Derry, NH Employment Law Attorneys

Your Job Matters. We'll Stand Up for You.

You're walking into work near Broadway or heading to a shift off Crystal Avenue. The job’s never been perfect, but you’ve always shown up and done your part. 

Then something shifts. Maybe you speak up about a concern or take medical leave. Suddenly, the energy around you changes. Fewer hours. Colder conversations. A write-up for something petty.

When your job becomes a source of anxiety, it doesn’t just affect your paycheck. It shakes your confidence. It disrupts your routines. It keeps you up at night wondering what you did wrong, even when you know, deep down, you didn’t.

Our Derry employment law attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, help Derry workers who feel like the ground has shifted beneath them. We know the labor laws inside and out, and we’ve stood up to employers right here in Rockingham County. 

We’ll listen. We’ll fight. And our New Hampshire law firm will make sure your voice gets heard.

Know Your Rights, Because Your Boss Probably Won’t Tell You

Your employer doesn’t have to explain all your legal rights and often, they don’t. That’s why knowing what you’re entitled to as a worker in Derry is more than smart. It’s necessary.

New Hampshire workers are protected by several labor laws. These include:

• Fair wage and hour regulations. You must be paid at least minimum wage and for every minute you work. That includes times when you're asked to work before or after your scheduled shift.
• Protection from illegal termination. Employers can’t fire you for taking medical leave or reporting problems. That’s illegal.
• The right to work in an environment free from harassment or discrimination. You deserve to feel respected and safe on the job. No jokes, insults, or pressure based on who you are should be brushed aside.

These rights don’t mean much if you don’t know how they apply to your situation.

A lot of people believe that, because New Hampshire is an “at-will” employment state, they can be fired for any reason at all. That’s not true. You can’t legally be fired for speaking up, asking for medical leave, or reporting illegal behavior like harassment or discrimination.

If something feels wrong at work, there’s a good chance you’re right to ask more questions.

Wrongful Termination in Derry: It’s Illegal

Imagine showing up on time, doing everything right, and still getting let go. Maybe it’s after you filed a complaint. Maybe it’s after you returned from medical leave. That’s not just a rough day. It could be a violation of your rights.

We’ve seen this in Derry workplaces. A nurse let go after sharing her pregnancy news. A server near Crystal Avenue fired for pointing out safety issues. A warehouse worker told their role no longer existed after complaining about unpaid overtime.

These stories are real. And they’re not legal.

Wrongful termination includes:

• Retaliation for speaking up. If you lose your job after reporting harassment or wage theft, that’s retaliation. Employers might try to hide it behind performance reviews or made-up reasons.
• Discrimination based on a protected trait. You can’t be fired because of your race, religion, gender, age, or disability. Even subtle bias can lead to illegal actions.
• Violations of written contracts or implied promises. If your employer made you promises about your job or benefits, written or not, those may be legally binding. Courts can consider company handbooks or verbal commitments too.

It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in—healthcare, hospitality, retail—your employer has to follow the law. If they don’t, they should be held accountable.

Workplace Discrimination: Standing Up to Unfair Treatment in Derry

No one wants to believe discrimination still happens. But in Derry, just like everywhere else, it does.

Sometimes it’s hard to spot. A passed-over promotion or a coworker’s constant jabs. Sometimes it’s obvious. Racial slurs, sexist jokes, or unfair treatment after disclosing a disability. 

Whether quiet or loud, the impact is the same. You start to question your worth. You feel isolated. You dread going to work.

New Hampshire law protects workers from mistreatment based on identity. That includes:

• Race or ethnicity. You can’t be denied raises, hours, or opportunities because of your background. We’ve seen workers consistently overlooked even when they were the most experienced.
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. You deserve to work without dealing with offensive comments or disrespect. The law protects your right to show up fully as yourself.
• Religion, disability, or age. You have the right to reasonable adjustments at work and freedom from biased treatment. Age, ability, or faith should never be a barrier to respect.

The law backs you up. So do our dedicated employment law attorneys. You deserve better and we’ll help you get it.

Harassment on the Job Isn’t Something You Have to Accept, Ever

Harassment thrives in silence. It often starts small but builds over time.

Maybe it’s a coworker who won’t stop making sexual comments. A manager who texts after hours. Or a daily stream of “jokes” that make you feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or afraid. 

It eats away at your sense of safety. It wears you down. Eventually, many people stop speaking up, either because they don’t think they’ll be believed or because they need the paycheck.

But silence isn’t your only option. Here’s what you can do:

• Document everything. Keep records of inappropriate texts, emails, or conversations. Save screenshots, write down what happened, and include dates. The more details you have, the better.
• Tell someone. Report the behavior to HR or another manager in writing. Always report it in writing so there’s a paper trail. Keep a copy for yourself too.
• Reach out. Legal help can ensure your rights are protected as you take steps forward. Skilled local attorneys can help you weigh your options. You don’t have to face this alone.

Harassment isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s a quiet, steady pressure. Both types are wrong and you don’t have to accept either.

Unpaid Wages and Overtime Violations: Getting Back What You’re Owed

Wage theft is real and it’s more widespread than most people think.

In Derry, workers in restaurants, retail, and cleaning services often get shorted. Maybe you’re not being paid for all your hours. Maybe your tips are getting taken. Maybe you’re being denied overtime even though you’re eligible.

You’re working double shifts near Hood Commons. You’re told to clock out and clean for 45 minutes after your shift ends. Or your employer says you’re “exempt” from overtime, even though they never explained what that means. It feels sketchy, because it is.

You have the right to:

• Be paid for every hour you work. Time spent prepping, cleaning, or attending mandatory meetings must be paid. Off-the-clock work isn’t just shady—it’s illegal.
• Earn overtime if you work more than 40 hours a week (unless you're legally exempt). You’re owed time-and-a-half unless you truly meet exemption rules. Mislabeling you is a tactic some employers use to avoid paying more.
• Receive your final paycheck within 72 hours if you're fired. That check must include all earned wages. Delaying it without reason breaks the law.

If you’ve been underpaid, there’s a path to getting that money back and we can help you take it.

Family Leave and Workplace Accommodations: Protecting Your Personal Life

Life doesn’t stop just because you have a job. You get sick. A child arrives. A family member needs care. And you shouldn’t have to choose between your paycheck and your personal life.

New Hampshire workers are protected by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If you qualify, you can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for health or family needs. But that’s not the only protection.

If you’re pregnant, recovering from surgery, or managing a condition, you may also qualify for:

• Modified duties or hours. You don’t have to power through an injury or illness. A medical note can support your need for lighter work.
• Extended leave beyond the standard policy. Some health issues take longer than a few weeks to recover from. The law may still protect your job while you heal.
• Temporary schedule adjustments. You might need flexible hours for treatment or care duties. Your employer must consider those requests in good faith.

We’ve seen Derry workers get penalized for asking for what they need. That’s illegal.

You deserve a job that supports your health, not one that punishes you for having a life.

Facing Retaliation? Here's How to Fight Back

You did the right thing. Maybe you reported harassment. Maybe you stood up for someone else. But now your work life has changed and not for the better.

You’re getting fewer hours. You’re being written up for small mistakes. You’re constantly walking on eggshells.

That’s retaliation.

Under New Hampshire law, employers can’t punish you for:

• Reporting illegal behavior. You have the right to speak up without fear. If your hours or role changed after reporting something, that matters.
• Filing a discrimination or wage complaint. The law protects people who report issues to the state or federal government. You shouldn’t face any blowback for using your rights.
• Taking protected leave. Whether it's FMLA or another kind of leave, your job and benefits are protected. If your treatment changes after returning, that’s a red flag.
• Participating in an investigation. Supporting a coworker’s complaint or being a witness shouldn’t cost you your job. Retaliation for helping someone else is still illegal.

Our employment law attorneys have helped workers in Derry take action after facing unfair punishment. Whether you work in a store on Manchester Road or an office near the traffic circle, you have legal options.

Keep records. Save emails. Talk to legal professionals early. You have more power than you think.

Horn Wright, LLP: Your Trusted Advocates in Employment Law

We’ve stood beside workers in every kind of job in Derry—nurses, servers, teachers, retail clerks, and more. Our employment law attorneys know how quickly a good job can turn into a toxic environment, and we know what’s at stake when that happens.

We’re ready to step in and help. We use smart legal strategies and fight hard, always with your best interests at heart. Because when your job is on the line, so is your stability, your peace of mind, and your future.

And as one of the most trusted law firms in America, we’re here to protect all three. Call (603) 716-9415 today to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation.