Denise M. Blommel
Attorney at Law
FAQs
Attorney Fees
Why do you charge a consultation fee?
Because each situation is unique. The attorney takes the time to review the materials you send and the information you convey
during the consultation process. Employment and labor matters
are always fact intensive and often difficult.
What is the consultation fee?
$400.00 -- I accept credit cards, checks, money orders and cash.
Is the $400.00 for a consultation?
Yes, it is a flat fee for up to one hour of consultation.
What do I receive for this fee?
The attorney's undivided attention during the consultation and
the attorney's time in preparation for it. The attorney cannot give
you a formal legal opinion about your case unless you retain her services for the future.
Does a consultation mean I have retained a lawyer?
No. It only means that you have consulted with a lawyer. If the attorney and you decide to form an attorney-client relationship
after the consultation, it will be done in writing and you and she
will need to agree upon an attorney fee for future work.
Employment & Labor Law
PLEASE NOTE:
The following constitutes general information; not legal advice. The Attorney can give
you no opinions unless retained. She is not your attorney because you visited this
website. You remain responsible for all statutes of limitations until you retain counsel.
I just got fired. Can I sue my employer?
It depends.
Do you have a written contract of employment?
Did you sign an agreement to arbitrate all employment disputes?
Are you represented by a Union?
If so, please contact your Union about filing a grievance.
Were you fired because of your race, sex, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, or for filing a charge of discrimination based on any of these?
You can file a charge of discrimination with the Arizona Civil Rights Division (602-542-5263) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (602-640-5000).
Were you fired because you complained about wages, hours, and working conditions on behalf of yourself and
at least one other person or because of union activities?
You can file a charge of discrimination with the National Labor Relations Board (602-640-2160).
Were you paid everything due you?
You can file a wage claim with the State Labor Department of the Industrial Commission of Arizona if the amount is less than $5000.00 (602-542-4515).
Were you fired for making a safety complaint or calling OSHA to the job?
You may file a charge of discrimination with the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (602-545-5795).
Our consultation fee is $400.00. Please contact us for our next
available appointment by clicking on our Consultation Intake Form
on the home page.
Mediation
What is mediation?
Mediation is the intervention of a neutral into a dispute between two or more parties in order to facilitate the parties' communication with an understanding of one another and assist in the development of options for the future.
Why mediate?
Remember the Five P's:
Private
Resolve the conflict confidentially
Preserve proprietary information
Avoid public record of dispute
Professional
Mediators are trained and experienced
Mediators are impartial
Practical
Cost-effective
Preserve relationships/reputations
Less paperwork and hassle
Prompt
Scheduled at your convenience
No delays
Eliminates preliminary procedures
Problem Solving
Solution-focused
Participatory
Mutually beneficial
Payment of Wages
PLEASE NOTE:
The following constitutes general information; not legal advice. The Attorney can give
you no opinions unless retained. She is not your attorney because you visited this website.
You remain responsible for all statutes of limitations until you retain counsel.
I just got fired. When do I get my final check?
Under Arizona law, either within seven working days
or the next regular payday, whichever comes first.
I just quit. When do I get my final check?
Under Arizona law, by the next regular payday.
Do I get overtime pay if I work more than 40 hours
in a week?
It depends if you are covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA). Here are some issues:
-
Did you actually work more than 40 hours in a workweek? Paid or unpaid time off --even for holidays-- does not count.
-
Are you a professional, executive, administrative, or outside sales exempt employee? There are strict standards for these types of salaried positions.
-
Is your industry or position exempt from overtime?
Want to know more? Please click the Consultation Intake Form
on the home page.
My employer did not pay me overtime and I worked
more than 40 hours -- what can I do?
You have a choice. You can file a complaint with the U.S.
Department of Labor (www.dol.gov) or you can file a lawsuit
against your employer. There is a two-year statute of limitations
which is extended to three years if your employer willfully
violated the FLSA. You may have other choices as well. Please
click the Consultation Intake Form on the home page.
I did not get paid minimum wage -- what can I do?
You have a choice. You can file a complaint with the State Labor Department at the Industrial Commission (www.azica.gov) or
you can file a lawsuit against your employer. There is a two-year
statute of limitations which is extended to three years if your
employer willfully violated AZ law. You may have other choices
as well. Please click the Consultation Intake Form on the home page.
Services Provided
I help people.
I consult with employees about terminations, severance
agreements, difficult bosses, whether they are entitled to
overtime pay, employee contracts, disability insurance, accommodations, and other workplace matters.
If I take the case, I negotiate with the employer to fix the problem.
I consult with employers about terminations,
difficult employees, disability and leave issues, compliance
with Arizona and federal labor and employment laws and
regulations, employee and independent contractor contracts,
and other workplace matters.
If I take the case, I work with the employer to fix the problem.
I do not litigate cases in Arizona and federal courts.
However, I do take cases before the Arizona and federal
labor agencies like the Industrial Commission of Arizona and
the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor.
I mediate conflicts between employees and between employers and employees.
I train employees and employers to prevent workplace problems.
I help people.
