Employment Attorney in Philadelphia

Working to earn a living is difficult, whether in an office, on an assembly line, or in another setting where you work for your paycheck. You have rights under the law—often more than you realize. However, those rights protect you only if you have an employment attorney Philadelphia workers trust to defend your interests when those rights are threatened. Providing employees with the representation they need and deserve is the reason Goodley McCarthy LLC was formed. 

Philadelphia’s workforce spans healthcare, education, construction, corporate, and public sectors, creating a dynamic environment where labor issues like collective bargaining, union representation, and unfair labor practices are central to our work. While our practice primarily focuses on labor law matters, we also address select employment law concerns—such as wage theft, retaliation, and discrimination—when they intersect with broader labor disputes. Familiarity with local laws, including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and Philadelphia’s Fair Practices Ordinance, and the regulatory oversight of city and state agencies allows us to provide representation tailored to the unique legal landscape of Philadelphia’s workforce.

The rights of workers begin with the basics of being compensated for their time. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) offers protections covering minimum wage, overtime pay, and the proper classification of independent contractors. The Davis-Bacon Act sets standards for prevailing wages on federal projects, applying to both union and non-union workers. When employees report violations, whistleblower statutes protect them from retaliation. 

Understanding your rights as an employee matters. Yet, deciphering the language and rules within these laws can be challenging. Goodley McCarthy LLC uses a comprehensive approach to employment law counsel. Our team focuses on clarifying complex statutes so every employee can understand their entitlements and protections under the law. We empower clients with knowledge so they can address any employment issue with the confidence that their rights are protected. 

You have the right to fair pay and fair treatment. When those rights are violated, employees may feel isolated and powerless. That’s why we are here as employment lawyers in Philadelphia. Our goal is to level the playing field, give you a voice, and work toward the protections you are entitled to under the law. 

In addition to legal representation, our commitment extends to supporting a fair and just work environment across the region. At Goodley McCarthy LLC, we believe that informed employees are empowered. This drives our ongoing efforts to educate clients and ensure they have resources to maintain workplace integrity and harmony. If you face discrimination, wage theft, or other unfair treatment, we will provide the guidance and advocacy you need. 

Our client relationship typically begins with a careful assessment of the situation, reviewing employment history, relevant communications, and documents. We walk clients through their options, outline possible outcomes, and give practical guidance at every step. Whether negotiating with employers or advising on formal complaints, we use Philadelphia’s bench rulings, statutes, and local administrative guidance to shape an approach for each client. Our engagement with community organizations extends our advocacy, building networks that support local workers even after their employment concerns are resolved.

Services We Provide as Employment Attorneys

At Goodley McCarthy LLC, we primarily represent workers and unions in a wide range of labor law matters in Philadelphia, including collective bargaining, unfair labor practices, union representation issues, and enforcement of labor contracts. We also handle certain employment law issues that intersect with labor concerns, such as wage and hour violations, retaliation, whistleblower protections, and workplace discrimination. Serving clients across government, nonprofit, and private sectors, we tailor our guidance to the specific rules and regulations affecting each industry, including education, healthcare, and public safety. By closely monitoring local reforms, court decisions, and agency actions, we ensure our strategies reflect the most current legal landscape. Our goal is to equip Philadelphia workers and unions with practical tools and advocacy to protect their rights, advance workplace fairness, and secure equitable outcomes. Connect with a professional employment attorney as soon as possible.

Our Approach to Your Rights as Employment Lawyers 

We are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of employees in the workplace. Our firm’s sole focus is the employee. We are well-versed in prevailing wage, WARN Act violations, and wage & hour disputes. We understand the complexities and challenges employees face in these areas and are committed to providing strong legal representation to ensure fair treatment and just compensation in the workplace. 

In every case, we review employment records closely to identify details that affect your rights. Our team tracks important deadlines unique to employment law, including statutes of limitations for wage claims and reporting requirements for retaliation claims. We keep communication open so you stay informed as your case progresses. Because we serve employees exclusively, our advice always puts your priorities first. With Philadelphia’s evolving workplace and labor market, we tailor our guidance for local industries, from tech and healthcare to traditional trades.

Our Approach:

• Compassionate Advocacy in Employment Law: Our team understands the stress and uncertainty that often come with workplace disputes. We provide support to clients, listen to their concerns, and offer personalized legal guidance.
• Formidable Legal Representation: With our deep knowledge of labor laws, we provide strong legal representation. Our attorneys are committed to protecting employees' rights. We apply strategic approaches to work toward favorable outcomes for our clients.
• Education & Empowerment for Employees: We believe in empowering employees by informing them about their rights in the workplace. Through our resources, we equip workers to assert their rights with confidence.
• Client-Centered Solutions for Employment Disputes: Every dispute is unique. We adapt our strategies to the needs of each client. We prioritize clear communication and transparency, keeping our clients updated at every stage.
• Community Engagement & Education: We also support our broader community to increase awareness about workers’ rights. Our seminars and publications share emerging legal trends and practical information. Training and outreach foster a well-informed workforce capable of advocating for better working conditions. 

Philadelphia Labor & Employment Regulations: What You Need to Know

Philadelphia’s labor landscape includes unique regulations that often go beyond state law, and workers benefit from guidance rooted in local expertise. The Philadelphia Fair Workweek law, for example, ensures predictable schedules for employees in retail, hospitality, and food service, requiring employers to provide advance notice and compensation for last-minute changes. Similarly, employees on city contracts or public projects are entitled to prevailing wage protections and additional anti-discrimination safeguards.

As labor law attorneys in Philadelphia, we focus on union representation, collective bargaining, and labor disputes while also addressing select employment law issues when they intersect with worker rights, such as wage theft or retaliation. Our team closely monitors local developments, including ordinances affecting independent contractors and evolving enforcement by agencies like the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, helping clients navigate whether to pursue local remedies or escalate to state or federal channels. Many workers only learn their rights after conflicts arise; we provide clear, practical guidance to empower employees to take timely, informed action and protect their labor and employment rights.

Call Goodley McCarthy LLC today at (215) 273-3491 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with our employment lawyer in Philadelphia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law

What Are My Rights Under the Philadelphia Fair Workweek Law?