Employment Lawyers in Lakewood

Colorado disabled employees are protected by the federal ADA (15+ employees) + state law — employers must engage in interactive process + provide reasonable accommodations unless undue hardship.

Colorado workers age 40+ are protected by the federal ADEA + state law from age discrimination — but the Supreme Court's Gross v. FBL standard requires "but-for" causation, making cases harder than other discrimination claims.

Colorado follows the at-will employment rule — either side can end employment for any reason or no reason. Colorado recognizes the public policy, implied contract exceptions.

Colorado employee handbooks can create implied contracts limiting at-will employment — but proper disclaimers preserve at-will status. NLRA also restricts certain handbook policies for employees.

Colorado equal-pay law combines federal Equal Pay Act + Title VII with state-level pay-equity statutes — many of which are stronger than federal law (CA, NY, MA, WA, others).

Federal FMLA gives eligible employees 12 weeks of UNPAID leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. Colorado's state-level paid leave: Paid Family and Medical Leave (FAMLI) — up to 12 weeks (16 for pregnancy complications) at 90% wages, effective 2024.

Colorado hostile work environment claims require severe + pervasive conduct based on protected status — but post-2024 EEOC guidance has lowered some threshold standards.

Colorado worker classification: ABC test for unemployment + state classification rules. Misclassification as independent contractor (1099) instead of employee (W-2) creates substantial liability for employers + lost rights for workers.

Colorado LGBTQ+ employment discrimination is illegal under federal Title VII (per Bostock v. Clayton County 2020) + many state laws — sexual orientation + gender identity protected as "sex" discrimination.

Colorado minimum wage: $14.

Colorado narrowly restricts non-competes — eligible only above income thresholds and in specific circumstances.

Colorado non-solicitation agreements: Enforceable but scope-limited; HB 22-1317 imposes income thresholds.