At Lebau & Neuworth, we’re proud to stand up for workers whose rights have been violated — especially in cases involving exploitation, trafficking, and unpaid labor. 

Background: Years of Unpaid Work and Exploitation

Our client came to the United States from India in 2007 on a student visa. Like many immigrants pursuing the American dream, she hoped to build a better life through education and hard work. Unfortunately, what followed was years of exploitation and abuse at the hands of relatives who took advantage of her vulnerable situation.

Upon arrival, our client lived with relatives by marriage, who persuaded her to transfer schools and move closer to them. In return for “free housing,” she was forced to cook, clean, and care for their children — all without pay.

Later, our client was compelled to work long hours at a local restaurant franchise, often from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Despite the grueling schedule, she received no wages, and any earnings she did make were taken by the defendants. Her passport and other personal documents were confiscated. She was isolated, monitored, and threatened with deportation if she disobeyed.

After years of control and unpaid work — both in the restaurant and as a domestic worker — our client finally escaped in 2021 with help from supportive family members.

Legal Claims: Standing Up Against Forced Labor and Wage Theft

In September 2024, our client filed a lawsuit against the defendants, asserting claims under both federal and Maryland law. The Amended Complaint includes:

• Forced Labor & Human Trafficking under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA)
  
• Unpaid Wages & Overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  
• Violations of Maryland Wage and Hour Law (MWHL) and Wage Payment and Collection Law (MWPCL)
  
• Unjust Enrichment — for benefiting from her labor without paying fair compensation
  

Our client alleges she was forced to work under threats, isolation, and document control — conditions that meet the definition of human trafficking under federal law.

Court’s Ruling: The Case Moves Forward

The defendants asked the court to dismiss several of the claims, arguing they were filed too late or were otherwise barred. The court disagreed.

Judge Rubin found that allegations of forced isolation, passport confiscation, and threats could justify equitable tolling — a legal principle that pauses the statute of limitations when a victim is prevented from filing due to extraordinary circumstances.

The court also ruled that our client had sufficiently alleged coverage under the FLSA, since the restaurant franchise likely met federal revenue thresholds and involved interstate commerce. The unjust enrichment claim — based on unpaid promised wages — also survived, as it involved different facts than the wage law claims.

In short, the court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss, allowing the case to move forward to discovery and further proceedings.

Why This Case Matters

This case highlights the intersection between human trafficking and employment law — an area that’s often overlooked. Exploitation doesn’t always look like what we see in movies; it can happen in workplaces, homes, or small businesses when power and control replace fairness and freedom.

For immigrant workers especially, fear of deportation or loss of documentation can keep them silent for years. At Lebau & Neuworth, we’re committed to breaking that silence and fighting for justice — not only for our client, but for anyone who’s been exploited, underpaid, or silenced by those in power.

We Stand With Workers

At Lebau & Neuworth, we understand that your work is more than just a paycheck — it’s your livelihood and dignity. Our Baltimore-based employment attorneys have decades of experience fighting for workers in cases involving wage theft, discrimination, retaliation, and human trafficking.

If you or someone you know has been forced to work without fair pay, or if you suspect you’ve been the victim of labor trafficking or exploitation, we’re here to help.

We’re proud to share that Lebau & Neuworth has been recognized by the Baltimore County Bar Association and Pro Bono Committee as the 2025 Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year. This award honors our firm’s dedication to serving the citizens of Baltimore and our commitment to advancing access to justice for all.

This year, our team contributed nearly 70 hours of pro bono legal service to the Women’s Law Center of Maryland’s Employment Law Hotline—a vital resource for Maryland residents navigating workplace challenges such as wage theft, unlawful termination, and discrimination.

At a time when workers across Maryland face increasing uncertainty and systemic barriers, we believe that everyone deserves strong, informed advocacy—no matter their income or background. Attorneys Steve Lebau, Richard Neuworth, and Devan Wang led these efforts, offering legal guidance and support to individuals who might otherwise face these difficult issues alone.

Their work reflects what drives our firm every day: a deep commitment to fairness, integrity, and the belief that justice should be within reach for everyone.

Standing Up for Workers Across Maryland

At Lebau & Neuworth, we know that your career is more than a paycheck—it’s your livelihood, your passion, and your future. When those rights are threatened, you deserve a team that understands what’s at stake. Our attorneys have spent decades standing up for employees in Baltimore and across Maryland, taking on cases involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes.

We bring deep experience and a personal approach to every case, carefully crafting strategies that fit each client’s circumstances. Whether it’s fighting for fair pay, challenging workplace injustice, or helping employees navigate complex legal systems, we remain committed to achieving meaningful results and restoring fairness where it’s been lost.

Continuing Our Commitment

Being recognized as the 2025 Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year is an honor—and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. We are grateful to the Baltimore County Bar Association and the Women’s Law Center of Maryland for their partnership and for the opportunity to make a difference in our community.

If you’re facing challenges in your workplace or need guidance about your employee rights, Lebau & Neuworth is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can stand with you in seeking justice and protecting your future.

A recent federal court decision in Maryland underscores the importance of whistleblower protections and highlights the potential scale of fraud in government contracting. In Sovitsky v. SOC LLC, a federal judge ruled that whistleblower Paul Sovitsky, a former Training Manager for SOC LLC, can move forward with his False Claims Act lawsuit alleging systematic fraud tied to U.S. Embassy security contracts in Baghdad.

Background on SOC and the Embassy Contracts

SOC LLC is a private government contractor hired under the State Department’s Worldwide Protective Services (WPS I and II) contracts to provide security guards for U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq. These contracts required every guard to pass strict qualifications, including:

• Physical fitness testing
• Firearms proficiency with limited requalification attempts
• English language proficiency
• Prior military or law enforcement experience

Only guards who passed all requirements could legally be billed to the government.

Allegations of Fraudulent Billing

Sovitsky’s complaint outlines a multi-year scheme to keep unqualified guards on the payroll and misrepresent compliance to the U.S. government. Key allegations include:

• Falsified Physical Fitness Results: Failed test results were relabeled as “practice” runs, allowing unfit guards to remain active.
• Manipulated Firearms Qualification: Guards were given unlimited chances to pass weapons testing, violating the three-attempt limit, with only passing scores recorded.
• Invoicing for Unqualified Guards: SOC then billed the government as if these guards were fully compliant, allegedly defrauding taxpayers for years.

The contracts at issue were worth millions of dollars, and Sovitsky alleges that dozens—if not hundreds—of guards did not meet the required standards during his tenure.

Whistleblower Retaliation

According to the lawsuit, when Sovitsky refused to falsify records and reported the misconduct to the State Department, he faced retaliation, including threats and eventual termination. This forms the basis for his retaliation claim under the False Claims Act, which protects whistleblowers who expose fraud against the government.

Court’s Decision

In April 2025, Chief Judge George L. Russell III of the U.S. District Court for Maryland ruled that Sovitsky’s claims were sufficiently detailed and plausible to proceed. Specifically, the court found that allegations regarding fraudulent firearms qualifications and billing practices could constitute material false claims under federal law. While some parts of the case were dismissed, the central fraud and retaliation claims remain intact.

Potential Damages

Under the False Claims Act, if proven, the government may recover treble damages (three times the actual losses) and statutory penalties for each false claim. Given the scale of the embassy contracts, damages could easily reach into the millions.

Why This Case Matters

This case illustrates the power of whistleblowers in uncovering government contracting fraud and the legal protections available to them. Whistleblowers often risk their jobs and livelihoods to expose wrongdoing, but the False Claims Act provides both financial rewards and legal safeguards against retaliation.

Protecting Whistleblowers and Employees in Maryland

At Lebau & Neuworth, we are proud to represent employees—including whistleblowers—across Maryland and the DC metro area. We know that speaking up against powerful employers or government contractors takes courage. Whether you are facing wrongful termination, workplace retaliation, discrimination, harassment, or wage theft, our experienced Baltimore employment lawyers are here to fight for your rights.

Why Choose Us?

• Decades of experience in employment law
• Proven track record of protecting whistleblowers
• Aggressive representation against retaliation
• Personalized strategies to achieve real results

If you have been retaliated against for reporting fraud, discrimination, or other unlawful practices, don’t face it alone. Contact our team today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Your career and your future are too important to leave unprotected. Let us help you stand up for your rights.

Call us now or reach out through our website to speak with a trusted Maryland whistleblower attorney.

Pay equity is not just a fairness issue, it’s the law. Equal pay laws in Maryland are designed to ensure that employees receive equal compensation for substantially similar work, regardless of gender, sex, race, or other protected characteristics. If you're an employee concerned about wage discrimination or an employer working to ensure compliance, you owe it to yourself or your employees to understand the laws surrounding pay equity and strive for fairness for all.

At Lebau & Neuworth, we help Maryland workers and businesses navigate complex employment laws, including wage equity and pay discrimination matters. The first step to achieving equity is to understand exactly how the law protects equal pay and further pursues an equality for all in the workplace.

Overview of Equal Pay Laws in Maryland

Maryland has some of the strongest state-level wage equity laws in the country, building on federal protections established under the Equal Pay Act of 1963. By enshrining worker protections at the state level, the legislature is ensuring that you will always be protected with clear regulations regardless of the direction the federal government takes equal pay laws.

What Is the Maryland Equal Pay for Equal Work Law?

Enacted in 2016 and expanded in recent years, Maryland’s Equal Pay for Equal Work law prohibits employers from paying employees of one sex or race less than employees of another for comparable work, unless the pay difference is based on legitimate business-related factors.

This law goes beyond the federal Equal Pay Act by explicitly including gender identity and race, and it protects employees from retaliation for discussing or asking about wages.

Who Is Protected Under These Laws?

Maryland’s law protects employees of all genders, races, and gender identities. It applies to both full-time and part-time workers and prohibits employers from:

• Paying different wages for similar work based on sex, gender identity, or race
• Restricting employees from discussing or disclosing their wages
• Retaliating against employees for raising concerns or filing complaints
• Restricts employers from offering less favorable employment opportunities

What Employers Are Covered?

The law applies to all public and private employers in Maryland, regardless of size. Even small businesses must comply with wage equity requirements and ensure that compensation differences are legally justified.

What Counts as a Violation of Equal Pay Laws?

The Equal Pay Act covers a variety of situations that could constitute a violation. Equal Pay for Equal Work is rather self explanatory but there are a number of common occurrences that still happen even after stronger wage discrimination laws were passed.

Common Examples of Pay Discrimination

Violations can include:

• A woman being paid less than a man for performing the same duties
• An employee of color receiving a lower wage than white colleagues in the same role
• Employees being punished or terminated for asking about coworkers’ pay
• Offering lower starting salaries to applicants based on gender or race
• Not informing all employees about advancement opportunities
• Engaging in illegal or unfair practices with non-compete clauses

Permissible Differences in Pay

Maryland law allows some justifiable pay differences where they make sense, but only when based on:

• Seniority and merit-based systems that are documented and applied consistently
• Productivity-based pay structures such as commissions or bonuses tied to measurable performance
• Bona fide factors other than sex or race, such as education, training, experience, or geographic location, provided the employer can prove these are job-related and not discriminatory

Responsibilities for Employers Under Equal Pay Laws

Employers in Maryland have a legal responsibility to:

• Regularly review pay structures and compensation practices
• Ensure pay differences are lawful and well-documented
• Avoid asking applicants about salary history, which can perpetuate past discrimination
• Allow employees to freely discuss wages without fear of discipline or retaliation

Companies that fail to comply may face civil penalties, legal claims, and reputational harm. Employers unsure of their policies should consider working with an employment lawyer to audit and correct any issues. Ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the law.

What Employees Can Do If They Suspect Wage Discrimination

If you believe you're being paid unfairly, take these steps:

1. Document your concerns, including job duties, pay history, and any relevant comparisons
2. Review your company’s compensation policy
3. Speak to HR or management if you feel comfortable, but be aware HR is there to protect the company
4. Consult an employment law attorney who can assess your situation and advise you on your rights

At Lebau & Neuworth, we regularly assist employees with wage discrimination, employment contract negotiations, and other related matters. 

If you’re unsure where to start, we provide a confidential consultation. Contact Lebau & Neuworth at (410) 296-3030 to speak with a member of our legal team.

How Maryland’s Laws Compare to Federal Equal Pay Laws

Maryland law complements and strengthens federal protections under the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Federal Law	Maryland Law
Protected Characteristics	Sex, gender identity, and race	Sex, gender identity, and race
Discussion of Wages	Covered under the National Labor Relations Act	Explicit protection for wage discussions
Salary History Ban	No federal ban	Prohibited in Maryland
Employer Coverage	All employer sizes must be compliant if they have more than one employee	All Maryland employers

While both Maryland and the Federal government have similar laws, Maryland's are enshrined at the state level and take it a step further. Both sets of laws prohibit retaliation and offer remedies such as back pay, reinstatement, and legal fees if a claim is successful.

When to Consult an Employment Law Attorney

If you’re facing unclear pay disparities, retaliation, or possible violations of wage equity laws, it's time to speak with an experienced equal pay act attorney. At Lebau & Neuworth, we’ve helped countless Maryland workers and employers resolve wage discrimination disputes and ensure compliance.

Equal pay laws in Maryland provide powerful protections for employees and clear obligations for employers. If you're being paid unfairly or are concerned about wage equity in your organization, it’s crucial to take advantage of the rights given to you by the state of Maryland to ensure you receive equal pay for equal work.

Whether you're negotiating a salary, reviewing compensation policies, or preparing for a potential claim, Lebau & Neuworth is here to help.

Call (410) 296-3030 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a trusted employment law attorney.

At Lebau & Neuworth, we understand that your career is more than just a paycheck—it’s your identity, passion, and future. When workplace discrimination threatens that, the impact can be devastating. The good news is that both Maryland and federal laws offer strong protections for employees against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

This guide will walk you through what employment discrimination looks like, who is protected, and how Maryland’s laws safeguard workers across the state.

What Is Employment Discrimination?

Employment discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of their membership in a protected class. This can occur at any stage of employment—from the hiring process to promotions, pay, or even after someone leaves a job.

Examples include:

• Being denied a job due to your race or age.
• Receiving lower pay than a colleague with the same role and experience.
• Being harassed with offensive jokes, slurs, or name-calling.
• Being terminated for discriminatory reasons.

Protected Categories Under Maryland Law

Maryland law prohibits discrimination based on:

• Race (including race-based hair discrimination)
• Color
• Religion
• Sex (including pregnancy and gender identity)
• National origin or ancestry
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Marital status
• Age
• Genetic information

These protections extend to applicants, employees, contractors, and even former employees. Importantly, Maryland law also prohibits retaliation against individuals who file complaints, participate in investigations, or speak out against discrimination.

Who Must Follow the Law?

Most employers in Maryland must comply with these anti-discrimination rules. However, there are some exceptions:

• Employers with fewer than 15 employees may not be subject to all provisions, but they still must provide equal pay for equal work and cannot harass employees.
• Employers with 4 or more employees cannot discriminate based on national origin.
• Religious institutions may be exempt in certain situations, particularly regarding leadership or teaching roles.

Private employers with 15+ employees, state and local governments, and labor organizations are generally covered by these laws.

Areas of Employment Covered

Maryland’s anti-discrimination protections apply to nearly all aspects of employment, including:

• Hiring and firing
• Pay and benefits
• Promotions and transfers
• Job classification and assignments
• Disability leave
• Training programs
• Recruitment and job advertisements
• Workplace facilities and conditions

Disability Discrimination & Reasonable Accommodations

In Maryland, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against someone due to a disability, a history of disability, or even a perceived disability. Discrimination can include refusing to hire, denying promotions, harassment, or failing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Reasonable accommodations may include:

• Flexible scheduling for medical treatment.
• Assistive technology such as screen readers.
• Modifications to the hiring process to ensure accessibility.

Returning Citizens & Criminal Records

Maryland law also provides protections for applicants with criminal records. Employers with 15 or more employees cannot ask about conviction history before the first in-person interview, except for specific roles such as jobs involving vulnerable populations. Additionally, blanket bans on hiring individuals with records may be unlawful if they disproportionately impact people of color, creating what’s called a “disparate impact.”

What To Do If You Face Discrimination

If you believe you’ve experienced employment discrimination:

1. Document everything – Write down dates, times, and details of incidents.
2. Check internal policies – File a complaint with HR if possible.
3. Get legal help – An employment attorney can guide you through filing a claim with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

How Lebau & Neuworth Can Help

At Lebau & Neuworth, our Baltimore employment lawyers have decades of experience fighting for individuals facing discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes. We believe no one should suffer unfair treatment at work—and we have the knowledge and resources to hold employers accountable.

Contact Our Baltimore Employment Lawyers Today

If you’ve been subjected to discrimination or harassment at work, don’t face it alone. Contact Lebau & Neuworth today to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve employees throughout Maryland and the DC Metro area. Together, we’ll fight for your rights and restore fairness to your workplace.