Before proceeding, please review the legal disclaimer.
Work shouldn’t feel like a battlefield. But when you’re targeted, mistreated, or passed over because of who you are—it’s more than just unfair. It may be illegal.
Whether you’ve been denied a promotion, wrongfully terminated, or harassed on the job, a Texas workplace discrimination lawyer can help you stand up for your rights and hold your employer accountable.
In this guide, we’ll break down the types of workplace discrimination, what the law protects, how to build a strong claim, and when it’s time to contact an attorney.
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly based on a protected characteristic under federal or Texas law.
Protected characteristics include:
Race
Color
National origin
Religion
Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity)
Age (40 and over)
Disability
Genetic information
In Texas, it’s also illegal to discriminate based on military status and citizenship status under certain laws.
Discrimination can be subtle—or blatant. Here are common examples that may give rise to a legal claim:
A qualified woman is consistently passed over for promotions in favor of less qualified men.
A Muslim employee is denied reasonable time off for religious observances.
An older employee is pushed out of a job and replaced with someone younger.
A Black worker is subjected to racist comments or jokes, and HR does nothing.
A gay employee is harassed by coworkers after coming out—and management ignores it.
A disabled employee is fired shortly after requesting accommodations.
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t wait to get legal advice.
Several state and federal laws protect employees from discrimination, including:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
Pregnancy Discrimination Act
Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21 (mirrors federal law, applies to employers with 15+ employees)
These laws apply to hiring, firing, pay, promotions, job assignments, benefits, and more.
A skilled attorney will:
Evaluate your case and determine if your rights were violated
Gather evidence (emails, policies, witness statements)
File a charge of discrimination with the EEOC or Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
Negotiate with your employer for a fair settlement
Represent you in court if the case goes to trial
Many cases are resolved through settlement—but your lawyer must be prepared to fight hard if it doesn’t.
Document Everything
Save emails, texts, performance reviews, and incident reports.
Keep a timeline of discriminatory events.
File an Internal Complaint
Use your company’s HR or grievance process, if safe to do so.
Follow up in writing and keep a copy.
Contact an Attorney
The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better your chance of success.
File an EEOC or TWC Charge (Deadline: 180–300 Days)
This is usually required before you can sue.
Stay Calm and Informed
Don’t quit until you get legal advice. Walking away can impact your claim.
“David,” a 59-year-old project manager, was laid off after a merger. He was the only one over 50 in his department. Younger employees with less experience were kept.
With help from a workplace discrimination lawyer in Houston, David filed an EEOC charge. After investigation and mediation, the company agreed to a six-figure settlement.
At The Lange Firm, we know Texas employment law inside and out. We help workers:
Understand their rights
Navigate the EEOC and TWC process
Stand up to retaliation and illegal firings
Recover lost wages and emotional damages
Restore their dignity after discrimination
You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to listen—and to fight for you.
Workplace discrimination is illegal—and you have options.
Whether you’re still employed or already fired, a Texas workplace discrimination lawyer can help you push back, protect your future, and demand justice.
Contact The Lange Firm today for a confidential consultation. We serve workers across Texas—including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and beyond.
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Mr. Evan B. Lange is the attorney responsible for this website. | All meetings are by appointment only. | Principal place of business: Sugar Land, Texas.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome you to submit your claim for review. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.