Legal Question in Employment Law in Arizona

Re: Sexaul Harrasment, Hostile work enviornment, Intimidation etc

You've asked what happens once you've filed a claim with the EEOC. EEOC will take a hard look at your claim, and then they will usually make a decision whether to further investigate and possibly prosecute your claim, whether to submit your claim to mediation (if the parties agree) or whether to reject your claim. This process happens rather quickly compaired to other government processes, but may seem really slow if you're living with the problem while you're waiting. I suggest that you contact the EEOC and ask who your case has been assigned to, and then ask that person the status, and what you can expect to happen next. Don't worry about the size of the corporation. It won't intimidate the EEOC. If anything, curbing problems in a large corporation usually creates more impact on the workplace, and the EEOC likes that sort of thing.

If the waiting is driving you crazy, and you need quicker action, you might consider hiring a private attorney to assess your case, write some letters for you, or even begin a law suit. Beginning a private law suit does not hurt or stop the EEOC's process.

I am an attorney-mediator, and I mediate many employment and discrimination cases. In my role as a mediator, I do not represent clients. However, I'd be very happy to help you find a referral to a plaintiff's employment lawyer, if you need a recommendation. Later, if you are asked to participate in mediation, you may wish to take a look at my web site, www.yesmediation.com and read about the mediation process. Good luck.