Age Discrimination Lawyers in Virginia

Experience Should Be an Asset—Not a Target

You’ve worked hard, built your career, and developed valuable skills over the years. But when employers make assumptions based on your age—rather than your performance—it’s not just wrong. It’s illegal.

At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help workers across Virginia who have been treated unfairly because of their age. If you’ve been passed over for a promotion, pushed out of your role, or replaced by a younger employee, you may have a valid claim under federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight back against workplace ageism.

What Is Age Discrimination?

Age discrimination, or ageism, occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant less favorably because they are 40 or older.

Examples include:

  • Firing or laying off older workers while retaining younger ones
  • Denying training, promotions, or advancement due to age
  • Making age-related comments or jokes that create a hostile work environment
  • Favoring younger applicants in hiring decisions
  • Pushing older workers to retire or accept buyouts
  • Reassigning duties or reducing hours without valid justification

Even subtle forms of bias—like suggesting you’re “overqualified” or “not tech-savvy enough”—can reflect unlawful age discrimination.

Laws That Protect You from Age Discrimination

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

The ADEA is a federal law that protects employees and job applicants who are 40 years or older. It applies to private employers with 20 or more employees, as well as to state and local governments.

Under the ADEA, it is illegal to:

  • Discriminate in hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, training, and benefits
  • Use age as a factor in employment decisions
  • Retaliate against an employee for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation

Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA)

The VHRA offers similar protections to employees in Virginia and applies to employers with five or more employees. It reinforces the right of older workers to be free from discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

How Age Discrimination Happens in the Workplace

Age discrimination isn’t always obvious. It can appear through patterns, policies, or even coded language. Common signs include:

  • Sudden performance criticism after years of positive reviews
  • Pressure to retire or accept an early exit package
  • Younger employees being promoted or retained despite less experience
  • Job postings that seek “recent graduates” or “digital natives”
  • Company reorganizations that disproportionately affect older workers

If you suspect age was a factor in how you were treated, you may have a claim even if your employer denies it.

Harassment and Hostile Work Environments

Age-related harassment—such as repeated jokes, insults, or dismissive comments—can create a hostile work environment. While occasional remarks may not qualify as unlawful, a pattern of demeaning treatment based on your age may cross the legal line.

If you’ve reported this behavior and your employer failed to take action, they may be liable for allowing a hostile work environment to persist.

What You Can Do If You’ve Experienced Age Discrimination

If you’ve faced age discrimination at work, you have legal rights and options. Steps to take:

  1. Document everything – Keep records of comments, emails, performance reviews, and any changes in treatment.
  2. File an internal complaint – Report the behavior through HR or your employer’s grievance procedures.
  3. Consult with an employment attorney – Understand your legal options and next steps.
  4. File an EEOC charge – In many cases, a claim must first be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before pursuing a lawsuit.

Strict deadlines apply. Under the ADEA, you typically have 180 to 300 days to file a charge depending on the circumstances.

How The Mundaca Law Firm Can Help

We represent older workers across industries who have been pushed out, passed over, or mistreated because of their age. Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the legal process—from internal complaints to settlement negotiations or litigation.

Our Age Discrimination Services Include:

  • Case evaluation and strategic legal advice
  • Filing complaints with the EEOC or state agencies
  • Negotiating severance or reinstatement
  • Representation in age-related lawsuits
  • Protecting you from retaliation

Whether you’re currently employed or already terminated, we’ll fight to hold your employer accountable and protect your financial future.

Possible Outcomes in an Age Discrimination Case

If successful, you may be entitled to:

  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Reinstatement or job placement
  • Compensation for emotional distress
  • Liquidated (double) damages under the ADEA
  • Attorneys’ fees and court costs

Don’t Let Age Define Your Opportunities

You deserve to be treated with respect and judged by your skills—not your birth year. If you suspect age discrimination, don’t wait. The Mundaca Law Firm is ready to help you take action and protect your career.

Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation

  • Phone: (202) 474-8500
  • Website: www.mundacalaw.com
  • Offices: Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, MD
  • Serving: Employees across Virginia and the D.C. metro area

Let us help you stand up to workplace ageism and pursue the justice you deserve.