Despite decades of legal protections, wage disparities continue to plague workplaces across the United States. If you believe you’re being paid unfairly compared to your colleagues doing the same work, an equal pay lawyer can help you assert your rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation.

At The Lange Firm, we represent employees throughout Texas who are victims of wage discrimination—particularly women, minorities, and older workers who are often targets of unequal pay practices. If you think your employer is violating equal pay laws, it’s time to talk to an attorney who can protect your rights.

In this article, we’ll explain what equal pay laws cover, how to tell if you have a case, what legal steps to take, and how The Lange Firm can help.

What Is an Equal Pay Lawyer?

An equal pay lawyer is an employment attorney who specializes in cases where workers are paid less for equal work due to unlawful discrimination. These attorneys are skilled in federal and state employment laws such as:

• The Equal Pay Act of 1963

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

• The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009

• Texas Labor Code Chapter 21

An equal pay attorney investigates disparities in pay and employment conditions between employees of different genders, races, ages, or other protected categories.

What Counts as Unequal Pay Under the Law?

The law requires that employees performing substantially similar work—in terms of skill, effort, and responsibility—should be compensated equally, regardless of gender, race, or other protected statuses.

Examples of unlawful unequal pay:

• A woman earning less than a man for the same role with similar qualifications

• A Black employee being denied a raise that white employees receive for similar performance

• An older worker being paid less than younger hires in the same position

You don’t have to prove that your employer intended to discriminate—only that discrimination resulted in a pay disparity.

How Do You Know If You’re a Victim of Unequal Pay?

Many employees aren’t even aware that they’re being underpaid—especially since pay is often treated as a taboo subject at work. Here are signs to watch for:

• You’re discouraged or forbidden from discussing wages with coworkers

• You find out others in the same role earn more despite similar or lesser experience

• You’re passed over for raises or bonuses that others routinely receive

• HR refuses to explain pay differences or give consistent answers

Texas law and federal law protect your right to discuss wages. If you discover a discrepancy, consult with an equal pay lawyer at The Lange Firm to evaluate your legal options.

How an Equal Pay Lawyer Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we help clients take these steps to challenge unfair wages:

1. Investigate the Pay Disparity

We’ll analyze your role, your compensation, and that of comparable employees to determine whether wage discrimination exists.

2. Request Documentation

We work with HR or subpoena records to uncover salary history, performance reviews, and bonus structures that may prove discriminatory practices.

3. File an EEOC Charge

Before filing a lawsuit, we typically help you file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division.

4. Negotiate or Litigate

Depending on your case, we may negotiate a fair settlement or take your employer to court. Damages may include:

• Back pay

• Front pay

• Liquidated damages

• Attorney’s fees

• Emotional distress compensation (in some cases)

At the point in the blog where we discuss EEOC filing timelines, consider linking to our article “How Long Do You Have to Sue for Workplace Discrimination in Texas.”

Texas Laws vs. Federal Equal Pay Protections

In Texas, workers are protected by both federal laws and the Texas Labor Code. Texas laws provide protections parallel to federal standards, but some procedures and deadlines differ.

Texas employees usually have 180 days from the date of the last discriminatory paycheck to file a charge with the EEOC. That deadline can be extended under the Ledbetter Act, which resets the clock with every unequal paycheck.

Can You Be Retaliated Against for Filing an Equal Pay Claim?

It’s illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for:

• Asking about pay disparities

• Filing a complaint

• Participating in an investigation

• Hiring an attorney

Retaliation may include termination, demotion, harassment, or reduction in hours. If that happens, The Lange Firm can pursue a separate claim for retaliation in addition to your wage discrimination case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Equal Pay Claims

Can I Still Sue If I Agreed to My Salary?

Yes. Even if you accepted a wage offer, it is illegal for your employer to pay you less because of your gender, race, or age.

Do I Need Written Proof?

Not necessarily. Testimony, coworker comparisons, and employment records can be enough.

What If My Employer Says It’s Based on Merit or Tenure?

That may be a valid defense—but only if it’s consistently and fairly applied. Unequal application of policies may still be discriminatory.

Why Choose The Lange Firm for Your Equal Pay Case?

We are committed to helping Texas workers assert their rights with dignity and strength. At The Lange Firm, we provide:

• Clear answers about your legal options

• Professional handling of complex employment claims

• Respectful, confidential consultations

• Aggressive advocacy for equal treatment

We don’t just represent workers—we empower them.

Start With a Confidential Consultation

If you suspect wage discrimination, don’t wait. Reach out to The Lange Firm today for a free case evaluation with an experienced equal pay lawyer.

Your time to act may be limited. Let us help you fight for the compensation—and respect—you deserve.