All Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Little Rock

Little Rock Wrongful Termination and Employment Attorneys

Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, serves as the hub for government, healthcare, and banking in the state. While the local economy is robust, the legal relationship between employers and employees is heavily weighted in favor of the employer. Arkansas is a staunch ”at-will” employment state. This means that an employer can terminate an employee for a good reason, a bad reason, or no reason at all, provided it is not an illegal reason. Identifying that ”illegal” reason is the key to a wrongful termination claim. On this page, you can find wrongful termination lawyers in Little Rock who are experts in identifying exceptions to the at-will doctrine and holding employers accountable for violations of public policy and civil rights 🏛.

The Public Policy Exception in Arkansas

Since the landmark case of Sterling Drug, Inc. v. Oxford, Arkansas courts have recognized a limited exception to the at-will rule: the Public Policy Exception. You cannot be fired for reasons that contravene the well-established public policy of the state. Common examples handled by Little Rock employment lawyers include:

• Refusing to Violate the Law: Being fired for refusing to cook the books, falsify records, or perform an illegal act at the employer’s request.
• Exercising a Statutory Right: Being fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim after an injury.
• Performing a Statutory Duty: Being terminated for missing work to serve on a jury or honor a subpoena.

Arkansas Civil Rights Act (ACRA)

While federal laws like Title VII protect workers, the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993 provides state-level protection against discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, gender, or sensory, mental, or physical disability. Importantly, ACRA applies to employers with nine or more employees (whereas some federal laws require 15). This lower threshold captures more small businesses in Pulaski County. Attorneys in Little Rock use ACRA to seek remedies including back pay, compensatory damages for mental anguish, and sometimes punitive damages.

Medical Marijuana Protections

With the passage of Amendment 98, Arkansas introduced protections for medical marijuana cardholders. Employers cannot discriminate against an applicant or employee solely based on their status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver. However, this does not allow for possession or use at the workplace, nor does it protect employees in ”safety-sensitive” positions. This is a developing area of law, and a qualified attorney is essential to determine if a termination based on a failed drug test was lawful or discriminatory.

Whistleblower Protections

For public employees in Little Rock (city, county, or state workers), the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act offers robust protection. It prohibits retaliation against a public employee who reports a violation of law, waste of public funds, or abuse of authority to an appropriate authority. Private sector whistleblower protections are narrower and typically fall under the public policy exception. Lawyers help clients document their reports properly to ensure they trigger these legal protections.

Employment Contracts and Handbooks

While rare, some employees in Little Rock have written employment contracts that stipulate they can only be fired for ”cause.” Executives, physicians at UAMS or local hospitals, and certain skilled professionals often have these protections. Additionally, while employee handbooks generally contain disclaimers preserving at-will status, inconsistent language can sometimes create an implied contract. Attorneys review these documents meticulously to see if the employer breached their own written promises.

Why Use catalog.lawyer?

Employment litigation in Arkansas is challenging due to the strong presumption of at-will employment. You need a lawyer who is not afraid to challenge large corporations or government entities. Our directory connects you with Little Rock employment law firms that specialize in plaintiff-side representation. These professionals can explain the short statutes of limitations (often 1 year for ACRA claims, or 180 days for EEOC filings) and ensure your rights aren’t lost due to delay. 🔍

Wrongful termination is more than just losing a paycheck; it is a disruption of your life and reputation. The law provides a path to clear your name and recover what you lost.

Whether you were fired after taking FMLA leave, let go due to pregnancy, or retaliated against for reporting safety hazards, you have options. Browse the list of wrongful discharge attorneys in Little Rock to start building your case today. 📝