Ed Sweeney
Franny Ryan
The employment relationship is crucial to everyone. Work is where we spend much of our waking hours. Our interaction with managers and co-workers or a hostile work environment can affect us on the most personal level.
We understand this at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, and we aim to hold employers accountable while protecting the rights of all Pennsylvania employees.
Edward C. Sweeney has been the primary employment lawyer of WSR’s predecessor firm for 15 years. He has litigated and/or settled hundreds of employment suits. Franny Ryan is a seasoned attorney in employment litigation, including class actions, discrimination matters, non-compete and trade secret litigation, and other contract and commercial disputes. Both attorneys are graduates of the University of Chicago Law School with decades of experience on both the employer and employee side of Pennsylvania Employment Law.
We provide legal representation to individuals and small businesses in a wide variety of employment-related matters. We litigate cases in federal and state courts involving employment discrimination, violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), ERISA, and short- and long-term disability, wrongful termination cases, and more.
We represent school administrators, managers, and employees. Pennsylvania’s School Code of 1949 gives special protections by statute to professionals and employees who work in schools. Our experience is that individuals who work at schools need sound legal counsel when they feel that their civil rights are violated or they start to be treated unfairly. We have experience litigating the employee rights of those who work in Pennsylvania schools.
We also represent police officers and other government workers. Police officers and other government workers may have special rights afforded to them by law. They also may have specific rights granted to them by a union contract. We have represented thousands of workers in the past when faced with the prospect of an unfair termination.
We also provide legal representation for union members. We can advise you whether the union is fulfilling its duty of fair representation under your collective bargaining agreement.
We also provide employment law counseling to clients on an hourly basis for those who have ongoing issues in the workplace. We find that prompt advice from us can salvage the employment relationship. Our advice also puts you in the best position to protect your rights in case you are fired. Call us. We can advise you whether you have a claim and provide advice regarding your rights.
Here are just some of the practice areas in which our attorneys can assist:
Workplace discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favorably than another in a comparable situation because of their age, sex, racial or national origin, religion or belief, disability, or pregnancy. Employers are not allowed to take adverse action because of an employment discrimination claim. Adverse employment actions include separation, demotion, failure to promote, or inequality in granting benefits or assignments.
Being fired “for cause” is legal only when the reason is genuine and non-discriminatory. When an employer dismisses you in retaliation for reporting misconduct, exercising FMLA rights, requesting a disability accommodation, or for any other protected activity, that discharge is “wrongful” under Pennsylvania and federal law. Our team investigates the paper trail, including emails, write-ups, and sudden policy changes, to prove the real motive and secure reinstatement, back pay, and damages after being wrongfully terminated.
An employee of a government agency or a company that receives funds from the government who reports fraud or abuse of government money may be entitled to a substantial monetary award. These cases have a short limitation period of 180 days to file.
You have a claim if your employer fails to pay a legitimate request for regular or overtime wages or fails to pay you the minimum wage. Pennsylvania Employment Law protects employees under the Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
It is against the law for an employer to retaliate against an employee for activity that the law protects. The law protects you from adverse employment action if you file a claim against your employer for an unlawful practice or you participate in or assist with someone else’s claim.
In Pennsylvania, an employee has the right to file a civil suit for employment matters that may surprise you. For instance, you cannot be fired for filing a work injury claim or for testifying in an employment law case for a co-worker. You cannot be fired for supporting a fellow employee’s unemployment claim. These are just some of the cases that can occur.
Harassment isn’t limited to crude remarks. Repeated slurs, unwanted sexual advances, or a pattern of intimidation that targets a protected trait can poison the entire workplace, whether the perpetrator is a supervisor, co-worker, or even a customer whom management refuses to rein in. If you dread clocking in because of this conduct, document every incident, save supporting messages, and call us. Swift legal action can stop the abuse, protect your job, and recover compensation for emotional harm.
Employees are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and may have the right to have their disability accommodated by their employer. Our employment law firm has represented individuals who need accommodations for a disability but who love their jobs and do not want to create permanent ill-will with their employers.
Under the Family Medical Leave Act, all employers of a certain size must offer 12 weeks of leave to employees for a “serious” medical condition or the birth of a child, or to care for a foster child. However, the word “serious” is defined in a manner that is somewhat favorable to employees who need the leave. A general rule is that you need to show that you have been under a doctor’s care for three or more days for your injury to be serious. This right applies to employees who have worked for at least a year.
From non-competes and confidentiality clauses to executive bonus plans, the fine print of an employment contract can shape or sabotage your career. We draft and review offer letters, severance packages, and restrictive covenants to ensure they comply with Pennsylvania law and don’t handcuff your future prospects. Before you sign, or if you’re worried you’ve already signed away critical rights, let us negotiate terms that truly protect your interests.
Whether you’re labeled an “independent contractor,” “gig worker,” or “exempt” salaried professional, the law looks at control, duties, and pay, not job titles. Misclassification can steal overtime wages, benefits, and workplace protections. If you suspect your status is wrong, contact us to get back what you’ve rightfully earned.
Employers often attempt to deprive an employee who loses a job through no fault of their own of unemployment benefits. Employees have paid for the right to receive unemployment insurance benefits through salary deductions. Employees have the right to receive benefits in most situations unless the particular employee quits or commits willful misconduct. We have represented many persons or small companies in unemployment hearings and in appeals to the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review.
Employment law attorneys specialize in workplace issues affecting employees. Whether it’s discrimination or violations under the Disabilities Act, these attorneys will handle an employment case from start to finish. Their goal is to help employees navigate the legal process, advising on claims and providing strong legal representation to protect their rights under federal and state law.
A labor lawyer primarily represents unions and management in collective-bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, and National Labor Relations Board matters. An employment lawyer, by contrast, focuses on individual employee rights, including discrimination claims, wage disputes, wrongful discharge, and contract reviews. At Wusinich, Sweeney, and Ryan, we handle both sides: advising union members on fair-representation issues and advocating for non-union employees in court.
Employment lawyers defend workers’ rights at every career stage:
Litigate individual and class actions to recover damages and drive workplace reform.
Not right away. First, meet with legal counsel to map a strategy and preserve evidence. Once you file a formal complaint or an HR interview is scheduled, disclosing that you have representation can prevent management from pressuring you directly. We guide you on timing so you protect your rights without escalating conflict unnecessarily.
You are entitled to work free from discrimination, receive at least the state or federal minimum wage, earn overtime for hours over 40 (unless properly exempt), take protected medical or family leave, request reasonable disability accommodations, and report illegal conduct without retaliation. Were your civil rights violated? You can pursue administrative remedies and, if necessary, a lawsuit for damages.
Costs vary by case complexity, but many claims can proceed on a contingency fee, meaning you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you. Filing fees, expert reports, and deposition costs are typically advanced by our employment law practice and reimbursed from any settlement or jury verdict. During your free initial consultation, our employment attorneys outline the likely expenses so there are no surprises.
If you’ve lost significant wages, benefits, or professional standing, a lawsuit can recover back pay, front pay, emotional-distress damages, and even punitive awards in egregious cases. Beyond compensation, litigation often compels policy changes that protect co-workers from similar mistreatment. We evaluate the merits, potential recovery, and personal goals so you can decide with clear, realistic expectations.
From our law firm in Exton, the Pennsylvania employment lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC are proud to serve employees in need of legal services in southeastern Pennsylvania including, but not limited to, Coatesville, Atglen, Avondale, Downingtown, Elverson, Honey Brook, Kennett Square, Malvern, Modena, Oxford, Parkesburg, Phoenixville, South Coatesville, Spring City, West Chester, West Grove, Upper Darby, Haverford, Radnor, Chester, Ridley, Drexel Hill, Springfield, Marple, Concord, Upper Chichester, Aston, Middletown, Newtown, Nether Providence, Ardmore, Yeadon, Broomall, Lansdowne, Upper Providence, Darby, and Philadelphia.
Answer the questions below to find out quickly if you may have a valid employment law claim. Additional details may be requested if relevant.
This quiz is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized guidance, consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.
