DISCRIMINATION
TERMINATION
RETALIATION
LITIGATION
RESOLUTION
PRACTICE
AREAS
Ramage Lykos provides clients with legal advice, counseling and representation in all aspects of employment law. Specific areas of concentration include:
Age Discrimination
Disability Discrimination
Gender Discrimination
Pregnancy Discrimination
LGBT Discrimination
Reverse Discrimination
Religious Discrimination
Race Discrimination
Retaliation
Harassment
Unemployment Benefits
Wage Disputes
Equal Pay Act
Whistleblower Claims
Non-Compete/Non-Disclosure
Severance Agreements
FMLA
Executive Employment Matters
WHERE EMPLOYMENT MEETS THE LAW
Employees often face situations with their employers that can create a sense of powerlessness and uncertainty. Whether it be negotiating an employee contract, handling conflicts that arise during the employment relationship or addressing issues involving an employee's separation, Ramage Lykos is here to help.
However difficult the situation, the lawyers of Ramage Lykos will address issues of discrimination, harrassment, termination and other employment challenges with a sympathetic ear and a strong voice.
Federal, state and local laws protect employees from discriminatory practices that can affect compensation, advancement, and terms and conditions of employment. When an employee is unfairly treated by his or her employer, it is important to consult a lawyer to understand what rights the law provides. Discrimination occurs when an employee is treated differently from his or her co-workers because he or she belongs to a legally protected group. Age, race, religion, disability and gender are common types of discrimination.
Employers cannot base hiring, termination or promotion decisions on any of these factors. Employees subject to illegal discrimination have the right to make a legal claim to seek lost wages or other types of relief.
FACING CHALLENGES FOR EMPLOYEES
A PHILOSOPHY OF TRUST
Ramage Lykos adheres to a set of principles that guides our relationship with our clients. We establish trust built through communication, accessibility and commitment to results.
Listening & Understanding
We are well aware that battles are won through action. But many are lost through lack of understanding. So before we act, we listen. Together with our clients, we define goals, strategies and possible outcomes for each unique circumstance. Through listening, we achieve understanding of our clients' positions and consider the legal, financial and personal implications of a course of action to gain the trust on which successful relationships are built.
Response Time & Accessibility
One of the frustrating aspects of legal matters can be the need for immediate response. So we make a promise to our clients. We’re available. We return calls promptly. Leading edge technology enables communication on an ongoing basis, avoiding delays and missed opportunities. We ensure that our clients are kept up to date and understand each step of the legal process.
Commitment to Results
In some cases, the best deterrent to conflict is a willingness to confront it. Ramage Lykos is committed to results. Our successful resolution of cases has provided a level of confidence that is not easily shaken. We take representation of our clients seriously and are not easily intimidated or dissuaded. In short, we’re aggressive when the need arises.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS
Employees may have legal claims against employers who engage in a variety of unlawful employment practices. Some of the most common include:
Age Discrimination
A worker 40+ years of age may face specific challenges at this stage in his or her professional life. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids treating an employee or job applicant less favorably because of his or her age.
Race / Religious / National Origin Discrimination
Similarly, race, religious and national origin discrimination refers to discrimination on the basis of a person's race, ethnic group, religion or the nation, country or tribe from which a person descends. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits this type of discrimination.
Disability Discrimination
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals who are disabled or perceived to be disabled.
Gender Discrimination
Discrimination based on gender is all too common in today’s workforce. It can take several forms – among them, unequal pay, pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides strong protections against sex discrimination in employment.
OUR ATTORNEYS
412.325.7701
Colleen Johnston | Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County | Pittsburgh, PA
COLLEEN RAMAGE
FOUNDING MEMBER
Colleen represents plaintiffs in litigation involving employment matters including age, gender, race, disability and retaliation discrimination as well as claims under the Family Medical Leave Act, the Equal Pay Act and related Constitutional claims. She is a regular speaker for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and has appeared as a guest lecturer on the topic of employment law at the Duquesne University's School of Law and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Colleen earned her B.A. from Dickinson College and her J.D. at the Duquesne University School of Law, where she was an editor for the magazine, Juris.
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She is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, a Fellow of the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County (President, 2023) and a Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America. Colleen is a Past Chair of the Labor and Employment Section of the Allegheny County Bar Association. She is a former Council Member of the ACBA Federal Court Section and served on the ACBA Federal Court Local Rules Committee for 2015. Colleen is also a member of the Third Federal Circuit, the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) and the Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association (WPELA). She is also a past president of the Duquesne University Law Alumni Association.
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Colleen has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® and has been named the 2023 Best Lawyer of the Year – Pittsburgh by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of employment law and employment litigation. She was recognized by The Legal Intelligencer and the Pennsylvania Law Weekly as 1 of 15 recipients of “The Women of Year” award in 2008. Ms. Ramage is a certified member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, is rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale Hubbell and is a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer. Colleen is a certified as a member of the Million Dollar and Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, The Top Trial Lawyers in America®. She has also been recognized by Law Dragon as Colleen is also rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale Hubbell. Colleen is also named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer.
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Colleen is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and all Pennsylvania state courts. She has received a multitude of substantial verdicts, including several multi-dollar verdicts, in a variety of employment discrimination and retaliation cases, including verdicts against the area’s largest healthcare system, a major airline and several public school districts.
412.325.7702
Nikki Lykos | Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County | Pittsburgh, PA
NIKKI VELISARIS LYKOS
FOUNDING MEMBER
Nikki's practice is concentrated in the area of employment law, representing and advising clients in various labor and employment matters. Nikki represents individuals in litigation involving age, gender, disability and retaliation discrimination as well as claims under the Family Medical Leave Act and Equal Pay Act. Nikki also advises individuals and closely-held and family-owned businesses on all aspects of the employment relationship, including employment agreements, non-competition agreements, wage and hour compliance, and drafting and implementing employment policies and handbooks. Nikki is a regular speaker for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and has appeared as a guest lecturer on the topic of employment law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
She is a mediator for the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Nikki holds a B.S. in Finance and a B.A. in Journalism from Penn State University. She earned her MBA from Duquesne University and her J.D. from Duquesne University's School of Law.
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She is a Fellow in the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County, was selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® and is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association where she serves as Chair of the Labor and Employment Section. Nikki is also a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) and the Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association (WPELA). Nikki is rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale Hubbell. She has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer Rising Star since 2012 and was certified as a member of the Million Dollar and Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum® in 2017.
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Nikki is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and all Pennsylvania state courts.
