Age Discrimination Lawyers in Arlington, Virginia

Your experience, skills, and dedication should be valued—not dismissed because of your age. Unfortunately, age discrimination, or ageism, remains a widespread issue in many workplaces across Arlington and the greater D.C. area. Older workers often face subtle (and sometimes blatant) forms of bias that violate both federal and state law.

At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help employees stand up against workplace discrimination based on age. If you’ve been denied opportunities, pushed out of a role, or treated unfairly because of your age, we’re here to help you assert your rights and protect your career.

What Is Age Discrimination?

Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant less favorably because of their age—typically when the person is 40 years or older.

It can manifest in various forms, including:

  • Being passed over for promotions in favor of younger workers
  • Facing negative comments or stereotypes about age
  • Being pushed into early retirement
  • Receiving worse performance reviews without cause
  • Being laid off or terminated while younger, less-experienced workers remain employed
  • Seeing job ads that explicitly target “recent graduates” or “digital natives”

Age discrimination is illegal and can be challenged under federal and Virginia law.

Legal Protections Against Age Discrimination

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

The ADEA is a federal law that protects individuals aged 40 and older from age-based discrimination in any aspect of employment. It applies to:

  • Hiring and firing decisions
  • Promotions and demotions
  • Job assignments
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Training opportunities
  • Workplace policies or practices

The ADEA covers employers with 20 or more employees.

Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA)

In Virginia, the VHRA also protects workers from age discrimination and applies to employers with five or more employees. This means even smaller businesses in Arlington must comply with anti-ageism standards.

Common Signs of Age Discrimination

Many forms of age discrimination are subtle or disguised as “business decisions.” Watch for these red flags:

  • Sudden demotions or changes in duties after turning 50+
  • “Culture fit” hiring practices that favor younger workers
  • Lack of training opportunities compared to younger colleagues
  • Being excluded from meetings or client interactions
  • Layoffs targeting older employees while retaining less-experienced staff
  • Encouragement to “retire early” or “make room for the next generation”

Even if an employer doesn’t directly mention age, patterns of biased treatment can support a legal claim.

Retaliation for Speaking Up

If you report age discrimination to HR or assert your rights under the ADEA or VHRA, your employer cannot retaliate against you. Retaliation includes firing, demotion, harassment, or any adverse employment action taken because you filed a complaint.

We represent clients in both discrimination and retaliation claims and ensure your voice is heard.

What You Can Recover in an Age Discrimination Claim

If you’ve been harmed by age discrimination, you may be entitled to compensation and other remedies, including:

  • Back pay for lost wages or benefits
  • Front pay for future lost earnings
  • Reinstatement to your former position
  • Damages for emotional distress (in some cases under state law)
  • Attorneys’ fees and legal costs

In certain cases involving willful violations of the ADEA, you may also recover liquidated damages—essentially double the back pay amount.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Age Discrimination

  1. Document everything: Save emails, performance reviews, and notes from meetings.
  2. Track patterns: If others over 40 are being treated differently, this could support your claim.
  3. Use internal channels: File a complaint with HR or your manager to preserve your rights.
  4. Consult an employment lawyer: Don’t go it alone. Legal guidance can help protect your job and secure justice.

How The Mundaca Law Firm Can Help

Our Arlington-based law firm is dedicated to protecting workers across the D.C. metro area. We offer:

  • Clear legal advice about your rights under ADEA and Virginia law
  • Help filing claims with the EEOC or the Virginia Office of Civil Rights
  • Representation in negotiations, administrative hearings, and court
  • Strategic solutions whether you’re still employed or have already been terminated

We treat every case with respect and personal attention—because no one should be penalized for growing older.

Don’t Let Age Be Used Against You

If you’ve been overlooked, pushed out, or mistreated at work because of your age, you may have a legal claim. At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help you fight back against ageism and move forward with dignity.

Contact an Arlington Age Discrimination Lawyer Today

  • Phone: (202) 474-8500
  • Website: www.mundacalaw.com
  • Serving: Arlington, VA and the greater D.C. metro area

Your experience matters. Let us help you protect it.