your employer, its HR department or its defense counsel on your own.

We Document and Preserve Crucial Evidence

Employment cases are often won or lost on records that employers control or that can disappear quickly, such as emails, performance reviews, schedules, pay records and text messages. We help you build a detailed timeline of what happened and identify witnesses. We also tell you which records you can lawfully keep, because taking confidential company files can create new problems for you. When necessary, we send preservation demands so your employer cannot delete relevant evidence.

We Advise You on Reporting Violations and Responding to Your Employer

Many clients come to us while they are still employed. We advise you on whether and how to use your employer’s internal complaint process, what to put in writing, and how to respond to discipline, performance plans or investigations. This matters because how you report harassment or discrimination can affect your legal claims later. If you are offered a severance agreement, we review it before you sign. Workers age 40 and older generally have at least 21 days to consider a severance agreement that waives age claims and 7 days to revoke it after signing.

We Handle Communications With Your Employer and Its Legal Team

Once we represent you, your employer’s attorneys must communicate through us rather than with you directly about your claim. We manage demand letters, settlement discussions and requests for information. That lets you focus on your work, your job search or your family while we negotiate from a position of strength.

We File Your Claims and Represent You in Negotiations or Litigation

Deadlines in employment cases are short, so we file promptly with the correct agency. We determine which laws apply to your situation and file in the right agency. Coverage depends on employer size: Title VII covers employers with 15 or more employees, the PHRA covers those with 4 or more, and the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance reaches even the smallest employers. If your case doesn’t settle, we take it to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas or the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

We Pursue Full Compensation Through Settlement or Trial

Depending on your claim, available remedies may include back pay, front pay, reinstatement, compensatory damages for emotional distress, liquidated or punitive damages, and attorney’s fees and costs. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, because employers settle more fairly when they know your lawyer is ready to litigate.

Clear Communication 

You will know who is handling your case and how to reach them, and we will keep you informed at every stage. We offer free consultations to discuss your claim. We are happy to answer your questions and review your legal options.

What Happens When You Call Us?

When you contact The Gold Law Firm P.C., you can expect a straightforward, employee-focused process designed to protect your rights and position your case for the strongest possible outcome. You can expect the following:

• Free Initial Consultation: We begin with a confidential, no-obligation consultation to review what happened at your workplace and explain your legal options clearly and honestly.
  
  
• Investigation: We identify and gather key documents, communications, and other evidence, and help preserve information and witness details needed to support your claim.
  
  
• Negotiation or Legal Action: If your case can be resolved through a demand and negotiation, we pursue a settlement designed to recover what you are owed and avoid unnecessary delay. If your employer refuses to resolve the matter fairly, we prepare and file claims with the appropriate agency or court and move your case forward through litigation.
  
  
• Recovery: We work to pursue the compensation and remedies available under the law, including back pay, lost future earnings, emotional distress damages, and attorney’s fees.

What Makes The Gold Law Firm P.C. Different

The Gold Law Firm P.C. focuses exclusively on employment law and brings decades of experience representing employees in complex workplace disputes throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region. Our singular focus, combined with a deep understanding of local courts and enforcement agencies, allows us to deliver highly strategic, efficient, and forceful advocacy for individuals whose careers and livelihoods are at stake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Employment Laws

Can I be fired without a reason in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania follows the doctrine of at-will employment, which means an employer can generally terminate an employee at any time, with or without notice, and for almost any reason — or no stated reason at all. However, there are important exceptions. An employer cannot legally terminate someone for unlawful reasons, such as discrimination.

What qualifies as a hostile work environment?

A hostile work environment involves unwelcome conduct severe enough to interfere with your ability to do your job, including repeated offensive comments, slurs, or threats based on a protected characteristic.

How long do I have to file an employment lawsuit?

Discrimination charges must be filed within 180 or 300 days of the unlawful conduct, depending on where you file. Act quickly to preserve your rights.

What should I do if I’m being harassed at work?

Document communications, dates, incidents, witnesses, and report all to HR or management. Consult an employment lawyer to discuss your legal options. 

Can I sue for unpaid overtime?

Yes. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees who are not paid overtime for over 40 hours worked may be entitled to back pay and additional damages.

Contact Our Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Today

If you are experiencing workplace discrimination or another employment matter, our experienced Philadelphia employment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. are available to review your case and discuss your options. To learn more, call 215-569-1999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Sidney Gold and his team are THE BEST. If you have any employment law questions- call them! Everyone that I spoke with was knowledgeable, helpful and professional. During a very stressful time, they were a beacon of truth and guidance. Sidney Gold was awesome- he had immediate insight, advice and steps to take with my situation which was absolutely invaluable! Call them!
– S.O.

Mr. Gold has advised and represented me on several occasions over the last 10 years. He is always quick to respond and makes time to discuss issues on short notice. I’ve always found him to be courteous and knowledgeable, but also tough and assertive in his representation. I have recommended him to several colleagues and will continue to do so. He is an excellent attorney and I would not consider letting anyone else represent me in any employment matter. 
– M.K.

I strongly recommend Mr.Gold for his employment-related services. He was incredibly helpful in resolving my legal matters efficiently and making sure my needs were met. After speaking to him briefly about my case, he was able to immediately understand my concerns and provide appropriate guidance. He quickly put my mind at ease and resolved the matter within just a few days. I would definitely seek his advice for any employment-related matters in the future.
– A.R

Sid took valuable time to speak with me about my employment issue. Presented great advice & direction for me. A great listener. A top-notch professional legal firm. Marvelous lawyer to have in your corner.
– A.R.

Sidney Gold’s office recently represented a family member. Sidney was quick with initial response and his associate was just the same with follow up, advisement and representation. The staff was professional with clear communication during the process. Highly recommend!
– H.A.

STOP WHATEVER YOU’RE DOING AND HIRE THESE GUYS!

I recently had the pleasure of working with The Gold Law Firm, P.C., and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From start to finish, the entire experience was professional, supportive, and exceptionally well-handled.

Sid Gold personally assisted me with my case, and his expertise, clear communication, and attention to detail made a world of difference. He took the time to truly listen to my concerns, thoroughly explained my options, and provided honest strategic guidance every step of the way.

Thanks to Sid’s knowledge and dedication, the matter was resolved quickly and favorably.

If you are looking for a law firm that combines deep legal knowledge with genuine client care, I would strongly recommend reaching out to The Gold Law Firm, P.C
– David K