Employment Law Videos

Do you vent to your "work bestie" via text? You might be accidentally handing your employer the evidence they need to fire you or ruin your lawsuit. In this video, Seattle employment lawyer Ed Hones reveals 4 specific text messages you should NEVER send to a coworker—and why these casual conversations are gold mines for your employer's attorneys.

Many employees treat text threads as a safe space to joke or complain, but in the eyes of the law, those messages are permanent evidence. Learn exactly how your texts can destroy legal claims and cost you your settlement.

✅ IN THIS VIDEO, YOU'LL LEARN:

Text #4: The "Awkward Acknowledgement." Why sending a polite "LOL" or thumbs up to an inappropriate joke can trap you under the "Unwelcome Standard" and ruin a harassment claim.

Text #3: The "Trash Talk" Text. How venting about your boss hands your employer a "legitimate, non-discriminatory reason" (Pretext) to fire you and defeat a discrimination lawsuit.

Text #2: The "Looking for Another Job" Text. Why revealing your job hunt destroys your "Constructive Discharge" claim and allows your employer to argue you weren't forced to quit—you were planning to leave anyway.

Text #1: The "Bending the Rules" Text. The most dangerous text of all. Learn how asking a friend to clock you in triggers the "After-Acquired Evidence" rule, allowing employers to cut off your damages even if they fired you illegally.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

▶ Watch my video on When to Give Two Weeks Notice: https://youtu.be/L53YWoshBxw?si=fFBiaN4I3pbEWtFD
▶ Watch "Why Coworkers Are Not Your Friends": https://youtu.be/uXzy_T2MAug?si=GUE5zwnVVE0mQwtR

⏱️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Are Your Texts Destroying Your Case?
0:58 - Text #4: The Awkward Acknowledgement (Harassment Trap)
2:14 - Text #3: The Trash Talk Text (The Pretext Trap)
3:49 - Text #2: Looking for Another Job (Constructive Discharge)
5:00 - Text #1: Bending the Rules (After-Acquired Evidence)
6:21 - The Reality of Discovery (Why Nothing is Private)
7:10 - Next Steps

I'm Ed Hones, a Seattle-based employment lawyer focused on helping workers understand their rights. My firm is dedicated to holding employers accountable. Learn more here:

➡️ https://www.honeslaw.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for advice regarding your individual situation.

#EmploymentLaw #WorkplaceRetaliation #WrongfulTermination #CareerAdvice #LegalTips #HR

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Are you worried your job isn't as safe as you think? Many employees are completely blindsided by a termination because they miss the subtle warning signs. Before you're suddenly called into an HR meeting, your boss is often secretly building a case against you.

In this video, Seattle employment lawyer Ed Hones breaks down 4 specific signs that your boss is laying the groundwork to fire you. He explains what's really happening behind the scenes, what these signs mean from a legal perspective, and what you need to do to start protecting yourself.

✅ IN THIS VIDEO, YOU'LL LEARN:

Sign 1: The "Paper Trail." Why a sudden increase in write-ups for tiny mistakes isn't about improvement, but about your boss building a "poor performance" file to legally justify a termination.

Sign 2: Your 1-on-1s Feel Like an Interrogation. How to tell your boss has stopped being your collaborator and started being an "evidence collector" for HR, using vague corporate-speak to build a case.

Sign 3: Your Key Projects Are Re-Assigned. The sneaky way your boss makes you "irrelevant" and takes away your ability to get "wins" before they let you go.

Sign 4: Your Boss Starts "Shadowing" Your Work. Why this "helpful" interest in your daily tasks is really an audit to build a "user manual" for your replacement.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

▶ Watch my video on “5 Signs You're Being Pushed Out of Your Job”: https://youtu.be/PGoS0S8keWo?si=mkJjWAjsCNnHKac9
▶ Watch my video "How to Handle Write-Ups at Work": https://youtu.be/nMj7OV4YQ1s?si=SVPgsyv1C_9S03Ue
▶ The original "4 Signs That You're About To Be Fired": https://youtu.be/nEK0k2dzrCk?si=kCqs97OMOccQ6wXm

⏱️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Are They Secretly Trying to Fire You?
0:52 - Sign 1: The "Paper Trail" Begins
2:04 - Sign 2: Your 1-on-1s Feel Like an Interrogation
2:55 - Sign 3: Your Key Projects Are Re-Assigned
3:39 - Sign 4: Your Boss Starts "Shadowing" Your Work
4:36 - Your Protection Strategy (What to Do NOW)

I'm Ed Hones, a Seattle-based employment lawyer focused on helping workers understand their rights. My firm is dedicated to holding employers accountable. If your employer isn't respecting your employment rights in Washington State, you can learn more here:

➡️ https://www.honeslaw.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for advice regarding your individual situation.

#EmploymentLaw #WorkersRights #WrongfulTermination #CareerAdvice #JobSecurity #HR

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Every message you send creates a permanent legal record that your boss and HR can use against you. In this video, I break down 4 specific types of emails that are secretly career killers and explain the strategic way to communicate in writing to protect your job.

Understanding your rights starts with knowing which written traps to avoid. Learn how to handle complaints, performance reviews, and medical issues without accidentally giving your employer the perfect excuse to build a case against you.

✅ IN THIS VIDEO, YOU'LL LEARN:

Email 1: The "Unprotected" Complaint. How complaining about a "toxic" boss can flag you as a problem without giving you any legal protection, and what makes a complaint legally "protected."

Email 2: The Overly Defensive Rebuttal. Why an emotional response to a write-up is a legal gift to your employer and how to create a factual paper trail that helps you, not them.

Email 3: The Vague Medical Notice. The critical mistake of not giving your employer legal "notice" of a medical condition and how it can strip you of your rights and lead to immediate termination.

Email 4: The "No Expectation of Privacy" Email. Why you have zero privacy on a work computer and how sending a single personal email can give your employer the perfect legal cover to fire you.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

▶ Watch "Never Say These 4 Things at Work": https://youtu.be/2sWYH62ahw8?si=vOGVatBmgv_l5BZo
▶ Watch "How to Handle Write-Ups at Work": https://youtu.be/nMj7OV4YQ1s?si=HQmP_ofPFJoqJNhg
▶ Watch "4 Reasons Why HR Is NOT Your Friend": https://youtu.be/LMMQ5ML4vpA?si=D_uwKA0Y-ORkTElQ

⏱️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Is Your Email a Legal Minefield?
0:39 - Email 1: The "Unprotected" Complaint
2:14 - Email 2: The Overly Defensive Rebuttal
3:42 - Email 3: The Vague Medical Notice
5:10 - Email 4: The "No Expectation of Privacy" Email
6:22 - Your 4-Point Protection Strategy

I'm Ed Hones, a Seattle-based employment lawyer focused on helping workers understand their rights. My firm, founded in 2015, is dedicated to holding employers accountable. If you were wrongfully terminated in Washington State, you can learn more here:

➡️ https://www.honeslaw.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for advice regarding your individual situation.

#EmploymentLaw #WorkEmail #WorkersRights #CareerAdvice #HumanResources #HR #JobSecurity #LegalAdvice #WrongfulTermination #ProtectYourself

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Have you ever been handed a stack of "standard paperwork" at work and felt pressured to sign on the spot? Many employers rely on this pressure to get you to sign away your rights. In this video, Seattle employment lawyer Ed Hones reveals the 7 most dangerous work documents and explains the hidden traps inside each one.

Before you put your career at risk with a single signature, learn the exact phrases you can use to buy yourself time and protect your leverage. This guide is essential for any worker who wants to navigate their career strategically and safely.

✅ IN THIS VIDEO, YOU'LL LEARN:

Document 1: Arbitration Agreement. Why signing this document means you can't sue your employer in a real court and why the private system favors them.

Document 2: Non-Compete / Non-Solicit. How vague language in these agreements can illegally block you from working in your own industry after you leave a job.

Document 3: Severance Agreement. The truth about a "release of claims" and what you're really giving up in exchange for severance pay.

Document 4: Resignation in Lieu of Termination. Why accepting an offer to "resign to keep your record clean" is a trap that can cost you unemployment benefits and legal leverage.

Document 5: Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). The danger of the signature line and why "acknowledging receipt" can be twisted into "admitting guilt."

Document 6: Disciplinary Write-Up. How signing a write-up without adding your own notes can be used as a signed confession to justify firing you.

Document 7: Broad Medical or Investigation Authorizations. Why you should never give your employer a blank check to access your private medical history or personal data.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

▶ Watch my video on Severance Pay Negotiation: https://youtu.be/EDbvU3qrBpw?si=DyAGBVRJkiJxJ47N
▶ Watch my video on How to Handle Write-Ups: https://youtu.be/nMj7OV4YQ1s?si=WM1m0pughc_YzP9a

⏱️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 - The Danger of a Rushed Signature
0:38 - Document 1: Arbitration Agreement
1:50 - Document 2: Non-Compete / Non-Solicit Agreement
3:35 - Document 3: Severance Agreement / Release of Claims
4:45 - Document 4: Resignation in Lieu of Termination
5:54 - Document 5: Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)
6:50 - Document 6: Disciplinary Write-Up
8:05 - Document 7: Broad Authorizations
9:02 - Your 5-Point Signing Strategy

I'm Ed Hones, a Seattle-based employment lawyer focused on helping workers understand their rights. My firm is dedicated to holding employers accountable. If you were wrongfully terminated in Washington State, you can learn more here:

➡️ https://www.honeslaw.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for advice regarding your individual situation.

------------------------------------

THE "DON'T SIGN AT WORK" QUICK-REFERENCE CHECKLIST

✅ THE GOLDEN RULE: NEVER SIGN ON THE SPOT.
Pressure is a tactic. Your career is worth more than a few minutes of review. Always give yourself time to think and seek advice.

➡️ YOUR GO-TO PHRASES (MEMORIZE THESE):

To Buy Time (Use for ANY document):
"I will review this and get back to you by [date]."

For a Forced Signature (on a PIP or Write-Up):
(Write this directly next to your signature) → "Acknowledging receipt only. I disagree with the statements and will provide a formal response."

When Asked to Resign:
"If the company is ending my employment, I need that decision in writing. I will not be resigning today."

❌ RED FLAG DOCUMENT CHECKLIST (If you see these, PAUSE and REVIEW):

Arbitration Agreement: This takes away your right to a jury trial and moves disputes to a private system that often favors the employer.

Non-Compete / Non-Solicit: Watch for vague language. This can illegally block you from working in your field or contacting people you know.

Severance Agreement / Release of Claims: You are signing away your right to sue for anything that happened during your employment. Is the money worth what you're giving up?

"Resign or Be Fired" Request: This is a trap. Resigning can make you ineligible for unemployment benefits and weakens any potential legal claim.

PIP Acknowledgement: Signing a Performance Improvement Plan can be used as an admission of "poor performance," even if you disagree with the facts.

Disciplinary Write-Up: Your signature can be treated as a signed confession, giving the company a perfect reason to fire you.

Broad Medical or Investigation Release: This can give your employer a blank check to dig into your private medical history or personal life. Never sign a broad release.

#EmploymentLaw #WorkersRights #NonCompete #SeverancePay #HumanResources #CareerAdvice #KnowYourRights

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Are you accidentally saying things at work that could get you fired? Many employees make simple, honest mistakes in communication that their bosses and HR can use against them. In this video, Seattle employment lawyer Ed Hones breaks down 4 common phrases that are secretly career killers and explains the strategic way to communicate to protect your job.

Understanding your rights starts with knowing what verbal traps to avoid. Learn how to handle difficult conversations about job duties, confidentiality, and your personal life without giving your employer ammunition to build a case against you.

✅ IN THIS VIDEO, YOU'LL LEARN:

Phrase 1: "That's not part of my job." Why this phrase is a myth because of at-will employment and how it can instantly get you labeled with "insubordination."

Phrase 2: "Can we talk off the record?" The hard truth about HR confidentiality and why your "private" complaint is never truly private.

Phrase 3: "I'm interviewing with another company." How this statement turns you into a "flight risk" and why employers often terminate you on the spot.

Phrase 4: "There's a lot going on in my personal life." Why sharing personal drama can lead to your boss labeling you as unreliable and how it can impact your job security during layoffs.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

▶ Watch my video on At-Will Employment: https://youtu.be/pCirZ_Z7Oyw?si=WwsnOFJ59jIatPEd
▶ Watch my video on Giving Two Weeks’ Notice: https://youtu.be/L53YWoshBxw?si=mTI4QZzVSMZ_k0hg
▶ Signs You're About to Be Fired: https://youtu.be/nEK0k2dzrCk?si=BW-Zn-Nl3nos4l6P

⏱️ CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Are You Saying These Career-Killing Phrases?
0:28 - Phrase 1: "That's not part of my job."
1:39 - Phrase 2: "Can we talk off the record?"
2:42 - Phrase 3: "I'm interviewing with another company."
3:50 - Phrase 4: "There's a lot going on in my personal life."
5:19 - Your Protection Strategy

I'm Ed Hones, a Seattle-based employment lawyer focused on helping workers understand their rights. My firm is dedicated to holding employers accountable. If you were wrongfully terminated in Washington State, you can learn more here:

➡️ https://www.honeslaw.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for advice regarding your individual situation.

#EmploymentLaw #WorkersRights #HumanResources #CareerAdvice #JobSecurity #HR

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Are you feeling like your boss is making your work life miserable? It might not be in your head. In this video, employment lawyer Ed Hones from Hones Law breaks down the five subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signs that your employer is trying to push you out of your job.

This is a tactic known as "constructive discharge," where a company makes working conditions so intolerable that you feel you have no choice but to quit. Learn how to spot the red flags so you can protect yourself and know your options.

WATCH NEXT:

Signs You're About to Be Fired: https://youtu.be/nEK0k2dzrCk?si=p4R3wGkash-K4P-D
How to Prove Your Employer is Lying: https://youtu.be/ShC150nkSsk?si=ixLXiG88cx2PQPKQ

In this video, we'll cover:

0:00 - Intro
0:43 - What "Being Pushed Out" (Constructive Discharge) Legally Means
1:07 - Why Employers Try to Push Employees Out
1:35 - Sign #1: The Slow Freeze-Out
2:17 - Sign #2: The Setup for Failure
3:00 - Sign #3: The Demotion in Disguise
3:42 - Sign #4: The Nitpicker's Notebook
4:26 - Sign #5: "Helpful" Suggestions to Leave
5:00 - What You Can Do (Your Legal Options)
5:48 - Bottom Line

Being pushed out of your job can be a stressful and isolating experience, but you have rights. If you believe you are being targeted for illegal reasons—such as discrimination based on race, age, gender, disability, or retaliation for reporting illegal activity—it's crucial to understand your legal protections.

Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is based on general legal principles and may not apply to your specific situation. You should consult with an employment lawyer in your state for advice regarding your individual circumstances.

ABOUT ED HONES:

Ed Hones is an employment lawyer in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to protecting workers' rights. Hones Law focuses on educating employees about their legal protections and representing clients in cases of wrongful termination, discrimination, wage and hour violations, and other employment disputes.

CONTACT & RESOURCES:

Website: https://www.honeslaw.com

If this video was helpful, please hit the thumbs-up button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might need to see it. Let us know in the comments what other topics you'd like to see covered!

#WorkersRights #EmploymentLaw #ConstructiveDischarge #WorkplaceProblems #CareerAdvice

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Is your boss crossing the line? In this video, employment lawyer, Ed Hones, breaks down 5 common ILLEGAL questions and requests that employers are forbidden from asking you—but many still try! Learn how to protect yourself.

In this video, we dive deep into your employee rights, covering:
❓ Illegal Age Questions: Beyond "Are you over 18?"
❓ Probing Family Plans & Marital Status: Questions about marriage, kids, or pregnancy
❓ Inappropriate Disability & Medical History Inquiries: What they can and can't ask before a job offer
❓ Questions About Religious Beliefs: Protecting your religious freedom at work
❓ Being Asked to Work Off The Clock or Waive Overtime: Understanding wage theft and your rights to fair pay

Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting yourself in the workplace. We discuss key federal and state laws that protect you from unlawful employer behavior. Find out what's off-limits in job interviews and during your employment.

🔗 Other Important Videos Mentioned:

How to Prove Your Employer is Lying: https://youtu.be/ShC150nkSsk?si=8narm4iePabcqm_e
Pregnancy Discrimination Explained: https://youtu.be/LBHZDIaGzK8?si=UyRiUaH5FwYu-zwr
4 Signs Your Employer is Stealing From You (Wage Theft): https://youtu.be/iOuN6SQLrTc?si=EguiB6g2I2E3SMdZ
Overtime Pay Rights Explained: https://youtu.be/hBRAJ6Yka4Q?si=3Aljmo3yAdneJoe5

DISCLAIMER: This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique. Please consult with an employment attorney for advice regarding your specific circumstances.

#EmployeeRights #IllegalQuestions #WorkplaceLaw #EmploymentLawyer #KnowYourRights #LaborLaw #Discrimination

Website: http://www.HonesLaw.com

Video contents:

0:00 Intro
0:17 disclaimer
0:34 questions about age
1:46 questions about family status
2:50 medical questions
4:04 questions about your religion
5:05 requests to work without pay
7:41 what to do if your boss breaks the law

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Discover the insider secrets to successful severance pay negotiation from an experienced employment lawyer. In this comprehensive guide, I explain what severance really is, when employers are legally required to provide it, and most importantly - how to identify if you have legal leverage to negotiate a better package. Learn how to evaluate potential legal claims against your employer, understand the true value of those claims, and determine when it makes sense to negotiate versus when to accept an offer. Whether you've been laid off, fired, or are facing a difficult workplace situation, this video will help you protect your rights and maximize your severance benefits. Don't leave money on the table!
🔗 Watch next: https://youtu.be/ShC150nkSsk?si=YZWeavGFMUmbIJAQ
💼 Subscribe for more employment law insights!

Website: http://www.HonesLaw.com

Videos mentioned:
https://youtu.be/9b8agvlTIuY?si=N7iogj-1q9PIHnmz
https://youtu.be/2lOdPqmbpb4?si=yfcgWxd77FmAUDOw
https://youtu.be/cpAveGjdAtw?si=t47YtushK20bEYpB
https://youtu.be/AocOxolSEuc?si=Zd03X_waW27ev3n0
https://youtu.be/nBz0kyzAtbc?si=4qo-7byjrT-WXs8p
https://youtu.be/LBHZDIaGzK8?si=e1S9oQgEMhJDyPO5

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
00:21 – What Is Severance Pay?
01:45 – Is Severance Required by Law?
02:48 – Why Do Employers Offer Severance?
03:58 – How to Spot Legal Liability
05:06 – How to Value Legal Claims
6:31 – Should You Negotiate Without Liability?
7:18 – Negotiating With Legal Leverage
8:57 – Why You Should Hire a Lawyer

📌 This video is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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In this in-depth analysis, I break down Trump's new executive order 14168 and reveal how it directly strips away vital workplace protections for LGBTQ+ employees. In this video, you'll learn how the order directs the EEOC to limit—or even halt—investigations into discrimination claims, leaving many LGBTQ+ workers exposed to unfair treatment.

What You’ll Discover:

Overview of Executive Order 14168: What it is and how it fits into Trump’s broader policy agenda.

Impact on the EEOC: How this directive changes the agency’s role in investigating LGBTQ+ discrimination.

LGBTQ+ Worker Rights at Risk: An exploration of the potential consequences for LGBTQ+ employees and workplace anti-discrimination protections.

What This Means for You: Practical insights and tips on staying informed and safeguarding your rights at work.

Why It Matters:

This order represents a significant shift in employment law, potentially undermining protections that have been critical for millions of workers. With workplace discrimination on the rise, it’s essential to understand these changes and know your rights. For further insights and additional resources, visit honeslaw.com.

Join the Conversation:

If you believe workplace protections should be upheld for all employees, share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the notification bell for more updates on employment law and worker rights.

Resources & More Information:

Full Executive Order 14168 Text:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/30/2025-02090/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal

EEOC Press Release:
https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/removing-gender-ideology-and-restoring-eeocs-role-protecting-women-workplace

Hones Law Website:
https://www.HonesLaw.com

Keywords: Trump EEOC Order, executive order 14168, LGBTQ+ worker rights, workplace discrimination, anti-discrimination protections, EEOC investigation, Trump policy, employment law, LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Hashtags:
#TrumpEEOCOrder #LGBTQWorkerRights #ExecutiveOrder14168 #WorkplaceDiscrimination #AntiDiscrimination

Stay informed and protect your rights—watch now to learn how these changes could impact you and your workplace!

Video content:
0:00 Intro
0:14 What is the EEOC?
1:05 Why is the EEOC important?
1:35 EEOC process not always necessary
2:44 Trump's Executive Order
4:32 Why EEOC investigations are valuable
6:03 States' Role
6:39 How Trump's order impacts you
7:39 What about Bostock?
8:53 Practical tips
10:13 What Happens Next?
11:12 What this all means

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