Labor and Employment Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

Last updated on December 23, 2025

State and federal labor and employment laws are designed to protect workers’ rights. When your rights are infringed upon, our experienced labor and employment attorneys can help.

At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, in Columbus, we represent people. We only represent employees, not big companies or corporations. With decades of combined legal experience, our lawyers are ready to do what it takes to protect you.

Protecting You From Labor and Employment Law Violations

We are experienced in all areas of labor and employment law, and will zealously represent you if you are the victim of a violation. Our Columbus, Ohio, labor and employment practice areas include:

• Workplace discrimination: If you have experienced any type of discrimination or sexual harassment at work, we can protect your rights and hold wrongdoers accountable.
• Wrongful termination: If you are the victim of adverse retaliation or wrongfully terminated from your position, we can help you seek justice and compensation.
• Wage and hour issues: If you are concerned about unfair labor practices like violations of wage laws such as denied overtime pay, we can assess your potential claims.
• Contract reviews: When your employer asks you to sign a noncompete agreement or you are dealing with a reduction in force and need help negotiating a severance package, our lawyers can protect your rights.

Anyone can find themselves in disagreements with their employer or hostile environments at work. When violations of labor and employment laws occur, you have the right to take action. We work hard to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests.

Steps an Employee Should Take if They Have a Labor or Employment Issue

Whether you are dealing with harassment, discrimination at work or an unpaid wage issue, taking calm and specific steps can strengthen your legal claim. Some important steps include:

• Document everything: Keep a detailed, written record of every incident. Note the date, time, location, names of all people involved and exactly what was said or done.
• Keep communication records: Save copies of all relevant emails, text messages, performance reviews, written warnings and your employee handbook. Do not use company equipment to store this information. Rather, keep it in a secure, private location.
• Follow internal procedures: If your company has a formal complaint procedure in its employee handbook for discrimination or harassment, follow it. Document your internal complaint in writing, even if you report it verbally first.
• Do not quit: Resigning may negatively impact your ability to pursue a claim. Consult with us before making any final decisions about leaving your job.

Most importantly, reach out to us early in the process. Our experienced labor and employment attorneys can assess your situation. We can help you understand your legal rights under state and federal laws. In addition, we can help you strategize your next steps to avoid making missteps that could harm your case.

Answering Your Questions About Labor and Employment Claims in Ohio

We know that problems at work are overwhelming. As dedicated labor and employment attorneys, we are here to answer your questions. Below are answers to questions we are commonly asked. If you have questions about your specific situation, our experienced labor lawyers are available for appointments.

How can an employment lawyer help you with your workplace situation?

An employment attorney can evaluate your case, explain your legal rights and guide you through the complex process of addressing workplace violations. We handle everything from negotiating with your employer to filing claims with government agencies and pursuing litigation when necessary to ensure you receive fair treatment and compensation.

Will your employer retaliate against you for hiring a lawyer?

Retaliation against employees who seek legal counsel or file complaints is illegal under federal and state employment laws. If your employer does retaliate, we can help you file additional claims and seek protection from further adverse actions while pursuing appropriate remedies for the retaliation itself.

What information should you gather before meeting with your attorneys?

Bring any relevant documents such as employment contracts, emails, performance reviews and written complaints. Also, bring detailed notes about incidents. These notes should include dates, witnesses and details of the incident. The more information you can provide, the better we can evaluate your case and develop an effective strategy for moving forward.

How do you communicate with clients throughout the case process?

We prioritize clear, responsive communication. It will be a priority to keep you informed about all developments in your case through regular updates via phone, email or in-person meetings. You’ll always know what’s happening with your case and what to expect next. Our goal is to make sure you feel supported and empowered throughout the legal process.

Why should you work with our firm?

At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, we only represent employees, never employers. Therefore, we understand your perspective and are completely committed to fighting for your rights. Our experienced attorneys combine legal knowledge with genuine empathy, providing not just skilled representation but also the emotional support you need during this challenging time.

Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC: Providing Competent, Reliable Legal Representation

It is normal to hesitate to contact a lawyer for your labor or employment issue. We understand your fears about retaliation, your job security and your future livelihood. Our partners, John S. Marshall and Edward R. Forman, have been included in the Super Lawyers. Attorneys Samuel M. Schlein and Madeline J. Rettig have been included in the Rising Stars. All of our attorneys at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC have dedicated their legal careers to protecting the rights of employees. We are committed to our clients. We will:

• Provide reliable legal representation that puts your needs first
• Represent you throughout all stages of the process
• Help you understand the relevant laws
• Communicate with your employer
• File a claim with the appropriate governing body, like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• Pursue a civil claim against your employer if necessary

We are passionate about the belief that employers should not only operate within state and federal laws but should also keep their promises to their employees. With more than a century of combined experience, our lawyers are trusted in our Columbus community and will valiantly defend your rights.

Speak With a Columbus Employment Lawyer

If you believe that your rights have been violated, do not wait to take action. Whether you have been denied employment due to a disability, forced to work overtime without pay, denied a position you were promised by contract or subjected to any other violation, we are here for you.

To schedule an appointment, call us at 614-762-9727. You can also reach out to our passionate labor and employment lawyers by sending us a message.