Fairlaw Colorado represents workers in public and private workplaces across Colorado. We have never represented an employer in these matters, and that is by design: the advice you get from us is advice for you.
Why Colorado workers have more options than they may think
The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) covers employers of any size, which is broader than the federal laws that only reach employers above a minimum headcount (generally 15 employees for race, sex, religion, national origin and disability claims, and 20 for age). CADA also covers state and local governments. Depending on your situation, you may have claims under CADA, federal law, or both.
Issues we handle
Discrimination and harassment
- Discrimination based on race, sex, age (40 and over), disability, national origin, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity
- Sexual harassment and hostile work environment (age and sex discrimination)
Disability and protected leave
- Failure to provide a reasonable accommodation (how accommodation claims work)
- Retaliation for taking protected medical or family leave, including under the FMLA and Colorado’s FAMLI program
Retaliation and wrongful dismissal
- Retaliation for opposing discrimination or requesting an accommodation
- Whistleblowing and retaliation for reporting employer misconduct (retaliation and whistleblower claims)
- Wrongful termination in violation of public policy
Wages, contracts and privacy
- Unpaid wages, commissions, bonuses and vacation pay
- Breach of contract and related employment claims
- Negligent misrepresentation or omission in hiring
- Violations of workplace privacy
Severance and non-compete review
- Review of severance and separation agreements before you sign
- Negotiating severance pay, benefits and release terms
- Review of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements and their enforceability under Colorado law (severance and wrongful termination)
The deadlines that matter most
A discrimination or retaliation claim generally starts with a charge filed with the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The deadline to file is generally 300 days from the discriminatory act. After the agency finishes or issues a right-to-sue notice, you generally have 90 days to file a lawsuit. Other claims, such as wage claims, have their own deadlines. If you are unsure which one applies to you, ask early.
What to do if you think your rights were violated
- Write a timeline of what happened, who was involved, and any witnesses, while it is fresh.
- Keep what you lawfully have: your offer letter, performance reviews, emails sent to you, and your own notes. Do not delete anything, and do not take company files you are not authorized to have without talking to a lawyer first.
- Do not sign a severance agreement until a lawyer has reviewed it. Some releases waive claims you may not realize you have.
- Report problems in writing when you can, so there is a record.
- Get advice before you resign. In some cases quitting can weaken a claim.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be fired for any reason in Colorado?
Colorado is an at-will state, but the law prohibits termination for discrimination, retaliation, and reasons that violate public policy, among others.
Do I need a lawyer to file a charge with the CCRD?
No. But the charge defines the claims you can later bring, so many people get advice first.
What can I recover?
It depends on the claim. Depending on the case, remedies can include back pay, compensation for emotional harm, punitive damages, and attorney fees. Damages under Colorado law are in some cases capped based on the size of the employer.
How much does it cost to talk with you?
Our intake process and fee arrangements are explained when you contact us. Michael Fairhurst typically represents people on a contingent fee basis.
Talk to an employment lawyer
Request a consultation or call (720) 316-8061.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any other matter.