“What matters is whether a firm can protect people when the power imbalance is real. Our work is about results, discretion, and giving employees leverage when they need it most.”
At Phillips & Associates, our strength comes from dedicated attorneys who fight every day for employees facing unfair treatment. We’re proud when their knowledge gets recognized in trusted outlets like Authority Magazine.
Over the last couple of months, three of our lawyers sat down for in-depth interviews. Each one tackled a key workplace issue from a different angle. Taken together, they highlight the real-world guidance we provide to clients across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
Melissa Vo offered practical steps for building more inclusive workplaces. She explained that employees only report problems when they feel safe doing so. Safety grows from clear communication, protected privacy, and reliable action on concerns. When that trust exists, companies catch issues early and create better environments for everyone.
Melissa also noted how small, everyday moments—like interruptions in meetings or uneven credit for ideas—can quietly exclude people. Calling those out and correcting them right away builds true belonging. This kind of vigilance often prevents the kinds of discrimination and harassment claims we see in our practice.
Steven Fingerhut gave straightforward guidance on what to do when an employer refuses reasonable accommodations for a disability. His first piece of advice: start documenting everything immediately. Clear records of requests, dates, and responses make all the difference if talks break down and legal steps become necessary.
Steven walked through the importance of written requests, good-faith conversations, and knowing when to involve HR or outside help. An unjustified denial—or retaliation for asking—can violate the law. We’ve helped many clients in exactly these situations secure accommodations or fair compensation through settlement or litigation.
I spoke about the business side of running a successful law firm. I shared five principles that have guided us: respect every person on the team, lead by doing, listen more than you speak, hire talented people with real drive, and protect your own mindset. These lessons came from hard-won experience—multiple career shifts, financial setbacks, and building our firm from one attorney to more than 50 while staying 100% employee-focused.
One key point I emphasized is that you can’t teach hunger. When people care deeply about the work, they bring energy that money or titles can’t buy. That commitment has allowed us to grow while keeping the resources needed to take on large employers and deliver strong, private resolutions that protect clients’ futures.
All three conversations point to the same goal: stronger, fairer workplaces. Whether it’s fostering inclusion, honoring disability rights, or running a firm built to serve employees, the focus remains on giving people real options when power feels stacked against them.
We appreciate Authority Magazine for showcasing our team’s perspective. If you’re dealing with discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or a denied accommodation, reach out. We offer free, confidential consultations and have recovered hundreds of millions for clients through discreet settlements.
Read the full interviews:
- Melissa Vo: How To Create More Inclusive Workplaces
- Steven Fingerhut: What To Do If Your Employer Won’t Provide Reasonable Accommodations
- William K. Phillips: 5 Things You Need To Lead A Successful Law Firm