Atlanta is a major hub for employment law activity in the Southeast, hosting the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and a busy federal district court that produces significant employment law precedent affecting employers and employees across Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. The city’s large corporate workforce in financial services, technology, healthcare, and logistics generates consistent demand for legal counsel on workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and non-compete enforcement. Georgia is an employment-at-will state, which means termination without cause is generally lawful unless it violates federal anti-discrimination statutes such as Title VII, the ADA, or the ADEA — making the specific facts of each termination critical to evaluating whether a viable claim exists. Atlanta’s role as a federal government employment center also creates steady demand for attorneys who represent federal employees in EEO proceedings and Merit Systems Protection Board appeals.
When selecting an employment attorney in Atlanta, confirm that they primarily represent employees rather than employers, as the strategic perspective and conflict of interest considerations differ substantially between the two sides. Ask whether the attorney has tried employment cases in federal court in Atlanta, particularly in the Northern District of Georgia, and what outcomes they have achieved. Most plaintiff-side employment attorneys work on contingency, meaning no upfront fees, but understand that not all cases qualify and that EEOC filing deadlines — generally 180 or 300 days from the discriminatory act — are jurisdictional and cannot be extended. Red flags include attorneys who immediately promise large settlements before reviewing the evidence, and those who seem unfamiliar with the EEOC charge process, which must be completed before filing most discrimination suits in federal court.
Top Employment Attorney Companies in Atlanta
1. Barrett & Farahany
Website: https://www.justiceatwork.com
Services:
- Workplace discrimination (race, gender, age, disability, national origin)
- Wrongful termination
- Sexual harassment
- Retaliation claims
- Wage and hour disputes
- EEOC charge filing and investigation
- Federal employment law
About: Barrett & Farahany has operated for over 25 years as a plaintiff-side employment law firm with Justice at Work as its stated core focus. The firm has built a national reputation representing employees in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage claims across multiple states, with Atlanta as its headquarters. Their contingency-fee model means clients do not pay attorney fees unless the firm recovers on their behalf, making quality legal representation accessible regardless of the client’s financial situation. The firm handles cases from initial EEOC charge through federal trial and appeal.
2. Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP
Website: https://www.bbwmlaw.com
Services:
- Workplace discrimination
- Civil rights litigation
- LGBTQ+ employment rights
- Wrongful termination
- Retaliation and whistleblower claims
- Wage and hour violations
About: Buckley Bala Wilson Mew is an Atlanta employment and civil rights law firm that achieved national recognition for taking the case of Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the court ruled in 2020 that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects LGBTQ+ employees from workplace discrimination. This landmark Supreme Court victory reflects the firm’s commitment to advancing employment rights at the highest levels of the judicial system. The firm serves employees throughout Georgia and handles complex civil rights and employment matters that other firms may decline due to their difficulty. Their litigation credentials in the Northern District of Georgia are among the most distinguished in the Atlanta employment bar.
3. Moeller Barbaree LLP
Phone: (404) 748-9122
Website: https://www.moellerbarbaree.com
Service Area: Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb counties and surrounding areas
Services:
- Employment litigation
- Wrongful termination
- Title VII discrimination defense and prosecution
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) claims
- Wage and overtime disputes
- Employment counseling for businesses
- Non-compete agreements
About: Moeller Barbaree LLP is an Atlanta employment litigation firm that represents both employees and employers in virtually all types of employment-related matters, having litigated hundreds of cases under federal employment laws including Title VII and the Fair Labor Standards Act. The firm’s dual-side experience gives its attorneys a comprehensive understanding of how both plaintiffs and defendants approach employment disputes, which is strategically valuable in negotiating resolutions and anticipating litigation tactics. They serve clients across the Atlanta metro area in Fulton, Cobb, and DeKalb counties and handle matters in both state and federal courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline for filing an employment discrimination claim in Atlanta?
A: For most federal employment discrimination claims under Title VII, the ADA, or the ADEA, you must file a charge with the EEOC within 300 days of the discriminatory act in Georgia, since the state has a work-sharing agreement with the EEOC. This deadline is firm and missing it will bar your federal claim. After the EEOC investigates and issues a Right to Sue notice, you have 90 days to file a lawsuit in federal court. For state law claims, different statutes of limitations apply. If you believe your rights have been violated, contact an Atlanta employment attorney immediately to protect your ability to file a timely charge.
Q: How much does an employment attorney in Atlanta cost?
A: Most plaintiff-side employment attorneys in Atlanta work on a contingency basis, charging no upfront fees and taking a percentage of any recovery — typically 33% to 40% depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some firms also seek attorney’s fees separately from the opposing party when statutes like Title VII authorize fee-shifting in successful cases. Employer-side employment attorneys typically charge hourly rates of $250 to $450 per hour for employment counsel and litigation. Always clarify the fee arrangement and whether litigation costs such as expert witness fees are deducted from your recovery or billed separately.
Q: Does Georgia have stronger employment protections than federal law?
A: Georgia generally provides fewer employment protections than federal law, not more. The state does not have its own anti-discrimination statute equivalent to Title VII covering private employers, and Georgia’s at-will employment doctrine is broadly applied. However, certain state statutes like Georgia’s whistleblower protection law for public employees and the Georgia Equal Pay Act provide specific additional protections. Federal statutes including Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, and the FLSA apply fully to Georgia workers. Atlanta employees working for the federal government have additional protections and distinct procedural requirements through the EEO process.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s active federal courts and large corporate workforce make it one of the Southeast’s most significant employment law markets, requiring attorneys with real trial experience and specific knowledge of Northern District of Georgia practice. Barrett & Farahany offers 25 years of plaintiff-side advocacy with a contingency-fee structure. Buckley Bala Wilson Mew brings nationally recognized civil rights credentials anchored by a landmark Supreme Court victory in employment law. Moeller Barbaree LLP provides both-sides litigation experience across the full spectrum of employment disputes. Contact any of these firms to evaluate whether you have a viable employment claim.