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Scrutiny on businesses has increased in recent years, and a complex regulatory environment leaves many businesses at risk of triggering a government investigation.

When your business is audited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or under investigation by any federal or state agency, it is essential to understand your rights and to be represented by qualified government investigations attorneys.

At Monty & Ramirez LLP our government investigations attorneys guide businesses on the creation of strategic comprehensive business plans to reduce the risk of investigation. When your business is being investigated, our attorneys will assist in audit preparation and use our legal knowledge and experience to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome. Corporate officers and other business representatives should not speak with government investigators without an attorney present, and it is essential that your company have a comprehensive plan for responding to government investigations that protects the business over the short and long term.

At Monty & Ramirez LLP our government investigations attorneys guide businesses on the creation of strategic comprehensive business plans to reduce the risk of investigation. When your business is being investigated, our attorneys will assist in audit preparation and use our legal knowledge and experience to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome. Corporate officers and other business representatives should not speak with government investigators without an attorney present, and it is essential that your company have a comprehensive plan for responding to government investigations that protects the business over the short and long term.

An Attorney Can Advise Your Business on Government Investigations

When your business is audited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or under investigation by any federal or state agency, it is essential to understand your rights and to be represented by qualified government investigations attorneys.

At Monty & Ramirez LLP our government investigations attorneys guide businesses on the creation of strategic comprehensive business plans to reduce the risk of investigation. When your business is being investigated, our attorneys will assist in audit preparation and use our legal knowledge and experience to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome. Corporate officers and other business representatives should not speak with government investigators without an attorney present, and it is essential that your company have a comprehensive plan for responding to government investigations that protects the business over the short and long term.

At Monty & Ramirez LLP our government investigations attorneys guide businesses on the creation of strategic comprehensive business plans to reduce the risk of investigation. When your business is being investigated, our attorneys will assist in audit preparation and use our legal knowledge and experience to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome. Corporate officers and other business representatives should not speak with government investigators without an attorney present, and it is essential that your company have a comprehensive plan for responding to government investigations that protects the business over the short and long term.

Monty & Ramirez LLP Can Represent You In an Investigation

When your business is audited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or under investigation by any federal or state agency, it is essential to understand your rights and to be represented by qualified government investigations attorneys.

At Monty & Ramirez LLP our government investigations attorneys guide businesses on the creation of strategic comprehensive business plans to reduce the risk of investigation. When your business is being investigated, our attorneys will assist in audit preparation and use our legal knowledge and experience to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome. Corporate officers and other business representatives should not speak with government investigators without an attorney present, and it is essential that your company have a comprehensive plan for responding to government investigations that protects the business over the short and long term.

At Monty & Ramirez LLP our government investigations attorneys guide businesses on the creation of strategic comprehensive business plans to reduce the risk of investigation. When your business is being investigated, our attorneys will assist in audit preparation and use our legal knowledge and experience to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome. Corporate officers and other business representatives should not speak with government investigators without an attorney present, and it is essential that your company have a comprehensive plan for responding to government investigations that protects the business over the short and long term.

Avoiding litigation is a primary goal of labor and employment attorneys at Monty & Ramirez LLP, but lawsuits are often an inevitable consequence of doing business.  When litigation arises, your company needs to employ a strategic approach to resolving disputes that limits your risk, mitigates damages, and maximizes the chances of a favorable outcome.

At Monty & Ramirez LLP, our litigation attorneys have a successful track record of representing small, mid-size and large businesses, publicly-traded companies, and government entities.  Our attorneys have experience litigating cases arising from a variety of business and employment matters at both the state and federal level.

The Importance of Business Litigation Attorneys

In litigation, every decision can affect the outcome of the case.  Having legal guidance at every stage, from the framing of the facts and issues to the application of legal theories, can make a fundamental difference in whether you prevail in litigation. Monty & Ramirez LLP will be with your company every step of the way, advising you at every step of the litigation process.

Our approach to litigation involves working closely with clients to anticipate and understand their needs and to employ innovative strategies to effectively manage each case.   Clients turn to our firm to help them with a variety of litigation matters, and our attorneys are always sensitive to the impact of litigation on company budgets.

Litigation doesn’t always have to be resolved in a courtroom, and our experienced attorneys extend to alternative dispute resolution options when appropriate.  Our attorneys will provide your company with an objective evaluation of your case to allow your business to make smart legal choices throughout the litigation process that maximize your chances of a positive resolution for your business.

Our Business Litigation Attorneys Have the Experience You Need 

At Monty & Ramirez LLP, our experience has extended to representing clients on matters related to:

  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Collective Actions
    • Employee Overtime Claims
    • Employee Minimum Wage Claims
    • Tip Pool Violations
    • Misclassification of Employees
    • Title XII
      • Sexual Harassment
      • Racial Discrimination
      • National Origin Discrimination
      • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
        • FMLA Interference
        • FMLA Denial
        • Worker’s Compensation Retaliation
        •  Non-subscriber
        • Employee Separation and Non-compete agreements 

While every case is different, our past success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of our litigation strategy in assisting companies and individuals in achieving desired outcomes in business litigation. Past accomplishments include:

  • Successfully defending a public employee in both federal court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals against a claim arising from the False Claims Act. The plaintiff was seeking almost $80 million in damages in the case but the defense prevailed.
  • Successfully convincing the court to uphold a seldom-applied Texas Local Government Code and civil service regulation during the transition to office of an elected official.
  • Obtaining the dismissal of a lawsuit brought against a public institution by a former employee claiming race and age discrimination. 

Our attorneys have also represented employers in a variety of litigation matters, including Title VII, FLSA and FMLA cases, NLRB proceedings, and other legal matters. We treat every case with the importance that it deserves, and our extensive legal background helps ensure your company has the best chance at a favorable outcome to your business litigation. Contact Monty & Ramirez LLP today to learn more about how our attorneys can represent you.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Why should I hire a lawyer when I can get the same advice, and cheaper, from a non-lawyer?

You get what you pay for. There are many trained professionals that may seem attractive to a business owner looking for answers. Nevertheless, compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a legal question that must be analyzed by lawyers. Lawyers will ultimately enforce ACA penalties and file lawsuits against employers under the ACA. Employers will likewise retain lawyers to defend them in administrative and judicial proceedings. Savvy business owners will involve defense lawyers early on in the process. This is very much a situation where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Divulging confidential information to a non-lawyer is as secure as divulging confidential information to a lawyer, correct?

Wrong. Conversations with an attorney for the purposes of eliciting legal advice (i.e., how to comply with the ACA’s legal requirements) is generally protected by the attorney-client privilege. This means that a lawyer cannot repeat what they are told in confidence by a business owner without that client’s expressed permission to do so. The same privilege does not attach to conversations with non-lawyers. If you want to be completely honest about your business, and you should to get the best advice possible, hire a lawyer and take advantage of the benefits the attorney-client privilege provides.

Non-lawyers and lawyers are equally disinterested and neutral in the advice they provide, correct?

Not always. Non-lawyers often have interests that, at times, make it difficult for them to provide you with neutral advice that is in your best interest. For example, many business owners are relying on their insurance brokers for ACA compliance advice. One of the central questions in every ACA compliance program is whether to offer health insurance to employees. Brokers are typically paid in commissions. Failing to sell a client an insurance policy yields no commissions. Many business owners are being led to believe that they must buy insurance. While there are advantages and disadvantages to offering insurance, ultimately the decision to offer insurance should be made by the business owner with the benefit of knowing all potential avenues. Lawyers are ethically precluded of interest adverse to a client.

How can a lawyer help me implement ACA responses better than a non-lawyer?

There are many local, state and federal laws that regulate employer conduct in addressing the Affordable Care Act. Examples include the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Older Workers Act and the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Many employers trying to comply with the ACA run afoul of another federal employment law. Non-lawyers are typically not sufficiently familiar with the above laws to add value to a client’s legal response to a legal enactment.

Monty & Ramirez LLP represents public and private higher educational institutions including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, research institutions, academic medical centers, nonprofit and for-profit institutions, and graduate schools.  In the field of higher education, regulations and union relationships affect the rights of institutions and have a profound impact on the relationship between the institution and its key constituents.

Our attorneys understand the complex field of higher-education law and we represent institutions in both responding to litigation and in strategic planning to reduce risk.   Call today to speak with an experienced public and higher education attorney to learn more about the types of services that we can provide for your institution.

Representing Academic Institutions

Monty & Ramirez LLP has a long history of representing institutions of higher education. While each case is different, our track record of successfully representing academic institutions demonstrates the accomplishments our attorneys have had in complex cases.  Monty & Ramirez LLP has successfully obtained dismissals of lawsuits and has defended public employers successfully in state and federal litigation and arbitration.

Some of the different services provided within the public and higher education sector include:

  • Counseling public and higher education institutions on risk-minimization strategies and strategic planning
  • Developing policies including academic and employment policiesto ensure compliance with legal requirements
  • Representation during dispute resolution or grievance procedures
  • Auditing existing policies and procedures and revising and updating policies as needed to incorporate best practices
  • Eliminating “unwritten” and “informal” processes and procedures common to higher education by assisting in the development of written guidelines for workable procedures
  • Training existing on-campus personnel on the rights and responsibilities imposed by law on educational institutions
  • Representing institutions in internal hearings and dispute resolution  proceedings including representing institutions involved in litigation brought by employees
  • Representation in employee benefits disputes including disagreements regarding tenure and benefits
  • Advising academic institutions on obligations under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Acts and other civil rights laws. This includes advising institutions on risks associated with “pattern or practice” discrimination 

These describe just some of the services our attorneys can offer public and higher education institutions.  We recognize the unique needs of academic institutions and have the legal knowledge and experience necessary to work towards resolving disputes and enhancing higher education practices.

Contact Our Public and Higher Education Attorneys Today

Operation of any higher education institution requires a strategic and comprehensive business plan made in consideration of the needs of students, parents and faculty.  A strategic plan should also protect the academic institution from litigation and accusations of failure to comply with federal regulations.  Monty & Ramirez LLP can assist in all aspects of administrative and legal issues related to operating a higher institution.

If you own or operate a business within the hospitality industry, you understand the importance of developing a long-range strategic business plan for operation and growth.  You also understand the importance of an advanced knowledge of the myriad of legal rules and regulations applicable to all aspects of running a hospitality business – from regulations related to acquisition to management to financing to land development and zoning.

Hospitality businesses must understand the law in order to minimize risks and to maximize the chances of success in complex business transactions.  Monty & Ramirez LLP has the legal experience necessary to provide comprehensive legal services to hospitality businesses. Call today to speak with an experienced member of our legal team and learn more about the assistance that we provide.

Legal Issues Within the Hospitality Industry

Monty & Ramirez LLP assists all types of hospitality industry clients –from resorts and business center hotels, to developers, franchisors, financial institutions, and owner-operators.  We assist clients across the market spectrum, including individuals and businesses involved with restaurants, resorts, hotels, golf courses, and mixed-use developments.

Our attorneys keep up-to-date on changing regulatory requirements and regularly consult with clients to provide comprehensive advice designed to help them maximize opportunity and achieve business goals. Our efforts help your hospitality business minimize risk and work successfully within the state and local legal system and the regulatory framework.

Some of the different types of legal services we provide to clients within this industry include:

  • Representation in litigation and arbitration
  • Management, HR and benefits consulting
  • Representation and consulting on employer/employee law matters including staff turnover, overtime pay, employee discrimination and employee benefits
  • Immigration compliance.
  • Consulting and representation on labor law issues including those related to unionization. 

Hospitality businesses have various constituents including investors, shareholders, employees, owners and customers.  Both large and small hospitality businesses must comply with regulations related to hiring, firing, termination, customer and employee safety, zoning requirements, and tort and contract laws.

An understanding of the legal landscape is an important part of creating a comprehensive business plan and making decisions for moving your business forward. Our attorneys provide the assistance your business needs to overcome obstacles, respond to challenges and problems, and use the law to grow and expand your portfolio.

Contact our Experienced Hospitality Industry Attorneys Today

At Monty & Ramirez LLP, our attorneys are prepared to help you optimize your objectives by bringing our experience in the hospitality industry to work on your case.

Call or contact us online today to speak with an experienced member of our legal team and learn how our hospitality industry attorneys in Greater Houston can help your business.

Although employees are the most valuable resources that many businesses have, hiring an employee also creates the potential for significant legal liability for your company. Employers must comply with a myriad of regulations including fair hiring practices, anti-discrimination laws, wage and hour laws, unemployment laws, worker-safety laws as well as immigration laws.  Failure to comply with any federal, state or local requirements could result in litigation, fines and penalties for your business.

While your company may have a human resources department, or an in-house HR professional, knowing all of the legal rules and making strategic decisions to minimize risk, requires advanced knowledge of the law and how it applies to your company. You need an experienced legal professional to advise you and Monty & Ramirez LLP can help. Our human resources consultants in Greater Houston offer a comprehensive array of services to large and small businesses in Houston, Texas and throughout the rest of the United States.

Human Resources Consulting For Your Business

At Monty & Ramirez LLP, our experienced Houston human resources consultants work with your HR department in all aspects of HR planning while providing comprehensive legal advice. Our attorneys:

  • Draft company handbooks, policy manuals and procedures to minimize liability and ensure compliance with all laws and regulations
  • Explain and advise on the application of Title VII regulations and other anti-discrimination provisions in the law that apply to the hiring and firing of employees and to the terms and conditions of employment
  • Provide guidance on employee benefits issues including compliance with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act as well as the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act (ERISA)
  • Prepare employment and severance contracts as well as separation agreements
  • Keep your business updated on legal developments that affect business operations
  • Advise employers on discrimination and harassment issues
  • Assist employees to manage layoffs and plant closures in compliance with the law
  • Provide management training to make it easier for managers and supervisors to comply with requirements and avoid making mistakes that could result in liability for the company
  • Assist with compliance of workers’ compensation laws and advise employers on workers’ compensation claims management 

These are just some of the many legal tasks our attorneys provide to companies across the United States. As human resource consultants, our goal is to ensure you have the maximum in legal protection and that you take steps to insulate yourself from accusations that government regulations have been violated. With the right advice, you have the best chance of avoiding lawsuits, audits and investigations that can cost your business.

Contact our Human Resources Consultants Today

To find a human resources consultant that can effectively advise company HR professionals on legal matters relevant to business operations, call Monty & Ramirez LLP today to schedule a consultation and learn what our experienced human resources consultants in Greater Houston can do for you.  Our attorneys represent closely-held as well as public corporations, nonprofits, public institutions and government entities nationwide.

Book a consultation Today