by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The latest speaker to attend the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association monthly luncheon has contributed to the organization’s theme of “Advancing Women in Law,” said Anita Pryor, President of JWLA.
Attorney Travis Hollifeld created the Hollifield Legal Centre for Women in Winter Park to focus on women’s workplace legal needs.
“My firm represents women who have experienced some form of discrimination,” said the Nova Southeastern Law School graduate.
He spoke to the group of about 30 members on the topic of pregnancy discrimination.
“Employment statutes disproportionately affects women,” said Hollifield. “Until recently, it was an open question whether pregnancy discrimination was prohibited by state law.”
This ambiguity made it easier for employers to fire female employees who became pregnant, sad Hollifield.
“I’ve handled plenty of cases where I looked over performance reviews for women who had received perfect evaluations,” said Hollifield. “Until they became pregnant. Then, all of the sudden, there are problems with timeliness and insubordination.”
The first opinion supporting pregnancy discrimination as gender bias was handed down by Florida’s Second District Court of Appeals, ruling in Carter v. Health Management Associates that pregnancy discrimination was gender bias in December, 2008.
This may have been a victory for women, but filing suit may not be the best course of action to prolong a career, Hollifield explained.
“Many of my female clients are very thoughtful about bringing suit against the law firm they work for,” said Hollifield. “You have to consider what is going to happen to your career.”
Hollifield practices in the areas of sexual harassment, discrimination, employment law, intellectual property law, trademarks, labor law, whistle blower, copyright infringement and trade secret claims.
The next JWLA luncheon will host members of the judiciary at the organization’s annual judicial reception on June 4 at the Downtown Hyatt.
356-2466