Harassment and identity-based discrimination are unlawful under Missouri and federal law. Individuals whose employment or educational opportunities are affected by harassment, discrimination, or retaliation may have legal options.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex-based discrimination prohibited in workplaces and educational institutions. It may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
A pattern of unwelcome sexually charged comments or actions may give rise to a legal claim.
These matters often involve power imbalances and institutional failures to respond appropriately. Because reporting misconduct can carry professional or academic risk, how and when concerns are raised may significantly affect a person’s legal rights.
These situations may involve:
Occurs when employment, continued employment, academic participation, or academic standing is conditioned on sexual conduct. This may include threats of termination, discipline, or other adverse consequences unless sexual favors are provided.
Occurs when unwelcome sexual conduct becomes so severe or pervasive that it interferes with a person’s ability to work or participate in an educational program, or creates an intimidating or abusive environment. In some cases, declining performance or academic standing is later used to justify termination or discipline after harassment has occurred.
Donelan Law also handles select cases involving:
Retaliation may include termination, discipline, demotion, academic penalties, or other adverse actions after concerns are raised. These issues often overlap and must be evaluated carefully to protect a client’s rights.
Donelan Law combines a strong understanding of discrimination law with practical guidance on how and when to report misconduct. Representation is individualized, careful, and focused on clear decision-making.
Our clients receive:
Usually, yes.
There are strict deadlines — often as short as 180 days. Missing these deadlines can affect your rights.
There are many differences between criminal and civil cases:
1) Who decides to pursue charges.
In criminal cases, the State of Missouri or the federal government decides whether to pursue charges against a person when they have committed a crime.
In a civil action, the victim or their legal representative chooses to pursue legal action against the person or entity who caused them harm.
2) The kinds of justice and remuneration a case can achieve.
In a civil case, the victim usually seeks monetary compensation for damages.
In a criminal cases, the courts may award monetary restitution, but also can impose punishments such as fines, imprisonment, community service, court-ordered treatment, or other remedies.
3) The Standard of Proof required to achieve a result.
In civil cases, the standard of proof is generally lower than in criminal cases.
4) Impact on Related Cases
A criminal conviction can sometimes make the civil case more likely to be successful, but it is not necessary to file criminal charges. Even if a defendant is found not guilty in a criminal case, you still may be able to file a civil action against the abuser or a third party.
A victim can pursue a civil action whether or not a criminal case has also been filed.
It depends on several factors.
In most personal injury cases, Donelan Law works on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay a fee for the services unless we win and make a successful recovery. A personal injury case is a civil legal claim brought by an individual seeking compensation for wrongs committed by an individual or entities who caused them preventable harms and losses (i.e., suing an abuser or third party for money damages).
In other types of cases, Donelan Law can be hired for an hourly rate or a flat fee. For example, representation for obtaining an order of protection is often based on an hourly fee or a flat fee. After reviewing the facts of your case, we will let you know the initial retainer fee to open a case and candidly discuss potential costs from the beginning and throughout your case.
In many types of cases, Donelan Law only receives a fee after a monetary recovery has been made. However, in some legal battles with abusers, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Having an attorney as your advocate and legal representative can better protect your time, money, mental health and safety. Sarah has over 10 years of experience fighting for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and she understands the real dangers of some abusers and knows the complicated legal system.
Donelan Law understands that abusers can wreak havoc on all areas of your life, and you may need support with several issues. We are here to help you navigate whatever legal issues you are facing or make sure you find the right help. This might include defamation claims, criminal charges, and housing issues.
Please note: Donelan Law does not generally represent clients in family law cases (i.e., divorce and custody cases).
Depending on the case, damages may include:
Each case is fact-specific.
Discrimination occurs when an employer or school treats someone unfairly because of a protected characteristic.
In Missouri, protected characteristics include:
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination.
Race discrimination in schools may involve:
Schools have a legal obligation to prevent and address discrimination.
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes you for:
Retaliation is illegal, even if the underlying discrimination claim is disputed.
Depending on your situation, protection may come from:
Which law applies depends on the facts of your case.
Race discrimination may include:
Both direct and subtle forms of discrimination may violate the law.
Sexual harassment generally falls into two categories:
The conduct does not have to be physical to be unlawful.
Yes! Donelan Law takes the utmost precautions to ensure your information stays private and it is always the individual’s decision whether or not to move forward with legal action.