Equal Pay Attorney in Washington, DC

More Than 15 Years Representing Employees Across the Washington, DC Region

Unequal compensation isn’t limited to base salary. Disparities may affect overtime, bonuses, commissions, stock options, leave pay, insurance, benefits, raises, promotions, or access to higher-paying assignments. Legal concerns may arise when those differences are connected to sex, race, age, disability, pregnancy, national origin, or another protected characteristic.

We represent federal and private-sector employees in Washington, DC, employment disputes. Our attorneys examine the compensation decision, the employer’s explanation, and the available evidence so employees can understand which legal protections and procedures may apply.

Discuss a suspected pay disparity with our employment attorneys. Call (202) 759-6544 to request an initial consultation.

What Determines Whether a Pay Difference Is Discriminatory?

A job title alone doesn’t determine whether two employees perform substantially equal work. Under the Equal Pay Act, the analysis generally considers the skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions involved. The jobs must be substantially equal, but they don’t have to be identical.

Other compensation discrimination claims may examine whether employees are similarly situated. Relevant facts can include actual duties, experience, seniority, performance ratings, salary grades, supervisors, promotion histories, and the criteria used to set pay.

Common issues that can affect an equal pay analysis include:

• Different Duties: Whether the employer’s claimed distinctions match the work employees actually perform.
• Seniority or Merit: Whether a stated seniority or merit system is applied consistently.
• Performance: Whether evaluations and performance measures support the compensation decision.
• Production: Whether pay is based on a documented system measuring the quantity or quality of work.
• Other Pay Factors: Whether another factor not based on sex genuinely explains the difference.

Employment-Law Experience Focused on Employees

Pitre & Associates represents federal employees and private-sector workers in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Southern Maryland. We focus on federal employment law and private-sector Title VII discrimination claims.

Compensation disputes can involve overlapping laws and distinct filing routes. We provide personalized guidance so clients understand the potential legal theories, procedural requirements, and decisions involved in their cases.

Representation Through Hearings & Appeals

Our assessment may include compensation records, job descriptions, performance information, workplace policies, and potential comparator employees. A comparator is another employee whose position, circumstances, or treatment may help show whether a pay difference was discriminatory.

Federal employees and private-sector workers don’t follow a single administrative process. Depending on the employer and claim, a case may involve an agency equal employment opportunity process, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the DC Office of Human Rights, a hearing, an appeal, or litigation. We represent clients from the initial consultation through hearings and appeals when applicable.