You didn’t spend decades building your career just to be sidelined by a birthday. Unfortunately, age bias exists, and it doesn’t always shout—sometimes, it’s more insidious. Sometimes, it’s the job interview that suddenly cools when they learn your graduation year.
It might be the promotion that was passed over without explanation. It could be facing a layoff while the younger, less experienced hire stays behind.
If you’re over 40 and wondering whether this treatment is legal, it’s time to contact an Austin age discrimination lawyer. At King & Siegel LLP, we help employees in Austin, Texas, hold employers accountable for unlawful age-based treatment.
Our elite team—with degrees from Harvard, Columbia, and NYU—provides practical, strategic representation that creates results. If you’re questioning what happened to your role, your respect, or your job itself, let’s talk.
What Does an Austin Age Discrimination Lawyer Do?
Federal and state laws protect workers over 40 from being treated differently because of their age. An Austin age discrimination lawyer at King & Siegel is your front-line defense when an employer violates those protections. Our advocacy includes:
- Evaluating your case. We assess the facts and evidence to determine if you have a claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or the Texas Labor Code.
- Collecting critical proof. From emails to performance evaluations, we help gather the materials that tell your story—and support it.
- Advising you on what to document. We guide you on what to record, save, and say—so that each step you take helps strengthen your position.
- Filing administrative complaints. Most age discrimination claims require filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) before filing a suit. Your representative will guide you through the administrative process and its requirements.
- Negotiating for resolution. We resolve many cases through strategic negotiation. If not, we’re ready to litigate.
If you’re concerned about your rights at work, you don’t need to know everything about employment law. You just need someone who does. At King & Siegel, our Austin employment attorneys work with you—not just for you. We take the time to understand your goals, pressures, and timelines. Whether you’re hoping for a quick resolution or want to fight for what you deserve, we’ll help build a plan that fits.
What Qualifies as Age Discrimination in Texas?
Under the ADEA and Texas Labor Code, it is illegal to discriminate against someone over 40 in hiring, firing, promotions, training, compensation, or other conditions of employment.
Age discrimination can take many forms. However, it often looks like:
- Sudden changes in job duties without reason;
- Exclusion from meetings or training opportunities for younger colleagues;
- Negative remarks about your energy levels or retirement;
- Replacement by a younger, less qualified worker;
- Comments that you’re “overqualified” or “too experienced” for certain opportunities;
- Disciplinary action after years of clean performance; and
- Forced retirement or voluntary resignation pressure.
One offhand comment isn’t necessarily illegal. But a pattern—especially one linked to an adverse job action—could violate your rights.
How Do I Document a Hostile Work Environment or Age Bias?
To protect yourself, start keeping a record. You don’t need a confrontation. You need a paper trail. Here’s how:
- Log every incident, including the date, time, location, people involved, and what was said or done;
- Save performance reviews, especially those that are negative or unusual;
- Keep emails or texts that show exclusion or negative commentary;
- Note discrepancies in how your employer treats you versus younger coworkers;
- Request written explanations for demotions, reassignments, or layoffs; and
- Report the conduct to HR and then save a copy of your complaint.
These records matter. They will also help your Austin age discrimination attorney build a compelling case on your behalf.
Do I Need to File a Complaint Before I Sue?
Yes. Before you can sue for age discrimination, you must first file an administrative complaint with either the EEOC or TWC. This is known as “exhausting administrative remedies.” Your attorney will guide you through this process and help ensure that you:
- Meet the 180-day deadline (or 300 days under certain federal rules);
- Include all relevant claims (e.g., retaliation, demotion, constructive discharge); and
- Receive a right to sue notice when appropriate.
Filing alone can feel confusing and intimidating. But at King & Siegel, we take care of the legal maze so you can focus on moving forward.
What If I’m Afraid of Retaliation?
Retaliation is also illegal. Under both federal and Texas law, your employer cannot punish you for speaking up about discrimination.
Retaliation can take many forms, including the following:
- Termination,
- Reduced hours,
- Sudden schedule changes,
- Harassment or isolation, and
- Unjustified write-ups.
Your case against an employer may be even stronger if you face retaliation after reporting age bias. Our lawyers know how to document these patterns and use them to your advantage.
Why Choose King & Siegel LLP as Your Austin Age Discrimination Attorney?
At King & Siegel, we don’t just dabble in employment law. We live it. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for workers wronged by employers in just a few short years. Since we only represent employees—never corporations—we know how to tailor our litigation strategy to your unique goals.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Top-tier credentials. Our lawyers trained at some of the nation’s best firms and top law schools.
- Strategic advocacy. We fight smart, not loud, focusing on efficiency and impact.
- Empathy and power. We know litigation is stressful. Our compassionate employment attorneys work to minimize your legal burden while maximizing results.
- Community commitment. Our team includes Spanish-speaking staff to serve all Texans.
- National reputation. We’ve been named Super Lawyers Rising Stars and hold a 10.0 Avvo Rating, among numerous other accolades.
Your story matters. And we’re here to help you tell it.
Book a Free Consultation with King & Siegel LLP Today
Whether you’re certain discrimination occurred or simply have a gut feeling something isn’t right, talk to someone who can help. At King & Siegel, your consultation is free, confidential, and no-strings-attached.
You’ll walk away knowing:
- Whether you have a case,
- What your next steps are, and
- How we can help you pursue justice—and peace of mind.
Don’t let bias erase your experience, wisdom, and contributions. Hire an advocate who knows your rights, the legal landscape, and how to win. Call today to speak with a top-rated Austin age discrimination lawyer. Let’s fight to restore what you’ve lost—and help protect what you’ve earned.
Resources
Texas Labor Code: Discrimination By an Employer. Link
Texas Workforce Commission Discrimination Complaint Procedures, Link.