Attorneys for Public Employees
Public Employees Labor Relations Act (PELRA) Law Firm
At Kelly & Lemmons, P.A., we provide experienced employment and labor law representation for public employees throughout Minnesota. Our firm maintains a strong interest in advocating for the rights of public employees. We represent 12,500 members of the Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employees Union Local 320. This includes representation of police officers, sheriff's deputies, court personnel, and other public employees in discipline hearings, termination proceedings and related employment matters.
Our firm is experienced in administrative disciplinary hearings regarding dismissal, demotion, suspension, reprimand or transfer for alleged misconduct. We are well-versed in Garrity and Tennessen warnings, Loudermill hearings and the Peace Officers' Bill of Rights in protecting the rights of public safety employees.
St. Paul - Minneapolis Public Employees Law Attorneys With More Than 50 Years Combined Experience
Our public employee and labor law attorneys have more than 50 years of combined legal experience. Our firm's president Patrick J. Kelly and attorneys Kevin M. Beck, and Trevor S. Oliver have more than 50 years combined employment and labor law experience.
Kelly & Lemmons, P.A., serves the legal interests of public employee clients in St. Paul, Minneapolis, the Twin Cities metro area and western Wisconsin. Contact us today to discuss your public employee matter.
Effective Protection of Union Members' Rights
Kelly & Lemmons, P.A., serves as litigation counsel for labor unions, consulting on unfair labor practices, environmental or safety violations, and litigation concerning collective bargaining agreements. We are also well aware of pending changes to how labor unions will bargain under the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Adopting a consultative role, we keep our union clients apprised of important developments and are prepared to respond to any changes in the law that could affect their benefits, bargaining position, or rights.
Veteran's Preference Law
Our firm features three military veterans with extensive experience representing fellow veterans in civilian employment cases. Patrick Kelly, Trevor Oliver and Joseph Kelly have all served in the United States Army. There are two facets to Minnesota veteran's preference law. The first is veteran's preference in hiring. As a veteran, you should be given preference in an open application for a state, county or local government job. Veterans may file a complaint with the Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs if he or she feels they are not getting preference. The second facet is protection against termination, dismissal or downsizing. As an honorably discharged veteran in public employment, you can only be dismissed or fired for serious misconduct or incompetence. If there is a layoff, you cannot be laid off unless your position is actually eliminated. Veterans are entitled to a hearing whether part of a union or not and are required to be kept on payroll until after a full hearing has concluded on the issue of dismissal.
Independent Hearings
Independent hearings are possible for nonunion public employees. Under Minn. Stat. 179A.25, you may still be able to file a grievance and be heard by an independent hearing officer. This largely depends on how it's defined in your employer's handbook and whether there is a contractual right for the employee not to be terminated except for cause.
Contact Kelly & Lemmons, P.A.
For more information about our employment and labor law services, contact us at Kelly & Lemmons, P.A. Please schedule a confidential consultation by calling 651-315-7951 or e-mailing us.
