Keene, NH Employment Law Attorneys

Employment Issues in Keene? We Get It, and We’ve Got You Covered

Losing sleep over a workplace issue? You’re not alone. For many people in Keene, their job isn’t just a paycheck. It’s how they provide for their families, access healthcare, and stay connected to their community. 

So when something goes wrong at work—like unpaid wages, harassment, or even being fired without warning—it can turn your world upside down. We understand how overwhelming it can feel. 

Whether you work in a storefront near Central Square, at a hospital off Court Street, or in one of the many shops lining Main Street, your rights matter. Our Keene employment law attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, fight for workers with heart. 

We combine years of legal experience with a deep understanding of what makes this town tick. Our New Hampshire law firm has seen firsthand how hard Keene residents work and we’re here to protect that.

Know Your Rights as an Employee in Keene, NH

Every employee in Keene has rights under both New Hampshire and federal law. And no, you don’t need to be a legal expert to understand them. At their core, these laws are about fairness and safety.

You have the right to be paid fairly for your work. That includes earning at least the state’s minimum wage and receiving overtime pay when you work more than 40 hours a week, unless you're classified as exempt, which some employers misuse. 

You're also entitled to a safe working environment, one free of serious hazards or dangerous conditions. If something seems unsafe, you’re allowed to speak up without fear of punishment.

Just as importantly, you have a legal right to be treated with respect. Discrimination and harassment—based on race, sex, age, religion, disability, and other protected traits—are illegal. 

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a subtle pattern or a single offensive incident. The law is on your side.

Common Employment Law Disputes: Are You Facing One?

Workplace issues come in all shapes and sizes, and we’ve seen them across Keene. 

Maybe your boss consistently underpays you, or you’ve noticed coworkers getting paid more for the same work. Maybe you’re being singled out, passed over, or targeted because of something personal—like your age, gender identity, or disability.

Some folks come to us after being let go with no explanation, only to realize later it might’ve been retaliation. Others are dealing with harassment that’s gone unchecked for months. These situations cause more than just legal headaches. They leave you anxious, embarrassed, and financially strained.

Disputes we see again and again in Keene include:

• Unpaid overtime: If you regularly stay late or work through your lunch without getting paid, that’s not okay. Employers often count on you not keeping track, but that doesn’t make it legal. Over time, those unpaid hours can take a real financial toll.
• Misclassified as an independent contractor: Being labeled an “independent contractor” doesn’t always make it legal. If your employer sets your hours, gives you the tools, and directs your tasks, you may be misclassified. That misclassification could be costing you benefits, overtime, and legal protections.
• Discrimination in hiring or promotions: Bias can show up in job postings, interviews, or promotion decisions. You might notice less qualified coworkers getting ahead while you're overlooked. That could point to a deeper pattern of illegal discrimination.
• Wrongful termination: Getting fired for reporting misconduct or asking for medical leave is illegal. It might feel like there’s no way to prove it, but that’s where documentation and legal support help. We’ve helped many people in Keene connect the dots and stand up for themselves.

No matter the issue, it’s worth speaking to legal professionals who can tell you the truth about your rights and options.

Facing Workplace Discrimination? You Deserve Better

If you’re being treated differently at work because of who you are, it’s not just wrong. It could be illegal. Discrimination in the workplace wears many faces. Sometimes it’s blunt, like being denied a job after revealing you’re pregnant. Other times it’s more subtle, like consistently getting negative reviews for work that meets the same standards as your peers.

In Keene, our employment law attorneys have helped workers who were passed over for promotions after they turned 50, teachers who were discouraged from taking religious holidays, and warehouse staff with disabilities who were denied simple accommodations. These things might not always make headlines, but they leave lasting impacts.

The emotional toll is real. It’s exhausting to feel like you have to prove yourself again and again just to get treated fairly. You start to doubt yourself, even when you’ve done nothing wrong. 

We help you cut through the noise and get to the legal core of what’s happening.

Wrongful Termination: Standing Up to Unfair Practices

Being fired from your job can shake everything. You’re left asking, “What just happened?” And worse, “What do I do now?”

New Hampshire is an “at-will” employment state. That means your employer can fire you for almost any reason or for no reason at all. But there are lines they can’t legally cross. 

If you were fired for speaking up about illegal activity, requesting medical leave, reporting harassment, or because of a protected characteristic like race or disability, that’s not just unfair—it could be grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

Take, for instance, a situation we saw involving a retail employee in Keene who was let go shortly after filing a complaint about wage theft. Or a restaurant worker who asked for time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act and was replaced before returning. These actions break both the spirit and letter of the law.

Getting fired unfairly cuts deeper than just financial stress. It damages your confidence and disrupts your life. We’ll help you build your case and fight for what’s right.

Wage and Hour Claims in Keene: You’ve Earned Every Cent

Let’s talk about money. Specifically, yours. When you work hard, every dollar matters. So when your employer cuts corners or plays games with your paycheck, it’s not just disrespectful. It’s theft.

We’ve heard from employees across Keene who weren’t paid for overtime, had their tips skimmed, or were misclassified as independent contractors so the company could avoid paying benefits. Others were told to work through unpaid breaks or were docked for equipment or uniform costs without permission.

Not only do these practices add up financially. They also leave you feeling powerless. You shouldn’t have to beg for what you’ve earned. We help you take back control and hold employers accountable. Whether it’s getting the wages you’re owed or filing a formal complaint with the New Hampshire Department of Labor, we’ll guide you through each step.

Some wage issues we regularly handle include:

• Unpaid overtime: If you regularly stay late or work through your lunch without getting paid, that’s not okay. Employers often bank on workers not knowing their rights, but that doesn’t excuse the violation. Consistent unpaid time can add up fast, and it’s your right to be compensated.
• Misclassified as an independent contractor: Being labeled an “independent contractor” doesn’t automatically make it true. Many workers are denied benefits and overtime pay because of this tactic. If your employer controls your schedule, provides tools, or directs your daily tasks, you may actually be an employee under the law.
• Docked pay for uniforms or equipment: Taking deductions from your paycheck without written consent is not only unfair—it may be illegal. These deductions often go unnoticed until your paycheck feels too light. Over time, that adds up to serious lost wages.

Workplace Harassment: When Enough Is Enough in Keene

Harassment at work isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s illegal when it creates a hostile environment or comes from someone in a position of power. And in a place like Keene, where people value community, being harassed at work feels like a betrayal.

We’ve seen cases where a restaurant worker received inappropriate texts from a supervisor, and another where a warehouse employee was mocked for needing a mobility aid. These things happen behind closed doors—but they affect your entire day, your health, and even your safety.

New Hampshire law makes it clear: harassment based on sex, race, religion, age, or disability is not allowed. If you’re experiencing it, document everything. Keep emails, screenshots, and a journal of incidents. The more detail, the better.

You don’t have to stay silent. There are steps you can take, and we’ll walk through them with you so you can protect yourself without risking more harm.

Family and Medical Leave: Know Your Rights When Life Happens

Life happens. A family member gets sick. You welcome a new baby. You face a health crisis of your own. When that happens, your job shouldn’t be in jeopardy.

Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period. If you’ve worked at least 1,250 hours over the past year for a company with 50 or more employees, you’re probably covered.

In Keene, we’ve helped caregivers take time off for aging parents, young mothers navigate maternity leave, and employees recovering from serious illnesses return to work without fear. But we’ve also seen employers retaliate—cutting hours, changing schedules, or letting people go once they request leave.

It’s your right to take that time when life demands it. If you’re unsure how to start the process, or afraid of how your employer might respond, reach out. You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your job.

How to File an Employment Law Claim in Keene, NH

If you’re considering filing a claim, know this: it’s okay to feel unsure. But with the right support, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

1. Start by collecting documentation. This could include pay stubs, emails, texts, performance reviews, or a written record of what happened and when. Gathering evidence early can strengthen your position and provide clear proof if your employer tries to dispute your claim. Even small details, like shift times or who witnessed an incident, can help support your case.
2. Understand where to file. In Keene, wage claims typically go through the New Hampshire Department of Labor, while harassment or discrimination complaints may go through the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Filing with the correct agency helps ensure your complaint is reviewed properly. Each agency has its own process, so following the right path avoids delays.
3. Pay attention to deadlines. Some complaints must be filed within 180 days of the incident, so don’t wait too long. Missing a deadline can cost you your ability to file entirely. Acting quickly helps preserve your rights and builds momentum for your case.

And remember, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Having someone on your side can make a huge difference.

Why Local Representation Matters: The Horn Wright, LLP Advantage

We’ve spent years advocating for workers in Keene and we’re not stopping anytime soon. Our employment law attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, understand the local courts, we know the area’s biggest employers, and we’ve built trust with clients from all walks of life. 

Whether you work downtown, in healthcare, retail, education, or industry, we’ve helped people like you stand up, speak out, and win real results. We blend legal precision with true compassion, giving you a team that listens first and fights hard. 

If you're ready to take action, one of the most respected law firms in the country is ready to back you up. Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary case review.