Employment Law

Employment Attorney in Montana

Every employee deserves to be treated with fairness and respect. When employers violate that trust—through discrimination, wrongful termination, or retaliation—the impact can be devastating both personally and professionally.

At AT Legal PC, we help Montanans stand up for their rights in the workplace. Founded by Adrienne Tranel, a National Top 100 Trial Lawyer and an Eagle member of the Montana Trial Lawyers Association, our firm provides modern, discreet, and inclusive legal representation that prioritizes results and integrity.

We represent employees throughout Montana, including Billings, Miles City, Sidney, Great Falls, Bozeman, Livingston, Butte, Missoula, Hamilton, Kalispell, and Whitefish, guiding them through complex workplace disputes with professionalism and compassion.

Understanding Employment Law in Montana

Employment law protects the relationship between employers and employees, ensuring that workers are treated fairly, compensated properly, and evaluated on merit rather than bias.

In Montana, employees benefit from both federal protections—like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act—and state-specific laws, such as the Montana Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act (WDEA) and the Montana Human Rights Act (MHRA).

AT Legal PC helps workers navigate these overlapping laws, determine where to file claims, and pursue justice through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Discrimination in the Workplace

Workplace discrimination remains one of the most common and damaging violations of employment law. Discrimination can affect hiring, pay, promotion, and even day-to-day treatment on the job.

We represent clients across a wide range of discrimination cases under both federal and Montana law, including:

Age Discrimination

Employees over 40 are protected under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Montana Human Rights Act. Employers cannot base decisions on age, pressure employees to retire, or deny promotions to younger candidates

If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of your age, speak with an experienced age discrimination attorney.

Pregnancy Discrimination

No one should have to choose between their job and their pregnancy. Federal law under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, as well as Montana’s own Human Rights Act, make it illegal to fire or penalize someone for pregnancy or related medical conditions.

If your employer has denied leave or accommodations, contact a pregnancy discrimination attorney for help.

Race Discrimination

Racial bias in the workplace can appear in hiring, pay disparities, or harassment. Title VII and the Montana Human Rights Act both prohibit these actions. AT Legal PC investigates patterns of unequal treatment and helps employees pursue accountability.

If you’ve experienced unequal treatment based on race or national origin, talk to a race discrimination attorney.

Gender Discrimination

Gender discrimination includes unequal pay, harassment, or exclusion from advancement opportunities based on gender or gender identity. It also covers sexual orientation discrimination under federal law.

Learn more about how a gender discrimination attorney can help protect your rights.

Religious Discrimination

Employers must make reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so causes undue hardship. AT Legal PC supports employees whose requests for accommodation are denied or who face harassment based on their faith.

Political Status Discrimination

Under Montana law, employers cannot discipline or terminate employees based solely on political beliefs or affiliations. We advise clients on how these unique state protections apply to their workplace situations.

Disability Discrimination

Employees with physical or mental disabilities are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Montana Human Rights Act. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations that allow qualified workers to perform their jobs. AT Legal PC helps clients challenge unlawful denials or retaliation.

Marital Status Discrimination

The Montana Human Rights Act prohibits employers from making job decisions based on whether someone is single, married, divorced, or widowed. This type of discrimination can affect hiring, promotions, or assignments. AT Legal PC helps employees challenge unfair treatment and protect their right to be evaluated based on performance, not personal relationships.

Wrongful Termination

Montana is one of the few states that does not follow “at-will” employment. Instead, it’s governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act (WDEA), which provides strong protections for workers.

Under the WDEA, an employer must have “good cause” to terminate an employee after their probationary period. Wrongful termination can occur when a firing violates written policies, or public policy—such as retaliation for whistleblowing or reporting illegal conduct.

AT Legal PC helps employees evaluate whether a discharge was lawful and, if not, pursue compensation for lost wages, benefits, and other damages.

If you were fired without just cause or in violation of company policy, contact a wrongful termination attorney to learn your rights.

Federal Employment Law

Federal employment law provides additional protections and processes, especially for federal employees or contractors. Cases may involve the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), or the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).

These agencies handle disputes related to discrimination, retaliation, and prohibited personnel practices within federal agencies. The process is highly procedural, with short filing deadlines and strict documentation requirements.

AT Legal PC represents federal employees through EEOC complaints, MSPB appeals, and whistleblower retaliation claims.

If you work for a federal agency and need help navigating a complaint, speak with a knowledgeable federal employment attorney.

Wage and Hour Disputes

Employees are entitled to fair pay for their work. Wage disputes often arise when employers fail to pay overtime, misclassify employees as exempt, or withhold earned wages.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Montana law, employers must comply with minimum wage and overtime regulations. AT Legal PC helps workers recover unpaid wages, overtime, and penalties for violations.

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection

Employees who report discrimination, harassment, or unlawful activity are protected by law from retaliation. Retaliation can include demotion, termination, harassment, or unfavorable changes in job duties.

AT Legal PC helps clients file retaliation claims with the Montana Human Rights Bureau (HRB), the EEOC, or other relevant agencies to ensure they are protected and compensated for unlawful treatment.

What to Expect When Working with AT Legal PC

Every employment case begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand your situation, review relevant documents, and identify your best options under both state and federal law.

Our approach is methodical and transparent:

1. Consultation: Review of your concerns and potential legal claims.
2. Investigation: Gathering documentation, witness statements, and employer records.
3. Filing: Submitting claims with the appropriate agency.
4. Litigation (if needed): Representing your case in court to secure the outcome you deserve.

We ensure you are informed at every step, and that your case proceeds with integrity and discretion.

Why Clients Choose AT Legal PC

Clients throughout Montana choose AT Legal PC for their employment law needs because:

• We focus on clarity, not confusion: Every step is explained in plain language.
• We bring experience and perspective: Adrienne Tranel’s legal expertise and community roots shape a grounded, client-centered practice.
• We value discretion: Sensitive employment matters are handled with respect and confidentiality.
• We deliver results: Our preparation and professionalism help clients resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.

Have Questions? Contact Us.

If you believe your rights have been violated at work, you do not have to face your employer alone.

Have questions? Contact us and we will help you find answers.