Workplace Discrimination

If you’re being treated differently at work because of who you are — your race, your gender, your age, your religion, your disability, or something else you shouldn’t have to hide — we can help.

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What counts as workplace discrimination?

Workplace discrimination is when an employer treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic — like race, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, pregnancy, or sexual orientation. It can happen in hiring, pay, promotions, assignments, discipline, or firing. Both federal and state law protect employees from discrimination in the workplace.

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Federal and state protections

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Discrimination at work is prohibited under both federal and state law.

Federal

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and other federal statutes cover discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, and genetic information.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) covers additional protected characteristics beyond federal law, including marital status, sexual orientation, and public assistance status.

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Illinois

The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) covers additional protected characteristics including sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, arrest record, and military status.

Learn more

Which law applies depends on your situation. Not sure? That’s what we figure out with you.

How discrimination shows up at work

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So I got discriminated because I’m...

If any of this sounds familiar, we should talk.

When discrimination is illegal

  • Hiring decisions

    When you’re not hired because of a protected characteristic, not your qualifications

  • Pay and compensation

    When you’re paid less than others doing the same work because of who you are

  • Promotions and assignments

    When you’re passed over or given worse assignments for a discriminatory reason

  • Performance reviews

    When your reviews are unfairly harsh because of a protected characteristic

  • Discipline

    When you’re written up or punished more harshly than others for the same thing

  • Training & mentorship opportunities

    When you’re denied the chances to grow that others are given

  • Terms & conditions of employment

    When your schedule, benefits, or working conditions are worse for a discriminatory reason

  • Firing or layoff

    When you’re let go because of who you are, not your work

What a discrimination case can recover, if your case is successful:

  • Back pay for wages you lost
  • Front pay for future wages
  • Reinstatement to your job (if that’s what you want)
  • Compensation for emotional distress
  • Punitive damages against the employer (in serious cases)
  • Attorney’s fees and costs

Every case is different. What you can recover depends on the facts, the law, and the employer’s conduct.

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*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

How we handle discrimination cases

Every case starts with a free call. We listen first. If you have a case, we tell you what it looks like — what’s likely to happen, how long it might take, what’s realistic. If you don’t have a case, we tell you that too and try to point you toward someone who can help.

On contingency, you pay nothing unless we win.

Attorneys who handle these cases

Meet the full team
Shawn Wanta, Founding Partner at Wanta Thome

Shawn Wanta

Founding Partner

Recognized among the nation’s Top 100 Civil Plaintiff and Top 10 Wage and Hour attorneys, a determined litigator fighting for workers in class and collective actions.

Admitted in MN · IL

Joni Thome, Founding Partner at Wanta Thome

Joni Thome

Founding Partner

Drawing on 25 years of representing professionals and managers, a steady advocate for employees facing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace.

Admitted in MN

Suzanne Heywood, Attorney at Wanta Thome

Suzanne Heywood

Attorney

Driven by her own encounters with corporate unfairness, a tenacious champion focused on protecting the rights, livelihoods, and futures of hardworking professionals.

Admitted in IN · IL · MI

Luke Molvarec, Attorney at Wanta Thome

Luke Molvarec

Attorney

Forged by his background as a Marine, an unwavering defender fighting to level the playing field and secure meaningful financial recovery for unfairly treated workers.

Admitted in IL

Common questions about discrimination

  • How do I know if what happened to me was actually discrimination?

    Discrimination is when you’re treated worse because of a protected characteristic — your race, sex, age, religion, disability, and others. If you were qualified and still passed over, disciplined, or fired, and someone outside your group wasn’t, that’s worth looking into. We can help you figure out whether the law was broken.

  • How long do I have to file a discrimination claim?

    It depends on the law and the agency. Some deadlines are as short as 180 days from when the discrimination happened. Others are longer. Because the clock starts early and missing it can end your case, it’s worth talking to someone as soon as you can.

  • Do I have to file with the EEOC before I can sue?

    For most federal discrimination claims, yes — you generally have to file with the EEOC or your state agency first. State law claims sometimes work differently. We handle this step for you and make sure it’s done right and on time.

  • What evidence do I need to prove discrimination?

    Emails, texts, performance reviews, pay records, and notes about what was said and when all help. But you don’t need a perfect case to call us — a lot of discrimination is proven through patterns and circumstances, not a single smoking gun. Bring what you have.

  • Can I be fired for reporting discrimination?

    No — retaliation for reporting discrimination is illegal. If your employer punishes you for complaining, that’s a separate violation on top of the original discrimination, and it can strengthen your case.
See all discrimination FAQs

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Common questions

How much is my discrimination case worth?

It depends on what you lost and how the employer behaved. Damages can include back pay, future pay, compensation for emotional distress, and in serious cases, punitive damages — plus your attorney’s fees. Every case is different, and we’ll give you an honest read on yours once we understand the facts.

What’s the difference between discrimination and harassment?

Discrimination is being treated worse in job decisions — pay, promotions, firing — because of who you are. Harassment is unwelcome conduct, like slurs or offensive behavior, that creates a hostile environment. They often happen together, and one situation can involve both.

Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination claim?

You can file with the EEOC on your own, but discrimination cases get complicated fast — deadlines, evidence, agency procedures, and employer defenses. A lawyer helps you avoid mistakes that can weaken or end your claim, and it costs you nothing upfront on contingency.

What if I signed something when I was hired or let go?

Signing an employment agreement, arbitration clause, or severance deal doesn’t always mean you’ve given up your rights. Some of these agreements aren’t enforceable, and some don’t cover discrimination claims at all. Don’t assume you’re out of options — let us look at what you signed.

Can I be discriminated against if I was never fired?

Yes. Discrimination isn’t only about losing your job. It can happen in pay, promotions, assignments, discipline, training, and everyday working conditions. If you’re being treated worse than others because of who you are, you may have a case even if you’re still employed.