Discrimination

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

 

MINNEAPOLIS, MN: Halunen Law is pleased to announce that attorney Jacqueline (Jackie) A. Olson has recently joined its Employment LitigationJackie Olsen Group. Jackie began her legal career as a paralegal, then later as an attorney in private practice, working on employee-class action and mass tort cases. She went on to serve with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, where she became an Assistant Commissioner with oversight over civil and criminal investigations into violations of laws and regulations. While at the Commerce Department, her leadership in the consumer support, civil, and criminal enforcement division gave her a deep understanding of consumer and employee rights, state and federal regulations, licensing regulations, legislative processes, and more. Jackie’s extensive experience and insights into business perspectives, compliance, systems, and how the “other side” operates will be of great benefit to Halunen Law’s clients.

“We are thrilled to have Jackie join our team,” said Employment Litigation Group Leader, Josh Newville. “Jackie’s distinct background, legal acumen, and dedication to her work are an exceptional fit for the Firm. Her commitment to seeking justice for employees affected by illegal workplace actions, her demonstrated ability to resolve complex conflicts, and her extensive understanding of corporate culture are tremendous assets. We look forward to her contributions and all she brings in representing our clients.”

Jackie studied journalism at the University of St. Thomas. After graduation, she held a paralegal role in a private practice law firm. There, she witnessed lawyers representing employees in class-action discrimination cases, and it had a profound effect on her. She saw how the law impacted individuals’ well-being. She wanted to play a part in creating systemic change and pursued a law degree from what is now Mitchell-Hamline School of Law. Now, more than 20 years later, she maintains her passion for making a difference in people’s lives through the power of the legal system.  

About Halunen Law: With offices in Minneapolis and Chicago, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation for employees, whistleblowers, and those who have experienced illegal workplace actions. The Firm has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful plaintiffs’ law firm focused squarely on achieving justice for its clients and creating workplace and societal change. For more information, visit halunenlaw.com.

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

Halunen Law REV Logo Blue
Employer poised to challenge state laws protecting workers who use cannabis off the job

MINNEAPOLIS (October 10, 2025) — Halunen Law, a nationally recognized law firm representing plaintiffs in employee rights cases, has filed suit against a Texas-based home builder on behalf of a Minnesota realtor who was denied a job because of his medical cannabis use during non-work hours.

The realtor, who was enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis registry, applied for a sales position at a new-construction housing development in the Twin Cities. The builder offered him the job after a lengthy application and interview process but rescinded the offer when a pre-employment drug test revealed the presence of THC metabolites.

“Minnesota authorizes the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes,” said Halunen Law attorney Joshua Newville. “State law generally prohibits discrimination against employees for such off-duty usage. Most employers are thus barred from even testing for cannabis.”

Responding to the lawsuit, the builder argues that Minnesota’s laws are preempted by federal law. “It appears this employer is poised to mount a direct challenge both to States’ rights and cannabis-related worker protections,” explained Newville.

This case raises important questions not only for Minnesotans but also for workers nationwide as more states adopt similar protections. Lawmakers, state attorneys general, and civil rights advocates throughout the country may be closely watching as this matter unfolds.

The case is Bradley Sand v. Weekley Homes, LLC, Hennepin County District Court (Case: 27-CV-25-18190).

About Halunen Law: With offices in Minneapolis and Chicago, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation for employees and whistleblowers who courageously challenge illegal actions in their workplace. Founded in 1998, Halunen Law has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful plaintiffs’ law firm, with a laser focus on achieving justice and meaningful results for its clients. For more information, visit halunenlaw.com.

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

As a guest on AXIOM’s podcast, “Elevating Experience: Women and Age in the Workplace,” Halunen Law employment attorney, Pamela Johnson, offered valuable insights from her 30-year career as an insurance professional and accomplished litigator. Johnson was joined by Laurie Johnson, a senior-level learning consultant with the Boulder Crest Foundation, and podcast host Scott Rutherford as they discussed the dynamics of gender, age, and experience in the workplace. The episode examines the prevalence of ageism and explores how organizations can and should prioritize the skills and perspectives of older women in the workforce. It includes [pragmatic][useful][realistic] advice for driving cultural change and breaking down workplace barriers, while reminding listeners of opportunities that organizations may miss if they fail to address these issues.

Listen to the full podcast on AXIOM Learning Solutions

9B5DCAAC-96B8-47B5-879C-48B3EF12E72CAs an of counsel member of Halunen Law’s Employment Litigation Group, Pamela Johnson brings an impressive reputation for advocacy, achievement, and a depth of legal knowledge on behalf of all those she represents. In addition to practicing employment law, Pamela has guided complex cases involving intellectual property, copyrights, patents, trademarks, and insurance, and has protected the privacy rights of high-profile clients, and overseen defamation claims on behalf of corporate conglomerates, celebrities, private individuals, and more.

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

Picture1

MSBA’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Equal Justice
— A Statement from the MSBA President —

February 12, 2025 — Despite recent national events, the Minnesota State Bar Association remains steadfast in its commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the legal community. We believe that the diversity of our membership strengthens us, and we will continue to welcome and support every member of our community, regardless of gender, race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status.

All Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs offered by the MSBA are fully compliant with the law. None of our DEI initiatives have ever involved illegal discrimination. Supporting every member of the legal community is central to our mission.

As the association representing the legal community in Minnesota, we are called to defend equal justice under the law for everyone, including the fundamental freedoms of speech and association. Lawyers are the guardians of the Constitution, and we take that responsibility seriously. We will not stay silent while the rights of individuals or groups are threatened. We will continue to be a voice for inclusivity, equity, and justice in the legal community.

Samuel Edmunds
2024-2025 President
Minnesota State Bar Association

For more than 25 years, Halunen Law has been committed to protecting employee rights. Regardless of social or political headwinds, our dedication to equity and justice has never wavered. Our firm and its attorneys stand in solidarity with the MSBA’s recently affirmed commitment to diversity and inclusivity and the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and association. We commend the MSBA’s ongoing leadership on behalf of Minnesota’s legal community and join them in the continued fight for justice for all people.

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

Minnesota Star Tribune writer Mike Hughlett reports on a transgender harassment case against Walmart in a recent article: “After state ruling against Walmart, transgender man sues over harassment at West St. Paul Store.” The article provides a detailed account of the case and highlights national studies indicating widespread on-the-job harassment of transgender people. It notes that Minnesota has strong protections for transgender employees as one of 23 states with laws prohibiting transgender discrimination. The United States Supreme Court held in the 2020 Bostock case that Title VII’s antidiscrimination protections include transgender employees, but the use of federal law to protect these employees is under attack. Noting that Bostock is “the law of the land,” Halunen Law employment attorney Josh Newville commented:  “..given the Trump administration’s anti-transgender stance, I’m greatly concerned that the EEOC is not going to enforce the law,” adding, “For LGBT persons in states lacking protection against employment discrimination, it’s a scary time.”

Read the full article from the Minnesota Star Tribune.

If you or someone you know has experienced gender or other forms of workplace discrimination, we encourage you to learn more about employment rights and protections on the Minnesota Department of Human Rights website and the Halunen Law website. If, upon reviewing this information, you believe you may have a case, you can submit a Case Review Form or call us at 612-605-4098 to speak with one of our Intake Specialists.

NewvilleA tenacious litigator who frequently obtains favorable outcomes for those he represents, Josh Newville leads Halunen Law’s Employment Litigation Group. He is a skilled, thoughtful, and determined professional who brings more than a decade of experience, a deep dedication to civil rights, and a commitment to excellence to his legal practice.

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

Minnesota Lawyer recently spoke with Halunen Law’’s employment litigation group leader, Josh Newville, along with Matthew Bodie, Robins Kaplan professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, to get their impressions on what may be in store. In “What’s ahead in employment law?” reporter Laura Brown explores the changes Labor and Employment Law may undergo under Trump’s second presidential administration. Bodie and Newville see the potential for even greater changes than the usual back and forth between political parties. In the article, Newville, who has championed LGBTQ rights throughout his career, speculates on the new administration’s impact on anti-discrimination policies, the role of the EEOC, state protections, and more. 


“Trump 2.0 might be even more aggressive. At this point, we are going to see an effort to target diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at various companies. It is almost that he signaled the EEOC will now, which I think is probable a first in history, be treating DEI initiatives as if they are discriminatory, which, I’m curious to see how that plays out.”

Read the full article (PDF) 

NewvilleEmployment litigation group leader Josh Newville is a tenacious litigator who frequently obtains favorable outcomes for those he represents. In more than a decade of practicing law, Josh has handled high-profile cases, secured millions of dollars for his clients, and won victories at the Minnesota Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals.

 

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

HR Daily Advisor, a widely-recognized website offering resources for HR professionals, recently published attorney Pamela Johnson’s article, “Workplace Harassment and Discrimination: What’s the Difference?” The article provides a thorough, thoughtful examination of the complexities of workplace harassment and discrimination, why understanding the difference is important, and steps employees can take to address these illegal actions.

“Unfortunately, regardless of company size or job title, any employee can be subject to both harassment and discrimination. Yet there is a common misunderstanding of what exactly constitutes workplace harassment and discrimination. By having a clear understanding of what they are and how they can be connected, employees will gain a deeper understanding of how to protect themselves. Ultimately, everyone deserves to know their rights and their legal options.”

Read the full article (PDF) 9B5DCAAC-96B8-47B5-879C-48B3EF12E72C

Committed to clients’ rights, Halunen Law attorney Pamela Johnson is particularly passionate about representing employees and believes strongly that everyone should be treated fairly, especially in the workplace. She brings the power of persuasion, an impressive reputation for advocacy and achievement, and a depth of legal knowledge to bear for all those she represents.

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

In “Harassment and discrimination in the workplace: Understanding the difference,” published in BenefitsPro, veteran employment attorney Pamela Johnson offers insights into complex workplace dynamics and how employees can identify and respond to illegal workplace activity.

Johnson shares, “The hard truth is that in workplaces large and small, regardless of position, employees can be the target of harassment, discrimination, or both. Having a clear understanding of what workplace harassment and discrimination are, and when the two are linked, can go a long way in helping you understand your rights, and by extension, what legal options may be available to you.”

Read the full article as published on Benefits Pro (download PDF)

9B5DCAAC-96B8-47B5-879C-48B3EF12E72CAs a member of Halunen Law’s Employment Litigation Group, attorney Pamela Johnson has an impressive reputation for advocacy and achievement, bringing the power of persuasion and a depth of legal knowledge to bear for all those she represents.

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

With Lilly Ledbetter’s passing on October 12, 2024 at age 86, our county has lost an unwavering advocate and champion for pay equity.

Nearly a year after retiring from her position at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Ledbetter discovered she had been subjected to gross pay inequity, earning significantly less than her male counterparts. She set out to rectify the matter, and her journey took her to the EEOC, the U.S. Supreme Court, and ultimately to Congress passing legislation bearing her name. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 was the first bill President Obama signed after being inaugurated. The bill amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and allowed workers to obtain relief, including recovery of up to two years of lost back pay.

Although Ledbetter was never financially compensated for the harm Goodyear caused, her persistence and the eventual legislative outcome have impacted thousands of women nationwide, allowing them to legally challenge unequal pay in their workplaces. In her 70s, Ledbetter continued to devote much energy to the cause—speaking out, writing a book about her experience, and inspiring individuals across the country, often stating that “equal pay for equal work is an American value.”

Halunen Law salutes Lilly Ledbetter’s enduring legacy and fearless fight for fair and equal pay for women.

Read JUSTIA columnist Joanna L. Grossman’s tribute, “Rest in Power: In Memory of Lilly Ledbetter and Her Fight for Women’s Equal Pay.”

By Rocket55DevAdmin |

Kyle HahnHalunen Law is pleased to announce that attorney Kyle Hahn has joined the firm’s employment law practice group. Kyle brings a collaborative spirit, an acute understanding of the legal process, and a steadfast determination to hold others accountable for their illegal actions. He joins a team of Halunen Law attorneys dedicated to defending the rights of employees and whistleblowers. 

With a depth of knowledge and strategic acumen, Kyle has guided clients through complex legal matters to successful outcomes. His practice includes cases of discrimination, retaliation, and the gamut of employment matters, with considerable litigation experience in state and federal courts. Kyle offers clients a personal, professional approach coupled with a dogged determination to get them justice. 

After graduating magna cum laud from St. Cloud State University, Kyle pursued and received his law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where he was deeply engaged in school activities. He has admissions to the Minnesota State Court and U.S. District Court of Minnesota.   

About Halunen Law: With offices in Minneapolis and Chicago, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation for employees, whistleblowers, and those who have experienced illegal actions in their workplace. Halunen Law has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful plaintiffs’ law firm, focused squarely on achieving justice for its clients and creating workplace and societal change. For more information, visit halunenlaw.com.

 

© 2026 Halunen Law | Minneapolis Employment Attorneys