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Employment Law

Employment Law

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "at-will" employment mean?
What type of fee agreement is available to Steele Schneider employment law clients?

A full-service firm that represents employees in all facets of employment law

Employees have rights, we are here to protect them. Steele Schneider’s attorneys are experienced in all areas of employment law. We have successfully handled litigation involving discrimination, wrongful termination, trade secret litigation, sexual harassment, disability discrimination, wage and hour (unpaid overtime), whistleblowing, and retaliation. 

We want to help you succeed. Steele Schneider provides creative, practical solutions – the kind that have worked for our clients time and time again. We know how to stand up for our clients in negotiations, in court, and in mediation. You can trust us to ask the tough questions and identify potential problems so that we may avoid them before they arise.

I reached out to Steele Schneider during the Covid19 Pandemic. I had been experiencing some unresolved issues with a former employer. My case was promptly reviewed by attorneys Nick Pahuta and Marcus Schneider. They got to work on my case immediately and Nick became my main point of contact. He was very thorough in his work and with answering all of my concerns and questions along the way. Steele Schneider enabled me to not have to relent to an adverse situation, allowed my voice to be heard, and my rights to be exercised under the law. If you ever find yourself going through a long dark tunnel in a legal challenge, look for Steele Schneider...they will guide you! They helped me find a positive ending to my challenging journey.
R.Y.Employee
I was seeking legal advice and Nick Pahuta reached out and allowed me to tell him of my case. It was an employment issue, and he never deviated from day one. All of my questions were answered honestly, timely, and in entirety. I tend to be an impatient person, and sometimes emotional, but he was always patient, understanding and very professional. Ultimately, he never gives up on what's right. I would highly recommend Nick Pahuta of Steele Schneider to represent anyone who needs help and is seeking an attorney who is knowledgeable, honest, and always willing to listen. I could not have asked for better representation as he has made a bad time for me, much more tolerable. Thumbs up to Nick and the entire Steele Schneider team of attorneys!
H.B.Employee
I came to this law firm not knowing what to expect. From the first meeting and every contact after, I was pleased. Nick treated me with respect and kept me in the loop every step of the way. All I wanted was for someone to provide some accountability for my given situation, and they did just that...and then some. I highly recommend Steele and Schneider to anyone! Thank you!!!
N.L.Employee
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How We Can Help

Steele Schneider will advocate for your employment rights as we guide you through your claim. We build your case by examining how your facts interact with:

    • The limits of at-will employment
    • Federal and State Anti-discrimination laws
    • Federal and State Anti-harassment laws
    • Any applicable employment contracts, agreements, and collective bargaining agreements
    • Your employer’s disciplinary policies
    • Your employer’s termination policies
    • Available evidence
    • And more

Representative Clients

Steele Schneider has represented a diverse group of clients in employment law matters. The following is a representative list of employees that have turned to Steele Schneider for help with their employment related legal needs:

    • $1 Million Dollar Settlement with an Institution of Higher Learning
    • Disability discrimination under the ADA, FMLA retaliation, disability discrimination under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act against a privately owned Healthcare Organization.
    • Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act Overtime Violation, FLSA retaliation, Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL) unpaid wages against a Private Country Club.
    • Breach of contract and violation of the Pennsylvania WPCL for unpaid sales commissions against an IT company. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "at-will" employment mean?

At-will means that an employer can terminate an employee at any time for any reason, or no reason at all – except an illegal one. In Pennsylvania, unless your employer gives some clear indication that it will only fire employees for good cause, the law presumes that you are employed at will. 

You still have rights as an at-will employee. You cannot be fired for illegal reasons under state and federal law. 

What type of fee agreement is available to Steele Schneider employment law clients?

Steele Schneider is proud to offer a variety of free structures to meet our clients needs. Many state and federal employment laws allow for “fee shifting” that requires your employer to pay reasonable attorneys’ fees if you prevail. Because of this, Steele Schneider can often offer representation at no cost to you. If fee shifting is not available for your claim, we will work with you to devise a fair hourly or contingent fee agreement structure. Your specific arrangement will be confirmed in a written fee agreement and engagement letter. 

Resources

Visit the EEOC to learn more about your right to:

    • Not be harassed or discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national orgin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history)
    • Receive equal pay for equal work.
    • Receive reasonable accommodations that are needed because of a medical condition or religious beliefs, if required by law.
    • Report discrimination, participate in a discrimination investigation or lawsuit, or oppose discrimination (for example, threaten to file a discrimination complaint), without being retaliated against (punished) for doing so. 

Employment Discrimination | Whistleblower Protection | Wage Disputes

Ready to Get Started?

Get In Touch

Ready to Get Started?

Get In Touch

Steele Schneider

Address

One Gateway Center
420 Fort Duquesne Blvd
Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

Phone 412.235.7682
Fax 412.235.7693

Announcement Regarding Changes to Steele Schneider

Effective January 1, 2025, Steele Schneider will transition to Education Legal Services, a firm exclusively dedicated to representing clients with education-related concerns from preschool through post-secondary education. This focus will include a strong emphasis on advocating for students with disabilities and addressing issues related to special education. Education Legal Services will be led by Jonathan Steele, Esq., who will continue serving all current Steele Schneider education clients with the same commitment to excellence.

Marc Schneider, Esq. will be joining the Pittsburgh office of Dentons Cohen & Grigsby, where he will bring his skills and expertise to a new chapter in his legal career. Marc is excited about the opportunities ahead and remains deeply committed to serving his clients with the utmost professionalism and care.

This transition was a mutual decision made by Marc and Jonathan, grounded in their shared focus on what is best for their families and the clients they serve. Both will always remember their time together at Steele Schneider with fondness and pride, grateful for the success and meaningful impact they achieved as partners.

Over the past decade, Steele Schneider has been privileged to represent many incredible clients, achieving meaningful outcomes and making a difference in the lives of families and students across our region. We sincerely thank you for trusting us with your legal needs.  

As a result of these changes, Steele Schneider/Education Legal Services will only accept new education law clients starting December 1, 2024. All current Steele Schneider clients, regardless of practice area, will continue to receive uninterrupted legal representation.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your attorney directly.

New Contact Information:
Steele Schneider/Education Legal Services
525 Beaver Street Extension, Suite 208
Mars, PA 16046  

(412) 235-7682 Phone 

Thank you for your continued trust and support during this transition.