The Spiggle Law Firm Podcast Episode 35:
What is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and what role
does it play in workplace discrimination cases? Attorney Mike Ludwig, from The
Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom Spiggle to discuss discrimination under Title VII and
the EEOC.
Mike explains the role of the EEOC, a federal administrative body that
specializes in addressing cases related to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Whether it’s discrimination based on race, sex, disability, age, or retaliation, the
EEOC serves as a resource for employees seeking to address unjust treatment
in the workplace. He outlines the EEOC filing process, emphasizing how it is a
precursor to potential litigation under Title VII and highlighting the necessary
steps for filing a federal lawsuit.
While the EEOC process may create leverage and facilitate settlements,
obtaining a favorable decision directly from the EEOC is rare. Instead, the typical
result is the issuance of a "notice of right to sue," which allows the employee to
proceed with filing a lawsuit in federal court under Title VII.
Does it make sense to hire a lawyer to handle your EEOC complaint?
Engaging legal counsel can streamline the EEOC process and expedite the case
timeline. Attorneys can skip the line, enabling expedited access to the EEOC's
resources and facilitating efficient engagement with opposing counsel. Hiring
legal representation increases the employee's leverage and strengthens their
position during the EEOC proceedings. It can also streamline the EEOC process
and speed up the timeline. Employees filing without legal counsel may encounter
lengthy delays in the EEOC process, requiring patience for resolution.
